Pan de Manila Journey: 25 Years of Warm Breads, Artful Paper Bags, and More Treats

 

 

For 25 years, Pan de Manila has been warming Filipino homes with its iconic pandesal. Founded in 1999, the bakery chain began with its desire to bring the nostalgic charm of freshly baked pandesal to modern households. Using traditional pugon (brick ovens), Pan de Manila recreates the authentic taste that evokes childhood memories for many. From a single shop, it has expanded to over 150 stores nationwide. With the use of modern baking methods, Pan de Manila has become a favorite stop for Filipino breads and delicacies.

 

Pan de Manila's limited-edition 25th Anniversary plates and cups designed by artist Mia de Lara

Aside from the classic pandesal, Pan de Manila delights customers with a wide selection of breads like pan de coco, pan de ube, bananamon, cheesesticks, ensaymada espesyal. To complete the experience, Pan de Manila offers house-brand palamans (spreads), including all-natural coco jam, all-natural peanut butter, yema spread, ube halaya spread, herb cream cheese, and savory sardines—all made with no added preservatives. These spreads, paired with their signature drinks like chocolate con leche and café con leche, create the perfect Filipino merienda experience. Now, customers have something new to look forward to—a new 3-in-1 Matcha Latte drink that will be your comforting treat. 

Pan de Manila is not just known for its breads—it has also become popular for its beautifully designed paper bags. Since 2008, the bakery has collaborated with Filipino artists to feature their work on limited-edition paper bags, celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage. Artists like Mia de Lara, Christian Regis, Larry Memije, and Rina Albert-Llamas have contributed their talents, making these paper bags a much-anticipated part of the Pan de Manila experience, especially during Christmas.

These paper bags are more than packaging as these have become collector’s items, adding artistic flair to the warmth of freshly baked bread. The tradition extends to Pan de Manila’s take-out boxes, which are equally adorned with artwork and perfect for gifting to loved ones.

 Lakbay Aral: Sharing the Journey with Kids

 To engage the younger generation, Pan de Manila offers Lakbay Aral, an educational by-appointment-only tour that gives children a behind-the-scenes look at the bread-making process. This hands-on experience shows kids how pandesal and other baked goods are made, from selecting ingredients to molding dough and baking it in traditional ovens. It’s an interactive way to teach children the value of tradition while giving them the chance to bake their own treats to take home.

Kids learn about the basics of baking pandesal and ensaymada at Lakbay Aral

 Limited-Edition Collectibles for the 25th Anniversary

In celebration of its 25th year, Pan de Manila is launching a special collection of limited-edition plates and cups in collaboration with Casa Juan. Illustrated by Mia de Lara, these items are adorned with classic Filipino scenes that evoke nostalgia and reflect the simple pleasures of life. 

Available in select Pan de Manila outlets, Merienda restaurant branches, and selected Kultura stores in SM Malls, these collectibles make for perfect keepsakes or thoughtful gifts this coming holiday season.

Merienda by Pan de Manila branch in Santolan, San Juan

As Pan de Manila marks this milestone, it continues to uphold its commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. Over 25 years, the brand has not only expanded its product offerings but also deepened its connection to Filipino culture and creativity. It remains a beloved staple in Filipino households, offering more than just bread, but a taste of home and heritage.

For more updates, follow @PandeManilaOfficial on FB, IG and Tiktok, and @Meriendamanila on IG.