MANILA, Philippines - Based on the brisk business C2 Collezione — the company that put the Philippine map on a shirt — is doing on a regular basis, Pinoy pride products are on the rise. Forget those cheesy rattan pieces that look like they came straight out of a balikbayan gift shop. There is plenty of hip, new locally-made pro-Pinoy stuff on the market that’ll put those tired mother-of-pearl frames to shame. And they’re cheap to boot.
Give them to your parents, expat friends, balikbayan relatives or younger siblings with a growing sense of local pride. These Pinoy products are sure to prove that you — and the Pinoy — are world-class gift givers.
Animal attraction: This dyed river snake clutch, P799.75, is reminiscient of Colombian accessories designer Nancy Gonzalez’s work — except it’s not made of croc and it’s a fraction of the price. Available at SM Kultura
Party starter: Introduce your foreign friends to local moonshine with Capistrano lambanog, P499.75, packaged in this classy wooden box, complete with shot glass, flavored mini lambanog and a large, pass-out-in-the-middle-of-the-party size bottle. Available at SM Kultura
Map quest: C2 Collezione’s map shirt already has a rapidly-growing following consisting of baby-boomers, yuppies and teens. Encourage kids to celebrate the Pinoy with C2’s signature shirt in a slim-fit kid’s size, P500. Available at Collezione, Power Plant and Market! Market!
Love and money: Team Manila’s tongue-in-chic wallets, inscribed with local lingo or embellished with Rizal’s face, make the perfect stocking stuffer. Insert a P500 bill and you’re set for Christmas. Available at Team Manila, Power Plant and SM Mall of Asia
Pearls of cuteness: Pearl necklaces aren’t always the province of matronas and wannabe prepsters. This playful set by Trikita, P449.75 each, is made with colored leather twine and can be worn as a choker or in long, double strands. Available at SM Kultura
Not-so-blank canvas: Wear your heart on your tote with this canvas shopper, P199.75. Available at SM Kultura
And it was all yellow: Remember better days with this Ninoy shirt by Bench, P349.75, made in yellow, black and white with Ninoy’s glasses placed in a trompe l’oeil pattern across the chest. Available at Bench stores nationwide