The art of Pasalubong

MANILA, Philippines – Pasalubong is a crucial element of an unwritten social contract which has evolved as an integral part of Filipino tradition, deeply ingrained into our behavioral pattern. For wherever we may wander – here or abroad – we instinctively scout and budget for pasalubong, that one perfect memento that will, for certain, touch the hearts of those you hold near and perhaps not necessarily dear – a special someone, family and friends, colleagues…

However, there are two sides of this coin. While there are individuals who have an automatic eye and a knack for picking out the perfect gift, guaranteed to spark joy, there are others who view the hunt as a surefire way to ruin a holiday, often due to additional unneeded pressure and additional baggage weight. So, whether from the souvenir shop, local flea market or airport shop, you pick up the fridge magnet, the bookmark, the city t-shirt or the always appreciated chocolates.

Thus, during my visit to my hometown during the Christmas season of gift giving, I quietly wondered if the list of classics such as Shamrock Otap, Titay’s Rosquillos, Torta Bisaya, bibingka from Mandaue and Danao, danggit from Tabuan, dried mangoes and lechon – there are as many kinds as you have taste buds – has expanded.

While I was at social gatherings, family and school reunions, religious services and holiday shopping, I asked some fellow Cebuanos who have spent way more time in the oldest city in the country than I have to weigh in on the ideal “take me homes” from Cebu.

Here are their suggestions.

Ato Alvarez Restaurateur

As far as I can recall, the year was 1980 – the very first Sinulog celebration as we know it today – when I found myself on top of a float during the parade portraying the role of the Spanish navigator and the Philippines’ first governor-general with an image of the Señor Sto. Niño in hand. Ever since that life-changing moment, I have been a devotee, and every Friday, I find myself on my weekly little pilgrimage to the holy shrine.

In preparation for any forthcoming trip, no matter how brief or how extensive – I make a detour to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño store, where I obtain several images of the religious icon in varying sizes, made out of different materials, for pasalubongs.

I believe in His miraculous powers – and everyone, but everyone, needs a blessing and more.

Rosebud Sala Interior designer

I love anything and everything crochet, for I grew up with those exquisite hand-crafted items, in memorable homes through the years.

So whenever I’m in the midst of preparations to travel, I’d drop by Lulu Aboitiz’s non-profit St. Joseph’s Crochet, and have the time of my life admiring and, without fail, even end up purchasing chic crocheted products – from infant’s boots and ladies’ home dresses, to saucer underlays, glass coasters, tray mats, table doilies and runners.

She points out whatever is new and novel, for she never runs out of exciting ideas, most specially to enhance ones’ daily life and to entertain with style.  However, since Lulu has passed on, the original team of her female workers has organized themselves to continue her noble mission.

Julie Najar Hotelier

The island of Cebu is universally known for its locally manufactured guitars, and the unforgettable music they produce, depending on the versatility of the music maker. It’s always a familiar reminder of sweet memories of days gone by, with sincere hopes for reunions and homecomings, to celebrate milestones.

My appropriate pasalubong is the mini-guitar which, after a couple of strums, will hit those familiar with flashes of home. As to the unfamiliar, it serves as an invitation to visit, and hopefully inspires them to take a Philippine holiday to witness and experience what the musical islands may offer.

Tony Lozada Antique car collector

Contrary to existing common belief, even as a young wife, my partner in life Grace was a good cook. But what she excels in is baking. And the ultimate delicacy is her coffee cookies.

Only done at our very own oven right in our family kitchen, it nevertheless is popularly known as Mama Grace Yummy Coffee Cookies.

Recipients, who consider themselves lucky, have claimed that it’s best enjoyed solo, in its pure simplicity, while some say it’s a perfect match for every possible pairing. Due to her baking skills, one could easily turn into an addict!

The growing number of requests for the treat from family members based in foreign shores reminds us to take along boxes of the goodies, while new converts sheepishly drop us subtle hints, hints and more hints.

Vivina Chiu Pediatrician

In all my travels, I never fail to take with me a number of portable CDs – non-pirated, mind you – of talented Cebuano singers, to include Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales, Asia’s Diva Dulce and The Vamp Vernie Varga, who all beautifully belt out familiar melodies, with lyrics that remind everyone – familiares y conocidos – of treasured homes, memorable memories and the good old days.

During some of my trips, which may find me delivering a keynote speech or presenting a paper or acting as a member of the panel – all connected to the world of pediatrics – I still share these same CDs with my colleagues, to showcase the musicality of the Cebuanos, wherein folklore and local legend state that all islanders can either sing or play an instrument, especially the guitar.

Margie Lhuillier Home accessories and housewares exporter

I love designing and creating pieces for the house. All displays at my factory-shop, Infini Export Collection, are what I’d be proud to have in my home – so all my pasalubongs, you guessed it, are my very own products.

Throughout my trips, items made of non-endangered seashells are appreciated the most. Believe it or not, picture frames are still popular, despite the notion that the digital world is upon us. Another favorite are unique candle holders – still out of shells – for the singular magical touch they forever provide.

Bingen Mendezona Security expert

“Whenever I travel, which is usually and predominantly for business, I simply don’t have any pasalubongs.

There are exceptions, though, and that is when I’m on holiday, usually to visit my only daughter who resides in the US, and other family members and friends scattered throughout the continents.

I would pack a couple of bottles of Spanish sardines from Dipolog. Another item is Tanduay Rhum, a local brand, but still coveted in America among my relatives, who treat it as premium Scotch or Cognac.

And to complete the troika, I’d take along  some choco-mango – typical dried mango but dipped in a dark chocolate coating on one end. This makes it a very Filipino nuvo food concept – a combination of the best flavored mango of Cebu with native tablea, made out of selected cocoa beans.

Margette Villarica Travel and tours operator

Pasalubongs? I have to reveal a miniscule part of a secret.

My one and only choice are bags full of chicharon sealed in strictly vacuumed packs – as it travels superbly over masses of land and across oceans – in order to successfully arrive at the desired destinations, with its freshness, crispiness, crunchiness and flavor preserved.

The source? There is a lady in town who fries choice pork cuts in the traditional way, with no shortcuts at all whatsoever – in her own house unaided – yes, all by herself!

She’s been my suki for many, many years. Our solemn pact is that she continues to supply only me, in addition to her immediate family members, and dear, dear friends close to her heart. And for as long as the secret is honored, my lips are sealed. I can’t say anything more.