Filipinos are generally known to exhibit the cultural habit of buying and bringing pasalubong (souvenirs) to their loved ones, whether a key chain, shirt, or food delicacy from a place they have recently traveled to. For travelers visiting Manila anytime soon who would like to buy a memento to remind them of their trip, finding souvenir items here surely will not be a problem.
Piña Cloth
There are many types of beautiful fabrics made in the
Philippines, but the queen of them all is the piña cloth, which is extracted from pineapple fibers. When done the traditional way, the process of making piña cloth is hard and laborious.
Though it looks soft and delicate on the outside, this cloth is downright durable. It is often used to make the traditional Filipino dress, the Saya and Barong Tagalog, but you can also find bags, table linens, and other home décor made of this.
Philippine Pearls
It is said that the pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens. The pearl is the oldest valued gem, but unlike other gems, it is derived from living organisms, such as mollusks - the oyster. This hard and ideally round and smooth object is naturally produced and is cultivated or harvested. Pearls come in varied colors. In the Philippines you can take fancy in the various colored pearls, such as cream-roses, cream-whites, and assorted yellows and golds.
Kubing
Music is always a huge part of local culture, no matter where you are in the world. Musical instruments make great souvenirs, since they capture the spirit of a place through sound.
A popular instrument that will be easy to bring home is the “Kubing,” or jaw harp. It is made of bamboo and about 25 cm long, so it will be easy to pack. The instrument is played by pressing the mouthpiece to the lips and plucking the end to create a sound. Kubings are generally played during courtship (usually by the man) or in traditional ceremonies.
Barako Coffee
Grown mainly in Batangas, Barako coffee is the best gift to take home to your coffee-loving friends and family members. It is of the Liberica variety and is popular and well-loved for its strong aroma and rich fruity taste. You can serve it black or with honey or sugar as a sweetener, and it is best paired with the Filipino pan de sal or cakes and pastries.
Capiz Items
Capiz is both a geographical location and the name of a shell that is used largely in interior decorating and for decorative gifts and accessories found in the
Philippines. Geographically speaking, Capiz is a province of the Philippines facing the Sibuyan Sea to the north. Capiz shell, which is used for decorative purposes, is the outer shell of the marine mollusk, Placuna placenta, found in the shallow coastal waters of the Philippines.
Banig products
Banig products are woven from grasses such as Tikog and Romblon, and have vibrant colors and patterns. Banig bags, banig mats and banig placemats can add a lovely pop of color to any home. Bring back the Banig mats for friends who are into camping or the outdoors, and Banig bags for those who love fashion with a funky touch.
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