Showing posts with label pasalubong. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pasalubong. Show all posts

July 10, 2026

Where to Buy Pasalubong in Daet, Camarines Norte: Pili Delicacies and More

When people think of Bicol, pili nuts are usually the first thing that comes to mind. We've also received pili nuts as pasalubong from friends, relatives, and even my husband's colleagues whenever they visited the region. 

During our trip to Daet, Camarines Norte, I discovered that there's more to bring home than just pili nuts. Since it was my first time visiting the area, I made sure to set aside time for souvenir shopping before heading home. From fresh pili nuts in their shells to delicious Pili Tarts and Pili Rolls, I found plenty of local treats that were worth bringing back for family and friends. 

If you're visiting Daet, Camarines Norte, don't miss the chance to bring home some of the best Bicol pasalubong, especially the famous pili delicacies. 

Graceland

After breakfast at One Platinum Hotel, we walked to Jannah's Pasalubong. Unfortunately, it was still closed, so we explored the nearby stores to see what we could buy while waiting. 


We came across Graceland, which reminded me of Goldilocks because it offers meals, bread, and pastries. I bought a box of brownies (PHP 210) and a banana loaf (PHP 90) so we'd have something to snack on during our bus trip. 

Buying Pili at the Public Market 

Next, we visited the public market to look for pili nuts in their shells. Our experience wasn't exactly pleasant because the vendor didn't seem to be in the mood to sell that morning. When I asked how much the pili cost, her first response was, "Mahirap buksan 'yan" (sungit tone). I asked again, "Magkano po?" before she finally gave me the price. 


Despite that, I still bought: · 

Pili with Shells – PHP 300 per kilo 
Pili Tart – PHP 75 

I bought the Pili Tart from the public market just to compare it with the one from Jannah's Pasalubong. After trying both, we liked Jannah's Pili Tart better. It had a richer flavor and a softer, more enjoyable texture than the one I bought at the public market. 

If you're planning to buy Pili Tart as pasalubong, I highly recommend getting it from Jannah's.

Jannah's Pasalubong

 After our quick stop at the market, we returned to Jannah's Pasalubong. When we saw the line outside, we decided to wait. I was actually thankful they opened a little past 7:30 AM because I initially thought they wouldn't open until 8:00 AM.


I was surprised by how many people were shopping. Some customers were filling several baskets with pasalubong, and the line at the cashier was quite long. Since they compute purchases manually instead of using a cash register, checkout took a bit longer. They also accept cash payments only, so make sure to bring enough cash when shopping here. 




Here's what I bought:

· Pili Roll – PHP 150 
· Pili Tart – PHP 120 
· Pili in Bottle – PHP 265 
· Pili Polvoron – PHP 120 
· Pili Mazapan – PHP 80 
· Pili Pouch – PHP 100 
· Ginataang Santol – PHP 160 
· Masa Podrida 





Of everything we bought, our absolute favorites were the Pili Roll and the Pili Tart. 

I only bought one box of Pili Roll because I was worried it might get spoiled during the trip. Looking back, I wish I had bought more! Thankfully, I bought seven packs of Pili Tart, although they still disappeared faster than expected. There are 15 pieces of pili tart per pack. 

My husband also bought a few packs as pasalubong for his colleagues, and they all had the same feedback: they loved the Pili Tart. 

I even told my family that the Pili Tart and Pili Roll alone would be enough reason for me to visit Daet again. 

Last-Minute Pasalubong 

As I mentioned in my previous post, there's a pasalubong store near the DLTB Bus Terminal, making it a convenient stop for last-minute shopping. 

I also bought a cassava cake (PHP 150). At first, I hesitated because I thought it might spoil during the trip. Surprisingly, it didn't even make it home because we finished it on the bus! Even my son, who isn't usually a fan of kakanin, really enjoyed it. 


Writing this blog post is making me crave Pili Tart, Pili Roll, and cassava cake all over again. Our trip to Daet, Camarines Norte, may have been short, but it introduced us to some of the best pasalubong we've ever brought home. 

