Souvenirs: Bringing Home Memories of ARMM

You're about to leave, armed with travel pack and hiking boots, geared and ready to fly solo (or with buddies) to places your heart wishes to take you.

When suddenly in the distance you hear a faint, but clear shout:

"Please bring us souvenirs when you get back!"

What traveler hasn't heard of this puppy-eyed statement from friends, neighbors, relatives or even acquaintances?

With a reluctant sigh, that has unfortunately escaped most travelers' lips,  a slight eye-roll, and a tepid smile, you give a nod and take hold of your wallet, saying a tearful goodbye to every penny you've scraped up for this trip.

And yet you do it.

For friendship! For love!

Onward, brave human! Bring home memories (of ARMM)! Share it with the world!

Ah, yes!

The Yakans, Sama, and Badjao have successfully weaved their way into your heart 

- and into your souvenir bags. 

You know, for you to treasure and brag about!

Mats from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
 Photo: flickr.com

Inaul Tapis (wrap around skirts) of the Maguindanao tribes.
Photo: tesoros.ph

Woven fabrics from Basilan. Photo: traveling-up.com

You have to bring something shiny back home as well

(since your wallet should be rid of all things shiny - coins and cash - by now)! 

Why not consider Lanao del Sur's lovely brass work?

Brasswork from Marawi, Lanao del Sur.
Photo: flickr.com 

Don't forget to grab your fair share of exotic fruit on the way back.

Beneath the spiky, smelly (not kidding, it's often described as "hell") exterior, is the taste of heaven.

Remember to pack them nicely into your luggage, so they don't get taken away at the airport!

P.S. They also come in candy or ice cream.

Durian.  Photo: thetalkiespodcast.com

Tip: Please do not forget to pay the wonderful weavers and brass makers a little extra for their amazing handicrafts!

Work of art like these is a combination a lot of hard work that takes dedication, a LOT of time,

dreaming (Yes! Weavers dream of their future work before proceeding to their looms.), 

and taking inspiration for patterns in nature,

 for you to hold the glorious handicrafts in your hands.

Appreciate!

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