McDonald’s Summer Kiddie Crew Workshop 2009: Joshua attends the Grand Graduation!

Joshua in front of the Philippine World Trade Center

After a weeklong practicum, Joshua graduated last May 15 from this year’s McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop at its branch in front of Trinoma Mall along North Avenue in Quezon City. The summer work with fun didn’t stop there as we were invited to attend a “grand graduation” on May 30 from 1pm to 5pm at the World Trade Center (WTC) located at Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Extension corner Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. in Pasay City.

So it came to pass that Joshua and I came to this activity to have fun along with other kids who underwent the same kiddie workshop. Unfortunately, only a maximum of two tickets sold at 50 pesos each could be purchased per Kiddie Crew member so the rest of our family couldn’t join us.

Welcome to McDonald land

We later learned that the program has been running for a long time now, since 1991 to be exact. Since 2006, the activity has been able to generate no less than 50,000 participants across the country.

Joshua tries out one of the free computer games

After entrants registered, kiddie crew members along with their guardians were allowed to roam around the venue and visit the various booths of corporate sponsors present. Joshua had the chance to try out some of those booth games and obtained some freebies in the process.

With a Jelly Bean mascot at the Candy Corner along Hamburglar Avenue

The "Kiddie Crew Graduation Hall”

Kiddie Crew lunch food is served…

…at the Grimace Mess Hall

Inflatable with the popular yellow arches

Father and son bonding time

An inflated obstacle course/giant slide

The Philippine Daily Inquirer corner exhibits a huge world map

Gargantuan Coca Cola bottle bench

The graduation program is about to start

Emcee: “Mac ready na ba kayo?”

Kiddie Crew members: “Mac ready na!!!”

Those were the loud chants that started the formal program that afternoon.

The Great Sneeze, a good icebreaker was taught the kids at the onset of the ceremonies. Kids took turns in shouting “Nishi”, “Hashi”, and “Hushi”.

Entertainment celebrity and fitness buff Jackie Lou Blanco was present

Jackie Lou Blanco, a well known actress and fitness buff was Ronald McDonald’s special guest during the program, teaching the kids a number of simple but helpful physical exercise routines. Her message to the crew members was very astute: “Make your summer time productive!”

Lively presentations show off the kids’ blooming talents

A special song number ensued which was followed by a dance number from kiddie crew members from McDonald’s – Greenhills.

Ronald McDonald joins the next performance

Other mascots including my personal favorite Grimace take center stage

A senior official from McDonald’s Philippines greeted the participants later in the program, informing the kids that there were similar grand graduation activities across the country, with one in Cebu and another in Davao. Batch 2009 in Metro Manila had four batches of graduating kiddie crew members in the WTC.

Joshua enjoys the kid-friendly program

Ronald McDonald leads the kids in stating the Kiddie Crew Credo

The program culminates when all the Kiddie Crew members take their Oath led by their very own Chief Happiness Officer, Ronald McDonald.

The occasion is made extra special by the fact that Joshua’s batch was the first group to sing the official Kiddie Crew Anthem at the end of the program.

Below are some of the lyrics of the said positively themed anthem. Kids nowadays need more activities and programs that promote and reinforce positive values like teamwork, hard work, responsibility and discipline. I felt that the workshop was a decent corporate attempt to this end.

In the end, Joshua had a great time. I had one too. My daughter Faith couldn’t wait for her turn to attend her own Kiddie Crew Workshop.

Love ko ‘to….McDonald’s Kiddie Crew FOREVER…!!

I will strive to be Diligent,

Responsible, Respectful, Friendly,

And most of all,

I will try to be happy all the time

Always with a smile on my face

Saying “love ko ‘to”…