Ad Nut isn't known for shedding tears over sappy ads, but even this tough nut has a heart. So, imagine Ad Nut's surprise when a McDonald's ad—yes, McDonald's—almost brought a tear to the eye.
Produced by McDonald's Philippines for Valentine's Day (eye roll, Ad Nut's least favourite holiday), the 'Love Ko 'To Forever!' (Love you forever!) film actually melted this cynical squirrel's heart.
The film, starring veteran actors Eva Darren and Leo Rialp, proves that sometimes, silence speaks louder than words. Without dialogue, it tells a sweet and tender story of a couple's unwavering love that has stood the test of time, revealing, through the lens of a loving husband, how small acts of care—like drawing his wife's eyebrows—punctuate their journey through ageing, with their love anchored by a simple ritual—a weekly visit to McDonald’s.
"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," says Leo Manila chief creative officer, Raoul Panes. "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."
The film is part of a broader campaign from McDonald's #ForeverDate, which invites consumers to share their own #ForeverDate moments such as a decades-long relationship, or a cherished friendship by using the hashtag.
CREDITS
CLIENT: McDonald’s Philippines
Margot B. Torres: Managing Director
Ada Almendras-Lazaro: Chief Marketing Officer
Marketing Director: Ashley Santillan-Delgado
AGENCY: Leo Manila
Chief Creative Officer: Raoul Panes
Executive Creative Director/Copywriter: Kat Gomez-Limchoc
Creative Director/Copywriter: Jonah Brocka
General Manager: Judy Medina
Client Services Director: Kimie Arenillo
Account Supervisor: Lara Gascon
Account Executive: Kya Mercader
FILM PRODUCTION: Film Pabrika
Cast: Leo Rialp, Eva Darren
Director: Joel Limchoc
Director of Photography: JA Tadena
Assistant Director: Cris Pasturan
Production Design: Nina Torres
Camera Operators: Jojo Dignos, Shem Hampac, Marco Limjap, Gian Caluag
Propsman: Bobot Atanacio
Hair & Makeup: Gina Llanto
Caster: Owel Baal Soundman: Jojo Gonzales
Executive Producer: Ana Fe Manuel
Line Producer: Lei Villena
Production Manager: MeAnn Ballesteros
Production Staff: Rene Milla, RJ Santiago, Sheinna Melaño, Trixia Magdaraog
Offline Editor: Jay Halili
Colorist: Marilen Magsaysay
Online: Central Studios - Yard Pacis & Yoy Acuna
SOUNDTRACK PRODUCTION: Prodigious Manila
Producer: Steve Vesagas
Music: Allan Feliciano
Piano: Gino Cruz
Sound Engineer: Ian Umali