Here's another keen idea... SOUVENIR ITEMS from our Indigenous Brothers & Sisters!

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ VISUAL FINE ARTS OF THE PHILIPPINES:

NEW BEGINNINGS
For Indigenous Peoples, the visual arts are central to identity, place and belonging, and an expression of a unique and enduring tradition. Thus, the visual arts have an important place in the continuing survival of Indigenous Peoples and their cultures. In the Philippines, Indigenous Peoples’ visual arts provide subsistence livelihood through handicrafts and souvenir production.

However, unique and distinct examples of fine art can be seen in practically every corner of the country. From the “Fish” at the Deep Forest Resort in Palawan to the piece called “Earth” near Baguio, from Ifugao baskets and carvings in Northern Luzon to the colorful and evocative weavings from Mindanao, ample evidence can be found of
outstanding examples of world-class art. A mechanism needs to be developed to expose the best art to the world and to expand the sector beyond subsistence livelihood.

The mission of the KALINAWA ART FOUNDATION is to build on the inherent talent of the
Indigenous People of the Philippines by creating institutional mechanisms to contribute to building a visual fine arts sector that celebrates their culture, promotes talent, develops skills, facilitates training and builds cross-cultural education. Results will be measured by the increased visibility and understanding of Indigenous People and improved income for participating artists.

KALINAWA ART FOUNDATION provides assistance for the development of the Indigenous Peoples’ Art sector in the Philippines through a series of different activities. In order to promote Indigenous Peoples’ visual arts, a series of exhibitions built around a competition and sales of the art has been held in various regional centers. While the program of regional exhibitions will
be ongoing, the intent is to establish a regular National Indigenous Peoples’ art exhibition in Manila, to which winners from various regional competitions will be invited to present their work.

To create a sustainable activity, a focus on more than creating art is needed. The KALINAWA ART FOUNDATION will work with others to establish copyright standards to protect the art and foster institutional mechanisms to maximize the opportunities for Indigenous Peoples’ visual arts that are consistent with the Indigenous Peoples’ cultures and communities. By continuing to provide information and material support for building community based arts infrastructure to support the development of the Indigenous Peoples’ visual art sector, the FOUNDATION also provides support for the development of the entire visual art community.

Source

In lieu of giving away souvenirs, we will sponsor children...

Here's a keen idea... Instead of spending money for souvenir items, why not sponsor a child/children, a family or a home?

A lot of organizations offer these types of programs. So on your wedding day, you will be distributing small cards instead, saying.. "Instead of buying souvenir items, we are sponsoring ____ instead."
You can even promote the organization and encourage them to sponsor as well.

Souvenirs after all are meant to remind the attendees about the occasion they have been to or what they have witnessed. And what have they witnessed? A couple blessed to have each other and is a blessing to other people, especially those in need. What a wonderful memory to leave your guests.. the legacy of loving and sharing!

In weddings, it's not about the most expensive, the most extravagant or the most flamboyant. Rather, it is about what is true and what is basic.. love!

SOUVENIR SUPPLIER FEATURE: The Great Gifts & Souvenirs International Corp. (GGSI)

Located in the heart of Davao City, southern Mindanao, GREAT GIFTS and SOUVENIRS INTL. CORP. initially ventured into trading various products manufactured in Davao City to New York City, USA in 1987.

The firm then moved into manufacturing its own designs adapting the latest trends and styles to fill the gap it saw when it started business the year before. Products manufactured utilized raw materials indigenous to the region and distinctive of the tribes in southern Philippines.

Today, GGSI takes pride in capturing the interest of the international market by supplying contemporary products using a combination of NATURAL FIBERS intrinsic to the area and intricately HAND-WOVEN by housewives from the surrounding countryside.

The Great Gifts & Souvenirs International Corp. (GGSI) is engaged in both the manufacturing and retailing of indigenous gifts, souvenir items, house wares, and fashion accessories.

Its styles are dynamic in response to the ever-changing preferences and discriminating taste of the growing world market.

In the Philippines, GGSI has carved a niche as a reliable supplier of gifts and souvenirs depicting the tribal ethnic culture of southern Mindanao. Its clientele include major department stores, convention groups and various specialty shops.

GGSI has likewise expanded into retailing and operates several retail mall outlets carrying its own brand labels, "LIANA LADIES" & "PINOY HERITAGE".

With the firm belief on excellence, GGSI commits to continuous innovation and product improvement to achieve its goals of customer satisfaction, sustainable growth and addressing its corporate social responsibility of contributing to countryside development.

The products of The Great Gifts & Souvenirs International Corp. (GGSI) include: storage boxes, photo frames, magazine racks, hampers, candle holders, trays, bags, wallets, convention kits and identification cards, give-ways and tokens, and home decorations.

GGSI's Liana line, on the other hand, offer clothing, shoes, and sandals.

Click here to read more about GGSI.

SOUVENIR SUPPLIER FEATURE: Love Manila

I recently came upon the website for Souvenirs for the Modern Traveler called "Love Manila". They showcase items promoting the Philippines and the type of fare Filipinoys are known for such as adobo and balut. The items they showcare are the ones normally brought by tourists or balikbayans.

