After its months-long nationwide search for the best Chicken McDo Experts—the crew responsible for ensuring that each piece of Chicken McDo meets the gold standard of napakalaki and napakasarap—McDonald’s Philippines has finally crowned the best of the best as its first-ever Chicken Legends, in a simulcasted event across three of its branches last October 6.

Michael Gomez of McDonald’s Quezon Ave.-Ligaya, Ken Eirod Toribio of McDonald’s San Vicente San Pedro, and Rowel Jhan Dave Limbago of McDonald’s Davao Sta. Ana were honored as Chicken Legends, the top Chicken McDo Experts of the Philippines. Gomez, Toribio, and Limbago emerged as the best Chicken McDo Experts in bringing passion, precision, and pride to every Chicken McDo they serve. 

“McDonald’s Philippines is very proud of Michael, Ken, and Rowel. They have proven their competence, excellence, and love for making and serving the Chicken McDo that Filipinos across the country are growing to love. The Chicken McDo Experts Competition, and the presence of Chicken McDo Experts themselves in every McDonald’s branch in the Philippines testify to our commitment to only serving the gold standard of napakalaki and napakasarapChicken McDo to all fans and customers,” said NJ Caballar-Azurin, McDonald’s Philippines Senior Brand Manager.

Who are the Chicken McDo Experts?

Chicken McDo Experts are part of the crew that make up every McDonald’s Philippines store. At least four Chicken McDo Experts are present in each store to ensure that each Chicken McDo served passes the gold standard: fried chicken that is golden in color, appears slightly flaky, breaded for perfect crispiness and crunchiness, has a balanced fresh, salt and savory flavors, and whose meat is tender, juicy, and gives a firm bite. 

Caballar-Azurin explained, “Our Chicken McDo Experts demonstrate competence, consistent execution of standards, commitment to food safety, operational excellence, and the ability to influence and develop others when it comes to preparing and serving Chicken McDo. Together with them, McDonald’s Philippines lives by the commitment that if a Chicken McDo does not pass the gold standard, we will not serve it.”

Road to Chicken Legend

The search for the Chicken Legends, the best among all the country’s Chicken McDo Experts, began last August with a nationwide Chicken Expert Competition. The Chicken Expert Competition was designed to reignite pride and prestige among Chicken McDo Experts, as well as to bolster McDonald’s Philippines commitment and promise to always deliver the gold standard of napakalaki and napakasarap when it comes to its fried bone-in chicken. 

One Chicken Expert representing each branch of McDonald’s Philippines vied for the title “Chicken Legend,” competing at higher and higher levels to be crowned Chicken Legend at the end. From more than 800 Chicken Experts across the country, Gomez, Toribio, and Limbago were chosen as the very first Chicken Legends during the Road to Chicken Legend competition held simultaneously in McDonald’s McKinley West, McDonald’s Southwoods, and McDonald’s Cosico San Pablo last October 6. 

“Every Chicken McDo served represents the dedication and expertise of our restaurant teams. Through the Chicken Expert program and the Chicken Expert Competition, we equip our crew with the skills and discipline needed to consistently deliver the gold standard for Chicken McDo that our customers know and love. The Road to Chicken Legend event celebrates those who embody these standards at the highest level,” said Caballar-Azurin.

Chicken McDo celebrity endorser Vice Ganda, who served as host of the culminating event in McDonald’s McKinley West, also shared her thoughts about the Chicken McDo Experts and the competition itself. “I’ve always loved Chicken McDo, but seeing firsthand how much skill, care, and attention goes into every piece gave me an even greater appreciation for it. Meeting the Chicken McDo Experts and hearing their stories made me realize that behind every napakalaki at napakasarap na Chicken McDo are McDonald’s crew that’s truly passionate about what they do,” shared the actor-comedian.

In the end, the road to chicken legends still goes back to the people meant to taste and savor it: the Filipino fans and customers. With the recognition of Chicken McDo Experts and the crowning of Chicken Legends, McDonald’s Philippines shows that Chicken McDo is not just one of its most best-loved products. It is also a craft, a standard, and a source of pride for the crew members who prepare it every day.

For more info about McDonald’s Philippines, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph, McDo.ph on Meta, @mcdo_ph on Instagram, and @McDo_PH on X.