US envoy treats mom to popular Filipino fastfood chain in Queens

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. is all smiles just

US Ambassador to the Philippines, Harry K. Thomas, Jr. recently took time to visit Jollibee Woodside, Queens in New York during a short visit to the US last week. The Ambassador, who was accompanied by his mother Ms. Haladonia Thomas, was welcomed to the Woodside location by the Jollibee East Coast team headed by Maria Lourdes S. Villamayor, VP-Region Head of Jollibee and Red Ribbon East Coast Operations on August 4.

While enjoying a meal of Jollibee favorites Chickenjoy, Champ with French fries plus Peach Mango Pie and Banana Langka Pie, Ambassador Thomas shared that he personally wanted to treat his mom to a meal at Jollibee Woodside, as he wanted her to have a taste of Jollibee and experience the trademark hospitality and warmth of Filipinos.

He mentioned that in the Philippines, he and his staff frequently order food from Jollibee with Chickenjoy being his favorite, as it is – in his own words – ‘masarap’ (delicious). After the Jollibee meal, the Ambassador and his mom also dropped by the Red Ribbon Bakeshop located just a few blocks away and enjoyed sweet treats like mango cake and halo-halo.

Enjoying his favorite Chickenjoy while sharing stories with Jollibee VP and Region Head Maria Lourdes Villamayor.

Ambassador Thomas was designated by US President Barack Obama last November 2009 as the new envoy to the Philippines, succeeding Ambassador Kristie Kenney.

Among the very first things he did when he arrived in Manila in April 2010 was to visit Jollibee’s branch in Harbor Square, a stone’s throw away from the US Embassy, so he could sample the Champ burger, Jollibee’s take on the Americans’ famous fast food staple. Since then, the Ambassador has been hooked on Jollibee’s langhap-sarap treats including its bestseller Chickenjoy. (advt)