Pasalubong Options 6: Cagayan De Oro and Tuguegarao

For today's edition of noteworthy products from country's different provinces, I'm featuring a city from Mindanao down south and an area in the northern tip of Luzon.

1. Cagayan de Oro City 

Frequent visitors to Cagayan de Otro and the nearby island province of Camiguin are familiar with  Vjandep Pastel, a coffee bun with custard filling. This version incorporates malunggay / moringa in the dough. 

I've been to Cagayan de Oro countless times, but it was only recently that I tried their Baked Siopao. I was expecting it to still retain its character as a steamed bun, but this is what you get when you have the dough baked.  

2. Tuguegarao and Cagayan

The Buco Roll of Tuguegarao's K's Bakeshop's and Delicacies is a winner. The dough was soft and it had real coconut filling. Not too sweet--just right.

I always look forward to devouring a pack of Alcala Milk Candy, made from  carabao's milk.

Speaking of carabao, have you tried carabao chicharon? Don't knock this. It's quite addicting. It comes in a variety of flavors. The Onion and Vinegar variant has the unmistakable tang of vinegar. 

Pasalubong Options 5: Bulacan and Dipolog

For this edition of food gifts from different provinces, I'm featuring a province north of Manila and a northern city on the southern island of Mindanao. 

1. Bulacan

I love peanut butter, so this is a no-brainer for me. I love the packaging--I thought at first that Bhern's Creamy Peanut Butter was an imported brand. I'm happy someone made an effort to make their product presentable. This is gooey, spreadable peanut butter, and like many local peanut butters, it is quite oily.

Bulacan is also known for chicharon, and Boy Iwa's Chicharon is quite good.

2. Dipolog

I already featured bottled fish from Dipolog. Here are two more from the historic city. Many swear by Nam Namm Spanish Sardines, pictured below, saying it is the better brand.

Pasalubong Options 4: Bulacan, Negros Occidental, Cebu

Today's edition of pasalubong options are either travel souvenirs (the lechon) or gifts from fellow travelers. 

1. Bulacan's Dolores Special Pork Chicharon

If you want your chicharon (fried pork rinds) with bite, this one's for you. It has just the right saltiness, with a slight spicy aftertaste.

2. Negros Occidental's Er's Special Peanuts 

These salty, non-greasy, garlicky peanuts are addicting.

3. Cebu's Ayer Lechon 

Bought this from the Cebu airport. Some say this is better than Zubochon lechon. as Cebu lechons go, this one is very tasty--you can eat it without the usual liver-based sauce. Another plus is the thin layer of fat.