The Philippines is home to many skilled craftsmen and artisans. With a harmony and respect for nature, and with skills and tools passed down through generations, they often use indigenous materials common in the community to create unique products that reflect the national identity and culture.

To revive the tourism industry after the pandemic, the Philippine Department of Tourism is currently working with the Department of Trade and Industry to support local handicraft businesses nationwide. This is also an opportunity to introduce the unique indigenous talents and cultures of each region of the Philippines to international friends.

“By showcasing local products, we can support the livelihoods of community members, as well as help preserve their heritage for future generations,” said Berna Romulo-Puyat, Secretary of Tourism of the Philippines.

Here are 12 souvenir suggestions from the Department of Tourism of the Philippines, so you can take home memories and a slice of Philippine culture from your upcoming trip.

1. Baguio Wooden Furniture

Wood carvings of the Cordillera highlanders are diverse, ranging from agricultural and farming tools to items for community rituals. At the central market and roadside stalls in Baguio, you can easily find many unique hand-carved wooden items such as: Bulul statues representing the guardian deity of the house, 'barrel man' statues, warrior statues or eagle statues.

2. Inabel textiles of the Ilocos region

Inabel (Abel Iloco) is a soft, rustic, pliable fabric that comes in a variety of unique patterns and designs. Inabel items are readily available at souvenir shops in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. You can also order dishcloths, blankets, scarves, bags, and even custom-made clothing online from young designers who favor this handwoven, sustainably sourced fabric.

3. Pagburnayan pottery jars of Vigan

'Burnay' is an Ilocano word for a brown earthenware jar used by Filipinos even before the arrival of the Spanish. These ceramic jars have been used by generations of Filipinos to store water, salt, rice, or vinegar, fermented fish sauce. Visit any pottery shop in Vigan City, see how the people use the power of water buffalo to mix mud to make Burnay, and take a souvenir photo at the potter's wheel. These thick and sturdy ceramic jars also make ideal home decorations or planters.

4. Cebu Guitars and Capiz Crafts

Handcrafted guitars from Cebu (Central Visayas) are renowned throughout the Philippines for their durability, affordability, and superior quality to mass-produced guitars. Guitar-making techniques here have been known since the Spanish era, and have been passed down through generations by local master craftsmen. Many guitar shops have become domestic tourist attractions that draw music lovers of all ages.

The Visayas region is also home to Capiz shell art, a traditional handicraft industry that uses the translucent shell of the paper scallop to create works of art. Today, Capiz shells can still be found on the windows of heritage homes or stained glass windows of churches. Local artists also use Capiz shells to create ornate decorative items such as chandeliers, wind chimes, floor lamps or compact stationery items. This is one of the souvenirs that has great meaning and cultural value.

5. Barako Coffee of Batangas

“Barako” in Tagalog means “strong,” which is also a nice description for the beverage made from coffee beans grown in Batangas province and some parts of Cavite province. Coffee experts describe the flavor of Barako as woody and smoky, with a hint of floral and fruity sweetness. The rich, intense flavor of Liberica beans is very popular in local cafes, and it is even used in cakes and pastries. Sipping a cup of coffee brewed from a bag of Barako ground coffee is a great way to refresh yourself on a cold day.

6. Malagos Chocolates Davao Region

The Davao region is known as the chocolate capital, or cacao capital of the Philippines. One of the pioneering chocolate brands in the industry, and a multi-award winner, is Malagos Chocolates. Malagos uses high-quality, sustainably sourced cocoa beans in its production, providing a rich taste experience. What better gift for a sweet tooth than velvety, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates?

7. South Sea Pearl Shops in Manila

Pearls and gemstones are often sold at high-end jewelry stores located in shopping malls. However, those who want to experience the feeling of bargaining when buying jewelry and accessories can visit the markets in Manila. Here, you can find a variety of South Sea pearls from Palawan and some parts of Mindanao, sold next to stalls selling phone accessories and rubber shoes. Admiring collections of sparkling necklaces and elegant earrings while “negotiating” the pearls is also a unique experience for the trip.

8. Davao Oriental Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)

Because it is produced from young or mature coconuts without undergoing chemical refining, bleaching and deodorization, VCO has always been loved for its many health benefits. In the Philippines, there are many VCO products sold in the form of oil, capsules and even cosmetics. Among them, Davao Oriental is one of the largest exporters of coconut products in the country, with products that are known as the “purest and healthiest” form of coconut oil.

9. Cordillera heirloom rice

Heirloom rice varieties have been grown in the Cordillera Mountains for centuries. There may be as many as 500 traditional rice varieties that are native to the region, and they are mostly grown for personal or family consumption. To date, 88 Cordillera rice varieties have been identified, and studies have shown that they have higher nutritional content than other rice varieties. You can cook this special heirloom rice, and eat it with your hands the native way for the most authentic experience.

10. Alcoholic beverages in the Philippines

Try imbibing the Filipino spirit through alcoholic beverages. The late Alejandro Roces once cheekily and humorously wrote in a short story: “We Filipinos only drink soft drinks.” This is offset by locally distilled beverages like Don Papa Rum, a premium aged rum from the sugarcane fields at the foot of Mount Kanglaon in the Visayas. Lambanog, another strong spirit, is obtained by distilling naturally fermented coconut nectar. It is a perfect gift for those who like to “sip.”

11. Local Shoes in Liliw, Laguna

The town of Liliw in Laguna province is famous for its handmade footwear, made from the abaca trees that grow abundantly in the area. These comfortable footwear are perfect for keeping warm around the house. They make for a practical and unique souvenir – but make sure the recipient gives you a coin in return, as old Filipino custom holds that if you don’t receive a coin when you give shoes, there could be a conflict between the two parties.

12. Clothing made from Filipinna fabrics

Young Filipino designers are rediscovering indigenous woven fabrics, reinventing them into modern materials, called Filipinna (Filip + Inna). Because of the use of handwoven materials, beading and embroidery, clothes made from this fabric are comfortable and highly functional. You can order a variety of styles, from office wear to beachwear. In particular, they combine traditional and modern Filipino designs, creating a unique and outstanding style.

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