Kung malapit lang ang Daet, babalik talaga kami agad. But with a 12-hour bus ride, parang ang hirap balikan. 

Where to Buy Pasalubong in Daet

If you're looking for the best places to buy pasalubong in Daet, here are my recommendations: 

Jannah's Pasalubong – My top recommendation for Pili Tart, Pili Roll, and a wide variety of Bicol delicacies. Their Pili Tart was our favorite among all the ones we tried. Note that they accept cash payments only. 
Daet Public Market – A good place to buy fresh pili nuts in their shells and other local products at reasonable prices. 
Store near the DLTB Bus Terminal – Perfect for last-minute pasalubong before your trip home. I bought a cassava cake here, and it turned out to be one of our favorite purchases. 

If I ever visit Daet again, I'll definitely go back to Jannah's Pasalubong for their Pili Tart and Pili Roll. 
Posted by No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

July 09, 2026

Day 5: Daet to Cubao - Pasalubong Hunting and the Long Journey Home

Our final day in Bicol was intentionally slow. After several days of exploring, I wanted to save my energy for the long bus ride back to Manila. Instead of squeezing in one last tour, I had only one mission for the day: to buy pasalubong before heading home.
 
Breakfast at One Platinum Hotel
 
We're early birds, so I was happy that breakfast at One Platinum Hotel started at 6:00 AM. By the time the restaurant opened, we were already ready to order.
 
The three of us enjoyed Tapsilog, Bangusilog, and Longsilog. I ordered Longsilog once again because I really enjoy Lucban longganisa. It's one of my favorite breakfast dishes, but unlike Vigan longganisa, it's not something I can easily buy back home.



 
Pasalubong Hunting at Jannah's Pasalubong
 
The day before, we had planned to buy pasalubong, but our driver brought us to a small souvenir shop where there wasn't much to choose from. We decided to skip shopping and head straight to the bus terminal instead to buy our tickets.

Fortunately, while passing by, I spotted Jannah's Pasalubong. I made a mental note to check it later once I had internet access.
 
That evening, I searched for the most recommended pasalubong shops in Daet, and I was happy to see Jannah's on almost every list. Even better, they had a branch just a short walk from One Platinum Hotel. AI also mentioned that the store opened as early as 7:00 AM, so after breakfast, we headed there.

 
Unfortunately, the shop was still closed when we arrived. Instead of waiting, we walked to Graceland and bought brownies and banana bread, perfect snacks for our long journey later. We also explored the nearby public market because I wanted to buy fresh pili nuts with shells. I actually prefer these over the sweetened ones. They're harder to open, but I enjoy eating them that way.

 

We were debating whether to return to the hotel or continue waiting when we noticed a long line already forming outside Jannah's Pasalubong. We decided to join the queue.

The store finally opened a little past 7:30 AM, and I was relieved that our early walk wasn't wasted. We ended up buying quite a lot because, in my mind, who knows when I'll get the chance to visit Daet again? I'll share everything we bought in a separate blog post.
 
Lunch at Cafe Supremo
 
Originally, we wanted to try another restaurant near the hotel, but by lunchtime, we were already feeling too lazy to walk around. We decided to return to Cafe Supremo, where we had breakfast earlier that morning.



 
We ordered Fish and Fries (₱180), Creamy Tuna Carbonara (₱250), and Shoyu Ramen (₱250). It was a simple and satisfying meal before our long trip home.

Daet to Cubao
 
We checked out of the hotel at around 11:30 AM and stayed in the lobby until noon before heading to the DLTB bus terminal. We rode a tricycle, which cost ₱20 per person.
 
Although our bus was already parked at the terminal, passengers were only allowed to board a few minutes before the 1:00 PM departure. If you're taking this route, there's really no need to arrive too early since you'll just end up waiting outside. We spent the time browsing a small shop beside the terminal and picked up a few more pasalubong while waiting.
 
Thankfully, our Daet to Cubao bus was much better than the one we took going to Daet. It was newer, cleaner, and the air conditioning worked well.

