Viral elderly gets livelihood support through Jollibee’s Grand Thank You project

Jollibee, in partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines, officially turns over the sari-sari store to Lola Maria and her daughter. Photo shows (from left) Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability Manager Gilda Maquilan, Jollibee Brand Communications and Public Relations Director Arline Adeva, and Brand PR and Engagement Manager Cat Triviño.

Jollibee, the Philippines’ leading fast-food chain, is known for its unparalleled support for Filipino family values. Following the viral advertisement #KwentongJollibee “Kahera”, the brand released yet another heartwarming online video, “Handog Kay Lola Maria”, that featured the exemplary proof of the selflessness, support, and love of grandparents.

The video featured a 74-year-old Badjao grandmother named Lola Maria Tequillo who, despite her old age, dove for coins thrown by tourists at a nearby pier in Lucena, Quezon Province to support her family, most especially her four grandchildren. Lola Maria was discovered through a viral feature of broadcasting network GMA’s documentary program, Front Row.

Jollibee, in partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines, made Lola Maria’s dream come true by granting her a sari-sari store.

“Ang hanap-buhay ko ay maninisid araw-araw, mga bente-anyos na ako maninisid dito, (I dive for spare coins for a living and I’ve been doing it every day for 20 years now),” said Lola Maria in the video. “Pupunta ako sa pier, mag-aabang talaga ako ng barko at manghihingi talaga ako ng barya. Minsan parang ako’y aabutan ng mahinang katawan, kaya lang, konting tiis para naman meron kaming makain. (I head to the pier, wait for a ship to pass by, and ask its passengers to throw in some coins for me. Sometimes, my body would be too weak but I have to continue doing this so my family will have something to eat).”

Jollibee celebrated this year’s Grandparent’s Day by heading to Quezon Province to treat Lola Maria and her loved ones to a hearty Jollibee feast. Soon after, Jollibee, in partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines, granted Lola Maria her dream sari-sari store so that she never has to dive for coins again. Through the Coca-Cola partnership, Lola Maria and her daughter was also provided important sari-sari management tips and basic information on how to effectively run and maintain their new source of income.

The special Grandparents’ Day activity for Lola Maria also became the launchpad for Jollibee’s Grand Thank You project which aims to help ease the plight of elderly people. The Grand Thank You project encourages everyone to take part in providing supportand possibly more sustainable livelihood to elderly Filipinos in need.

“Jollibee recognizes the hard work and tireless effort that lolos and lolas go through to support and show their love for their families,” said Francis Flores, Jollibee Global Brand CMO. “Apart from Jollibee’s well-loved, langhap-sarap products, an endeavor such as the Grand Thank You project furthers our thrust of providing joy to countless Filipino families.”

Lola Maria and her husband and grandchildren celebrate Grandparent’s Day with a toast.

Watch “Handog para kay Lola Maria” on the Jollibee YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0HfTKwFMWU) or on the Jollibee Facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines/videos/1229473180432239/).

For more information and details on Jollibee’s Grand Thank You Project, email grandtyproject@jollibee.com.ph. You may also follow Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram at @jollibee.