The Philippine archipelago is home to many skilled craftspeople and artisans. With a harmonious relationship with and respect for nature, along with skills and tools passed down through generations, they often use readily available local materials to create unique products that reflect their national identity and culture.

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

"By showcasing local products, we can support the livelihoods of the people in the community, as well as help preserve their heritage for future generations," said Berna Romulo-Puyat, the Philippine Secretary of Tourism.

Below are 12 souvenir suggestions from the Philippine Department of Tourism, so you can bring home memories and a glimpse of Philippine culture after your upcoming trip.

1. Baguio Furniture

The wood carvings of the people of the Cordillera highlands are diverse, ranging from agricultural tools and implements to items used in community rituals. At the central market and roadside stalls in Baguio, you can easily find many unique handcrafted wooden items such as Bulul statues representing the guardian spirit of the home, 'barrel man' statues, warrior statues, or eagle statues.

2. Inabel textiles from the Ilocos region

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

3. Pagburnayan pottery jars from Vigan

'Burnay' is an Ilocano word referring to the brown earthenware jars used by Filipinos even before the Spanish arrived. These ceramic jars have been used by generations of Filipinos to store water, salt, rice, or fermented fish sauce and vinegar. You can visit any pottery shop in Vigan City, discover how locals use the strength of buffalo to mix the mud for Burnay, and take a commemorative photo at a potter's wheel. These thick, sturdy earthenware jars also make ideal decorative items or plant pots for your home.

4. Cebu guitars and Capiz handicrafts

Handcrafted guitars from Cebu (in Central Visayas) are renowned throughout the Philippines for their durability, affordability, and superior quality compared to mass-produced instruments. The guitar-making techniques here date back to the Spanish colonial era and have been passed down through generations by local master luthiers. Many guitar shops have become popular tourist attractions, drawing music lovers of all ages.

The Visayas region is also the cradle of Capiz shell art – a traditional craft, with artworks created from the translucent shells of the paper clam. Today, Capiz shells can still be found on the windows of heritage houses 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 small stationery items. These are meaningful souvenirs with high cultural value.

5. Barako Coffee of Batangas

"Barako" in Tagalog means "strong," a fitting description for this beverage made from coffee beans grown in Batangas province and parts of Cavite province. Coffee experts describe Barako's flavor as a blend of woody and smoky notes, with a touch of sweetness from floral and fruity undertones. The rich, intense flavor of Liberica beans is highly prized in local cafes and is even used as an ingredient in cakes and pastries. Sipping a cup of coffee brewed from a Barako ground coffee bag is a wonderful way to stay refreshed on a cold day.

6. Malagos Chocolates in Davao

Davao is known as the chocolate capital, or cacao capital, of the Philippines. One of the pioneering and award-winning chocolate brands in the industry is Malagos Chocolates. Malagos uses high-quality, sustainably sourced cacao beans in its production process, delivering a rich taste experience. What better gift for sweet tooths than these velvety smooth chocolates that melt in your mouth?

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 thrill of bargaining when buying jewelry and accessories can visit the markets in Manila. Here, you can find a wide variety of South Sea pearls from Palawan and some parts of Mindanao Island, displayed alongside stalls selling phone accessories and rubber shoes. Admiring the sparkling necklace collections and elegant earrings while haggling over the price of pearls is a unique experience for your trip.

8. Davao Oriental's Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)

Because it is produced from young or mature coconuts without undergoing chemical refining, bleaching, or deodorization, VCO (Vegetable, Coconut, and Coconut Oil) remains popular due to its numerous health benefits. In the Philippines, many VCO products are available in the form of oil, capsules, and cosmetics. Davao Oriental is one of the country's largest exporters of coconut products, with products touted as the "purest and healthiest" form of coconut oil.

9. Traditional Cordillera rice

Traditional rice varieties have been cultivated in the Cordillera Mountains for centuries. There may be around 500 indigenous traditional rice varieties in the region, primarily grown for personal or family consumption. To date, 88 Cordillera rice varieties have been identified, and studies show they have higher nutritional content than other varieties. You can cook this special traditional rice and eat it with your hands, just like the locals, for the most authentic experience.

10. Alcoholic beverages in the Philippines

Try absorbing the Filipino spirit through alcoholic beverages. In a short story, the late writer Alejandro Roces boldly and humorously wrote, "We Filipinos only drink light drinks." This is "compensated" by local distilled spirits such as Don Papa Rum – a premium aged rum from the sugarcane fields at the foot of Mount Kanglaon in the Visayas. Lambanog coconut liqueur is another strong alcoholic beverage, obtained from the distillation of naturally fermented coconut blossom nectar. It's truly a perfect treat for those who enjoy sipping.

11. Local footwear in Liliw, Laguna

The town of Liliw in Laguna province is famous for its handcrafted footwear, made from abaca grass, which grows abundantly in the area. These comfortable shoes are perfect for wearing indoors to keep warm. They make practical and unique souvenirs – but be sure the recipient gives you a coin in return, as according to old Filipino custom, not receiving a coin when giving shoes as a gift can lead to conflict.

12. Clothing made from Filipino fabric

Young Filipino designers are rediscovering indigenous woven fabrics, transforming them into modern materials known as Filipinna (Filipino + Inna). Because of the use of hand-woven, beaded, and embroidered fabrics, clothing made from this material is very comfortable and highly versatile. You can order a variety of styles, from office wear to beachwear. Notably, the designs combine traditional and modern Filipino elements, creating a unique and striking style.

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