 
The bus departed about 15 minutes behind schedule. Just like our trip to Daet, there were several stopovers along the way, including Labo, Tabugon, dinner at Pagbilao, Turbina, PITX, and Buendia.



Instead of going all the way to Cubao, we got off at Buendia because my husband had parked his car near his office. From the time we left the hotel until we finally arrived home, our journey lasted almost 14 hours. Whew! Another long land trip was successfully survived.
 
Final Thoughts
 
Travel rarely goes exactly as planned, and this trip was no exception. There were delays, unexpected changes, and moments that tested our patience. But looking back, those little imperfections became part of the story.
 
Our Daet and Calaguas Island adventure may not have been perfect, but it was meaningful, and that's what made it unforgettable.
 
In the end, the memories I treasure most aren't just the beautiful beaches or the crystal-clear waters. They're the laughter we shared, the patience we practiced, and the quality time we spent together as a family.
 
Sometimes, that's what makes a journey truly worth remembering.
Posted by No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

April 08, 2026

Bringing Taiwan Home: My Pasalubong Haul from Taipei

No trip is complete without a little something for the people you love back home, and Taiwan is a treasure trove of quirky, delicious, and thoughtful pasalubong. On my adventure in Taipei, I couldn’t resist picking up a mix of edible treats, fun souvenirs, and interactive keepsakes that perfectly capture the spirit of the city.
 
Taiwan’s streets and markets are full of surprises, and here’s what I brought home:
 
Mochi in Fun Flavors



Soft, chewy, and slightly sweet
Flavors range from classic red bean to matcha and taro
Perfect for a little taste of Taiwan anytime
 
Pineapple Cake & Snowflake Cake




Pineapple Cake – a Taiwanese classic, picked up from both bakeries and grocery stores
Snowflake Cake – light, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth sweet
Great as gifts for family or coworkers
 
Brown Sugar Bubble Tea Mix


Make your own bubble tea at home
Rich, caramel-like brown sugar flavor with chewy tapioca pearls
A fan favorite for anyone missing Taiwan’s bubble tea culture
 
Magnets & Button Pins


Found in Ximending, Taiwan’s vibrant street market
Fun, quirky designs that capture pop culture and city life
Perfect for decorating your fridge, backpack, or workspace
 
Taipei 101 Mystery Miniatures



Collectible balls containing tiny Taiwanese attractions
Each one is a mystery puzzle you assemble at home
Fun, interactive, and a unique souvenir
 
The Heart of Pasalubong
 
What makes pasalubong special isn’t just the item itself, it’s the thought, the memory, and the story behind it. From mochi and snowflake cakes to quirky collectibles and magnets, each piece tells a story of my time in Taiwan: the bustling streets of Ximending, the towering wonder of Taipei 101, and the small delights tucked into every corner of the city.


Bringing these treasures home is my way of sharing Taiwan’s charm, one bite and one souvenir at a time.
Posted by No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

March 04, 2026

Pasalubong from Malaysia

Whenever my husband visits Malaysia, I honestly don’t give him a “must-buy” pasalubong list. The only things that usually come to mind are Cadbury chocolates and OldTown White Coffee, but since we can already find them here in the Philippines, I never really ask him to bring anything home.
 
This time, though, they were given a loot bag during the trip, and he came home with some interesting goodies!
 
As a family, we love trying different noodle products from other countries. We’ve tasted varieties from South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand, so now we’re excited to try Malaysia’s version. As of this writing, we haven’t cooked them yet, but we’re definitely curious!
 
Here’s what he brought home:
 
Mamee Perisa Kari
Mamee Monster
Mamee Chef Cup Noodles Ayam Pedas Shitake




My husband also had some remaining Malaysian Ringgit from his previous trips. I told him to just buy anything that would fit the remaining amount so it wouldn’t go to waste, especially since small bills can’t easily be exchanged anymore.
 
Good thing he found these:
 
Tan Kim Hock Coconut Cookies – MYR 14
Beh The Sor Biskut – MYR 12

 
I love how food pasalubong lets us experience a little piece of another country right at home. It’s like traveling through taste!
 
