15 Souvenirs From Philippines - A Little Something For All

An archipelago of 7,000+ islands, The Philippines is a diverse nation populated by different tribes, each having their own culture and traditions. Philippines is a fantastic shopping destination because it offers a wide range of reasonably priced products. One of the best ways to get a slice of your holiday destination back with you home is to bring a souvenir that reminds you of it. To ease the task, we've come up with souvenir ideas to address the needs of a first time visitor to the country.

Elegant Capiz Shell Decor

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. 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. Capiz shells are often flat, semi-transparent with a pearlescent appearance. It is often used to create lampshades or other luminescent objects, such as candle holders, because of its striking appearance when light shines through. The decorative purposes of capiz are virtually limitless, and it is generally considered to be elegant and formal.

Where to find it: Kultura Filipino at the 2nd floor SM Ayala, Makati City; Jonats Handicrafts at Tiendesitas, Pasig City.

Filipino Pearls and Mother of Pearl

It is said that the pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens. Surrounded by the sea on all sides, it is no surprise that the white and golden pearls are one of the most sought-after items in the Philippines. These jewels extracted from the sea's depths are one of the finest in the world. The South Sea pearls are high in quality and affordable in price. Besides, the pearl market in the Philippines is teeming with various pearl jewelry, such as earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces, and more.

What better place to put caviar than in a exotic sea shell? This exotic sea shell is the mother of pearl sea shell or also called nacre. It is an iridescent layer of material which forms the shell lining of many mollusks. Truth be told, Mother of pearl is essential for serving caviar because it does not affect the caviar's fragile flavor. Any other type of tableware would alter the taste of caviar and distract from its natural flavor.

Unique Filipino Delicacies: Custaroons and Dried Mangoes

What do you get when you combine the classic French macaroon and a creamy leche flan? You get custaroons! A custaroon is a deliciously unique combination of smooth and creamy flan topped with a chewy, buttery crust. These bite-sized goodies were created by Gigi Gaerlan, a Filipina mom who has a passion for baking. Travelers should expect a Filipino tasting dessert that also appeals to the international market. You can purchase these yummy treats at the Custaroonery parking lot of the St. Pio Chapel Compound.

Not the most conventional souvenir, but the dried mangoes of the Philippines are truly irresistible and must be part of this list. These packaged delights are tangy and delicious for snacking at all times. It is a healthy, chewy snack and not too dry, making it a perfect gift for your loved ones who can also taste the fabulous flavors of the country.

Handmade Guitars and Ube Jam

For music lovers, colorful guitars are a wonderful souvenir to bring back home. Filipinos enjoy their music and have a knack for playing the guitar well. Though you can shop for the guitar anywhere, Cebu is particularly famous. One of the best-known brands is the Alegre guitar which is authentic and of good quality. There are other local instruments too, but the guitar is much easier to pack and carry.

Wouldn't you like to take the yummy purple-colored jam to add to all your desserts back home? Ube is a purple yam that is boiled, mashed, and used in various sweet dishes in the Philippines. The jam can be added to cakes, croissants, pies, muffins, bread, and more. Though there are different joints that sell the jam, the one handmade by the sisters of the Good Shephard Convent in Baguio is the best.

Price Guide for Filipino Souvenirs