There’s a certain kind of warmth in Filipino Christmas mornings: the soft glow of parol lanterns, the sound of children’s laughter as gifts are unwrapped, and the unmistakable aroma of warm pan de sal shared around the table.
For 25 years, Pan de Manila has been part of these cherished rituals – its familiar brown paper bag quietly witnessing stories of family, food, and friendship.
This year, Pan de Manila continues that tradition with a special holiday paper bag designed by 29-year-old artist Jerika See, whose whimsical, top-view illustrations capture the richness of Filipino Christmas—three generations gathered around the Noche Buena spread, pets curled by the table, and the simple joy of sharing bread that has long been a staple of the Filipino home.
An alumna of the University of Santo Tomas who paused a career in architecture to pursue painting full-time in 2020, See is known for her top-view artworks that highlight everyday Filipino stories with warmth and detail.
“Pan de Manila has always been part of my life. We would have pan de sal every day, often from the D. Tuazon branch before heading home. I grew up looking forward to their paper bag artworks each year, even asking my mom to buy more bread just so I could collect the paper bags. As a child, I would cut them out and use them for arts and crafts,” she said.
“That timeless presence inspired me while designing this year’s paper bag: The idea of pan de sal as something woven into every Filipino occasion.”
Her 2025 Christmas paper bag design brings this memory to life: a festive Noche Buena table viewed from above, glowing capiz parols, flowers, and the warmth of family gathered together. Even pets and Filipino traditions like “mano po” and the sharing of pan de sal find their place in her composition.
“The top-view perspective allows me to tell many stories at once, highlighting the genuine spirit of a Filipino Christmas,” See said.
By choosing See, Pan de Manila continues its advocacy of supporting Filipino artists, especially the young and emerging ones. She now joins a distinguished roster of creatives—Mia de Lara, Christian Regis, Larry Memije, and Rina Albert-Llamas, among others—whose wonderful works have graced Pan de Manila’s holiday paper bags through the years.
“This tradition of collaborating with artists is more than just packaging—it’s a cultural statement. It reminds us of a more genteel time, when Christmas mornings were slower, centered on family, on opening presents, and sharing pan de sal at the breakfast table,” said Mari Sebastian from the marketing of Pan de Manila.
“Pan de Manila’s holiday paper bags have become collectible pieces of art. Each one is a gift in itself, carrying stories of Filipino creativity, heritage, and memories,” Sebastian added.
Over the years, Pan de Manila’s Christmas paper bags have become eagerly awaited holiday “must-haves,” with many customers collecting them as keepsakes. Through these art works, Pan de Manila has built a living gallery of Filipino artistry that celebrates the season year after year.
“This project reflects our broader advocacy of uplifting Filipino creativity. By giving both established and emerging artists a national platform, we help bring local talent closer to the public, proving that art can live in everyday objects. It is this fusion of daily ritual and artistic expression that makes the Pan de Manila paper bag more than just packaging—it reminds every customer of home, culture, and the simple joys of yesteryears,” Sebastian said.
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