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Three of the top Filipino goods to get your hands on photo by Ringer (via Creative Commons)

Three of the top Filipino goods to get your hands on

by : Nicole Brown posted :

Aside from seeing the sights, one of the best parts of touring the Philippines is getting your hands on the unique crafts and goods that the country offers to visitors. Below, we discuss three regional treasures of the Philippines that visitors should definitely snag before heading back home.

  1. photo by Ringer (via Creative Commons)

    The balisong

    The exact origin of this butterfly knife may be a bit controversial but one thing that everyone can agree on is that the Philippines mastered the artistry of fighting with the balisong. There are three origin stories for this weapon. The first theory is that the balisong was founded in a Filipino province called Bali-sung. And to this day, this region is the most famous for producing these butterfly knives. The second theory is that the knife got its name by combining two Filipino words: "baling" and "sungay." These two words translate into "broken" and "horn;" this can also be a possibility as the early balisongs were made out of broken carabao (water buffalo) horns. The third theory is that this butterfly knife has European origins and was introduced to the Philippines by Spaniards.


  2. photo by Lawrence Ruiz (via Creative Commons)

    Tikog grass goods

    More of a lover than a fighter? Why not grab a custom Tikog grass pillow or mat to add to your zen abode. Many women of Samar in the Philippines have learned the art of weaving Tikog grass into various mats that are then turned into designer goods including bags, kitchen magnets, pillows and many more. Adorned with floral patterns and geometric designs, these goods have become very popular in both the Philippines and around the world. To this day, many women in Basey, Samar get most of their income from creating these goods.


  3. photo by Michelle Gonzalez (via Creative Commons)

    Barong Tagalog

    One to look for designer digs while abroad? Check out the traditional barong Tagalog. Once used as a uniform for indigenous Filipinos during the Spanish acquisition to mark inferiority, it has since risen the ranks to the highest offices. Fast forward a few hundred years and this see-through shirt is now in-vogue with Filipino presidents wearing the finest barongs made out of pineapple leaf and/or banana fiber during formal state occasions.

    If you're invited to a swanky shindig while abroad, don't be surprised if the invitations designates the barong as the dress code. But don't worry, this is just code for suit and tie and of course you can also wear your barong if you'd truly like to impress.


So if you're looking for one-of-a-kind keepsakes during your visit to the Philippines, make sure to keep an eye out for these three authentic, truly Filipino goods that you can't get anywhere else. And just as an insider tip, Taal, a town in the Batangas, is considered to make some of the best barongs. and balisongs in the country. But make sure you ask your in-the-know guide after one of your Philippine tours about which vendors are truly authentic so that you don't fall for a tourist trap.

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