What to Buy for Pasalubong When in Pagadian City

For us, Filipinos, pasalubong shopping is essential when traveling. It is often part of the itinerary to buy souvenir items. Pasalubong is a Tagalog term which literally translates to “[something] for when you welcome me”.  It is the Filipino tradition of a homecoming gift. We bring gifts from our destination for family or friends after being away for a period of time.

Aside from the usual souvenir t-shirts, keychains, and re magnet, here are some pasalubong ideas when visiting Pagadian City:

Dried Fish

Dried fish and dried squid are sold in Pagadian at cheap prices, making it a popular choice for pasalubong among tourists visiting the city. Pagadian City supplies most of the dried sea produce across Mindanao. Local vendors say some of the dried fish are from Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

Piniato

Piniato is a  hard but breakable confection made from mainly sugar and peanuts. This local delicacy is fairly common in Pagadian City markets and makes a good homecoming gifts for family and friends with sweet tooth.

Tsikalang or Chicalang

Photo from http://pinoyfoodillustrated.blogspot.com/

Tsikalang, also spelled as chicalang in Chavacano or Zamboangueño, is fried rolled purple glutinous rice. The purple glutinous rice grains are ground and mixed with some trigo (wheat four) and water and rolled to the size of banana fruit then fried deep in cooking oil. It is sprinkled with caramelized brown sugar and then skewered in a bamboo stick .

Because this is quite unique to the Zamboanga area, it makes a good souvenir item. However, this has a short shelf life, so you need to make sure this sweet treat is consumed immediately.

Malong

Photo from journeysandtravels.com

As a gateway to Zamboanga Peninsula, Pagadian City is pretty  much an extension of what can be seen in Zamboanga City.  Pasalubong items such as malong, shawl, scarves and many others are sold here. These goods,perfect if you are looking for non-food gifts, are directly traded from Indonesia or Malaysia, very much similar to the ones found in the barter trade in Zamboanga City.