We at KUBO know that balikbayans love to shop while in the Philippines, so we will be coming up with a regular roundup of shopping events, deals, and pasalubong ideas that you can check out whenever you’re visiting the motherland.
If you happen to be in Metro Manila this weekend, we have a couple of shopping events that might interest you, as well as a delicious pasalubong idea below:
QueRica Pili Nuts
When you hear the words “local delicacies,” you’d most likely think of a filling ulam, a specialty made with locally grown fruit, or a delicious kakanin that you grew up eating. QueRica is challenging that notion by creating the pili nut’s own space in Philippine cuisine.
If you’ve never heard of the pili nut, here’s what you have to know: Recently recognized as a superfood packed with vitamins and minerals, while also being gluten-free and keto-friendly, these nuts come from pili trees grown in the Bicol region. Grown wild in mineral-rich volcanic soil, the pili tree thrives in the unique climate of the Bicol region, a typhoon-prone area. The farmers even call it a “stress tree,” as they say they harvest more produce after the trees endure harsh weather conditions.
The QueRica brand of Philippine pili nuts was founded by French culinary school Le Cordon Bleu Filipina alumna Rica Buenaflor, borne out of a passion for promoting and celebrating the Bicol region, as well as the culinary heritage of the Philippines on a global scale. Each pili fruit is hand-harvested, bringing the story of farmers with skillful hands who share their commitment to fine taste into QueRica’s kitchen. Crafted in small batches and flavored using French culinary techniques, the pili nuts are masterfully infused with artisanal blends and luxurious flavors in French Copper pots—bringing something new to its buttery, creamy taste.
Native to the Philippines, QueRica sees the pili nut as a hidden gem of Filipino culture and cuisine. Pili trees are nurtured to yield the precious produce that sustains the livelihoods of Bicolano farmers, their families, and other communities in Bicol. From the moment the nut is first harvested to the meticulous process of making it into an indulgent treat, each step of the journey is guided by Filipino hands, and QueRica aims to bring pride to the Philippines by sharing this to the world.
QueRica offers their flavors in 50g pouches (PHP250-PHP400) and 200g canisters (PHP1,000-PHP1,500). Try their available taste profiles:
● Plain: The Philippine Pili Nut in its simplest form, creamy and rich
● Philippine Sea Salt: A savory twist with enhanced richness
● Ube: Decadently sweet yet still creamy and rich
● Davao Chocolate: A blend of sweet flavors from cocoa powder and coco cap sugar
● Coffee: Rich and invigorating—a fusion of Pili, aromatic Arabica coffee, and coconut sugar
● Truffle Pecorino: A luxurious flavor of savory cheese and truffle salt
● Miso Salted Caramel: Fusion of savory and sweet (available in 50g only for PHP400)
● Matcha: A harmonious taste of Filipino tradition and Japanese mastery (available in 50g only for PHP400)
While QueRica already has a variety of flavors to choose from, their newest product brings something unique to the table: the special limited edition “Premium Pili Nuts in Asin Tíbuok,” released in 50g for PHP400 in celebration of Filipino Food Month last April. A complex taste profile described as having a shard and smokey taste with fruity undertones, the endangered heritage salt is produced using a labor intensive process. Crafted by fewer “asinderos” or artisanal salt makers in the island of Bohol through a tradition that involves filtering seawater through the ashes of charred coconut husks, poured in clay pots, and heated over a specially-designed furnace, they now compete with modern and more affordable technologies. With both the salt and the pili nut being known for their rarity, Philippine Pili Nuts flavored with Asín Tibuok is an extraordinary pairing of two unique Filipino products.
QueRica’s offerings are available across the Philippines in several premier gourmet shops including Real Food and Rustan’s, restaurants, and top e-commerce hubs (click here for all store locations), as well as their own website.
Duty Free Philippines Sale this May
Duty Free Philippines is having its biggest sale event to date, in celebration of its 37th anniversary. As a token of gratitude to its loyal customers, DFP is giving out discounts of up to 50% on a huge selection of items at its flagship store, the Fiestamall in Paranaque (about 200 meters from NAIA Terminal 1), from today, May 17, up to Sunday, May 19, 2024.
In addition to the in-store promotions, DFP is extending the celebration online, with discounts of up to 10% available on its e-commerce platform, from now until May 30. Customers can browse through a wide array of products and enjoy incredible savings.
To add an extra touch of festivity to the occasion, guests visiting the Fiestamall today will be treated to cultural performances, embracing the vibrant spirit of the summer fiesta theme.
Duty Free Philippines Corporation is the country’s premier destination for duty- and tax-free shopping, catering to international travelers and OFWs. DFP was created in 1987. Attached to the Department of Tourism, it continues to be committed to providing shoppers with an unparalleled selection of premium products at competitive prices across its various retail outlets.
Momzilla Fair in Rockwell, Makati on May 18-19
Momzilla Fair, a premier family and parenting event that brings together over 250 curated brands for families in the Philippines, will offer exclusive deals and up to 70% off on May 18-19, 2024, from 11a.m. to 8p.m. at The Fifth at Rockwell at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati.
Momzilla offers exclusive deals, informative talks, and interactive activities in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Families can enjoy a fun weekend at the Booboo Proof Kids Village with an area of free-play and activities. Nursing moms can take a well-deserved break in the comfort of the Milkt Lounge by Milk Easy with breastfeeding supplies, snacks, and a peaceful spot for babies to rest.
Families are invited to participate in Parenting Talks organized in partnership with The Parenting Emporium. On May 18, speakers such as Dr. Charidy Therese Marie Ramos will discuss pregnancy, postpartum, and pains; and Vicky Chang, a certified aromatherapist, will share about travel oils for the family. On May 19, Dr. Sherry C. Tiu Laurel will share her expertise on newborn care and breastfeeding basics. Secure your seat for these sessions by sending a Viber message to +63917-1525586.
If you’re in Metro Manila this weekend, gather your family and immerse yourselves in a weekend of fun at the Momzilla Fair. Tickets for the Momzilla Fair are available at the entrance for PHP100 per head. To get the latest updates, follow MomzillaPH on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or visit momzillaph.com.
