Fresh from his one-week trip to the United States, President Noynoy Aquino came home bearing chocolate for his sisters’ families and a gift for his girlfriend, Valenzuela councilor Shalani Soledad, Spot.PH reports. When asked what he got for his girlfriend in an interview for GMANews.tv, P-Noy said, “Secret na yun.” The president also got chocolate for his sisters’ families, one each for Kris, Ballsy, Pinky, and Viel. “My nieces and nephews will have to share the chocolates since I only bought one per family,” he said in Tagalog.

Meanwhile, Kris Aquino’s son Baby James will be getting no toys from him. “Si Baby James, hindi na available ang mga type niya na laruan dito. Dini-discourage yun. Palagay ko ihahanap ko na lang siya sa Maynila," he told GMANews.tv.

Bringing home souvenirs, locally known as pasalubong, is an oft-practiced and well-loved Filipino custom. Gifts are usually bought for members of the family and close friends—in fact, if you don’t get your relatives something from your brief stay in Singapore, you’ll probably never hear the end of it! Kidding aside, the art of pasalubong buying is something that you hone over time as you master your family’s tastes as well as the constraints of your budget.

Having trouble picking pasalubong for your loved ones? Check out these simple dos and don’ts from Female Network.


(Photo courtesy of PEP.ph)