PHNO-SB: PAN DE PUGON: A TIMELESS AFFAIR WITH PAN DE SAL

PAN DE PUGON: A TIMELESS AFFAIR WITH PAN DE
SAL

[PHOTO - Artist Larry Memije's paintings
of a nostalgic street scene evokes memories of life in the olden times.]
MANILA, JULY 18, 2012 (PHILSTAR) You have to give it to the Pinoy
when it comes to balancing modernity and tradition. He could be checking his
Facebook account on his Internet-ready mobile phone while riding in a jeepney,
bringing home a bag of pandesal and a box of donuts. He may be tech savvy, but
he will just as readily embrace the traditions he grew up with, whether in food
or in his lifestyle.
Pan de Manila takes note of that marriage of Filipino tradition and
contemporary character with its latest packaging, which features a painting by
Larry Memije.
"We had this concept of a Pan de Manila store with people, but in an old
house similar to those in Vigan, with one side featuring the pugon, or the
old-style oven made of bricks," he says, describing the artwork that will be
featured on the new Pan de Manila packaging. He says that it shows how timeless
the pugon – and the pandesal – is to the Filipino culture, like the
Spanish-style old houses.
"The painting is very Filipino. It depicts a traditional street scene, with
adobe-walled buildings, a kalesa trotting along the cobblestone street, and a
panaderia," he explains.
The painting evokes memories of life in the olden times, a way of life that
continues in many areas, especially in Vigan, Malolos and some towns in Negros,
Bohol and Batangas.
[PHOTO- Pan de Manila continues to produce traditional hot pandesal
for today's Filipino.]
Memije describes himself as an "old houses" artist.
"Old houses are my favorite subjects. I reconstruct places in my mind based
on the architectural designs when I see the place or see photographs," he adds.

His works, done with photo-realistic accuracy, depict ancestral houses in
Sampaloc where he grew up, Binondo and, of course, Vigan. It helps that he has a
background in mechanical engineering and architecture, two courses he took up
before finally finishing a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree at FEATI University.

Memije took inspiration for some of the details of his work when he visited
one of Pan de Manila's branches along Osmeña, South Superhighway.
"I always look forward to going to their store. I would bring home two brown
paper bags of pandesal, and I would eat them on my way back home," recalls
Memije, who has had major exhibits here and abroad, notably one at Chicago's
Samuel Stein Gallery sponsored by the Philippine Consulate in 1984.
Given today's fast-paced life, Filipinos still have affinity with some of the
things considered part of history.

[PHOTO: Pan de Sal – meaning salt bread. Pan de Sal is made out of
flour, yeast, water, eggs, salt, sugar and lard. Some ingredients may be added
such as butter oil (for aroma), dough improver (improve the size of the dough),
milk (texture and flavor) and margarine (to add more flavor).]
Pandesal – literally bread of salt – is an enduring image of Filipino
gastronomy as it is an essential element not only in breakfast fare but also in
Philippine cuisine, eaten with a variety of spreads, fillings or palaman,
classic viands like corned beef, sardines or fried eggs, or even just plain,
straight out of the supot (paper bag).
"I have an aunt who lives abroad who loves to eat Pan de Manila's pandesal
every time she comes home," Memije shares.
Pan de Manila continues its time-honored tradition of featuring the work of
Filipino artists, which has included painter Dante Hipolito, digital illustrator
Joel Chua, and designer Rina Albert-Llamas. "Pan de Manila's paper bags have
consistently promoted Filipino values and traditions. Mang Larry's artwork is a
welcome addition as it depicts the timeless affair of Filipinos with the
pandesal," says Mari Sebastian, marketing manager of Pan de Manila.
Pan de Manila's breads are freshly baked every hour. Visit your nearest
neighborhood Pan de Manila store which is open 24/7 for that delicious taste of
our enduring traditions.



Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi

© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE
HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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