Christmas paper bags animate the fun and festive mood of Pinoy Pasko

Zamboanga-based artist Jude Christopher “JC” Roxas is the featured artist of Pan de Manila’s Christmas paper bag design this 2015

Christmas may be easily associated with celebrations, eating and giving gifts, but to every Filipino, it is always about spending time with family, coming home and reunions.  With this, Pan de Manila, the country’s favorite bread chain, brings the essence of family and home in a most important holiday with its 2015 Pinoy Pasko Christmas paper bags and peripherals featuring the work of a young but dynamic artist, Jude Christopher “JC” Roxas.

For this year’s featured artwork, the 23-year-old illustrator and animator from Zamboanga Sibugay found inspiration from family reunions and get-togethers, which are very close to the heart of many Filipinos.

“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,” JC said.

Under the Same Tree

For the main artwork, he used the tree as as a prominent symbol.  “A lot of things can happen under a tree,” he explained. “This is where kids make bases for tagu-taguan, where farmers rest while eating their home-made lunches, where families enjoy the shade in every picnic.

Personally, a tree gives me the best place to sit down and think about the many wonderful things in life. That is why I want the image of the tree to be really prominent in the design because it reminds us of the importance of each other’s company.”

The vibrant colors and catchy details will fascinate buyers when they take home the new paper bags that were designed by JC. “Some of the notable Pusong Pinoy traditions that I included are typical street and home scenes that are very much alive during the holidays, homecomings and even comical ones like the ninong hiding from the inaanak,” he added.

Celebrating Filipino Traditions

Pan de Manila’s colorful Christmas packs featuring the artwork of JC Roxas.

Singing Christmas carols is part of the Pinoy Yuletide tradition that’s why Pan de Manila highlights this in the tagline, “Himig ng Pasko / ay mas masaya / kung may pan de sal / at ang buong pamilya ay sama-sama.”

More than traditions, a Pinoy Christmas is about showing love, generosity and sharing. “Paskong Pinoy for me is when we begin greeting each other as soon as the ‘ber’ months start. The time where we look forward to the holidays to be with our loved ones and enjoying our endless traditions and merry making,” JC said. “But the most important thing that we usually do every Christmas season is when we begin to share our blessings especially to those who need it the most.”

For this young artist, it was a privilege to be part of Pan de Manila’s noteworthy Christmas package design. “I am really thankful for the opportunity,” he said, “I felt as if life pinched me and said, ‘Hey, Jude, you’re on the right track.’ I told myself to keep exploring, keep creating.”

Pan de Manila’s yearly tradition of coming up with Filipino art-inspired Christmas paper bags and collaterals has been going on since 2008.  Some of the artists featured included Robert Alejandro, Jovan Benito, Amador Barquilla, Albert Magsumbol, Larry Memije, Rina Albert-Llamas, Joel Chua and Dante Hipolito.  The theme will also be featured in Pan de Manila’s Christmas Gift Pack items – in boxes that contain specialty spreads and palaman as well as Pan de Manila’s Bread Box that contains an assortment of specialty breads.

“Pan de Manila’s paper bags and packaging have promoted Filipino values and traditions. Coming home and meeting people to celebrate the blessings of Christmas is what makes our truly Paskong Pinoy realized since this reminds us about the real meaning of thanksgiving,” said Mari Sebastian, marketing manager of Pan de Manila.

“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 to everyone. Make Pan de Manila part of your Christmas feast,” Mari added.

Visit your neighborhood Pan de Manila which is open 24/7 in convenient locations in Metro Manila, North and South Luzon and Cebu, Iloilo and Bacolod. To keep updated with the latest news and promos, visit our Facebook and Instagram page: pandemanilaofficial.