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.

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: 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: 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: 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 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.

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: E for Espada

Most souvenirs have a certain character, story, and swag to it. These souvenirs not only remind you of the places you visit but also give you a glimpse of the rich culture and history that made it such a visit-worthy place. E for Espada Our fifth installment for the A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs…

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: Ka for Kawayan

The great thing about souvenirs is that culture is etched, woven, carved, or maybe dyed into vernacular materials, turning everyday items into must-have collectibles.

The A Ba Ka of Philippine Souvenirs: A for Abaniko

The abaniko as a souvenir is practical, lightweight, useful, and affordable. It is no wonder why tourists would always take a bunch of the hand-crafted woven fans home with them. As some tourists would probably keep one piece for their souvenir collection, others would choose the abaniko as a “coming home” present (or “pasalubong”, as Filipinos call it) for their friends and families.