The 10 most incredible souvenirs to buy in the Philippines

The moment you step into the vibrant streets and local markets of the Philippines, you begin to feel the warmth of its culture and people. As you explore different islands, colourful stalls filled with handcrafted treasures catch your eye, each item telling a unique story. Souvenirs in the Philippines are more than just travel keepsakes; they reflect the rich traditions, creativity, and heritage of the country. From woven handicrafts to beautiful pearl jewellery and delicious local treats, every purchase connects you with the heart of the Philippines tourism. Bringing these souvenirs home is like carrying a small piece of the islands and their unforgettable memories with you.

10. Banig fabric

Banig is a kind of fabric made from dried leaves and hence by buying it, you’re favoring their growing yet unstable economy as well as the ecosystem. Having said that, now let me unapologetically swoon over the artistry of Filipinos with such minimal resources!

9. Sungka boardgame

Sungka is the Filipino version of the mancala game, which definitely goes in your must-buys list even if you’re not a big fan of board games. This boat-shaped wooden board with shell stones will be the standout feature of your antique showcase. In the Philippines, Sungka is used more for foretelling purpose than for actually playing.

8. Kubing

We all know Filipinos are great with bamboo handicrafts. What may come as a surprise is — Kubing, an intricately designed bamboo jaw harp. What makes this instrument more precious is its alluring tune resulting from the bamboo sheathing.

7. Whang-Od tattoo

If you’re looking for a souvenir for life that you can carry along anywhere, consider getting inked by the living legend Apo Whang-Od, the 102-year-old tattoo artist from Kalinga. Titled as the last Mambabatok(Tattoo master) on earth, Whang-Od doesn’t just paint, she’s rather on a mission to pass on the legacies of the Butbut tribe by tattooing with bamboo hammers, thorns and soots. Locals say she rarely tattoos westerners. Well, keep your fingers crossed, we never know!

6. Abaca products

Made from a banana variety that’s indigenous to the Philippines, Abaca products are of crucial importance in the trading economy. Abaca is versatile — it comes as curtains, rugs, bags, slippers and more. Abaca sells not only as it’s sturdy by nature; it’s also aesthetically appealing. Let’s see what you bring!

5. Lambanog

Coconut wine? The Philippines, how drunk are you? But it’s true. This distilled palm liquor is extracted from the fermented sap of coconut. While you can find all kinds of liquors and flavored drinks here, Lambanog’s significance in the Filipino traditions is truly unparalleled!

4. Jeepney toy

If you’re wondering why this whimsy little toy is found in every Filipino shop, here’s why — created as a means to reuse the military jeeps from world war II, jeepneys are now the most typical transport to trail around the Philippines. Don’t think much! This is one of the unique things you can’t find anywhere else.

3. Crow’s craft whiskey

No one will judge you even if you travel all the way to the Philippines just for grabbing the first single malt whiskey of the Philippines. Crow’s craft whiskey has a rather strong tint of citrus from the Filipino flowers and fruits. Note: With 65% alcohol, this one is not to be taken lightly — time for more reality checks!

2. Barako coffee beans

Taken mostly black, Kapeng Barako is warming the cups and hearts of the Filipinos dating back to the 18th century. It’s also one of the rarest, and the boldest savor of coffee as its name suggests. Barako means stud or wild bear, emphasizing on its strength.

1. Filipino Pearls

The Philippines is called the pearl of the orient sea for a reason. The south sea pearls it produces are existing proof that pearls, even if flawed in shape or colour, will still be beautiful. Your jewellery box certainly needs this! So go ahead and book your Philippines tour package now!

Philippines Travel Planning Guide

Travel Factor	Details
Best Time to Visit	November to April for sunny weather and island activities.
Suggested Duration	7–10 days to explore major islands and beaches.
Best Places to Buy Souvenirs	Manila markets, Cebu craft shops, Boracay beach markets, and Palawan stalls.
Top Experiences	Island hopping, White Beach in Boracay, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and Cebu diving.
Average Budget	₹80,000 – ₹1,40,000 per person for a 7–10 day trip from India.

Being an avid fan of vintage music, I still have the tickets from my first Ilayaraja concert secretly stashed. Do you, also have any memento that you hold precious to date? Mention in the comments section, and in the meanwhile — For more collection of memorabilia from around the world, create your vacations with Pickyourtrail!

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