Keychains bearing the island’s name are one of the most popular souvenirs from Cebu.
It only takes one product to cause déjà vu regarding a trip you once had. Maybe you bought a piece of clothing that was made locally, or a product that is endemic to a certain country. A look at these items is enough for you to pull back a chair and reminisce. In the Queen City of the South, there are many of these products. You can say that there is a whole laundry list of souvenirs from Cebu you should take hold of when you visit the island.
A typical souvenir shop in Cebu will give you a stash of modern and traditional Filipino gifts even Santa Claus would be intimidated by. On the walls hang many snacks, keychains, figurines, t-shirts, and musical instruments egging you to impulse buy as much as your wallet can take you.
What are some of the most common types of souvenirs from Cebu?
Handmade Souvenirs from Cebu
Many popular Filipino gifts in Cebu are handmade by locals. There are many beautifully designed accessories and wood carved materials that can spice up your household. You can also buy woven baskets and blankets that can make life easier.
You can buy many of these at the Carbon Market, the biggest public market in Cebu. You can also stop by Kultura Filipino in malls like SM City Cebu to buy Filipino products like wooden toys and printed shirts. There are also some museums that sell handmade crafts for visitors to remind themselves about their tour there.
The Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City will also have stalls selling items like these, but if you want to go to Mactan, you might want to try out their own native craft.
Guitars in Lapu-Lapu City
A guitar from Lapu-Lapu is a good choice for a souvenir from Cebu.
Cebu is the guitar capital of the Philippines, especially because of Lapu-Lapu City. 20 kilometers away from Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu is known for its world-class guitar factories.
Famous for their robust build quality and soulful acoustics, Lapu-Lapu guitars have been a staple for many decades. Craftsmen are synonymous to the city as much as their “historic resort city” tagline is.
A good number of stores export their products outside Lapu-Lapu. A guitar store in Cebu City is great, but going to where it is made is an entirely different experience. In places like Alegre, Jerry’s, Ferangeli, and Guitar Master in Pajac, you can witness the masters at work, hand crafting some of the most iconic instruments in the Philippines.
SHOES IN CARCAR CITY
If you’ve heard about the shoes in Marikina in Luzon, then maybe you want to find the Visayas version. Carcar City in Southern Cebu has that for you.
Carcar City may be famous for Chicharon and Lechon, but it’s also a popular place where you can get some new kicks. The shoe business in Carcar is popularized because of the Carcar United Footwear Manufacturers Association Inc., which is found along the highway. You will know you’re there when you see a huge shoe inside the store.
If you are going on a trip to Southern Cebu, you might want to take a step into the store to try their shoes. They offer many designs and shoes both for men and women. This is definitely one way to support the locals and their craft.
Cebu City Delicacies
You can buy many Cebu City delicacies in many public markets.
Food is definitely something that everyone enjoys, and Cebu sure knows how to satisfy the hunger of locals. There are many sweet treats that Cebuanos of all ages and generations enjoy. Some of the most popular delicacies include Dried Mangoes, Otap, Masareal, Chicharon, and of course Lechon.
Almost every city, municipality, and town in Cebu have their own delicacy that they are very proud of. A drive to the provinces will show you some of the best food in Cebu. Lechon in particular is very popular. Some say it is the best roasted pig in the world. If you want to try the best ones in Cebu, both Carcar and Talisay are among the most popular go-to places for Lechon.
Some notable places you can go for local snacks include Titay’s in Liloan, where you can try their Rosquillos, and Shamrock, the home of Otap, found in Cebu City.
Island Souvenirs Shirts
You can find many Filipino products in Islands Souvenirs.
Arguably the most popular place for souvenir shirts in Cebu, Islands Souvenirs has their iconic “heart Cebu” shirt. In this store you can have a customized shirt where you can show your love for Cebu. There are many branches in the city like in Fuente and the Basilica del Santo Niño for you to go to.
They also have a branch near the airport, so you can literally go there right after your airplane lands. They have branches in many malls as well. They now also sell other items like handmade crafts, toys, and home accessories.
If you’re looking for something to give, whether it’s for a birthday or Christmas party, Cebu’s got a whole bevy of things to offer. Cebu is rich not just with beautiful landscapes and places to go to, but also with art and things to make you remember your stay.
Souvenirs from Cebu are special because of their simplicity and how easy it is to find them. Some of these souvenirs are world-class and top-notch items every Cebuano or Filipino will recommend. There are so many places where you can splurge and buy gifts for your friends and family. These are only a handful, and there many more places where you can find the best things to buy in the Philippines.
When you’re on a trip, what better gift can you take home to your family and friends other than these souvenirs from Cebu?
