Manila, Philippines – For 50 years, CDO Foodsphere, has been part of Filipino Christmas celebrations, from Noche Buena gatherings to holiday gifting with loved ones. This year, CDO marks its golden anniversary by spotlighting two enduring symbols of the Filipino holiday table: CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola.
At the media event “Unwrapping the Holiday’s Perfect Pair” held at Manila House, CDO welcomed guests for an immersive holiday experience designed to spark creativity, connection, and celebration. The program showcased how the perfect pairing of CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola continues to make gatherings special, whether served during Noche Buena, shared at parties, or given as thoughtful gifts.
A Three Part Program That Brought Christmas to Life
Food Flight: A Flavor Journey With the Perfect Pair
Guests enjoyed a guided tasting featuring three recipe applications using CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola, a playful but elevated showcase of how the duo can transform festive meals. The Manila House resident chef created especially for the event Holiday Ham & Pineapple Skewers with Honey Mustard Glaze, Danes Queso de Bola Truffle Croquettes, and Holiday Ham & Queso de Bola Breakfast Pandesal.
The segment highlighted the versatility of both products, familiar enough to feel nostalgic, yet dynamic enough to inspire new traditions.
Holiday Tablescaping: Style Meets Celebration
Next, Laureen Uy, recognized as a fashion blogger and a leading voice in lifestyle and entertaining, showed how holiday hosting can be elevated through thoughtful tablescaping. Known for her bold combinations, refined eye for detail, and innate sense of visual storytelling, she was the perfect fit for this workshop, demonstrating how styling a table can set the tone for a warm and memorable holiday celebration.
Her approach balanced modern aesthetics with personal warmth, layering textures and linens to instantly add depth, mixing warm neutrals with metallic accents for a festive palette, adding meaningful touches like handwritten cards and fresh herbs, and making her centerpieces the CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola.
Laureen reminded guests that preparing a table is an act of care, more than decoration, it’s a gesture that tells loved ones they’re welcome, even before the first bite is served.
Masterclass: Perfect Pairing Charcuterie Workshop
The most interactive segment of the afternoon was a hands-on masterclass facilitated by Chef Marvin Agustin, who guided attendees in building their own festive charcuterie boards. While many first met him on screen, he has since become one of the country’s most celebrated restaurateurs, with multiple beloved dining concepts under his belt, including his newest restaurant that recently earned the prestigious Bib Gourmand recognition from the Michelin Guide. He emphasized that great charcuterie balances both taste and storytelling, contrasting textures, colors, and shapes arranged with intention.
What made this segment memorable was its experiential nature, every attendee created and took home a personalized holiday board, making the workshop not only instructional but personal and fun.
The Holiday’s Perfect Pair, More Than Traditions, A Shared Experience
Throughout the event, CDO’s message was clear: the holiday season is about coming home, to flavors, to milestones, and to the people who matter.
“As CDO celebrates its 50th anniversary, this moment reminds us of what matters most, Filipino families brought together by food that feels like home,” said Dr. Charmaine Ong Castro, Senior Vice President for Purchasing, Treasury and Corporate Governance. “Every home that welcomes CDO into their celebrations becomes part of our story, and we are grateful to be part of theirs.”
“What we appreciate most about gatherings like today is seeing how people bring our products to life, not just through recipes, but through stories,” shared Jason Ong, Vice President for Emerging Businesses. “If these stories reach more families and inspire moments around the table this Christmas, then we know we’re creating moments that truly matter.”
The true essence of Christmas is the joy of giving, choosing gifts that carry warmth and meaning. For many Filipino families, that joy is often expressed through food that feels personal and thoughtful. Whether it’s prepared at home or shared with others, the right pairing can instantly make the season special.
For that special regalo, it’s the two that counts, CDO Holiday Ham, made from 100% premium whole meat of tender pork hind leg, the best cut for hams, perfectly paired with Danes Queso de Bola, with its bright red ball and creamy, indulgent flavor that brings festivity and nostalgia to every holiday table, the kind of rich, familiar taste that instantly reminds you that Christmas has arrived.
“We invite everyone to rediscover why this holiday pairing continues to hold its place at the center of Filipino celebrations. Every family celebrates Christmas differently, but this simple Holiday pairing remains constant, one that brings comfort, familiarity, and connection,” said Marketing Manager Janna Ong Santos.
A Christmas Celebration Through and Through
Beyond the three signature segments, guests enjoyed a full Christmas table and grazing spread, complete with CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola, a visual and flavorful reminder of why these products remain must haves on every Filipino holiday table.
CDO executives Jao Ong, Senior Customer Development Manager, Bernice Jalgalado, Vice President for Marketing, and Sammy Sih, Executive Vice President, also graced the celebration, reinforcing the company’s collective commitment to shaping the next 50 years of meaningful mealtimes.
The afternoon ended with a delicious lunch, more festive moments, and guests taking home their handcrafted charcuterie boards. Long after the season ends, what stays with us are not the presents we opened, but the moments we shared, and the people who made us feel at home.
