We all know that Valentine’s Day is a time for rose bouquets, candy hearts, and whispered sweet nothings, but this year, why not go beyond the predictable and explore gifts that resonate with our roots and heritage? Besides, is there a better way to show your special someone you appreciate them than appreciating their culture? With the rich tapestry and craftsmanship the Philippines has, the choices are limitless.
Here are five Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your Filipina Valentine!
1. Pearl Necklace
Pearls have long been treasured in the Filipino culture, with each piece whispering a tale of the sea. Their timeless beauty symbolizes purity, harmony, and the promise of enduring love.
Kultura Filipino, a brand that showcases local artistry, offers a wide array of pearl necklaces, from South Sea pearls to freshwater pearls. They have stores spanning all over the country and a website where you can shop online.
More than a mere gift, these are not just pieces of jewelry but an investment in the Philippine heritage.
2. Hand Woven Bags
One Weave is a brand that creates artisan handmade bags from Inabel textiles, which are handwoven with traditional, century-old patterns. This brand takes pride in their truly inspiring origin story; they were fueled by the unjust situation they saw in Tondo, Manila, where children were not able to acquire an education due to their need to help earn an income for their families.
One Weave’s products not only showcase Filipino creativity but also empower women to build better lives for themselves and their families, as they train mothers with livelihood skills they are able to earn from, such as bag making.
A fusion of the traditional and contemporary, these bags are perfect for the everyday Filipina. Each bag, having been made by hand, is unique and one of a kind; thus, its fashion-forward style and the fun prints embody her vibrant personality.
3. Bakya
The once household staple, and a reference to Filipino humble beginnings, is now undergoing a resurgence, not as a mere cultural artifact but as a unique fashion statement. Bakya may be an unconventional present, but they carry a charming nostalgia and playful spirit.
JOS Mundo, a small footwear brand in the heart of Marikina, has a very modern take on the Bakya. The “Parang Bakya” design is available on their website and comes in various fetching colors. This is the perfect reminder of the simpler times and your fun-loving relationship this Valentine’s Day.
4. Capiz Handbags
More than mere accessories, these handbags are wearable works of art. The intricate designs and patterns are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. With their translucent and lustrous charm, they evoke the magic of our coast.
ShellBag is a brand under one of the leading exporters of shell jewelry in Cebu. Each and every one of their pieces are handcrafted by their designers. And much like your loved one, they are a reminder of the Philippines’ natural beauty.
5. Auro Chocolates
No Valentine’s Day is complete without chocolate, but Auro Chocolate elevates the experience to a new level. Auro Chocolate has five stores so far, all within Metro Manila.
Crafting locally sourced cacao beans, Auro Chocolate showcases the rich and diverse flavors of the Philippines. It’s a sensory journey that is both meaningful and decedent. Much like discovering each other, sharing a box of Auro is uncovering a story behind every piece.
This Valentine’s Day, go beyond the ordinary and embrace the unconventional. There is nothing more romantic than choosing gifts that tell a story and celebrate Filipino heritage. These five ideas will help you show your love in truly unique and meaningful ways.
