Cover Tatler lists the best souvenirs you can find in the Philippines (Photo: Getty Images)
Tatler lists the best souvenirs you can find in the Philippines (Photo: Getty Images)
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Whether you’re an international or local tourist, the Philippines will never fail to amuse you with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Here are souvenirs that will remind you of the good times you spent in the country
When we depart a place, we always seem to take a piece of it with us. For some, it comes in the form of cherished memories, a lingering feeling of nostalgia, or a heartfelt souvenir. The Philippines is an unforgettable destination brimming with diverse traditions, languages, cuisines, and stories—a cultural hubbub that captivates the senses and leaves a mark on every traveller’s heart.
In this article, Tatler gives you a list of the things to bring home when you visit some of the country’s beloved travel destinations.
In case you missed it: The cultural wanderer’s guide to Binondo, Manila
1. Wooden handicrafts from Quezon Province
Above Souvenir recommendation: Wooden handirafts from Quezon (Photo: Getty Images)
Souvenir recommendation: Wooden handirafts from Quezon (Photo: Getty Images)
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Nothing beats Quezon Province when it comes to quality craftsmanship and unique designs. Nestled in the Calabarzon region of the Philippines, this place is known for its woodworking tradition and generations of skilled artisans. Whether you want a wooden sofa, lamp, plates, or timber decor pieces to display at home, Quezon Province is a destination you should not miss.
Artisans in Quezon boast intricate carvings, delicate detailing, and exquisite finishing that you would not find anywhere else. Every wooden piece you take carries a piece of Filipino heritage unique to the region.
2. Dried Mangoes from Cebu
Above Souvenir recommendation: Dried mangoes from Cebu (Photo: Getty Images)
Souvenir recommendation: Dried mangoes from Cebu (Photo: Getty Images)
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Have you been to Cebu if you haven’t taken dried mangoes home? Known for their sweet and tangy taste, dried mangoes’ unique flavour is often attributed to the region’s tropical climate.
Unlike other perishable items, these fruits are easy to transport as they are lightweight and non-perishable—an excellent choice for travellers looking to bring home a souvenir from Cebu.
3. Shoes from Marikina
Souvenir recommendation: Shoes from Marikina (Photo: Getty Images)
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Marikina is a great place to look for souvenirs. Dubbed the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines”, this destination has a long-standing tradition of shoemaking that dates back to the Spanish colonial era.
Shoemakers in Marikina offer various styles to suit different tastes and preferences. From classic leather footwear to trendy designs, there’s always something for every traveller.
More from Tatler: Vania Romoff Unveils New Line Of Stylish Yet Functional Footwear
4. Toy Jeepney from Manila
Above A wooden jeepney toy from Manila is a good souvenir (Photo: Flickr)
A wooden jeepney toy from Manila is a good souvenir (Photo: Flickr)
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The Filipino experience is not over without a jeepney ride! The jeepney is an enduring symbol of the country’s culture and transportation, and it ferries ordinary Filipinos to different destinations around the city. With its phaseout in the talks, commuters fret over the potential loss of an affordable and reliable mode of transportation. On the other hand, its drivers will be forced to secure loans for new vehicles.
As a souvenir, you and your travel buddies can stop by shops around Intramuros, Manila, where they sell toy jeepneys for decor.
See also: ‘Why did they have to die?’: Inside Patricia Evangelista’s ‘Some People Need Killing’
5. Festival Masks from Bacolod
Above Maskara festival masks are good souvenirs (Photo: Getty Images)
Maskara festival masks are good souvenirs (Photo: Getty Images)
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When Bacolod suffered from an economic crisis due to the United States’ introduction of sugar substitutes like fructose corn syrup, the Art Association of Bacolod conceived a dance parade that would conceal the hardship and uplift the spirit of the community. The Masskara festival, celebrated every fourth Sunday of October, is the portmanteau of “mass”, which means crowd, and “kara”, which means face. People who joined the annual fest dance in the middle of the street wore smiling face masks, colourful costumes, and gigantic headdresses.
For those who want to join the festival or take a souvenir home from Bacolod, drop by Jojo Vito Designs. Home to Bacolod’s most colourful masks, this shop also doubles as a gallery where guests can request a mask painting session with the in-house artist.
Read more: The cultural wanderer’s guide to Bacolod, the ‘city of smiles‘
6. Banig from Basey, Samar
A handwoven mat from the Philippines is a good souvenir (Photo: Getty Images)
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The banigs or handwoven mats from Basey, Samar make for an exceptional souvenir as they are made from locally sourced materials such as tikog grass. Every mat is handwoven with precision and care. Their intricate and vibrant patterns make them versatile and functional souvenirs that can be used in everyday life or displayed as a decorative accent at home.
7. Textile and Fabric from Iloilo
Textile and fabric from the Philippines are good souvenirs (Photo: Getty Images)
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Iloilo is known for its rich tradition of weaving and textile production. Weaving in the Philippines is more than just a culture perpetuated out of function or necessity. The tradition is considered an artistic expression of beliefs. For instance, textiles and colours represent different rituals in the country. Traditional dances use specific patterns for courtship, healing, war, harvest, and protection.
Textiles and fabrics are good souvenirs as they support local artisans and communities. Travellers forge a deeper connection to the region’s culture and heritage by taking these materials home.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
