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Where To Buy Souvenirs in Manila, Philippines

Handmade crafts as souvenirs
Handmade crafts as souvenirs | © Davdeka / Shutterstock

Filipinos are generally known to exhibit the cultural habit of buying and bringing pasalubong (souvenirs) to their loved ones – whether a key chain, shirt, or food delicacy from a place they’ve recently traveled to (either local or foreign). For travelers visiting Manila anytime soon who’d like to buy a memento to remind them of their trip, finding souvenir items here surely won’t be a problem.

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Souvenir Island General Merchandise

Located along Carlos Palanca Street in Quaipo, Manila, Souvenir Island General Merchandise does not only promote Filipino culture but also highlights Filipino artistry. Using indigenous raw materials sourced throughout the Philippines, this souvenir shop offers inexpensive items and native handicrafts created by Filipino craftsmen. You may find miniature versions of the Philippine jeepney, tricycle, and even the calesa (a horse-drawn calash).

Kultura Filipino

Kultura Filipino is considered to be one of the top go-to souvenir shops in Metro Manila because of its convenient location. Mostly found in SM Supermalls around the Metro, this shop offers an expansive range of handicrafts, native clothing, and travel essentials or must-haves made out of indigenous materials. They have three main sections – Fashion, House, and Souvenir, where you’ll also find traditional and modern Filipiniana, Barong Tagalog, and other native accessories.

Tesoro’s Philippine Handicraft

Shell souvenirs

At Tesoro’s Philippine Handicraft, you’ll definitely enjoy shopping for authentic and high quality Filipino handicrafts at affordable prices. While they only have around 12 outlets in the Metro, this souvenir shop takes pride in traditional Filipino items ‘with a twist’. You’ll find tableware, giftware, embroidered shawls, shell crafts, heritage crafts, and local apparel.

Papemelroti

Mostly found in malls, Papemelroti made its mark for offering eco-friendly items and handmade home décors. They’re known for transforming recycled paper into cute notebooks or postcards and turning other reusable items into something more functional. You may find rustic handmade décors, wall décors, accessories, and stationery items. In fact, Papemelroti has become a favorite because of its wide array of postcards, stationery and gift items which are perfect to give to a friend, family member or any loved one!

The CCP Shop by Archivo 1984

Originally located in Makati, this art gallery shop has a sister shop at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). This souvenir shop mostly preserves a private world of art, film memorabilia, and literature as seen in their collectibles. Tourists can find rare vinyls, home décors, and art or history titles.

When visiting Archivo 1984 at the CCP, you don’t only get a chance to snag an authentic Filipino handicraft souvenir. You’ll also have the chance to catch a local production that the CCP might be showing in their theatre for that day!

Team Manila

Handmade bag

This souvenir shop made a name by offering limited edition merchandise that specializes in graphic design, which highlights Filipino pop culture and events in a fun way. Apart from selling cool statement shirts and mugs, their collection has also included stationery items, coloring books, caps, bags, and even cigarette lighters.

Ayala Museum Shop

The Ayala Museum houses permanent diorama and regularly updates its current exhibitions and programs so every time you pay a visit, it’s surely a different art experience. Its museum shop is located on the third floor of the building where you’ll find art books, shirts, exhibition catalogues, Philippine-themed canvas totes, woven fabrics, and other handmade items, that would remind one of Philippine art and culture.

About the author

A writer from the Philippines who loves books and photography. She likes to discover new dishes, explore places she's never been to, and try exciting activities. She hopes to satisfy her curiosity by traveling the world.

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