Best Aklan Souvenirs That Would Cure Your Post-Vacation Blues

Aklan is one of the six provinces of the Western Visayas region in the Philippines. With Kalibo as its capital, Aklan has 17 municipalities and recorded a population of almost half a million, according to Philippine Statistics Authority. Each municipality has its tourist attractions as well as unique local goods and cuisines that are worth a try. Aklan is prominent for Boracay Island, which was awarded as Asia’s top island in the Conde Naste Traveler Reader’s Choice Award. However, apart from Boracay’s white sand beaches, tourists love to visit this island because of Philippine festivals, many luxurious hotels, and resorts, as well as the vibrant nightlife.

Vacation might be quick, and after some time of Boracay beach fun and island adventures, tourists would have to go back home and face reality away from the seaside. This is why souvenirs are a thing. It’s a reminder of the feeling you had at the moment of extreme joy at the place and extending it to your loved ones. Or it could also be just a piece of memory for yourself.

The practice of sending items back home from vacation destinations is known as “pasalubong” in the Philippines. Any gift or souvenir brought for family or friends after being away for a while might be considered pasalubong and the province of Aklan, has bountiful of unique products to offer that are perfect for pasalubong.

Here are some of the must-have souvenirs and pasalubong to cure your post-vacation blues available in Aklan!

1. Jocyl’s Chorizo De Kalibo

Jocyl’s is famous for its signature Chorizo De Kalibo, a savory, sweet, and garlicky pork sausage made of 100% pure young pork meat and premium ingredients. Aside from their chorizo, they also have other processed foods like pork tocino, longganisa, and corned beef. There is also a variety of pasalubong products to choose from like banana chips, camote chips, “ampao” or Filipino sweet, puffed rice cake, crispy shrimp, delicacies such as tarts, and many more. You can visit their two branches which are located at Tigayon Highway, Kalibo, Aklan, and 19 Martyrs St., Kalibo.

2. Tangalan Dried Seafoods

If you are a seafood lover, come and taste the flavors of dried seafoods in Jawili, Tangalan!

Tangalan is a coastal municipality in the province of Aklan that is rich in seafoods. Due to the abundance supply of seafoods in Tangalan, locals preserve it by sun-drying or fermentation. Sun-drying is the process where salted seafoods are exposed directly under the sun. One can buy various seafood products such as dried anchovies, squids, shrimps, dried fishes like “tamban” and “sapsap”. They also sell locally fermented fish called “ginamos” and locally fermented shrimp called “dayok” which are commonly enjoyed as side dishes by Aklanons.  These seafood products can be found in the following stalls along the street of Jawili Tangalan: Ronzel’s Dried Fish Store, and Mikay’s Dried Fish Store. Meanwhile, if you also want to try fish tocino and fish tapa, you can go look for Alexa’s Dried Fish Store.

3. Nabas Bariw Products

If you are into arts and handicrafts, the Bariw products of Nabas is for you!

The municipality of Nabas is well-known for its production of various handicrafts made from local bariw leaves. Bariw is a palm tree that is growing abundantly in the town’s plain lowlands and hillside. Nabasnon’s skilled weavers use the bariw leaves to create durable, colorful and stylish bags wallets, hats, fans, mats and even coasters. The production of these local handicrafts gave rise to the municipality’s biggest festival, Nabas Bariw Festival, which showcases the diverse and hand-made bariw products. This festival also celebrates the said to be fast-growing industry in the municipality which has become the number one source of income for the people of Nabas. You can purchase these products from Marbe’s Handicrafts which is popular for their custom-made bariw handicrafts. They also have their own Facebook page where you can message them for customized products that you desire.

Reference: https://aklan.gov.ph/tourism/nabas/

4. Boracay Seashells Jewelries

If you are already on the island of Boracay and want less hassle trips, you can check out the different local souvenir shops that sell jewelries made of seashells. You can find affordable yet classy handmade bracelets, necklaces, earrings and anklets in D’mall Boracay or in small stalls found along the beach. They all come in varied styles and designs so these seashell jewelries can be a great addition to your summer OOTD or to any kind of style that you prefer. These are perfect souvenirs and gift items that you can bring to your family and friends that will remind them of their memorable vacation or just simply remind them of the iconic Boracay Island.

5. Bread And Butter Baked Products

If you’re craving for the best-tasting baked products in Aklan, then visit Bread and Butter, the leading bakeshop chain that has numerous branches in different parts of Aklan and has been delighting Aklanons with their wide array of products. Their pasalubong staples for both locals and tourists are Biscochio, Toasted Mamon, Ugoy-Ugoy, Otap, Barquillos,and Paborita. If you have a sweet tooth, you can choose from their wide selection of cakes, pastries and desserts that can surely satisfy your sweet cravings.

6. Artisanal Pińa, Abaca And Raffia Acessories By Shie Reynaldo

Do you want to be eco-friendly and be stylish at the same time? Cop these sustainable yet fashionable products by Shie Reynaldo, a well-known brand for artisanal pińa, abaca and raffia accessories.  From bags, wallets, bucket hats, bracelets, necklaces and earrings, they all have them uniquely designed and carefully crafted. They also customize their products which can be perfect for personalized gift items and souvenirs for your family and friends. Their products are available at their outlet store, Nami Aklan Store, which is located at CityMall Kalibo, 19 Martyrs St., Kalibo, Aklan. They also have their own showroom that is open from Monday to Sunday located at 056 Dahlia St., Poblacion, Banga, Aklan Province.

All of these proudly made Aklan pasalubong products truly showcase that Aklan is indeed a fulfilling place to live in, experience, and also invest in. They are proofs that Aklan is truly rich with wonderful natural resources, must-see tourist attractions, colorful and fun-filled festivals, delicious and savory local dishes and delicacies, and of course, the abundance of premium quality local goods and products.

Make your Dream Life Come True in Camella Aklan

To live and experience a fulfilling life here in Aklan, investing in a secured and trusted home is essential. Make that wise investment in Camella Aklan.

Camella Aklan is the only premiere community in Aklan located at Brgy. Joyao-joyao, Numancia Aklan that ensures 24/7 security with its gated entrance and secured perimeter fencing. This 11-hectare house and lot development has a wide selection of Italian-Mediterranean designed house models that provides a cozy atmosphere for families. Plus, homeowners can enjoy amenities such as the swimming pool for relaxation, the basketball court, park and playground for leisure and games, and the clubhouse for celebrating special events.