Baking bread is an art form, with each bread unique in its own way. For the past 25 years, Pan de Manila has elevated the beloved pan de sal, crafting it into something worth looking forward to each morning. From the traditional pugon-style baking to today’s modern methods, Pan de Manila’s bread brings a touch of nostalgia and a taste of home. Even its signature paper bags tell a story—celebrating Filipino culture, tradition, and artistry.
Every holiday season, Pan de Manila’s limited-edition paper bags are highly anticipated, transforming into collectible treasures for fans of Filipino art.
“We’re proud to say that our paper bags have become a canvas for our country’s most talented artists, whether they’re established or emerging ones,” says Terrence Ignacio from Marketing of Pan de Manila. “Each design serves as both a tribute to Filipino creativity and a vessel of warmth and joy, perfect for sharing freshly-baked, heartwarming pandesal with loved ones.”
Since 2008, Pan de Manila has collaborated with talented Filipino artists for its Christmas paper bag tradition, showcasing works by Mia de Lara, Christian Regis, Larry Memije, and Rina Albert-Llamas, each capturing the essence of Filipino culture. This year, 33-year-old artist Krissie Phee joins this special list, with her design featured on Pan de Manila’s 2024 holiday paper bags.
“I’m honored to be this year’s featured artist as it’s a special opportunity to share my perspective with so many Filipinos during this meaningful season,” Phee shares. “As I looked through past holiday bag designs, I admired how each artist captured Filipino traditions with authenticity. Inspired by their work, I wanted to honor that legacy while reflecting on how we celebrate today. My goal was to create something that bridges past and present, honoring our heritage while celebrating modern Filipino life.”
Phee’s design uses vibrant colors to create an immediate feeling of warmth and invitation. “As people take a closer look, I want them to discover little details that might spark memories from their own lives,” she explains. “Rather than focusing on a specific celebration, my work captures a moment in time—our surroundings today—inviting people to build their own traditions around it.”
For Phee, this collaboration with Pan de Manila is especially meaningful. She fondly recalls childhood mornings of waking up early with her parents to buy freshly baked pandesal wrapped in simple brown paper.
“The sky would be just beginning to lighten, and the soft warmth of the bag paired with the aroma of hot pandesal created a memory I hold dear to this day,” she reflects. “My hope is that this holiday season, my artwork will bring people that same sense of warmth and invite them to reflect on their own cherished memories.”
The 2024 Holiday Paper Bag will be available in November at all Pan de Manila outlets nationwide, and Phee’s artwork is sure to be another collector’s piece. Known for her vibrant style that balances contrast and plays with light and shadow, Phee’s use of sunset tones and dynamic hues brings a unique energy to each piece, adding a touch of the unexpected to keep viewers engaged.
So, as you bring home a bag of Pan de Manila’s pandesal on these crisp, cold mornings, take a moment to savor the warmth of the pandesal and enjoy the paper bag art that accompanies it. For Phee, she hopes her creation adds an extra touch of warmth to your heart and encourages you to reflect on the moments that make this time of year so special.
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