Christmas in the Philippines shows the true heart of the Filipino and their deep love for family. Whether it’s a humble home in the province where relatives drop by with trays of bibingka and puto bumbong, or a condo in the city where baked goods are exchanged, one thing remains constant: the home is where the most meaningful celebrations happen.
IKEA understands that the holiday season is all about feasts, cooking, sharing, and eating with loved ones, so it’s putting Filipino kitchens and dining areas in the spotlight during the Flavors of Home Festival at the IKEA Store in Pasay City.
The festive event kicked off with a gathering of foodies and interior design lovers as they shared inspiring ideas for holiday decor and delicious seasonal recipes that Filipinos can enjoy together at home. Social media personalities Icoy Rapadas, Grace Tanfelix, and Mitch Ngo (aka @thechinitafoodie) served up holiday dishes in a live cooking demonstration, which was perfect for all the parties happening this season. While interior designer Elle Uy walked guests through captivating kitchen and dining setups that Filipinos can pull off with IKEA’s Christmas collection.
As a highlight of the event, guests were treated to a beautiful serenade by singer-actress Angeline Quinto, who did a rendition of Sharon Cuneta’s “Bituing Walang Ningning.” With sustainability being a core value of IKEA, the song is a tongue-in-cheek reminder to not waste food by taking home leftovers – or in Filipino terms, “balutin” or “i-Sharon.” Plus, in true Filipino Christmas tradition, the IKEA store was enveloped with joyful songs courtesy of the philharmonic orchestra.
“The Filipino way of celebrating the season is centered on family and food at home. IKEA wants to make it more special with our affordable kitchen and dining range,” says Hervy Nicholas, IKEA Philippines Sales Leader. “That’s what drives us at IKEA: the joy we get from seeing people from all walks of life enjoying our pieces that are functional, beautiful, sustainable, and affordable.”
A Christmas-ready kitchen
Budget-conscious Filipinos who want to get their kitchen and dining table ready for all the cooking and feasting ahead will discover the joy of stress-free cooking with IKEA’s ANNONS, a five-piece stainless steel cookware set with glass lids. At only P699, it’s one of the store’s bestsellers — and don’t forget to grab a matching stainless steel trivet or two to protect your counter and table at only P69.
For those long stews and sauces, check out the non-stick KLIPPFISK sauté pan with lid (P1,999. If you’re on the lookout for reliable frying pans, there’s the IKEA 365+ stainless steel frying pan (P999); the non-stick TAGGHAJ frying pan (P299). For a quick stir-fry when friends suddenly call that they’re coming over, the HEMLAGAD wok with lid (P999) will do the job, while the HEMLAGAD over-stove grill pan will take care of steaks and barbecues. And because cooking in December means you’re on a tight clock, the six-liter IKEA 365+ pressure cooker (P399) is indispensable for Sunday beef nilaga when the extended family is coming over.
A table set for togetherness
After the cooking comes the best part of the feast: eating! From the busy kitchen to the calm dining room, IKEA makes the shift seamless (and coordinated, if you wish).
Starting with the décor, the 15-cm. POINSETTIA potted plant (P599) adds a touch of green to the table. Scatter VINTERFINT mixed bauble glass (P499/8 pieces) or make it all gold baubles (P599/20 pieces).
IKEA’s dining collections for noche buena bring the same practicality, affordability and beauty of its cooking collection. The VINTERFINT side plate (P129) has a subtle red band around the rim and won’t be out of place after the holidays. Or opt for the more earthy tone of SANDSKÄDDA (P129), and the translucent, gray-striped elegance of HAVSGÄDDA (P129). Pair these with the 49-cl. STORSINT wine glass, which comes in a set of six (P799), and the IKEA 365+ carafe with cork stopper (P249)
For full plates, green takes inspiration from forest and nature with PELARKAKTUS (P299), making for an opulent-looking table setting with its deep color. The GLADELIG plate (P199) in dark gray recalls natural stone, while the STOLTHET cutting board (P599), which can double as a cheese or dessert board, brings a touch of wood to the table. With the dining table laden with food and desserts, the three-layer RÅSKOG utility cart comes to rescue to hold the extras.
The best part about Filipino Christmas feasts is that they last beyond the day itself. On Christmas Day, start with IKEA’s plain and patterned bowls for cereal at breakfast and soup or salad for lunch. With so much food to keep, the IKEA 365+ glass container with bamboo lid (P249, 34 oz.) comes in handy to give away what’s left over from noche buena or to keep in the refrigerator for later.
From the first gift wrapped in September to the last leftover lechon paksiw on the first days of the new year, Filipinos really know how to stretch a celebration.
