What to buy: Pasalubong in Bacolod during Masskara 2011

It has always been a part of Filipino culture to buy pasalubong (or souvenir gift items) when visiting another city. When in Bacplod, Barquillos, piaya, and Inasal are among the top pasalubong items. But do you know where to get it?

Calea

1. Barquillos, Barquiron, original, galletas – Sugarlandia Pasalubong shop. Yulo-Lizares st. Bacolod City. Sugarlandia has been around the corner for many decades now. It was started by Damiana Mercado, more popularly known as “Tiya Dami.” The barquillos, Barquiron (barquillos filled with polvoron), and piaya are made using the original recipe formulated by Tiya Dami herself.

2. Napoleones from Roli’s and Pendy’s – Napoleones is I guess a newer product from Bacolod. If I am not mistaken it was just started around 1990′s. Roli’s which can be found along La Salle Avenue was the first foood outlet to produce this cream-filled goodie. Soon after the dessert became a hit other food shops followed suit but only a few were able t match the flavor and quality of Roli’s Napoleones. Among them is Pendy’s which can be found along Lacson Street. Pendys is a fine dine restaurant located near ABS CBN and offers various pastries and pasalubong aside from their top selling Napoleones.

3. Half Moon from Pendy’s – Aside from Napoleones, Half mooon is one of the most sought-after product fron Pendy’s. Half moon is a sweet pastry but is actually shaped like a crescent and not a half moon.

4 Ube Piaya from Bong Bong’s – Probably this is one of Bong bong’s key to fame. Instead of the traditional muscovado filled piaya, Bong bong’s reinvented the product by infusing Ube flavor into it. It became a big hit that almost every tourist now leaves the Bacolod airport with a box of it.

5. Handicrafts from Association of Negros Producers (ANP)- The ANP shop is more popularly known as The Showroom. It is here where Negros Hadicraft producers get to sell their unique handcrafted goods. From lampshades to handpainted shirts to ref magnet and keychains, Surely there’s something here that will interest you. The showroom is located along Lacson street in front of Philippine National Bank.

6. Cheesecakes from Calea – I have been raving about this dainty cafe for several times now. Their cheesecakes, as well as their other cakes are just sinfully delicious, and reasonably priced too! Calea is located beside L’Fisher Hotel along Lacson Street. It also has a branch at the Robinson’s Place Bacolod and at the East Block near Lopue’s East Center.

Check out the Masskara Festival 2011 Schedule here