Whenever Filipinos travel, they always look out for pasalubong (take home) for their friends as a token and as memento of their trip. More often than not, the easiest choices are fridge magnets or key chains featuring an iconic structure or the name of the place, so unless you’re a collector, these items can be… a bit unexciting.
Knowing this, Cebu Pacific has gathered a few interesting pasalubong ideas from passengers in key cities in the Philippines.
If you’re going to Naga or Legazpi in Bicol to view Mt. Mayon, frolic in the beaches of Caramoan or have that once-in-a-lifetime experience of swimming with whale sharks in Donsol, take home the Toasted Siopao from 3N Bakery, a jar of pili nuts, or maybe a bagful of pili tarts and marzipan.
In Puerto Princesa in Palawan whose beaches and world-renowned Underground River are the main draw for tourists, the cashew nuts, French bread from Vietville or the locally made rainmakers and silk products are perfect choices.
In the historic province of Iloilo, there are awe-inspiring old churches, centuries-old mansions, pristine white sand beaches, and the freshest and most succulent mangoes from the island of Guimaras that taste like no other.
The island of Cebu, best known for its guitars, world-class furniture and fashion houses and powdery white sand beaches also has the coral colonies of the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary and the beaches of Nalusuan Island. If you are adventurous, you will appreciate Cebu’s version of chicaron (pork cracklings) with crisp pork skin, the best of which can be found in the mercado or market in the town of Carcar.
In Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, a delicious pasalubong would be the pineapple crumble from Mercedes Breads, the tasty ham of Slers or Pine, Chedeng’s Peanuts, made-to-order tarts from Persimoon, or the unique malunggay pastel as an alternative to the yema pastel.
Zamboanga’s Alavar’s Restaurant is famous for the curacha or spanner crab, and a bottle of their Alavar’s Sauce is a good choice to bring home to family and friends. Also visit the barter area for Apollo Wafers from Malaysia.
There are a lot more places to discover now that Cebu Pacific has made them more affordable and accessible.
Visit www.cebupacificair.com for more information.