Filipino families remain a tight-knit bunch despite modern-day distractions such as cell phones, video games, the Internet, and the pressures of school and work. They still manage to dine in together, spend quality time with each other, and be an inspiration to others.

Fast-food giant Jollibee is celebrating the greatness of the Filipino family through the Family Values Awards. Recently launched at Oakwood Joy~Nostalg Center in Ortigas, the nationwide search aims to give recognition to families “whose strong and joyful ties help and inspire their communities in unique ways.”

“We are looking for families who have made a mark in their community through their genuine, exceptional bond. Members should embody Filipino values such as respect, optimism and generosity, and serve as role models to society,” said Albert Cuadrante, Jollibee VP for marketing. “Kids get their hands on PSPs, computer games very early, and parents are very busy, yet there are families who make sure they maintain togetherness.”

Guidelines

The search is open to all Filipino families who are residing in the Philippines. You may nominate a Filipino family with at least one child; kid/s must be age 18 and below. Family members must be Filipino citizens with no criminal record.

Nomination forms are available free of charge at Jollibee branches and may be downloaded at www.jollibee.com.ph.

Forms may be e-mailed until Aug. 31 to [email protected]; or sent by postal mail to Strategic Works, Inc., 2/F, Zaragoza Bldg., 102 Gamboa St., Legazpi Village Makati.

Five outstanding families will be chosen from Mega Manila, Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao by Jollibee Foods Corp. and project partner Center for Family Ministries, a nongovernment organization.

Judges are TV personalities Julius Babao and Christine Bersola-Babao, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman, and Inquirer parenting columnist Cathy Babao-Guballa.

The winning families will each get P100,000 cash, a trophy, and P10,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates. Awarding will be on September, in time for the National Family Week celebration.

Julius said it is easy for some parents to spoil their kids. “When our daughter Antonia asks me if she can buy something, I say ‘Ok, sige!’ That’s when Tintin cuts in and say ‘you can have that, but you should gain it first.’”

“We are a young couple, and we work together as a team to make sure kids don’t grow up bratty,” Christine added.

Active parents

Celebrity mom Christine Jacob-Sandejas, who hosted the program, said respect is the core value that should be taught to kids. The mother of five kids ages 2-10 also believes while children should be updated on technology, the use of Internet and gaming consoles should be monitored.

“I encourage them to get active since I run, play tennis, practice yoga as much as time permits. They don’t have mobile phones or iPod. Eating healthy is preferred, too, but, of course we go to Jollibee for comfort food.”

There are over 700 Jollibee stores globally, and in all branches, Chickenjoy fried chicken is the consistent bestseller, followed by the sweet Jolly Spaghetti and Yum burger.

“Jollibee has been the go-to place for families not just for meals, but also for celebrations like birthdays—from kids to seniors—for over 30 years. This is our way of giving back,” added Cuadrante. “We invite everyone to send in their nominations. There is no purchase necessary, but it would be appreciated.”