Where To Buy Souvenirs in Manila, Philippines

Filipinos are generally known to exhibit the cultural habit of buying and bringing pasalubong (souvenirs) to their loved ones – whether a key chain, shirt, or food delicacy from a place they’ve recently traveled to (either local or foreign). For travelers visiting Manilaanytime soon who’d like to buy a memento to remind them of their trip, finding souvenir items here surely won’t be a problem.

Souvenir Island General Merchandise

Located along Carlos Palanca Street in Quaipo, Manila, Souvenir Island General Merchandise does not only promote Filipino culture but also highlights Filipino artistry. Using indigenous raw materials sourced throughout the Philippines, this souvenir shop offers inexpensive items and native handicrafts created by Filipino craftsmen. You may find miniature versions of the Philippine jeepney, tricycle, and even the calesa (a horse-drawn calash).

135-137 1001, Carlos Palanca Sr., Quiapo, Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines, +63 2 735 4319

A miniature jeepney | © Sonny Abesamis / Flickr

The Manila Collectible Co. (TMCC)

While you’re wandering around Intramuros, don’t miss out visiting The Manila Collectible Co., which sells a wide range of unique items crafted by indigenous groups, Filipino artists, and local brands. Apart from offering heritage tours and teaching weaving techniques by the T’boli and Bagobo, visitors may also find ethnic attire, handwoven textile, and organic and local delicacies. The venue is more than just a souvenir shop as it promotes Philippine history while giving guests the chance to join in-house workshops and take their pick of unique Filipino items.

Gen Luna St Cor Sta Clara St Fort Santiago Intramuros, 655 Zone 69, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

Filipino ethnic attire | © brownpau / Flickr

Kultura Filipino

Kultura Filipino is considered to be one of the top go-to souvenir shops in Metro Manila because of its convenient location. Mostly found in SM Supermalls around the Metro, this shop offers an expansive range of handicrafts, native clothing, and travel essentials or must-haves made out of indigenous materials. They have three main sections – Fashion, House, and Souvenir, where you’ll also find traditional and modern Filipiniana, Barong Tagalog, and other native accessories.

UG/F SM Megamall, Building A Unit 121 B, Ortigas 1550, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines, +63 2 667 3975

Kultura Filipino in SM Store | © The SM Store / Wikimedia Commons

Tesoro’s Philippine Handicraft

At Tesoro’s Philippine Handicraft, you’ll definitely enjoy shopping for authentic and high quality Filipino handicrafts at affordable prices. While they only have around 12 outlets in the Metro, this souvenir shop takes pride in traditional Filipino items ‘with a twist’. You’ll find tableware, giftware, embroidered shawls, shell crafts, heritage crafts, and local apparel.

Antonio Arnaiz Ave, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila, Philippines, +63 2 887 6285

Shell souvenirs | © shskycn / Shutterstock

Papemelroti

Mostly found in malls, Papemelroti made its mark for offering eco-friendly items and handmade home décors. They’re known for transforming recycled paper into cute notebooks or postcards and turning other reusable items into something more functional. You may find rustic handmade décors, wall décors, accessories, and stationery items. In fact, Papemelroti has become a favorite because of its wide array of postcards, stationery and gift items which are perfect to give to a friend, family member or any loved one!

Glorietta 1, Makati Commercial Center, 205 Hotel Dr, Ayala Center, Makati, 1224 Metro Manila, Philippines, +63 2 625 0359

Recycled notebooks | © Elizabeth M / Flickr

The CCP Shop by Archivo 1984

Originally located in Makati, this art gallery shop has a sister shop at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). This souvenir shop mostly preserves a private world of art, film memorabilia, and literature as seen in their collectibles. Tourists can find rare vinyls, home décors, and art or history titles.

When visiting Archivo 1984 at the CCP, you don’t only get a chance to snag an authentic Filipino handicraft souvenir. You’ll also have the chance to catch a local production that the CCP might be showing in their theatre for that day!

2241 Pasillo 18 La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Avenue, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1231 Metro Manila, Philippines

Cultural Center of the Philippines | © the SunKing / Wikimedia Commons

Team Manila

This souvenir shop made a name by offering limitedion merchandise that specializes in graphic design, which highlights Filipino pop culture and events in a fun way. Apart from selling cool statement shirts and mugs, their collection has also included stationery items, coloring books, caps, bags, and even cigarette lighters.

Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati, 1224 Metro Manila, Philippines

Team Manila store | © Hans Olav / Wikimedia Commons

Ayala Museum Shop

The Ayala Museum houses permanent diorama and regularly updates its current exhibitions and programs so every time you pay a visit, it’s surely a different art experience. Its museum shop is located on the third floor of the building where you’ll find art books, shirts, exhibition catalogues, Philippine-themed canvas totes, woven fabrics, and other handmade items, that would remind one of Philippine art and culture.

Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines, +63 2 759 8288

Ayala Museum | © Glenn G / Wikimedia Commons