The Enduring Legacy of "Making Things Happen": The 2014 McDonald's Kiddie Crew Workshop

 

My son's first experience with the Kiddie Crew and the Grand Graduation was both memorable and exciting. The grand finale was conceived primarily as a mini-fair of unprecedented scale, unmatched even now by competing fast-food chains.

Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

As we entered the World Trade Center in Manila, we were greeted by many life-size standees depicting our favorite McDo characters and a wide range of beloved community workers. At first, we had no idea why they were there, but we had it figured out by the middle of the show.

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

To my son's surprise, I gave him a pop quiz about the standees' names in English and Filipino. He happily indulged his mother for a while before he ran to his fave, that of a soldier or "sundalo" in the vernacular.

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 

at the World Trade Center Manila

Though the obstacle course lasted for only a few seconds, clearly, it was Tutapel's fave booth at the fair. 

The fairlike quality of the Mcdo Kiddie Crew Graduation reminded me a lot of the EH Pink Fair organized by Korean cosmetic giant Etude House a few years back.

Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

For obvious reasons, McDonald's passed up the pink theme in favor of its signature red, yellow, and orange colors. (Stars over you. Mama said, Papa said, I love you!) 😊

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

As a typical six-year-old boy overflowing with boundless energy, Tutapel had a blast with the inflatable bounce house!

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

Several companies were there to promote specific products geared toward school-aged kids.

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

When I heard that our fave book publisher, Adarna House, was also present at the event, my son and I searched high and low, but to no avail. 

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

Several minutes before the program, we sat near the entrance while hubby Bala and my nephew Chix exchanged meal vouchers.

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

A few minutes later, the room became pitch-black, and the stage started glowing in red and blue, signaling the program's start. 

Right after this Cirque de Soleil-Let It Go-inspired production number, Ms. Jackie Lou Blanco gave an equally impressive performance alongside many talented dancers.

Still, a few minutes later, Ms. Jackie introduced his co-host for the duration of the event, famous Broadcast Journalist Atom Araullo.

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

As a fitting development, Ronald McDonald went on stage and exchanged a cycle of friendly banter with the hosts and the rest of the McDo gang.

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

Film/TV actress Ms. Dimples Romana was also called to share with the public how much her daughter enjoyed being part of the 2014 McDo Kiddie Crew Workshop. 

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

At one point, the community helpers' live acts took center stage to share their specific job descriptions with the kids.

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

For instance, Madam Teacher gave a spelling lesson using some McDonald's products as reference.

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014

 at the World Trade Center Manila

Mr. Fireman, on the other hand, explained the necessity of water in putting out fires.

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 

at the World Trade Center Manila

Into the second hour, I needed to grab something refreshing. That's why I turned to McDo's Signature McFloat for the answer. The rest of the fam wanted the same sugar rush, so I returned to the pop-up store for a few more drinks. 

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

Aside from all the fun and excitement at the Grand Graduation, my son could also claim his free McDonald's Card, which entitles him to some freebies and entrance passes to Quarterly Club Activities.  

 Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila

My son's short stint at the McDonald's Kiddie Crew Workshop exposed him to the values of TEAMWORK, RESPONSIBILITY, DISCIPLINE, HARDWORK, AND SHARING-all presented in a FUN way!

We can all agree that as the school year starts to unfold, our children need to apply these same principles all the more. And if SERVICE is at the heart of things, then "THEY CAN REALLY MAKE THINGS HAPPEN." 😍  

Courtesy of NOVATecnology on YouTube

"As we gather here today 

We make our pledge 

To serve others, to be the best.

Let nothing bring us down

Always say we can!

Let the whole world know

We're gonna make things happen."

        "Make Things Happen" McDonald's Kiddie Crew Anthem

McDonald's Kiddie Crew Workshop

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