ALBAWABA - Popular Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee, best known for serving fried chicken, went viral on social media after a video circulated of its employees providing food and drinks to victims of the Los Angeles fires, in California. The video sparked debate and backlash from Filipinos who claimed that the fast-food chain provided less aid in their homeland.
The video showcased Jollibee employees offering victims of the Los Angeles fires food and drinks including its iconic dish, 'Chickenjoy'. While many users on social media praised the fast-food chain for providing aid to people across the affected city, several others, mainly people from the Philippines weren't as keen on it, further criticizing the company.
Filipino chain Jollibee serves food to victims of Los Angeles fires
One user took to Musk's X (formerly known as Twitter) and wrote, "The way this fast food chain doesn't do this when families in the Philippines are being flooded. KNOW YOUR ROOTS @Jollibee!!"
Another added, "Imagine Jollibee won't bat an eyelash to fire victims in their own country not even floods would make them pull this shit. Asslicking americans frfr."
On the contrary, many expressed their support for the fast-food chain as compliments flooded social media platforms despite some saying that it could be a marketing ploy for the company. Here's how some reacted:
"JOLLIBEE THEY CAN NEVER MAKE ME HATE YOU."
"Fun fact, Jollibee actually does the same thing in disaster stricken areas in the Philippines during typhoon season. I remember Jollibee handing out food after there were floods and earthquakes."
"I love Jollibee! I just love Filipinos period!"
While Jollibee did aid affected families and individuals during Typhoon Carina in the Philippines in 2021, the fast-food chain still received backlash, as people said, "It wasn't enough."
PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: A mobile home park destroyed in the Palisades Fire is shown on January 12, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California (Photo by JUSTIN SULLIVAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP).
AFP reported that the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner confirmed that 24 people lost their lives in the fires, which spread fast burning 40,198 acres.
Cal Fire revealed that over 12,300 structures were also damaged in the fire that has been spreading and is unable to be put out by authorities.
