Artist Eberle Catampongan was chosen by Pan de Manila to give Filipino traditions and togetherness new meaning in its 2018 Christmas art advocacy.

Entitled “Pasko sa Nayon,” the 25” x 60” oil on canvas artwork conjures a rustic, rural scene of a barrio eagerly dressing up their town for the holidays. Catampongan also injected elements of nostalgia in the artwork by including his childhood memories, making the canvas more personal and relatable.

“One particular childhood recollection that I included in this artwork is the caroling scene, one that showed how I, as a child, enjoyed serenading homes with jingles along with my neighbors. I also portrayed the bustling scene of the barrio during the celebrated time of the year when folks are happily participating in the festivities like eating after Simbang Gabi. It’s a narrative of how Filipinos love celebrating the occasion with all those dear to them,” he explains.

The 38-year-old Antipolo native is a proud apprentice of artist and his father-in-law Tony Mahilum. Catampongan studied architecture at the Technological Institute of the Philippines. Describing his style as Filipiniana, Catampongan is known for immortalizing heritage landmarks, landscapes, and sceneries in the country as well as focusing on the rich history of the Philippines.

“The most appreciated aspect of Pan de Manila’s project would be its way of giving artists the opportunity to express, through brushstrokes, the true spirit of Christmas. Through this initiative, artists are given the opportunity to showcase timeless Filipino values and love for the family,” says Catampongan.

Since 2008, Pan de Manila has featured works of local artists in its Filipino-inspired Christmas paper bags, including Larry Memije, Rina Albert-Llamas, Dante Hipolito, Amador Barquilla, Jovan Benito, Bibsy Torio, and Noel Mahilum.