Now I’m curious, what’s your favorite pasalubong from Malaysia?
Posted by No comments:
Labels: , , ,

February 18, 2026

A Taste of Thailand: My Love for Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is one of the most popular desserts in Thailand, and from the very first time I visited Bangkok, I knew I had to try it.

I made sure that tasting mango sticky rice was on top of my food list. During my trip, I enjoyed it at a local restaurant and even bought a pack from a supermarket kiosk. Each version had its own charm, but they all shared the same irresistible combination: sweet ripe mangoes, creamy coconut milk, and perfectly cooked sticky rice. It was simple, yet absolutely unforgettable.

Since that first trip, mango sticky rice has become more than just a dessert for me; it’s a sweet reminder of Thailand. Whenever my husband visits or has a layover in Bangkok, he always makes it a point to buy mango sticky rice at the airport before flying home. It has become our little tradition.

Recently, my husband visited Bangkok again, and of course, he didn’t forget to buy mango sticky rice. But this time, it came with an extra surprise. Since it was Valentine’s Day, the store gave him a complimentary flower, a single stem of rose, along with his purchase. It was such a simple gesture, yet it made the dessert even more special and meaningful.


The price of mango sticky rice varies depending on the store, especially at the airport. Sometimes there are promos if you buy more than one box, which is perfect if you’re planning to share (or not!). Airport versions are neatly packed and travel-friendly, making them a great pasalubong or souvenir for loved ones.

I’m sharing these photos along with the price list to give you an idea of how much mango sticky rice costs at the airport. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Bangkok or just curious about food prices, I hope this gives you a helpful guide and maybe even inspires you to try this iconic Thai dessert.





If you ever find yourself in Thailand, don’t miss the chance to try mango sticky rice. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with sweet memories.
Posted by No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

August 12, 2025

Pasalubong from Vigan Ilocos Sur

A trip to a UNESCO World Heritage City is not complete without bringing home pasalubong or souvenirs—whether for your family or friends. 


Vigan, Ilocos Sur, is not only known for its Spanish colonial architecture but also for its local delicacies, handicrafts, and other unique finds. Some of the most iconic pasalubong items include Vigan Longganisa, Bagnet, Sukang Iloko, Royal Bibingka, Chichacorn, and Vigan Empanada. 

When it comes to handicrafts, Vigan is famous for its Burnay Jars, Abel Iloko, and wood crafts. 


You can buy food items and local snacks at the Vigan Public Market. For pottery and burnay jars, visit the Pagburnayan Jar Shops. Hidden Garden offers local delicacies, natural products, and pasalubong packages. The most famous place is Calle Crisologo, where several souvenir shops sell almost everything, making it a one-stop shop for souvenirs. 


During our trip, we were able to visit Pagburnayan Jar Shops, Hidden Garden, and of course, Calle Crisologo. 


Hidden Garden 


My mom bought food items from Hidden Garden, but I only bought a plant. I'm not a plantita, but I was sold when the staff told me that this plant is good for indoors because it helps purify the air and is low maintenance—watering it just twice a month. I'm happy to say that we now have many of these plants at home, and my husband is the one taking care of them. Hehehe! 


I was also tempted to buy a clay cooking set. When I was young, it was my dream to have one. I wanted to heal my inner child, but I knew it would probably just gather dust at home.


Irma’s Longganisa and Bagnet 

We bought longganisa and bagnet at Irma’s Longganisa and Bagnet, while my husband bought bagnet and sukang Iloko at Calle Crisologo for his officemates. 


Calle Crisologo 

We visited different shops, but most of the pasalubong we bought came from Tongson’s Royal Bibingka store because they accept credit cards. We didn’t want to withdraw cash anymore. 






It was our first time trying the famous Tongson Royal Bibingka. We just reheated it using an oven toaster. Sayang, I only bought 8 pieces—next time, I’ll get the larger size!


Read: Pasalubong from Ilocos 2012
Posted by No comments:
Labels: , , , ,
Klook.com