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Cebu, a province in the Philippines, is a beautiful place to visit and admire, and it promises a unique experience to all. This place offers a rich array of unique products and souvenirs bought by both tourists and locals. These things to buy in Cebu, Philippines, often reflect the vibrant culture and craftsmanship, something which is locally inherited. With multiple places to visit and local markets to shop from, people get many friendly negotiations and great deals. Whether you want to shop for the famous handcrafted guitars or simply buy dried mangoes, Cebu has everything!
10 Famous Things To Buy In Cebu, Philippines
Below is a list of some of the must-buy things in Cebu, Philippines, whether you are a foodie or someone who admires traditional handicrafts
1. Dried Mangoes
Photo: Adrian Michael / Wikimedia Commons
Dried mangoes are among the favourite local snacks in Cebu, Philippines. A trip to Cebu will only be complete when visitors buy the famous dried mango packets and containers. This sweet and tangy snack is made from locally grown mangoes. Dried mangoes make great gifts for families and friends back home. Cebu is also known as the ‘Dried Mango Capital’ of the Philippines.
Average Cost: ₹ 400, depending on the size and package
Where To Buy: In All Supermarkets, Kultura, and 7D Dried Mango Factory
2. Papaya Soaps
Photo: Mrdidg / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Papaya soap is among the few recommended products to buy in the Philippines. This beauty product is believed to have some natural skin whitening and exfoliating properties, and is pure orange in colour. The Papaya Soap also has an essence of mango and white rose. It is often shaped like tropical fruits and has a lovely fragrance. The soaps are traditionally made by locals and are organic too.
Average Cost: ₹ 100
Where To Buy: Available in local stores, Human Heart Health, Beauty Shop Branch, and supermarkets in Kultura
3. Handmade Guitars
Photo: David Adam Kess / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Cebu Guitars are very popular among locals and tourists. This place is famed for some of its handmade guitars. There are multiple music shops in the entire region, highly frequented by music and guitar lovers. Handmade Guitars in Cebu are among the finely crafted instruments and make a great choice for a purchase. The guitars and ukuleles are prepared by local craftsmen and sold internationally.
Average Cost: Starting From ₹ 2000
Where To Buy: Alegre Guitar Factory, Ferangeli Guitar Handcrafter
4. Otaps
Photo: Gennady Zakharin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Otap is a beautiful Cebuano Pastry which is traditionally made with flour, coconut, and sugar. This pastry is flaky, crispy, sweet, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and delicious. These pastries are homemade and sold in local shops, bakeries, and supermarkets. Otap is often compared to puff pastries. Locals love having it with morning tea.
Average Cost: ₹ 100 onwards
Where To Buy: In all supermarkets, local markets, Shamrock Pasalubong Centre
5. Seashell Handicrafts
Photo: xuanduongvan87 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
There are many talented artisans in Cebu selling the most beautiful seashell handicrafts to both locals and tourists. All seashell handicrafts are affordable but require high maintenance because of their weight and traditional weaving method, which is primarily used here. These handcrafted items include jewellery, table runners, artistic pieces, home decor, and other accessories. One of the most notable artisans is Tatay Gaudioso Cabaral, who is currently a 75-year-old artisan and displays his work near the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.
Average Cost: Starting from ₹ 500
Where To Buy: Carbon Market, Rodjen Seashells Jewellery Handicrafts
6. Sinamay Bags
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Sinamay Bags are among the most elegant and beautifully made accessories sold in Cebu. Sinamay is a natural fibre that is obtained from a plant primarily growing in the Philippines. As a result, these bags are traditionally made here and later sold to tourists. Because of their lightweight, durability, and chic look, Sinamay Bags are a top-tier choice for everyone. This bag can be used for both formal and festive occasions. These bags are eco-friendly and contribute the most to the environment.
Where To Buy: Cebu Eco Bags, Local Market, Canvas Bag Cebu By Dantokyo, and Shopee Philippines
7. Banig Mats
Photo: MarvinBikolano / Wikimedia Commons
These are traditional hand-woven mats that are very integral to the culture of the Philippines. Cebu is particularly known for its exquisite weaving culture. These mats are built from Pandanus Leaves or Sedge Leaves and are mixed with other materials like bamboo, palm leaves, and reed leaves are used as sleeping mats or floor mats among locals. The process of making these mats starts from plucking the leaves, dyeing them, and later weaving them.
Average Cost: ₹ 700
Where To Buy: Nonoy’s Native Banig Bags, Kultura Filipino, Mandaue, Local Markets
8. Cebu Chocolates
Photo: Tamas Pap / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Besides all handicrafts and souvenirs, Cebu boasts a rich chocolate-making heritage. This province offers a variety of chocolate products which are internationally renowned. One of the must-try chocolates here is Cebu Mango Chocolate, which is made by dry pieces of mango in Belgian Chocolate, and Tablea Chocolate, which is a homegrown brand selling artisanal chocolates and baked goods.
Average Cost: ₹ 150
Where To Buy: SMR Chocolate Cebu, Local Markets, Dahlia Chocolates
9. Wooden Crafts
Photo: Francesco Paggiaro / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Wood craftsmanship is highly praised in Cebu. This is reflected in the cultural heritage of Cebu and artisans’ skills in crafting such pieces. People can buy religious figures, mask sculptures, functional furniture, table runners, decorative items, cabinets, small chairs, wall hangings, and other home decor. Individuals can also indulge in workshops to learn this art. Guitar Making is one of the most performed activities here.
Average Cost: ₹ 400 onwards
Where To Buy: Margo Crafts Shop, Vasacrafts Company, Local Markets, Wagas Crafts
10. Coffee Beans
Photo: Wojtek Pacześ / Wikimedia Commons
Cebu is known for its locally grown coffee, which is admired by many. There are multiple coffee bean suppliers throughout Cebu that sell the best coffee beans. Some of the best beans sold here are Arabica Coffee Beans and Maramag Coffee Beans. Visitors can also visit Tuburan, which is the coffee capital of Cebu, and has Tuburan Coffee Bean Farm. Tuburan Coffee is the first homegrown coffee and among the best things to buy in Cebu, Philippines.
Average Cost: ₹ 700 onwards
Where To Buy: PicaBean Coffee House, Good Cup Coffee Co.
Truly, Cebu is a culturally rich city in the Philippines. Besides being known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque spots, historic landmarks, and rich culinary scene, Cebu also boasts a wide variety of products. Whether you shop for tangy dried mangoes or artistic jewellery, things to buy in Cebu, Philippines have something for all! Plan a trip to Cebu with TripXL and make cherishable memories.
Cover Photo: Eugenia Romanova / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
