The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: Ya for Yema

Finishing our A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs series, let’s turn our attention to the yummy treat called yema.

What is Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable tourism is a way of expressing respect and responsibility while traveling. And while this may come as common sense to some people, its idea is apparently not that common.

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: Wa for Walis

Souvenirs can be items that bear the unwritten trademark of a place. It’s a little bit like remembering Japan when you see sushi or Russia when you see fur hats. Nearing the finish line for our A Ba Ka of the Philippine Souvenirs series, let’s look at Walis. Wa for Walis It doesn’t matter where…

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: U for Ukay-Ukay

The idea behind taking home souvenirs is somewhat similar to commemorating a special event. In the case of traveling and exploration, we, as tourists, tend to go about shopping for something that would remind us of our latest adventure. Of course, sometimes, we plan our travels according to a certain purpose. For example, we visit…

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: Ta for T-Shirts

Often, souvenirs are a way to make a statement, an advertisement, or an invitation for more people to come over and visit. At times it is like a preview of what we could expect once we get there.

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: Sa for Salakot

Aside from being a decorative piece, souvenirs can also be functional. Come to think of it, most of the time, these are everyday items used by the locals of the places we visit.

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: Ra for Rattan

The rattan is one of the many versatile raw materials that can be found in the tropical country of the Philippines. This is why every time you go handicraft store hopping in your Philippine travels, you will see rattan products left and right.

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: Pa for Perlas

It was 2006 when the biggest natural clam pearl in the world was found in the Philippines. For 10 years, it lay quiet under the bed of the fisherman who found it until he decided it was time to have the 34kg pearl checked out. https://www.instagram.com/p/BJjjxuZDrBA/?igshid=1qmnjf7up5g0v The Pa article for the A Ba Ka of…

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: O for Orchid

I have recently found out that the Philippines celebrates the Orchid Festival around August and September. Incidentally, this is when the waling-waling blooms.

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: Na for Niyog

Souvenirs can be about the innovation and ingenuity of the crafters behind each creative piece. It is entirely possible to come up with a whole line of products from just one type of raw material. Issue number 11 of the A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs series focuses on the various souvenir items made out of the hard shell of a coconut.

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: Ma for Mabuhay!

The tenth installment for the A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs series is the showcase of various souvenir items that feature the Filipino greeting “Mabuhay!”

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: La for Laruan

“Laruan” is the Filipino term for “toy”. Toys as souvenirs are popular in many parts of the Philippines. Most souvenir toys are miniature versions of the real thing. When you go around the souvenir shops anywhere in the Philippines, you’ll find toy models of jeepneys in countless designs.

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: I for Itlog (Pula, Penoy, Balut, Bugok!)

Issue “I” for the A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs series is about a food item available in most parts of the Philippines -- so these are somewhat a staple to the country.

The A Ba Ka of Philppine Souvenirs: Ha for Habi

Coins, I have lots of coins! They jingle and they are just everywhere in my purse--well, at least until I went to the nearest handicraft shop and bought a colorful purse of traditionally woven fabric!

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: Ga for Gitara

“Gitara” is the Filipino term for guitar. During the country‘s Spanish era, the friars brought over their guitars from Spain and introduced the instrument as “kitara,” which is the Spanish term for guitar, to the Island of Mactan.