PNoy opens 700th branch of his ‘campaign food provider’

BAGUIO CITY—President Benigno Aquino III took time off from his hectic Manila schedule on Friday to grace the opening of the newest branch of fastfood giant Jollibee, which he described as the “unofficial food provider" of his 2007 senatorial and 2010 presidential campaigns. The president joined top executives of the fastfood behemoth, which has launched a steady expansion program nationwide and overseas, in opening its 700th branch along Harrison Road, Baguio City, facing the famous Burnham Park just across Melvin Jones football field. (See: Jollibee: Foreign operations to grow by 25%) Aquino thanked Jollibee for being the "unofficial" caterer as well as familiar landmark for his nationwide sorties during his senatorial campaign in 2007 and presidential campaign earlier this year. “Kayo po ang nagsilbing ‘unofficial food provider’ namin noong panahon ng dalawang kampanyang nasyonal na dinaan ko po. Kayo na rin po ang naging landmark para siguradong tama pala yung direksyon na pinupuntahan namin. Pinunan po niyo ang gutom namin, kasama ng ating mga volunteers na naghikayat sa ating mga kababayan na sumama sa tuwid na landas," he said. (You served as our ‘unofficial food provider’ during the two national campaigns that I undertook. You also became the landmark that assured us we were going in the right direction. You satisfied our hunger, including those of our volunteers who convinced our fellow countrymen to follow the straight path.) Aquino waxed poetic in praising the achievements of the fastfood chain, which has prided itself in keeping close to the Filipino’s culinary tastes despite its having to compete with Western-branded food chains and its own growing overseas presence. "Malayo man ang inyong narating, marami man ang inyong parangal, ang katangi-katangi sa Jollibee ay ang hindi matatawarang pagbandila sa kakayahan ng mga Pilipino. Wala na pong mas hihigit pang tagumpay dito: ang mahuli ang panlasang-Pinoy, ang mabihag ang pusong-Pinoy, at ang maging bahagi sa pang-araw-araw na buhay ng mga Pinoy," Aquino said in his speech. (You may have gone far, you may have accepted many honors, but what is outstanding about Jollibee is its unwavering showcasing of Filipino talent. There is no greater success than this: to capture the Filipino’s taste, to captivate the Filipino’s heart, and to become part of the Filipino’s everyday lives.) As part of the ceremony, Aquino sliced a giant burger and unveiled a special commemorative marker created by local artist Jordan Mang-osan. Among those who attended the event were Jollibee Foods Corp. chairman and CEO Tony Tan Caktiong, Jollibee president Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Philippines president Jose Miñana, and Jollibee Foundation president Grace Tan Caktiong. In a statement, CEO Tan Caktiong said the food chain firm was "very honored to be joined by President Aquino here in Baguio for this historic occasion"—reportedly the first time a President attended the opening of a Jollibee restaurant. Also in attendance were Baguio City Rep. Bernardo Vergara, Mayor Mauricio Domogan, and Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas.—Jam L. Sisante/JV, GMANews.TV