Quality-Made in the Philippines

The whole "It's More Fun in the Philippines" hype has gotten to us. Apart from having interesting places to go to, beautiful women, and delicious food, the Philippines has got only the best to offer when it comes to its local roster of products. In case you haven't explored the provincial shopping scene, it's a must that you check out the following places if you wish to score the succeeding quality finds, or to at least find out where they've come from. 

(Like this article? Check out: It's Too Fun in the Philippines)

Shopping: It's More Fun in the Philippines.

Your Travel-Shop Bucket List 

Location #1: Cebu

Featured Product: Guitars

TIP:

Lapu-Lapu City is the center of the guitar-making industry in Cebu, wherein the most popular guitar makers, the Alegre and Malingin families, can be found.

How it Began: Cebu's guitar-making industry had all started when there came a need for the Spanish friars' guitars to be repaired. Instead of sending over their guitars to Mexico, they assigned the townspeople of Mactan Island to make new ones, alongside repairing the old. 

(Take a look at the best stores to buy musical instruments in the metro)

Why Cebu guitars are special: All the guitars made in Lapu-Lapu are 100% hand-made with love. If you're dreaming of a customized guitar, then Cebu is the place to go. From colors, to your desired shape, and design: your guitar wish is their command! 

Location #2: Palawan

Featured Product: Golden Pearls

Treasure Trove: Like a precious goose that lays its golden eggs, Palawan mystically holds the only pearl producer in the world which is capable of cultivating pearls with a rich golden color.

Whoever said diamonds are a girl's best-friend clearly hasn't seen our national (and natural) treasures. So if you do decide to put a ring on it, choose only the best: an exquisitely rare South Sea golden pearl!

Jewels that tell a story: Pearls can only thrive in an environment wherein the sunlight is abundant, the air is clean, and the water, pristine; which clearly indicates how Palawan, among our many beautiful islands, should be treated with extra TLC. 

(Explore all  that the Philippines has to offer. Check out these travel agencies)

Location #3: Bohol

Featured Product: Buri 

Bohol's Tree of Life: Buri is a palm from which two kinds of fibers, the raffia and buntal, are obtained. The Department of Trade and Industry-Bohol records a total of 1, 910 individuals engaged in home-based raffia loom weaving, which is spread over 40 out of the 50 barangays within its municipality. What started as a household industry has progressed into Bohol's full- fledged employment source and income provider.

The Buri Lifestyle: Products that are made of Buri can range from personal accessories to home accents; Take your pick--from placemats, to table runners, pillow cases, customized hand bags, fashion accessories, and the like. 

(Shop at only the best Shopping Centers, check them out here)

Location #4: Paete, Laguna

Featured Product: Wooden Sculptures 

The Art of Ukit: Paete is known to be the "Wood Carving Capital of the Philippines". Its name even stems from the Tagalog root word "paet", which means chisel. The superb sculptural creations of the Paetenos are recognized worldwide. What could be a better compliment as to having your meticulously crafted religious sculptures displayed at the Vatican? Now that's something to be proud of!

(Check out the best art galleries in town)

TIP: If you're one who's into art, you'll surely appreciate the works of master woodcarver Felix Vadellon. Although having begun as an apprentice to a senior woodcarver, Felix slowly began to develop his own style and technique when it came to carving. His craftsmanship and skills are certainly manifested in his detailed art pieces, which are most commonly sought after by art collectors themselves.  

Location #5: Marikina

Featured Product: Shoes

The capital of Imelda: If you're a shoe addict yourself, then make sure you  visit the City of Marikina which boasts of its multitude of shoe manufacturers producing only the best quality footwear. You can't go wrong when your pair says made in Marikina. 

TIP: If you're going to have custom-made shoes done, make sure that you've seen a sample of the supplier's work, or at least consult someone who's had a pair done--better safe than sorry.