WHENEVER you buy bread, pastries and spreads from Pan de Manila, one of the country’s largest and most popular bread chains, you feel like you’re bringing a little Christmas spirit into your home because of its festive Christmas paper bags.
Pan de Manila has started using these 2015 Pinoy Pasko Christmas paper bags, whose design brings across the essence of family and home in the country’s most important holiday celebration. Reflected on the bags and boxes for the season is the artwork of young and dynamic artist Jude Christopher ‘JC’ Roxas. This 23-year-old illustrator and animator from Zamboanga Sibugay found inspiration for his design from family reunions and get-togethers, which are part and parcel of every Filipino celebration, especially Christmas.
“Filipinos love to reconnect and make new connections. Our love to reminisce and to make new memories inspired me in creating the Christmas paper bags this year,” explains JC.
For the main artwork, he uses a tree as a prominent symbol because Filipino kids, particularly those who grow up in rural landscapes, play games, rest and eat under the shade of trees. It’s also where idealistic young people sit back, daydream and plan their future.
The vibrant colors and catchy details of the Christmas paper bags showcase some of the Pusong Pinoy traditions that can be seen in communities around the country during Christmastime. They include typical street and home scenes—kids playing with their pet dog, lechon on the dining table, kids opening gifts, mom and lola (grandmother) on rocking chairs bonding with each other, families having fun playing musical instruments together, parols (Christmas lanterns) on the tree, ninong (godfather) hiding from his inaanak (godson)…
And since singing Christmas carols forms part of the Filipino Christmas tradition, Pan de Manila’s Christmas paper bags also bear the words “Himig ng Pasko / ay mas masaya / kung may Pan de Sal at / ang buong pamilya ay sama-sama.” (The hymns of Christmas / are more joyful / if there’s Pan de Sal and / the whole family is together.)
Pan de Manila has consistently promoted Filipino values and traditions.
“Coming home and meeting people to celebrate the blessings of Christmas is the true essence of our Paskong Pinoy since this reminds us of the real meaning of thanksgiving,” says Mari Sebastian, marketing manager of Pan de Manila.
She adds: “Since giving is also part of our tradition, Pan de Manila invites you to give the gift of a ‘Himig ng Pasko’ which will touch the hearts of your loved ones and friends. The holiday paper bag also conveys that the pan de sal inside is warm and best shared cheerfully with everyone.”
Pan de Manila stores are open 24/7 in convenient locations all over Metro Manila, in North and South Luzon, and in Cebu, Iloilo and Bacolod.
