What to Take Home from Cebu? 7 Souvenirs

written on September 10th, 2015 by Rafia Abubakar

People are quick to drop hints for pasalubong when they find out you’re off to a nice getaway trip. Even if it’s just a quick visit, it has become customary to bring back gifts as souvenirs for family and friends. Otherwise you won’t hear the end of it.

When vacationing in Cebu while perusing the shops you will undoubtedly see along your way, what could be a good souvenir to take home?

1. Dried Mangoes. Did you know that most dried mangoes for export are made in Cebu? Stock up on them while you’re here where they are affordable and found everywhere.

This sweet chewy treat is one of the sure winners for family and friends, easy to pack and light enough to carry.

2. Danggit. This seems to be one of the most requested things to bring when I visit friends out of town. The tiny dried fish, usually fried to a crisp, a staple for breakfast is a favourite. I even know people who have painstakingly taken the time to wrap them well when going back abroad.

If you are planning to bring dried delicacies like danggit or dried squid abroad, they have to be well wrapped and sealed, in tight-air containers if possible, especially if you’re travelling by plane. Most likely they will have to be in your check-in baggage. The smell won’t be agreeable with others.

You can find a variety of dried fish and squids along with danggit in wet markets like Carbon, but they are also conveniently found in supermarkets packed and sealed in plastic.

3. Otap. A homegrown treat, this puff-like pastry will bring out the best techniques to eating it without making a mess. A light, crisp, and flaky snack, Otap easily crumbles as you eat it. Now that makes for an interesting eating challenge.

4. Lechon. Travel and cuisine connoisseur, Anthony Bourdain himself called it “The best pig ever.” This also has to be one of the most sought after food for those who visit Cebu. All guilty feelings and inhibitions set aside. Just recently they have been made available as travel-friendly pasalubong Now you can postpone the diet plans long after your trip. You can get your family and friends in on the guilty pleasure too.

Stalls and specialty shops are a dime a dozen in Cebu, and there’s even the boneless lechon variety. The more compact, the better and easier to pack away.

5. Guitar / Ukulele. Now before you think food is all there is to buy as gifts from Cebu, there’s more to it than that. Cebu is known for well-crafted guitars. You won’t have a hard time looking for guitar shops either. Some of them are just along the road going to the airport

If the guitar is too huge for you to lug round, you can always buy the smaller cousin, the Ukulele. Still an amazing gift for the more musically inclined. You can even get them in whimsical and colourful designs.

6. Hand Crafted items. From beaded necklaces and bracelets, to handicrafts made from coconut and sea shells, bags, and keychains; there’s an abundance of designs and wares for you to choose from. If you want to bring home gifts reflecting the tropics, the Island of Cebu and its colourful heritage, there’s sure to be something in the nook and crannies of these pop up stalls found anywhere in malls and specialized shops.

7. Then again, a souvenir shirt never fails too. Wear it with pride and start a conversation about how and where you got it.

The next time you have to relax, unwind, experience a beautiful place, and eat delectable goods, one can’t help but wish to share these experiences with others. So while we can’t always bring people with us, we can at least bring some of the experience back to them, wrapped nicely in a pasalubong package.

So on your next trip to Cebu, take something home with you. Leave extra space in your luggage for the loads of gifts and goodies.