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Tourists and Balikbayans (OFWs) alike spending their vacation in the Philippines are always thinking of what's the best pasalubong to buy in Manila that they can bring their friends and relatives abroad. Food is the best option because it is the best way to let them experience the Filipino tradition.
Pasalubong is something that you give to someone from your trip - be it a vacation or a business trip. So come to think of it, pasalubong is almost always associated to Balikbayans, because for just ONE trip, they have to think of TWO batches of pasalubong. First - on their way to the Philippines, they have to bring pasalubong to the ones that are in the Philippines. And second - when their vacation is over - they have to buy pasalubong to their friends and relatives when they go back abroad. The first one is easy, imported stuff like chocolates will do, but how about the second one? That's why we have listed the Top 5 Pasalubong that will give you idea on what to buy on your next trip to Manila:
1. DANGGIT (Dried)
Danggit is a kind of sun-dried fish, also known as Rabbitfish in English. This is the most sought-after pasalubong in the Philippines especially when you are in the Visayas region. But Danggit can now also be bought in the leading supermarkets in Metro Manila, try the Dry Goods section / area.
Due to its strong smell, make sure to place them in airtight containers to avoid having problems at the airport and getting delayed. Or better yet, buy the ones that are in vacuum-sealed plastic, if available. It is advisable to wrap them too in papers / newspapers then seal with packaging tapes after.
When you look for Dried Danggit, almost always there will be Daing na Pusit, which is also great for pasalubong.
Mango preserves such as Mangorind, Mango Jam, and Mango Balls are other products that you can buy too!
2. Dried Mango
Dried Mango, with its unique sweet but sour taste, makes it the favorite pasalubong. So go ahead grab dried mangoes for your family and friends and for sure they will love this healthy snack!
3. Bagoong
There are a variety of bagoongs but when it comes to pasalubong, the Bagoong Isda (fermented fish & salt) is the most-bought. Getting this outside of the Philippines and into another country might be a challenge though, but it is definitely worth trying. Pinoys I'm sure really miss eating Pinakbet, and it would not be such without bagoong!
You wont have a hard time looking for this because it's readily available in leading supermarkets in Metro Manila.
4. Packed Ulam / Packed Ready-to-eat Filipino dishes
Packed Ulam is the most convenient way to bring different viands of Pinoy dishes abroad. It is ready-to-eat, with real meat and spices, and longer shelf life. It is packaged in Tetra packs which is better because it is lighter than the canned ones. Although home cooked meals are way better, but these packed dishes surely eases Pinoy's cravings for Filipino cuisine.
Dinuguan, Laing, and Lechon Paksiw are the viands available at Goldilocks. Goldilocks can be found inside the malls, and they also have different branches in Metro Manila.
Dinuguan - a Filipino dish of pork meat and blood cooked in vinegar and seasonings, then garnished with siling haba
Laing - a spicy vegetable dish of dried gabi leaves and stems cooked in rich coconut milk flavored with shrimp and slices of pork
Lechon Paksiw - a typocal fiesta dish of Lechon De Leche / Lechon De Carajay sauteed and simmered in vinegar and liver sauce.
ULALAMMM ia also another brand that offers packed ready-to-eat dishes which can be bought at supermarkets. They have 12 different flavors to choose from. Each flavors are named with creative, catchy, and funny phrases:
- ADOBO ( Adobol Trobol )
- GINILING ( Giniling Mo Beybi )
- SISIG ( Sisig Na Astig )
- DINUGUAN ( Puso Kong Dinuguan )
- BISTEK ( Bistek na Walastik )
- CALDERETA ( Whatta Caldereta )
- PAKSIW ( Paksiw Kong Giliw )
- BICOL EXPRESS ( Biyaheng Bicol Express )
TINAPAntastik Selections (which are different versions of tinapa - pinoys' version of smoked fish):
- Regular Tinapa Flakes Guisado
- Laing Tinapa Flakes
- Spicy Tinapa Flakes Guisado
- Spanish-Style Tinapa Flakes
5. Choc-Nut
Funny it may seem, but seriously, this made it to the top 5! Pinoys would love to receive Choc-Nuts for pasalubong. Many of us grew up eating Choc-Nuts and eating them again brings back memories. It is like eating a dried peanut butter but better. Or it is like eating a peanut butter-flavored polvoron but better. Well maybe that's why Pinoys crave for it because it is unique and incomparable. Only those who have eaten them can relate. For those of you who have not tried yet, go ahead and buy for yourselves too. These are available in supermarkets and even sari-sari stores in Metro Manila.
All these Top 5 Pasalubong items can now be conveniently bought at leading supermarkets in Metro Manila and you need not go to the specific regions to buy them:
SM Department Store (in the Food section - Dried Mango and other delicacies)
SM Supermarket (Dried Goods section - for Danggit and other sun-dried sea food like daing na pusit, tuyo, etc.)
Waltermart
Shopwise
Market, Market in Taguig City - there is an area showcasing the products of the different regions of the Philippines, there is an array of products available - definitely a must visit.
Here are also a few tips that you must take note:
• Be sure to check first the list of acceptable food items that are not prohibited or not subject to restrictions to the countries you are bringing them into - each country varies. You can check the respective Embassy's website for a detailed guide on regulations when taking food products into their country.
• Make sure to buy good quality products - check on the expiration dates of the products and inspect the appearance. We only want the best for our family and friends, right?
• Be sure to pack the food items properly. Take time in packing making sure it is sealed and no smell will come out to avoid delays.
• Be sure to declare food products that you are carrying and assure them that it is packed and sealed properly when questioned. Because not declaring so might cause delays or even get you in trouble. If they find any undeclared food items in your luggage, a hefty fine may be waiting, and your items can even be confiscated.
• It is advisable for you to bring adhesive / packaging tape with you for re-sealing. The customs officers might ask you to open the packages for inspection, so these tapes will be handy.
There you have the Top 5 Pasalubong you can bring your loved ones. But remember, there are a whole lot of other food items to choose from, these are just the common ones to give you ideas on what's the most-requested and best-sellers.
How about you, what's your favorite pasalubong? Share it!