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 or that one-month tour of Europe, 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.


(Originally published as "P-Noy Brings Chocolate for Sisters and 'Secret Gift' for Shalani + Pasalubong Dos and Don’ts" on Female Network; adaptations by author. Photo by Monique72 via sxc.hu)