HOLIDAY NOSTALGIA WITH PAN DE MANILA

2025 Christmas paper bag features the ‘top-view’ artworks of young artist Jerika See

There’s a certain kind of warmth in Filipino Christmas mornings: the soft glow of parol lanterns still hanging from the night before, the sound of children’s laughter as gifts are unwrapped, and the unmistakable aroma of warm pandesal 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 2025, 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, Jerika is known for her top-view artworks that highlight everyday Filipino stories with warmth and detail. On her Instagram page, her paintings often feature festive table spreads, cozy interiors, and colorful family moments, perfectly echoing the spirit of the holidays.

“Pan de Manila has always been part of my life. We would have pandesal 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 recalls. “That timeless presence inspired me while designing this year’s paper bag: the idea of pandesal 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 pandesal 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,” Jerika says.

Supporting Filipino artists through the years

By choosing Jerika, 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, Rina Albert-Llamas, among others—whose wonderful works have graced Pan de Manila’s holiday paper bags through the years. 

“I wanted to honor past paper bag artists while also bringing my own unique vision. By keeping the tradition alive, I want to reflect Filipino culture and highlight the presence of Pan de Manila in everyday life, while also adding my personal artistic touch,” Jerika says.

“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 pandesal at the breakfast table,” says 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.”

Over the years, Pan de Manila’s Christmas paper bags have become eagerly awaited holiday “must-haves,” with many customers collecting them as keepsakes. Each edition reflects not only the artistry of its featured artist but also the enduring story of Filipino traditions: parols, Simbang Gabi, fiestas, and the presence of pandesal. 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,” says Mari. 

Jerika hopes her work will evoke that same sense of connection: “When people bring home warm pandesal in this paper bag during the holidays, I want them to feel the warmth of a Filipino Christmas. There’s no better way to celebrate than by sharing food and creating memories with loved ones.”

With Jerika’s warm take on nostalgia, Pan de Manila reaffirms its role not only as a household staple but also as a promoter of Filipino artistry—proof that even something as simple as freshly-baked pandesal in a paper bag can carry the festive spirit of the season.

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