The Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards for 300 years and is currently very much into Western culture. Hence, the Filipino way of life is a colorful mix of Malayan, Spanish, Eastern and Western influences.
If you want the best Filipino souvenirs and gifts, you need to go to a specialized shop. If a website exists, you’re in luck! However you do it, nothing beats the quality from specialty shops.
Though some specialty shops are now in malls, there are still many operating on their own delivering products with superb quality.
If you’re visiting the Philippines, look for these Filipino souvenirs and gifts.
- Sculptural Pieces
(Credit: Atelier Aguila Art Furniture and Objects)
Works of Dumaguete artist, Karl Aguila, are made using materials like driftwoods, sunken logs and boats, antlers, agricultural artifacts, natural stone, bone and architectural salvages.
In his showroom, you’ll see his rustic and eclectic touch on doors, center tables, tribal bags, pedestals, chairs and buffalo horn accessories.
With the mission of using salvaged, antiquated and recycled materials of wood and stone, Atelier Aguila makes handcrafted masterpieces using passionate labor.
As Karl put it, “We aim to inspire a discriminating connoisseur who values high aesthetics, original concepts and environmental matters.”
Address: Atelier Aguila, G/F, LRI Design Plaza, 210 N. Garcia St., Makati City
Minimum Spend: PHP 500 (S$12.85)
Website: www.atelieraguila.com
- Banig Products
(Credit: Alea Ramirez) (Credit: BanigHandicraft @Facebook)
Banig is woven dried grasses Tikog, a grass that grows in aquatic or grassy areas and Romblon, a salt-tolerant plant growing by the seashores in Western Pacific Islands. They’re usually painted with eye-catching colors once they’re made into mats, place mats, bags, wallets, packages, wall decorations, dangling earrings, necklaces and footwear.
With such genius use of material and visibility through the internet, the banig is quickly becoming world class.
Address: Ground Floor, Market Market, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, 1606 Metro Manila or at local markets
Minimum Spend: PHP 100 (S$2.60)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BanigHandicraft/
- Ethnic Woven Products
Sagada is a place in the Mountain Province, in the Cordillera Region of Luzon (Philippines’ biggest island).
The locals in Sagada have been weaving fabrics into bags, slippers, purses, place mats, skirt, loincloth and vest for more than 50 years.
Using wooden weaving looms, these products have been enticing locals and foreigners with the ethic form of weaving which turns out long-lasting products.
Address: Sagada Weaving and Souvenir Shop
Nangonogan, Poblacion, Sagada
Contact: +63 9195571431
Minimum Spend : PHP 599 (S$15.45)
- Pottery
Pottery is becoming an endangered art form. The idea of spending on something when a machine can do it cheaply and quickly is a sign of a lack of good potters.
Not with Pettyjohn Pottery.
John Pettyjohn once peddled his masterpieces just to make a sale.
Thirty years later, he’s hailed as a pioneer of modern pottery in the Philippines.
With his creative innovative designs, his award-winning potteries are recognized worldwide.
He does the traditional Asian techniques of high fire stoneware and porcelain while using Philippine volcanic ash and clay to come up with beautiful traditional functional pottery.
Address: Bucal, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines
Contact: +63 09178965491
Facebook Page: Pettyjohn Pottery
Minimum Spend : PHP 600 (S$15.50)
- Jeepney Replica
Nothing screams Philippines like the jeepney.
A post-Word War II invention, it’s the main mode of public transport. With vivid colors and lavish interior decors which many jeepney drivers prefer, the jeepney is an icon.
Sold in Filipino souvenirs and gift shops everywhere, you can buy a great replica from Tesoro’s Philippine Handicrafts. They’ve been catering to locals and foreigners alike since 1945.
Address: Antonio Arnaiz Ave, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila
Contact: +63(02) 887 6285
Website: https://tesoros.ph/
Minimum Spend : PHP 100 ($2.60)
