On the historic morning of June 10, 2024, not even the heaviest rain could dampen the spirit of the momentous events that unfolded in Ubay, Bohol. After months of dry spells, the Municipality of Ubay bore witness to the divine blessing, groundbreaking, and time capsule laying ceremonies of the highly anticipated McDonald’s Ubay Branch. The clock struck 10:00 am, and the air was electrified with excitement and anticipation as the ceremonies commenced.
Honoring the proceedings with their presence were dignitaries led by Hon. Constantino H. Reyes, Ubay Mayor, and several revered members of the town’s Sangguniang Bayan. The solemnity of the occasion was further enhanced by the heartfelt blessing of the site, presided over by the venerable Monsignor Jonathan Pacudan.
A significant milestone was reached as the ceremonial groundbreaking and time capsule laying took place, signifying the commencement of a new chapter in Ubay’s story. The atmosphere was nothing short of jubilant as a short program unfolded, graced by prominent figures and touching messages that stirred the soul.
Ms. Evelyn Z. Du, President of KEW Foods Corporation, a proud member of the WE Group of Companies and the franchisee of McDonald’s Ubay Branch, reverberated with gratitude as she extended her heartfelt appreciation to the warm-hearted people of Ubay. Her impassioned plea to embrace and embody the slogan “love ko ‘to!” captured the hearts of those in attendance.
Mayor Reyes took center stage, delivering a keynote speech that brimmed with gratitude, underscoring the significance of Ubay being chosen as the home of the newest McDonald’s branch. Engr. Jonah Y. Suacillo, Manager and Owner of Aloja Builders and Realty, the contractor tasked with bringing the edifice to life within an impressive 100 days, closed the program with an impressive concluding address, marking a poignant conclusion to a momentous day.
The event was graced by the presence of important individuals including Dr. Wilson U. Du, CEO of the WE Group of Companies, and his beloved children, Kenneth, Kyle, Kraig, and Keziah. Heads of various departments and top officials from the Local Government Unit of Ubay added a touch of grandeur to the ceremony.
The dedicated back office managers from the distinguished WE Group of Companies, including luminaries such as Ms. Luz G. Luna-Enad, CPA – Comptroller, Ms. Tracey Mae Peñalosa – Compliance Manager, Ms. Marife Gulles – HR Manager, Ms. Donavell Aparicio – PR/Company Nurse, and Mr. Chandymar A. Batoy – Business Development Manager, were present to bear witness to the momentous occasion.
Adding to the grandness of the event were notable figures such as Bismarck Catubig, Restaurant General Manager of McDonald’s JA Clarin branch, and Ms. Abby Castro, the Manager of the soon-to-be-opened Ubay Branch, along with the presence of Engr. Kenneth Joseph Peña, a representative from Golden Arches Development Corporation.
As the festivities drew to a close, the spirit of generosity shone through as refreshments from McDonald’s were generously distributed, bringing joy to all those who graced the occasion, and extending its warmth even to observers in the surrounding area.
The memorable events of that fateful morning engraved a new chapter in Ubay’s history, celebrating unity, progress, and the promise of a brighter future.
