Unit 8 - Pamimili (Shopping)

INTRO:

Pamimili
Shopping

The “Pasalubong”

Giving a pasalubong is customary among Filipinos. A pasalubong is a souvenir gift given by someone who has returned from a trip to one to who is awaiting the traveler. 

An item of pasalubong is typically a delicacy or something native to a region.  For example, someone from Hawaii might bring back macadamia nuts, Kona coffee, or flowers such as orchids, anthuriums, or birds of paradise.  From the Philippines, one might bring back embroidered clothing or items made from an acacia tree or of capis shells.  Stateside, it has been customary to give cosmetic items such as lipstick, eye make-up, or children’s toys.

Any small item that parents bring home from work, such as candy for their children, is also called a pasalubong. It may also be what parents bring home from the market for their youngest child;  for instance, some sweet and sticky rice dessert such as suman or bibingka.

One might also call pasalubong a welcome party to honor someone who has newly arrived from a distant place.  For example one may throw a big banquet for someone who has arrived from the States.  This is a way of celebrating someone’s arrival.  Such pasalubong is called a “bienvenida” (a welcoming party).

A pasalubong need not be big or expensive.  What is important is the thoughtfulness.  A pasalubong shows the person who was left behind that he or she was not forgotten by the other.

Transated from:  Ramos, Teresita V.& Rosalina Goulet. 1985 Intermediate Tagalog,  Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.