It was more than three decades ago when I first dined at Jollibee with my mom and dad. I was so young then but the sweet sarap moments spent with my parents remain vivid. There was no special occasion to celebrate. Oh wait, aren't "first times" special? And guess what, I still remember my parents buying me a Popo Potato pencil topper!
I'm a batang Jollibee and though I really find the Jollibee mascot charming, it's Hetty Spaghetti that captured my heart. When I was invited to attend the media launch of the newest brand ambassadors for Jolly Spaghetti I immediately said yes.
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| Celebrity mom Jodi Santamaria and certified Jollibee fan proud to share endorsement experience with son Thirdy |
Jodi Santamaria and son Thirdy was officially welcomed as the newest brand ambassadors for Jolly Spaghetti on May 25, 2016 at the Jollibee Ortigas Roosevelt Branch. Jodi and Thirdy, who star in the latest TV commercial for Jolly Spaghetti, shared their own personal experiences, from happy memories when she was a kid and to how she now enjoys the same bonding moments with Thirdy.
The Jolly Spaghetti Sweet-Sarap Moments event hosted by Paolo Abrera and Suzy Entrata also featured fun games and activities for the media guests and their kids.
Batang Jollibee at heart
Jodi confesses to being a certified Batang Jollibee, even before she got into show business. Her mother worked hard to raise Jodi and her siblings but made sure to devote her Saturdays to quality time over her children's favorite Jollibee treats.
"Every Saturday, iti-treat nya kami sa Jollibee sa may Landmark food court," Jodi recalled. "Talagang masasabi ko na kinalakihan ko si Jollibee. At hindi lang yon, kasi bawat party, bawat celebration, talagang naging part siya ng family namin at ng pamilyang Pilipino."
Growing up, Jodi said she would often order Jolly Spaghetti and Jolly Hotdog, and it became staples in her bonding moments with her mom. Now that she's a mother herself, she wants to pass on the same joyful experience to Thirdy. The 10-year old loves the cheesy, meaty, and sweet sarap flavors of Jolly Spaghetti.
"Wala akong nakilalang bata na gusto ng maasim na spaghetti," the actress remarked candidly. "Especially Filipino children. I believe na nakuha ng Jollibee yung manamis-namis na timpla na hinahanap-hanap ng bawat batang Filipino."
Mom first, actress second
Jodi remains simple even with her celebrity status and recent accolades for her stellar TV performances. Despite her busy schedule, she makes sure that spending quality time with Thirdy is her priority, just as her own mother did years ago.
The actress related that she and Thirdy can spend hours upon hours just talking about anything, especially over their favorite Jolly Spaghetti. They often order "C3", the Jolly Spaghetti and Chickenjoy combo, for delivery or drive-thru.
"Sa hapagkainan, that's where the bonding happens. Nakakatuwa si Thirdy when you spend time with him. He's a very opinionated child. Baka pwede sya maging lawyer," Jodi proudly added.
Perfect Choice for Jolly Spaghetti
Jollibee likewise is equally happy and excited to welcome Jodi and Thirdy to the family. "Jodi and Thirdy are the perfect endorsers for Jolly Spaghetti," said Kent Mariano, Jollibee Assistant Vice President for Marketing. "Despite Jodi's celebrity status and hectic schedule, she believes in making even the smallest of moments count when it comes to strengthening her bond with Thirdy and her family. Jodi's own story and personal experiences of bonding with her mom and now with her son is something that many Filipino families can relate to. We at Jollibee have always been proud to be part of such memorable moments."
What are your Jollibee #sweetsarapmoments? Share them here :)