President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited a popular Filipino fast-food restaurant in Vancouver on Thursday as part of Marcos' four-day official visit to Canada.

The visit came shortly after the two leaders held a bilateral meeting, during which they discussed strengthening cooperation between the Philippines and Canada.

Marcos and Carney were seen engaging with diners and crew members at the Jollibee Granville branch located at 833 Granville Street.

During a press conference earlier in the day, Prime Minister Carney jokingly remarked that they did not get to eat properly during their working luncheon, adding that they would be “going to Jollibee to get some real sustenance.”

The visit highlighted the growing presence of Jollibee in Canada. The Granville Street outlet, opened on February 25, 2022, was the first of four branches in British Columbia and is part of the chain’s expanding network of 28 stores across the country.

Jollibee is marking its 10th anniversary in Canada this year, following the opening of its first Canadian store in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Dec. 15, 2016. The company continues to expand its footprint as part of its international growth strategy.

Outside the restaurant, several protesters gathered across the street from the branch, criticizing Marcos’ visit. They staged a demonstration for a second consecutive day since the president arrived in Vancouver. The group chanted anti-government slogans and raised concerns over unemployment in the Philippines and issues involving flood control corruption.

Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are also scheduled to meet with business leaders and members of the Filipino-Canadian community during their stay in Vancouver.