It’s no secret: Filipinos love Christmas! In the Philippines, Christmastime is always a joyous, highly-anticipated season, one which commences as soon as the “—ber” months roll around. The seasonal hubbub is marked by festivity and faith, from dawn Masses and caroling to making merry and spending time with family and friends, far and near—with gift-giving and dining topping the list of favorite holiday activities.
Of course, the pandemic has changed much of how we celebrate. Gatherings are fewer and further between, limited to those nearest and dearest to us, making such occasions all the more special and meaningful. A good deal of the celebration now happens within the comfort and safety of home, too. Moreover, gift-giving has also become more purposeful. We desire to give gifts that are thoughtful and useful, all at once, given the times in which we live.
Premium online delicatessen, The Bow Tie Duck, understands the spirit of giving, as well as the changing times in which we live. To honor the Christmas tradition in the New Normal, the delectable deli recently launched its “Christmas in a Box” collection of specially curated, high-quality gift bundles. Best of all, each bundle was carefully selected, with love, by prominent personalities across various industries to benefit the advocacies and non-profit groups of their choice.
Gift-giving and dining, with purpose
Dubbed The Fine Art of Giving and Dining, the Yuletide gifting collection was recently launched via an online event, with French expatriate in Manila, Julien Marie, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Bow Tie Duck, presiding. The group of VIPs—social movers and shakers with a passion for their respective advocacies—who curated each selection were also in attendance; namely: broadcast journalist Niña Corpuz, Yoly Crisanto of Globe, Karla Delgado of Kai Farms, Nilo Divina of Divina Law, Spanky Enriquez of RestoPH, husband and wife tandem behind Mercato Centrale RJ and Vanessa Ledesma, Amor Maclang of GeiserMaclang, and Mica Tan of the MFT Group of companies.
“Food is never a selfish pleasure; food is always about sharing. Food is about being together; and right now we can’t be together, we are all just in our own little space, and we can only be together in our own communities,” Marie said, even as he reminisced of French Christmas traditions centered on food and festivity, shared with family, friends, and even the occasional stranger who would show up to a gathering.
Fine gifts that keep on giving
Each gift bundle on The Bow Tie Duck’s VIP wish list and corporate gift-giving initiative features the finest, freshest products from all over the world, such as the deli’s best-selling Echire French butter; Portobello Cake by Casa Saporzi; succulent Australian Angus Striploin 120 Days Grain Finished; decadent Casa Rinaldi Minced Mullet Roe Bottarga; Theo & Philo’s exquisite artisanal chocolates; Malagos Fresh Goat Cheese; ARC Gift Pack – Botanical Gin, Barrel Reserve Gin & Lava Rock Vodka; an array of choice wines; frozen, juicy Black Tiger Prawns; a variety of delightful cakes and breads; and so much more. Each of the goodies has been thoughtfully selected by the men and women for whom the gift hampers are named to elevate the joy of the season; and, in the true spirit of giving, to raise funds for their chosen charities. A portion of the sales from the bespoke bundles will go to the not-for-profit organizations designated by the specific curator. The Bow Tie Duck will also be donating a share of the sales of every Christmas in a Box selection to Kawa Pilipinas, their chosen foundation. Karla Delgado, Director of Kai Farms, for instance, has selected Slow Food Sari-Sari Store, a coalition of farmers, urban growers, and community organizers, activists and advocates for food justice, and young volunteers working together for solidarity and change. She intends to donate a chunk of the proceeds from her hamper to the families of the group. “Our hearts are full when you share and you see kids who are just so over the moon to have a simple toy. Also, it is sharing that makes you feel the spirit of Christmas,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mica Tan, CEO of private equity firm MFT Group, pinpointed the PGH Medical Foundation as the recipient of proceeds from her gift bundle. “Our biggest heroes the past two years are doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists. They are the heart and soul of this war against COVID-19,” she noted.
Each personality had admirable reasons for selecting their respective organizations, with the bottom line being: Christmas is not just about celebrating, it is also about sharing. And, with The Bow Tie Duck’s topshelf gift bundles, you can do both. Give the gift that, indeed, keeps on giving, while elevating the art of dining—no matter where you find yourself this holiday season.
To tap into this fine spirit of artful giving and dining, check out the array of bundles, today.