You can check out their site here to know more.

SOUVENIR SUPPLIER FEATURE: Philippine Tablea (Hot Chocolate)

Nothing says it better than Chocolates!

Tableas are cholocate tablets that can are melted with hot water and voila you have a great-tasting hot chocolate drink! The more tableas you put, the thicker the consistency and the chocolaties it is.

Hot Cholocates are best taken with kakanins or warm bread (like rolls or pan de sal). You can also take it with your breakfast favorites like rice with famous Filipino viands such as de-boned fried bangus (yummm!!).

You can now give as souvenir items, gifts, giveaways, tokens.
Our Tableas are proudly made in Indang, Cavite in the Philippines.

Giving Tableas are unique and affordable!

Contact philippinetablea@gmail.com or (+6393) 345-6767.

SOUVENIR SUPPLIER FEATURE: Parfaits and Splits Ice Cream Parlor

Eating ice cream is a social event. Enjoying its creamy flavor harkens back to bonding moments with your lolo in an ice cream parlor, or sharing a glass of ice cream shake with your boyfriend... perhaps even a rant session with a depressed girlfriend. Sounds familiar, right?

Magnolia, one of the top ice cream brands in the Philippines, has come up with an all-dairy ice cream that will definitely awaken the child in you. After its 5-year collaboration with Nestle and its long absence from the market, the Magnolia Ice Cream legacy is now reinvigorated by its reintroduction into the market within the last 2 years and the opening of Parfaits & Splits Ice Cream Parlor.

CREAMY & ALL-DAIRY EXPERIENCE

Parfaits & Splits Ice Cream Parlor is the first and only ice cream parlor in the Metro to dish up the original Magnolia All-Dairy concoctions, which used to be served at the (original) Magnolia Dairy Bar (est. 1972). So if you or your parents were a big fan, then you probably recall flavors like Chocnut Sundae, Waffle Clown, Daredevil, Brown Derby and Ernie & Bert. At Parfaits & Splits, you can choose from an endless list of delightful sundaes, waffles, cobblers, parfaits, shakes and the crowd-favorite splits. Feel free to overload with nuts, bananas, cookie bits, sprinkles and marshmallows if you're feeling creative. Come in at any time - rain or shine. Superb hot meals are available, served just right to leave room for ice cream.

FunTASTIC PARTY VENUE

Parfaits & Splits isn't just an ice cream parlor, as it offers party services for special occasions or functions. And their prices are all inclusive -- all FUNtastic party packages are inclusive of the venue, party favors and amenities.

DO-IT-YOURSELF MELTDOWN

For those who just want to stay at home to enjoy that cup of ice cream, you may want to check your leading groceries and supermarkets for Magnolia All-Dairy Ice Cream. It comes in Classic and Gold Label variants. Mix and match according to your crave. Top with chocolate syrup, fruits and candy sprinkles. Enjoy every spoonful and eat as much as you want!

Parfaits & Splits Ice Cream Parlor is located at 717 Mariwasa Building, Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City. Tel. No. 410-4407

Article by Vannie Escano

It's Almost Christmas and i still don't have enough money or gifts!

Are you fretting because it is almost Christmas and you still don't have enough budget to finish your Christmas shopping?

You do not have to spend so much on Christmas gifts. Here are some home-made gift ideas that you can use. You can even make this the perfect bonding time for your family!

1. Home-made Baked Goodies such as Cookies, Brownies or Muffins

Get to the kitchen and start creating simple baked goods such as cookies, brownies or muffins. You can even pack it in jars, plastic containers or attractive pouches/plastics.

Measure so you can make the most of each batch you bake and to make your baked goods festive, you can make use of sprinkles to liven up each treat. Buy a lot of sprinkles as an alternative to putting raisins, walnuts, etc. if those are too expensive for you.

2. Printable Coupons, Certificates and Awards

Who says only kids can use these as gifts to their parents? There are fun coupons available online, or you can even make and design your own either using the computer (if you know how to use simple design programs) or by using creative tools such as colored papers, etc. You can then put these inside greeting cards or use them as stocking stuffers.

3. Make use of Arts & Crafts

Let's face it, everyone has, at one time or another, done arts and crafts either for school or for fun.

Make use of items available at home such as popsicle sticks, coffee cans or even plain white tshirts to make items such as personalized message boards, pen holders and a lot more. Get creative! After all, it's not the amount of the item... it's how much love, time and effort you put in each gift!

4. Make soaps of different sizes, designs, colors and scent!

You can even put special messages in the soap as you make it. You do not even have to buy a lot of different molds to make soap. You can make use of soap containers or even the round bathroom cups.

5. Goodie bags

Goody bags are not just for kiddie parties and Halloween. The assortment of goodies in the bag will have to differ depending on the age range of your recipients.

Mix and match food items such as chocolocates, assorted nuts and even dried fruits!


What are you waiting for? Get creative!

Did this short article help you get your creative juices flowing?
I hope it did. We appreciate hearing how you did.

Please feel free to suggest other budget-friendly ideas you may have for the holiday season. Have fun!