VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — Never show up empty-handed with these food and drink ideas for your holiday gatherings.
Between office parties, barkada reunions, and family dinners, a packed holiday calendar brings a familiar question: “Ano kayang dadalhin ko?”
These easy-to-share favorites can help you spend less time worrying about what to bring and more time switching to relax mode with loved ones.
For office Christmas parties: Meaty baked pasta
Office potlucks are the perfect excuse to bring everyone’s favorite comfort food. And when you’re feeding a crowd, a generous tray of baked pasta is always a welcome addition to the buffet.
Think tender El Real Pasta coated in a rich, meaty tomato sauce, topped with plenty of melted cheese and baked until golden. It’s the kind of hearty, cheesy dish colleagues will happily make room for on their plates.
Best of all, you can prepare it the night before and reheat it before the party. One tray is easy to bring, portion out, and serve, so everyone can help themselves during the office potluck.
For barkada reunions: Grilled pork belly
When the barkada finally gets together after months of trying to match everyone’s schedules, you know there’s going to be plenty of catching up. The food should be just as relaxed as the company.
Grilled pork belly fits the bill with its juicy, tender meat, lightly charred edges, and smoky flavor. For an extra punch of savory, tangy goodness, marinate your Robina Farms Pork Belly in soy sauce, calamansi, garlic, and seasonings.
Slice it into bite-sized pieces and serve with rice and dipping sauces for a casual, sharing-friendly spread. It’s just the thing to enjoy between stories, jokes, and long-overdue updates.
For family get-togethers: Cream-O icebox cake
Every family celebration deserves something sweet, and a no-bake icebox cake is a fun, fuss-free addition to the dessert table. It’s especially handy when you already have plenty of holiday preparations to take care of.
All you need are Cream-O cookies, whipped cream, and a few simple ingredients to create a dessert that’s as easy to assemble as it is to share. Layer the cookies with the cream, then refrigerate until everything sets into a rich, creamy treat.
Prepare it ahead of time and bring it out after the main meal. It’s a sweet way to wrap up a family gathering, especially when everyone is ready to settle in for dessert and more catching up.
For Christmas dinner: Glazed ham
A Noche Buena spread feels extra festive with ham on the table. Sweet, savory, and easy to share, glazed ham makes a lovely addition to a Christmas dinner without demanding hours of preparation.
Robina Farms Premium Sliced Ham takes on a glossy, flavorful finish with a simple glaze of pineapple juice and brown sugar. The fruity sweetness complements the ham’s savory taste, making every slice feel a little more special for the occasion.
Arrange the slices on a serving platter and pair them with bread, mashed potatoes, or other Noche Buena favorites. Because the ham is already sliced, it’s easy for everyone to take a serving and get back to celebrating.
For the non-cooks in the group: C2 Litro Lemon
Not every holiday contribution requires time in the kitchen. If cooking isn’t your thing, why not take charge of the drinks instead?
Bring a bottle of C2 Litro Lemon to your next gathering and make sure everyone has something refreshing to sip on. With its refreshing lemon tea flavor, it’s an easy addition to the holiday spread that everyone can share.
Serve it chilled as everyone settles in for a relaxing break, catching up on life, exchanging stories, and enjoying each other’s company.
With your holiday contributions planned, there’s one less thing to worry about this season. From hearty meals to sweet treats and refreshing drinks, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has familiar favorites that can help make every gathering a little more delightful.
Whether you’re attending a big family reunion or an intimate barkada dinner, remember to make room for what matters: good food, great company, and moments to relax together.
After all, the less time you spend worrying about what to bring, the more time you have to enjoy the people you’re celebrating with.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
