McDonald’s PH explores love and ageing in ‘Love Ko ‘To Forever!’

To celebrate the upcoming Valentine’s Day, McDonald's Philippines has unveiled "Love Ko 'To Forever!," a short film that explores enduring love and companionship in later years. The film, part of the #ForeverDate campaign, presents a poignant narrative of an elderly couple whose decades-long relationship is marked by small yet meaningful moments.

Starring veteran actors Eva Darren and Leo Rialp, the film follows a husband as he helps his wife prepare for their weekly outing, including gently drawing her eyebrows when her hands begin to tremble. Directed by Joel Limchoc of Film Pabrika and developed by Leo Manila, the story highlights how routine and familiarity become essential pillars of love over time.

In less than a week, the ad has been watched over four million times on YouTube, a check by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE saw. By presenting a story that resonates with an often-overlooked demographic, "Love Ko 'To Forever!" sparks a broader conversation on ageing, companionship, and the evolving nature of relationships.

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Ada Lazaro, CMO of McDonald's Philippines, noted that in a time dominated by fleeting romances and viral breakups, such narratives offer a refreshing contrast. "We hope that by sharing this feel-good film this Valentine's Day, we will fill our timelines with more heartwarming stories about true love. We started with this and now, we are looking forward to people sharing their own #ForeverDate stories," she said.

With Asia's ageing population projected to rise significantly - one in four people is expected to be over 60 by 2050, according to the Asian Development Bank - the film touches on the realities of growing old together. As social isolation becomes a growing concern, the story underscores the importance of simple acts of care and connection.

Raoul Panes, chief creative officer of Leo Manila, pointed out that McDonald's has long been intertwined with everyday moments of connection. "McDonald’s has played an important part in countless love stories, so we loved the idea of showing how even simple acts – like sharing fries on a park bench – can provide genuine moments of happiness and reconnection," he said.

"Now, by inviting others to share their own love stories, McDonald's hopes to continue celebrating a demographic that's often invisible in popular culture, while showing that love, in its purest form, is unyielding and timeless," Panes added.

McDonald's Philippines has produced several heartfelt video ads, including one celebrating mothers. For Mother's Day in 2023, the company unveiled "Kami Naman, Ma" that opens with a daughter carefully ensuring her mother has everything she needs for her trip - only to realise she forgot her senior citizen ID.

Moments later, the mother's friends arrive to pick her up. Before she leaves, the daughter hands her a bag of McDonald's and gently reminds her to stay safe and watch her step while taking selfies. With a playful tease, the mother responds, "Yes, mummy." The film closes with a flashback of the mother sending her young daughter off on a field trip, highlighting the passage of time and the shifting roles in their relationship.

That same year, McDonald's Philippines also created a queer-inclusive ad that was praised for its authentic and normalised portrayal of love, earning recognition for its gender inclusivity.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Publicis Groupe for more information.

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