Holiday Ayo - A trip to the Philippines is certainly incomplete if you don't bring souvenirs for your relatives, friends and family back home. Moreover, this unique country offers a wide variety of knick-knacks, food, snacks, and souvenirs that are diverse and of course very suitable for souvenirs.

For anyone who is currently or just wants to go on vacation to the Philippines, there are a few important things not to be missed. Besides having to taste a variety of culinary delights, you also need to buy lots of typical souvenirs. Make sure the souvenirs you buy are unique and interesting, like this list of the most famous souvenirs from the Philippines.

1. Filipino Tea

source: Guide to the Philippines

Filipino tea is arguably very unique. Because the plants are not like in Indonesia. In the Philippines, tea trees are shaped like bushes. The height can reach up to four meters, while the width of the leaves is also quite large, which is 30 mm to 50 mm.

After picking, the tea leaves are dried. After being dried, the appearance is almost the same as tea in general. The shape of the leaves is shriveled and the color also turns a little black.

This unique tea has a delicious taste and a distinctive aroma. In addition, its properties can treat coughs, relieve nasal congestion, and relieve colds. There are also those who believe that Filipino tea can be used as a slimming potion. The price tag for a box of Filipino tea is fairly cheap, which is around IDR 35,000 to IDR 50,000.

2. Filipino Coffee

source: GMA Network

Coffee lovers are really obliged to buy this souvenir. It turns out that not only is the tea famous, the Philippines also has popular coffee. Its name is Batangas Coffee, or many also call it Barako Coffee.

Given the name Batangas, because this coffee is mostly grown in the province. The aroma is also very delicious, and the taste is also typical of the Philippines. You can easily find this Coffea Liberica species in various shops or outlets.

To enjoy it, you can also buy it at the coffee shop. Some sell it in the form of a drink that has been brewed, or you can take it home in sachet form. Filipino coffee has also been exported abroad, so you can buy it through several online shops.

3. Barong Tagalog

source: 365 Great Pinoy Stuff

One of the souvenirs that is still related to Filipino culture is traditional clothes. This shirt is usually called Barong Tagalog. The material is transparent, making it used as outerwear or outerwear.

The basic materials for making it are also different from clothes or clothes in general. Barong Tagalog is made from stem fiber or banana stems and added pineapple fiber. The two materials are embroidered to form a garment. Some are still white, or have been colored. But the appearance remains somewhat transparent.

Although simple, but now the design is modern and fashionable. This clothing is commonly used by Filipinos during certain events, such as traditional ceremonies. The price ranges from IDR 150,000 to IDR 200,000 depending on the color, motif and model.

4. Pickled Mango

source: YouTube

This one snack also has the title Dried Mango. As the name implies, the basic ingredient is mango fruit. The mangoes used are of the best quality, namely Carabao Mango which is planted in the Mindanao area.

After buying Asinan, there's nothing wrong with wrapping some candied mangoes. Don't forget to taste the typical Filipino mango juice. All preparations from this one fruit are perfect for snacks when the weather is hot, especially since the Philippines also has a tropical climate like Indonesia.

You don't need to bother bringing it, because usually both pickles and sweets are already packaged. Before buying, first taste how the taste and texture. Also pay attention to the expiration date, so you won't be disappointed after buying it.

5. Sungka

source: Adobe Stock

If in Indonesia there is Congklak, then in the Philippines there is Sungka. Both are traditional toys typical of their respective countries. The shape is almost the same, it's just that the material is different. Sungka is made of wood, and is carved, and there are several holes.

Sungka is usually beautified with ends filled with artistic carvings. How to play it using pebbles, shells, or coffee beans and run through the holes on the board.

It should be noted that Sungka is also very famous in Egypt. In addition, this traditional game is claimed to be the oldest toy in the world.