Happy Independence Day, everyone! How are you celebrating this special occasion? Shopping some locally-made products, perhaps? If you answered yes, there’s one place where you can get clothes, homeware, food, and beauty products made in the Philippines. This month, Rustan’s has decided to celebrate the finest of the Philippines by offering local and indigenous products. Here, you will find beaded necklaces, handwoven bags, chocolate, and natural beauty products. Shopping these items is a good way to incorporate your heritage into your home wardrobe. Let’s take a break from imported items and show some love to what our country has to offer because we have well-made products as well. If you’re a tourist visiting the Philippines this month, you can bring some of these things home for yourself or to share with your friends and family. Show them what this country can do.
These items will be available at the 5th floor of Rustan’s Makati until June 22. Check out some of our picks below.
Handwoven Scarf (Ikat) from Ifugao
Stay warm this rainy season with a handwoven scarf from Ifugao. It is red with a white print and uses natural dye. It also has fringe details at the ends. Throw this in your bag or keep it on your office chair for when you get cold.
Bamboo Shoulder Bag from Ifugao
Support local with this shoulder bag. The base is made of bamboo while the body is handwoven fabric. It features warm colors like red and orange with a stripe pattern. The strap is made of the same material but with a braided touch.
The Tropical Shop Natural Coconut Lip Balm
Keep your lips nice and moisturized with this natural coconut lip balm. It comes in a small tin that you can keep in your bag. It is made of coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut essential oil. Apply this two to three times a day or when needed.
Poncho from Baguio
An easy piece you can drape over any outfit to stay warm is a poncho. Made in Baguio, this one comes in a pink color with a light pink fringe at the ends. It also has a polka dot print in black and white. Wear this around the house or out on casual days with trousers, a T-shirt, and sneakers.
Theo and Philo Milk Chocolate with Pili Nut & Pinipig
With cocoa beans sourced from Davao, Theo and Philo’s chocolate bars push for local flavors. This milk chocolate bar has glazed pili nuts and toasted pinipig folded into it. When you bite into it, you have the sweetness from the chocolate and the crunch from the tiny bits. They also have other unique flavors like dark chocolate with calamansi and milk chocolate turon.
Handwoven Bayong Bag from Bukidnon
Bayong bags are trendy so why not cop one that’s made locally. This one is made from Sodsod grass and features geometric patterns. This is a perfect everyday bag that you can carry to work or out running errands.
Fruit Basket from Bukidnon
Dress up your space with a basket made in Bukidnon. It is woven and has handles on either side. You can use this to display fruits in your kitchen or for toiletries in your bathroom. Need more storage in your bedroom? Use this to store cables and wires.
Pili Beauty Bath Soap
Pili Beauty has a number or products from essential oils to hair serums but they also have bath soaps. They have two available scents: Citron and Citrus-Bloom. They are enriched with pili, elemi, and coconut oil to keep your skin smooth and soft.
Handwoven Foldable Round Beach Mat from Bukidnon
Summer might be over but it’s never too early to start preparing for your next beach trip. For lounging around, pick up this foldable beach mat made of Sodsod grass. It has a black pattern, carrying handle, and button and loop closure. It also comes in plain brown if you want something simple.
Art by Marian Hukom
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