McDonald's PH puts a folklore spin on its ride-thru in inclusive Halloween stunt

As Metro Manila leans harder into its round-the-clock, cravings-fuelled culture, McDonald’s Philippines lit up Halloween with a timely reminder: its ride-thru is open to everyone, even those from the supernatural set.

Building on years of widening access - welcoming not just cars but bikes, scooters, skateboards and even Carabaos during the Kneeling Carabao Festival - the brand leaned into folklore for its latest creative twist.

A series of TikTok videos showed iconic Philippine creatures rolling up for their nocturnal meal runs: a White Lady gliding in on a hoverboard, Duwendes squeezing into a cramped sidecar, and a vampire coolly cruising on a skateboard while asking for extra ketchup.

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The result was a “Hallowinner” moment that quickly made the rounds online. User-generated posts labelled McDonald’s as “Hallowinner ka McDo…,” while many praised the stunt for its blend of humour, cultural playfulness, and brand consistency. The content resonated partly because it went beyond seasonal gimmickry, reinforcing an ongoing truth of the McDonald’s ride-thru proposition.

“At McDonald’s, we’ve always believed the ride-thru should be for everyone, no matter their ride. Halloween gave us a fun way to show it. However, this inclusivity isn’t seasonal, it’s how we welcome our customers every day,” said McDonald’s Philippines marketing director Ashley Santillan-Delgado.

The brand’s message is clear: inclusivity has become a structural part of McDonald’s positioning in the Philippines, not a once-a-year activation. From ordinary night-shift bikers to creatures gliding in from Balete Drive, McDonald’s is leaning into the idea that whatever you ride - and whoever you are - you’re welcome at the ride-thru.

This year, McDonald’s Philippines deepened its family-oriented brand equity with Hallowverse: The Grand Halloween Funday Experience 2025, a large-scale themed event positioned as a creative multiverse of fun, imagination and shared discovery.

Held at the World Trade Centre in Pasay, the activation invited families to explore interactive booths, immersive activities and a staged Halloween performance from Ronald and the Gang - turning Halloween into a branded space for play, bonding and community engagement.

Beyond the spectacle, the initiative reinforced McDonald’s long-term strategy of owning family moments through experiential marketing. By designing an environment where costumes were encouraged but not required, and where kids could roam, collect treats and participate freely, the brand leaned into inclusivity as an organising principle.

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