Jollibee marks five years of success in NMI

Exactly five years ago, Saipan was introduced to the charms of the red and yellow bee, with its distinctive chef’s cap, its ever-ready smile, and the array of food that is distinctly its own. Gauging the market to be ready for it, the first branch of the Philippines’ leading fastfood chain, Jollibee, opened up in Garapan, introducing people to the Champ, the Junior Champ, the Palabok Fiesta, Jolly Spaghetti, and the famous ChickenJoy, among others.

Since then, Jollibee has witnessed a growing clientele base, from Filipinos to local residents, who eventually got accustomed to the crispy Chickenjoy and the Jollibee mascot for children’s parties.

Jollibee franchise owner YCO Corp., its staff and patrons celebrate the restaurant’s fifth anniversary today, having opened the Garapan outlet exactly on Dec. 10, 1999.

Staff Edwil Reyes, who has been with Jollibee since the start, said he has dedicated his loyalty to the company. “My job is okay. I like the way the management treats the staff and the teamwork. I’m at home here,” Reyes said.

Thelma Bernardo, another employee who has been with Jollibee for almost four years, said she has remained with the company because of good relations with management and co-workers. “We’re like one family here. We’re happy at work.”

Jollibee manager Yole Panganiban recalled that, when the restaurant had just began to open its doors on Saipan, the customers were only mostly Filipinos.

“Today, our customers include locals, Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans,” Panganiban said.

Panganiban said these customers not only dine at the restaurant but also avail of Jollibee’s party and catering services in schools.

From offering the basic Chickenjoy fried chicken and Regular Yum and Champ hamburgers, Jollibee has expanded its lines to include new food items such as chicken and beef teriyaki. It recently began serving halo-halo, a refreshing mix of assorted fruits topped with crushed ice, ice cream, and leche flan.

Jollibee’s Pearl Coolers fruit shake with sago has new flavors—watermelon and banana—in addition to chocolate, melon, buko pandan, ube and strawberry. It also has new flavors in addition to the original peach mango pie—ube macapuno, buko piña, and banana caramel.

Every Thursday, Jollibee offers Jr. Champ hamburger, French fries, and Pearl Coolers at a dollar each. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the restaurant offers other items at discounted prices. Children who want to see the Jollibee mascot may see it every Saturday at about 7pm, right after the mass at the Kristo Rai church.

Currently, Jollibee has a promotional activity wherein a customer who orders a breakfast meal earns a stamp. Panganiban said a customer would get free breakfast if he or she earns five stamps.

As one way of showing how it values patrons, Jollibee randomly distributes 500 VIP cards twice a year. The card entitles its bearer to a 10-percent discount from the purchase price or free gift products, depending on the amount of purchase. The restaurant also offers free Internet service to its customers.