Baguio City is well-known for its cool weather and beautiful sights, making it a favorite place for visitors. One of the most exciting parts of visiting Baguio is exploring the unique “pasalubong” – special gifts and souvenirs you can bring back for your family and friends. Finding these special items can be a fun and memorable experience.
Strawberry Goodies
Strawberries in Baguio are famous, and you can find many different types of strawberry treats. While fresh strawberries are fantastic to snack on when in season, keep in mind that they spoil quickly. So, for longer-lasting goodies, check out:
- Strawberry Jam: This is a must-have from Baguio! Go for homemade strawberry jam, which tends to taste richer than the store-bought ones that you find everywhere else.
- Strawberry Taho: This warm dessert consists of silky soft tofu, sweet syrup, and chewy tapioca pearls, all topped with fresh strawberries. It’s best enjoyed the same day you buy it.
- Strawberry Preserves: You might come across candied strawberries or other preserved fruit options, giving you a sweet treat that lasts longer.
- Strawberry Wine: For those who enjoy a drink, try local strawberry wine, a refreshing and unique alcoholic beverage.
To find these strawberry treats, visit:
- Baguio Public Market: This vibrant market is full of people selling fresh produce and homemade treats.
- Strawberry Farms in La Trinidad: If you have some extra time, don’t miss the strawberry farms nearby. They let you pick fresh strawberries right off the vine.
- Pasalubong Shops: Keep an eye out for bakeries and stores that specialize in a variety of jams, preserves, and yummy strawberry treats.
Ube and Other Root Crop Delights
Baguio is also popular for its root crops, with ube (purple yam) being a standout favorite. Sweet potatoes are another common ingredient in local delicacies:
- Ube Jam: Get your hands on a thick, wonderfully sweet jam made from ube, which is often enjoyed in the famous “halaya” desserts.
- Ube Bread and Pastries: Ube adds a pop of color and flavor to cakes, bread, and various scrumptious baked goods.
- Sweet Potato Candies: You’ll find candies made from sweet potatoes in many fun shapes and tastes.
- Pinoy Sweets: Other traditional sweets made from root crops include pastillas and various local snacks.
To discover delicious ube treats, check out:
- Good Shepherd Convent: Renowned for their ube jam and preserves, visiting the original branch offers a lovely ambiance.
- Local Bakeries: Many bakeries around the city sell delightful things like ube pandesal (bread rolls), cakes, and more.
- Supermarkets: Don’t forget to check out the supermarkets where you can find sections filled with local agricultural products.
Peanut Brittle and Candies
Another local favorite for pasalubong is peanut brittle. These crunchy and sugary treats are perfect for taking home as they are easy to pack and share.
- Peanut Brittle: When you search for peanut brittle, look for the kind that’s thin and has plenty of peanuts in it.
- Peanut and Sesame Brittle: Some types mix in sesame seeds, providing a unique flavor twist.
- Other Candies: You can find various candies, such as lengua de gato (buttery cookies shaped like a cat’s tongue) and polvoron, which are good options as well.
Where to find peanut brittles and candies:
- Mines View Park: Many vendors around this popular lookout point sell these delicious treats.
- Pasalubong Shops: Look for shops that specialize in local sweets for a nice selection.
- Baguio Public Market: Wiggle your way through the market stalls to find various brands and options.
Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Besides tasty food, Baguio offers an array of beautiful handicrafts and memorable souvenirs:
- Wood Carvings: From tiny figures to extensive art pieces, wood carving is a skillful tradition in the area.
- Knitwear: Because of Baguio’s chilly climate, you will find many knitted items like hats, scarves, and sweaters made by locals.
- Baskets and Woven Products: Look for intricate baskets and woven bags, placemats, and coasters made from different materials.
- Keychains and Trinkets: Small items like keychains and paperweights can be wonderful keepsakes to remember your trip.
To find these wonderful handicrafts and souvenirs, head to:
- Mines View Park: Numerous vendors here sell unique handicrafts, warm knitwear, and artwork.
- Session Road: Stroll along this main street to find a variety of shops and street vendors offering a range of souvenirs.
- Maharlika Livelihood Center: This shopping center is a fantastic place to discover various traditional crafts.
Plants and Flowers
The cool weather in Baguio creates the perfect environment for growing a variety of flowers and plants. If you have the chance to keep them fresh during your trip, consider bringing home:
- Potted Plants: Look for smaller potted plants that are simple to carry, like succulents, herbs, and orchids that can liven up your home.
- Fresh Cut Flowers: Beautiful flower bouquets are common, though they require some care during transport to keep them from wilting.
- Seeds: If you love gardening, consider taking back various seeds to plant in your garden.
To find plants and flowers, stop by:
- Baguio Public Market: A great spot for fresh flowers and a delightful selection of various plants.
- Flower Farms: You can visit some commercial farms to see even more flower options.
Call to Action
Baguio offers a treasure trove of pasalubong options, from delicious treats to extraordinary handicrafts. Whatever you decide to bring home, it will surely remind you of your wonderful experiences in Baguio, sparking joy in your loved ones as well. So, while you’re exploring all the wonderful shops and markets, take your time! Enjoy the hunt for the perfect pasalubong, whether it’s a tasteful treat or an artistic craft. Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to keep fresh strawberries?
A: Keep strawberries in the refrigerator and eat them quickly because they can go bad fast. You can also pack them in a cooler if transporting for a long time.
Q: Are there any souvenir options besides food?
A: Absolutely! Baguio has many beautiful handicrafts such as wood carvings, knitted items, and woven products to choose from.
Q: Where can I find the best ube jam?
A: Good Shepherd Convent is famous for its ube jam, but don’t overlook smaller shops or the public market for unique finds.
Q: What should I look for when buying peanut brittle?
A: Look for thin, crunchy brittle packed with peanuts. If available, trying small samples can help you decide.
Q: Is it better to buy pasalubong at the Public Market or in specialized shops?
A: Generally, the Public Market provides more affordable prices and variety while specialty shops may have higher quality or unique options.
References
These references are utilized for gathering basic information about the products and places mentioned in this article.
- Philippine Department of Tourism
- Baguio City Government Website
- Various travel blogs and articles
