The rumors are true: Panda Express is coming to Manila, and its first store will open in SM Megamall in Pasig City.
While the official opening date is still under wraps, Jollibee Food Corporation — yes, the same one behind Philippines’ mega fast food chain and its beloved bee mascot — has made a partnership with the largest American Chinese food restaurant official, in a statement made today by the company.
Popular Panda Express dishes include its Original Orange Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and Honey Sesame Chicken breast — which apparently got taken off the menu for awhile, but is now back.
On Twitter, it seems Filipino fans are pretty excited about the American “Chinese” brand coming to the country, like @is_it_right who tweeted, “Yes! Orange chicken!”
Yes! Orange chicken!
— wonderer (@is_it_right) September 27, 2018
While @marcomanipon worries for fellow Jollibee-owned Chinese restaurant when he asked, “Paano na is @chowking_ph?”
Paano na si @chowking_ph?
— Coco (@marcomanipon) September 27, 2018
On Facebook, anticipation for Panda Express’ favorites are seconded, with Randy Alonzo Bondoc affirming, “orange chicken!!!”
Rhona Merino Delos Angeles tells her friends, “Lizzie Dee, let’s go [dine] here with Julius and Raven next. Tell us if the taste is legit, hehe.”
Felina Caparroso wrote: “YES YES YES YES YES YESSS”
Panda Express is an American Chinese-style restaurant concept that opened in the U.S. in 1983. Founded by Chinese immigrants, co-CEO couple Andrew and Peggy Cheng, the family-owned restaurant chain is known for its Chinese-inspired flavors and industry-first recipes like the Original Orange chicken. It has more than 2,200 locations in 10 countries worldwide.
Jollibee Foods Corporation is a Filipino-owned franchise that operates in 21 countries in over 4,500 stores globally. Jollibee Food Corporation is made up of fast food restaurants, notably Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, among many others.
What are your thoughts on Panda Express opening in Manila? Tell us by leaving a comment below or tweeting @CoconutsManila.
Read more about places to eat around the metro here.
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