Every province and every city in the Philippines is filled with vibrant stories and flavors. And when you travel, you want to take back a piece of each place and share it with loved ones.  That’s why we devote part of our trips to picking the perfect pasalubong!

So, we’ve rounded up some of the best local pasalubong items from the different locations that your loved ones will always look forward to receiving.   

1. Dried Mangoes

First up, we have dried mangoes from Cebu. Sunkissed mangoes are carefully picked, sliced, and dried under the right conditions to make Cebu’s best icons alongside lechon and otap. With it’s natural sweetness and succulent flavor, it never fails to captivate people’s taste buds. But if you're in the mood for something more subtle, the green-dried mango is perfect for you. They are slightly sweet with just the right kick of sourness to balance everything beautifully. Profood’s dried mangoes are internationally-renowned and are one of the most famous brands you can try!

2. Ube Jam

Next, we have Ube Jam from Baguio. Sweet, creamy, and indulgent all at once, the Ube Jam has countless devouts, not only here in the Philippines but also abroad. And in Baguio, they somehow perfected the recipe and took it to glorious heights. The subtle hints of vanilla. The almost sinful creaminess from the milk. The sweetness that's never overpowering. Spreading this on bread or eating it straight from the bottle is a religious experience all in itself. If you're on the hunt for this gracious Ube jam experience, try out the Good Shepherd in Baguio. 

3. Bagnet

If you are someone who wants to live on the edge from time to time, Ilocos’ Bagnet is a sure-fire guilty pleasure. The Bagnet pork belly is cut into large chunks and rubbed with a blend of spices and salt, letting the flavors penetrate deeply. A labor of love, the pork is first boiled and air-dried. Right after, it is deep fried until it reaches its iconic golden-brown crispiness. It’s mouth-watering even just thinking about it, right? You can visit Cuisine de Iloco and try their different versions of Bagnet.

4. Barquillos

Now we have the delicate Barquillos from Iloilo. These thin-wafer pastries are introduced via Spain and are made from pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and milk. The mixture is then heated and molded to create its shape and achieve a golden color. With each bite, blissful and crunchy layers of the wafer crumble in your mouth. You can eat it on its own or better yet, take it to the next level by enjoying it with a scoop of ice cream! Grab this pasalubong at the popular De Ocampo Barquillos from Iloilo. 

5. Pastillas De Leche

The Pastillas De Leche from Bulacan has a legacy that is shaped by family traditions.  Making pastillas de leche requires patience and skill in carefully stirring to perfection the fresh cow's milk and sugar together.  It might seem like a simple confection, but the creaminess is very addictive. If you wish to explore a different hint of sweetness, visit Cristy's and try their original, ube, and yema-flavored pastillas.

6. Buko Pie

Buko pie is a classic Filipino dessert that is as comforting as it is filling.  Each slice is an irresistible combo of flaky and buttery crust and the sweet young coconut filling. One of the best places to experience the delicious taste of buko pie is at The Original Buko Pie Bakeshop in Los Baños, Laguna. Their pies are made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients, including young coconut meat from their farms, ensuring that every bite is a slice of delight. 

7. Piaya

Last but not least, Piaya from Bacolod, also known as the "Sugar Bowl of the Philippines"!  With its vast production of sugar, Bacolod has perfected Piaya. It is usually made from a combination of flour, water, and oil for the crust and is then rolled into thin circles to be filled with rich muscovado sugar and topped with sesame seeds.  pressed and cooked on a hot griddle until it is deliciously browned and has that crispy texture. The unique taste of sweetness intermingles with the nutty flavor of toasted sesame seeds to create a treat that is sure to leave you craving for more. If ever you are in Bacolod, grab a pack or two from Merzci!

Truly a melting pot of flavors, the Philippines offers so many delicacies and confections to savor. Traveling to its many destinations, you not only satisfy your eyes but also your stomach. How about you, what are your favorite pasalubong items? Share them below! 

And if you’re in need of more travel inspiration, don't forget to follow @thetravelclubph on Facebook and Instagram today! Happy travels!