Driven by Purpose: CDO Foodsphere Celebrates 50th Anniversary by Honoring Its People and Legacy
From a humble kitchen in Valenzuela to the tables of millions of Filipino households, the homegrown brand celebrates half a century of impact with its partners, people, and purpose at the heart of it all.
CDO Foodsphere, Inc. commemorated a golden milestone: 50 years of delivering affordable, quality food to Filipino families. More than a celebration of longevity, it was a tribute to a journey rooted in service, transformation, and nation-building.
Held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on June 24 and 25, the two-day affair gathered over 6,000 attendees in total. Day one welcomed more than 2,000 trade partners, industry leaders, and government officials; while day two belonged to over 4,000 employees, the very people who continue to power CDO’s growth.
At the center of it all was the company’s founder and chairperson, Corazon Dayro Ong, who looked back on CDO’s modest beginnings with humility and heartfelt gratitude.
“My dream was simple: to create food that brings the warmth of home. I never dreamt of having this large of an enterprise,” she said, recalling the brand’s early days in her family’s small kitchen. “We owe where we are today to the trust and support of our partners, customers, and community.”
A Celebration of Shared Success
Throughout the event, one recurring message echoed from the stage: CDO’s success is not its own, but a shared achievement.
Jerome Ong, President and CEO, emphasized the role of collaboration in the company’s evolution.
“This celebration is not just about us. It’s about all of you who believed in us, stood by us, and helped us grow,” he said. He also reflected on the company’s ongoing evolution, highlighting the importance of staying relevant and responsive to customer needs by embracing innovation, leadership, and a commitment to building a better future.
Innovation has indeed become a core driver for CDO, which has steadily diversified its offerings to meet changing market needs while maintaining its commitment to value and accessibility.
Senior Vice President for Corporate Purchasing, Treasury, and Governance Dr. Charmaine Ong-Castro also took the opportunity to thank the company’s many trade and supply chain partners and other stakeholders.
Purpose Beyond Profit
More than just a food company, CDO has established itself as a force for social good. Vice President for Emerging Businesses Jason Ong highlighted the company’s broader mission to uplift lives not only through food, but also through programs under its corporate social responsibility arm, the Odyssey Foundation.
The foundation’s programs cover health (Kalusugan), livelihood (Kabuhayan), education (Karunungan), and environment (Kalikasan), reflecting CDO’s commitment to nation-building.
A Tribute to Legacy and Loyalty
On the second day of the celebration, the spotlight turned to the lifeblood of the organization: its employees.
“This 50th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past; it is a commitment to our future,” said Jerome in his speech.
The program honored the late Jose J. Ong, CDO’s co-founder and husband of Corazon Ong. His legacy as a visionary and driving force behind the brand was remembered with deep affection and pride.
CDO also launched its inaugural Golden Spoon Awards to recognize employees for their outstanding performance, contributions, and embodiment of company values. Among those honored were 80 long-serving employees, each with over 30 to 44 years of service.
Another highlight of the celebration came when the company honored Corazon Dayro Ong herself with a special award, recognizing her 50 years of dedicated service.
A Star-Studded Salute
To reflect the significance of the milestone, CDO mounted large-scale celebrations featuring high-profile celebrity performances.
Day one featured CDO brand ambassadors Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli alongside Gary Valenciano, and an after-party set by Juan Miguel Salvador.
Day two raised the bar even higher: CDO brand endorsers Vice Ganda and P-pop girl group BINI had the entire crowd cheering, while Sarah, Matteo, and Gary V. returned to deliver another round of high-energy performances.
Long-time CDO brand ambassador Dimples Romana and seasoned host Sam YG hosted the event.
The Journey Continues
As the two-day celebration came to a close, one thing was evident: CDO’s 50th anniversary marks not just a look back at its legacy, but a bold step toward further growth.
With its strong foundation, enduring partnerships, and growing community, CDO Foodsphere, Inc. remains committed to its purpose of bringing families and generations together through delicious food, across the nation and beyond.
