...pasalubong!
By jeanneyvonne
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
Philippines
April 24, 2012 5:19am CST
I am anticipating the arrival of my sibling tonight or tomorrow. Like any Filipino relative or kin, I did give my own fair share of essential list for my psalubong.
Mostly are food but I can't really pick clothing or any type of apparel because it will be hard on the size. It's not really practical.
Although I kinda bullied my sibling to buy me pasalubong, I tihnk many Filipinos buy pasalubing by default or they always buy whenever they get the chance. Most like souvenir items while other prefer food. No matter what, we like to experience what their travel have been and what kind or things they have in their place.
So, as I am waiting for my pasalubiong to come, what's your favorite or souvenir? and form what country? Do you prefer food or item pasalubong?
11 responses
@sishy7 (27167)
• Australia
25 Apr 12
I'm learning something new here...
First I thought you're expecting a new baby brother/sister and your topic has something to do with cultural traditions for having newborn in the family...
But after reading through the responses, I understand what you're talking about.
Yes, unlike in western cultures, for some Asian countries it's pretty much expected that one would bring some gifts, even if it is just small ones, for family back home after traveling.
"Balik bayan", is that tagalog for going back home? @jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Apr 12
Nope. Balikbayan is a term for a Filipino who comes home to the Philippines after a good number of years abroad. Your equivalent is 'homecoming'. It can be for work, for vacation or leisure, anything that can make a fellow Filipino go home. Basically, it is an expression and somewhat an expectation that Filipinos abroad will come for sentimental , familial and personal issues.
The term is also used in 'balikbayan box'. It's a package that comes from a Filipino abroad to be sent to the Filipino's family here. Usually, the contents are 'pabilihin' or things that the family wants the Filipino abroad to buy for them. also, usually, it also contains letters or messages from the person abroad.
1 person likes this
@zaskasahagun (346)
• Philippines
24 Apr 12
i prefer both. haha i love pasalubong which is food and i do appreciate those item souvenirs. i want a keychain a cute one from paris france or i want to be given a luxurious bag from hong kong. oh that would be nice!
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Apr 12
I agree,. I would very much like a french souvenir if I can't go to France in this lifetime. But if I can't, picking a souvenir will be extremely difficult. A bag form Hong Kong will also be nice, especially if it's a big steal (I mean the price, not the act) !
@dana820 (277)
• Philippines
4 May 12
Hi! Sounds like you're easy to give presents to because you know what you want.
Me? I don't know what I want most of the time so when someone asks what "pasalubong" to get me, I say, "Surprise me!" Then they say that I'm being "difficult." 
But generally, I prefer something I can use or eat {no figurines or for-display things}.
But generally, I prefer something I can use or eat {no figurines or for-display things}. @jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
7 May 12
Well, it is a good alternative to be surprised rather than to impose one item and not get it. Of course, giving pasalubong is on the borderline of being obligatory but as the recipients, we never know what teh giver might have in mind or the situation they are in - they might run out of money or they might simply got tired of buying pasalubong. I might try your method and see what I can get.
@gaiza12 (4884)
• Philippines
24 Apr 12
Pasalubong or homecoming gift for all those who are not Filipinos here. We really are used to asking it and buying it if we were the ones away. I actually prefer something that I can use like a shirt or bags maybe, but if there is really none from that place, I would choose a delicacy on that specific place. My relatives abroad always brings us perfume when they come home. Which is actually not that exciting to receive because we can always buy it here in our country. I wanted something that really came from that place or that country and is not available here.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Apr 12
well, your sentiments are very understandable. We kinda want something different from what we already have and see here in our country ( a reason why we nag our friends and families for pasalubong). But sometimes we cannot blame those who give us pasalubong because they might run out of cash and they don't know what we like (or what they are supposed to give). At least, you won;t run out of perfume.
Exactly! 
@butterscotsh (1012)
• Philippines
27 Apr 12
My dad just came home last week from Baguio. Me and my
mother requested for strawberry jams and peanut brittle
for pasalubong. I always want starwberry jams as pasalubong
when someone is from Baguio. I always request for food pasalubongs.
Accessories are good too. Especilly if it's my type.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
7 May 12
at least he got you what you wanted form him. I have also relatives in Baguio and they send peanut brittle for my sibling because it is 'nutty' but I prefer the choco flakes myself because I love chocolates. most of the time, my mother would ask for vegetables because those are cheap and can be bought in bulk. The only problem is the transportation.
Anyway, the accessories are good to but I am more picky when ti comes to that. I really need to see if I like the design before considering buying one.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Apr 12
There's nothing wrong about that. My mother has been a constant receiver of those and she doesn't need to buy any more lotion, cosmetics or perfume. I think she has enough to open a small boutique. Anyway, at least, your friends and relatives remember you by sending you those. Mother says lotions and cosmetics form aborad have a better quality compared to local brands.
1 person likes this
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Apr 12
Well, at least, there's a higher chance that you will get one. But then again, an item will last forever and can be displayed and collected over the years. Yoiu can even remember when or who used you the souvenir.
@butterscotsh (1012)
• Philippines
27 Apr 12
My dad just came home last week from Baguio. Me and my
mother requested for strawberry jams and peanut brittle
for pasalubong. I always want starwberry jams as pasalubong
when someone is from Baguio. I always request for food pasalubongs.
Accessories are good too. Especilly if it's my type.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
7 May 12
Ah..you double posted. anyway, my response is included in your second response since I tend to answer from the bottom of the page and upwards.
@ardoy0731 (7308)
• Philippines
24 Apr 12
I like pasalubongs too wether foods or any souvenir from the place. I used to buy pasalubong too every time I went to some place.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Apr 12
At least you return the pratice. If you receive a pasaluboing, you have to give pasalubong also. Then, it becomes an unconscious practice and a habit. it's a bit of cash to to part form but it gives a good and rewarding smile in return. That's something that Mooney can't buy.
@jinky2012 (438)
• Philippines
25 Apr 12
when someone of my friend will visit me here.I would choose a clothes to be their pasalubong to me,because it will be my remembrance.I don't like food because i can eat and no more.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
7 May 12
Clothes are good too but they can be tricky when it comes to sizes. I don't impsoe clothes because I have my own style of dress and that may not be the same style that the person buying might settle for. I hate not to sue them if they give me some because they did pay for it and I can't say that I haven't wear because of the same style or size.
Anyway, if the person buying it knows your style and size, I can be rewarding since you won;t have to buy the apparel itself. A nice addition to your wardrobe.
@8sandylim (21)
•
24 Apr 12
Pasalubong. Typical Filipino. One must not dare go home from a vacation without pasalubong. It's an unwritten rule for us Filipinos.
My favorite pasalubong will always be food. :)
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
25 Apr 12
Yes, it is the unwritten rule. Pity the person who forget a pasalubong. I remember I got mad at my dad because he failed to buy me a Chinese doll when he went to China. he went for business and kinda forgot about it. I almost didn't speak to him for three days. but he won me over when he bought me a Japaneses doll, saying it was the same thing.
Food is always a favorite since we all love to try a new cuisine, even though it's only a 'tikim' and not actual appreciation of the food/cuisine. But it's better to know that just wondering. At least, there's something for your stomach.
