CDO Marks 50 Years With the Holiday’s Perfect Pair: CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola

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.
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.