Share the holiday cheer with these Christmas cards for a cause

by John Joseph Basijan / September 12, 2024

Here’s a great idea for a heartfelt Christmas gift that could also change the lives of hundreds of children: UNICEF Philippines has recently unveiled this year’s set of limited edition Christmas cards featuring the joyful artwork of award-winning Pinoy folk artist Manuel “Manny” Baldemor.

The 2024 limited edition UNICEF cards feature four Christmas-themed artworks from Baldemor’s vast collection: Pasko sa Aming Bayan (1992), Christmas Lanterns Festival (2006), Graces from the Land (2008), and Pasko ng Pamilya Pilipino (2024). The featured artworks, which depict the colorful and lively Christmas celebrations in the Philippines, are the perfect way to ring in the season and spread the Christmas cheer to family and friends.

Baldemor has already made a mark on the art scene here and abroad, with numerous prestigious recognitions under his belt. He is known for his paintings, wood prints, and carvings featuring simplified geometric forms and folk art characters. Most of his works portray the culture, daily activities, and people from his hometown of Paete, Laguna.

Baldemor has been part of UNICEF’s roster of renowned artists since the 1990s and has featured his artworks in several of its Christmas cards. 

For UNICEF Philippines, it was a natural decision to partner with Baldemor for this year’s limited edition Christmas cards. 

“His passion for sharing the joyful spirit of Filipino values and culture is apparent in every piece he makes. By donating through these cards, you not only get to own a piece of Baldemor’s art, you are also supporting lifesaving programs for the most vulnerable children,” shared Carli Snyman, Chief of Fundraising and Partnerships of UNICEF Philippines.

Supporting underprivileged Filipino children is a mission and a passion shared by Baldemor as well. “My dream is for all children to be healthy and happy because they are our hope, our future. I am happy to contribute my time and talent to support UNICEF’s programs for children and I am very proud and honored to be a UNICEF artist,” he said.

Every P1,000 donation to UNICEF is equivalent to a box set of 12 limited edition UNICEF Christmas cards featuring Baldemor’s artworks. The donations, which can be placed here, will be valuable to UNICEF’s lifesaving programs in health & nutrition, education, protection, and emergency support for the most vulnerable children.

Out of all the material things that can be given as gifts this holiday season, nothing beats the personal touch and the warmth brought by a handwritten message on a Christmas card. As Baldemor himself said, “‘Pag may sumulat sa’yo, sigurado kang kaibigan mo siya.” (If someone wrote to you, they are surely your friend.) EVD

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