Pasalubong
"The tradition of bringing gifts when coming back from a trip."
What is Pasalubong?
Pasalubong translates to “something for when you welcome me.” It is the tradition of bringing gifts whenever you return from a trip—whether you went abroad for a year or just to the next city for a day.
It is not about the monetary value of the gift. It is about the thought: “I was away, having a new experience, but I was thinking of you.”
Buying Pasalubong for Her Family
When visiting the Philippines to meet her parents, pasalubong is mandatory etiquette.
Good ideas:
- Chocolates / Sweets (classic).
- T-shirts or souvenirs from your city/country.
- Spam (yes, really - imported canned goods are appreciated).
- Perfume or lotions (for the mom/sisters).
- Liquor like Whisky or Brandy (for the dad).
Bad ideas:
- Expensive gadgets (can set a precedent of you being a “bank”).
- Anything clearly cheap/second-hand.
The “Balikbayan Box”
On a larger scale, pasalubong is why Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) send giant “Balikbayan Boxes” home. It is a way of maintaining connection and showing love across distances.
The Insider
Founder & Lead Editor
The lead strategist behind Filipina Dating Insider. With over a decade of firsthand experience navigating the complex dating culture of the Philippines, from the traditional "ligaw" to the modern digital landscape.