Pinay DH teary-eyed in fast-food date with first family

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong on April 12, 2018. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

HONG KONG—Domestic helper Alma Pardillo got more than just Chickenjoy when she visited a branch of a Filipino fast food chain here on Thursday.

The 44-year-old Pardillo got to meet President Duterte and his family who dined in the same Jollibee branch—and went home with round-trip tickets to the Philippines.

Mr. Duterte visited the fast food place in Whampoa, Hung Hom district, with his partner Honeylet Avanceña, their daughter Veronica, his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, and her son Stingray.

A Palace statement said Mr. Duterte personally placed their orders at the counter, granted requests for selfies and chatted with Filipinos there.

Pardillo, who was invited to the President’s table, got teary-eyed upon meeting the first family.

She shared with the President her desire to see her family in the Philippines, particularly her son who has a serious lung ailment. She last saw him eight years ago, she said.

Pardillo would also like to celebrate the graduation of two of her children, one of whom had completed a business administration degree and another who is set to complete an accounting technology degree.

Mr. Duterte granted her wish, giving her round-trip tickets.