MANILA – Local bread chain Pan de Manila is spreading some holiday cheer with its limited edition paper bags.

The brand has tapped Antipolo-based artist Noel Mahilum to create artworks for its paper bags and Christmas gift packs. Colorful circular strokes show stones and children, portraying innocence and love for celebration.

“I drew my inspiration from the beaming smiles and excited faces of children during Christmas season, when they prepare by decorating their houses with Christmas trees and parols, wrapping and opening gifts and eating together as a family,” he said.

For Mahilum, Pan de Manila’s yearly tradition of incorporating Filipino Christmas traditions is commendable and reminds us to always go back to our roots.

“Wherever we go, we carry our tradition and culture,” he said. “It’s nice to have hot piping pan de sal especially after coming from Simbang Gabi in Antipolo Cathedral. With this artwork, may it remind us that despite the cool surroundings, we can surround ourselves with warmth, not only from Pan de Manila’s freshly baked bread, but with the love and unity of our own family, which is at the heart of Paskong Pinoy.”