CDO Foodsphere marked its 50th anniversary by bringing together food, design, and holiday traditions at a Manila House event that placed the spotlight on two staples of the Filipino Christmas table: CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola.

The gathering, titled “Unwrapping the Holiday’s Perfect Pair,” offered guests an immersive afternoon that showed how the long-standing pairing continues to shape Noche Buena meals, party menus, and gifting customs. The program featured guided tastings, a tablescaping demonstration, and a hands-on charcuterie workshop that highlighted how the two products remain at the center of Filipino holiday celebrations.

The event opened with a tasting session called Food Flight, where the Manila House resident chef presented three dishes made for the occasion: Holiday Ham and Pineapple Skewers with Honey Mustard Glaze, Danes Queso de Bola Truffle Croquettes, and Holiday Ham and Queso de Bola Breakfast Pandesal. The flight emphasized the familiarity and versatility of the products, showing how they can anchor both nostalgic and contemporary holiday dishes.

The second segment shifted to holiday styling with content creator and lifestyle personality Laureen Uy, who demonstrated how thoughtful tablescaping can elevate home celebrations. She walked guests through her approach, which mixes warm neutrals with metallic accents, layers linens and textures, and incorporates personal details such as handwritten cards and herbs. Her centerpieces featured the ham and queso de bola pairing, reinforcing the idea that food can be both décor and a gesture of welcome. As she noted, preparing the table is “an act of care,” a way to make guests feel at home even before the meal begins.

Chef Marvin Agustin led the final workshop of the afternoon, guiding attendees in assembling their own charcuterie boards. Now known for his portfolio of dining concepts, including a recently awarded Bib Gourmand restaurant, he emphasized intention and balance in charcuterie building. The interactive format allowed guests to craft and bring home their personalized boards, turning the lesson into a keepsake.

Throughout the program, CDO underscored its message of homecoming and shared milestones. “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.”

Jason Ong, vice president for emerging businesses, echoed this sentiment. “What we appreciate most about gatherings like today is seeing how people bring our products to life, not just through recipes, but through stories,” he said. “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 brand highlighted its signature pairing as a thoughtful holiday gift: CDO Holiday Ham, made from premium whole meat of pork hind leg, and Danes Queso de Bola, known for its festive red rind and creamy flavor. “We invite everyone to rediscover why this holiday pairing continues to hold its place at the center of Filipino celebrations,” said marketing manager Janna Ong-Santos. “Every family celebrates Christmas differently, but this simple Holiday pairing remains constant, one that brings comfort, familiarity, and connection.”

Guests later enjoyed a Christmas-themed grazing spread showcasing both products, joined by CDO executives Jao Ong, senior customer development manager; Bernice Jalgalado, vice president for marketing; and Sammy Sih, executive vice president. The event concluded with lunch and the distribution of handcrafted charcuterie boards assembled during the workshop.

The afternoon served as both a look back at CDO’s five decades and a reminder of why Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola endure on Filipino tables — not just for their flavor, but for the memories and connections they help create.