It’s a question that often gets asked every OFW (Overseas Foreign Worker), every balikbayan (a Filipino coming back to the Philippines from another country), every family member coming home from any trip: where’s my pasalubong?
Pasalubong is that sweet Filipino habit of bringing a little something home after a trip—think snacks, shirts, keychains, or a local treat you discovered—so the people you love can “taste” where you’ve been.
It’s not about fancy or expensive; it’s the thought (“naalala kita!”) and the sharing that counts.
You usually grab stuff that’s tasty or fun for the whole household to share.
Bottom line: pasalubong is love packed in a bag, opened around the table when you get home.
So what pasalubong should you bring back home to the Philippines?
If you’re from Canada, here are 10 Pasalubong Ideas that travel well, feel thoughtful, and scream “from the Great White North!”
Pure Maple Syrup (+ Maple Butter/Candies)
Bring Grade A Amber maple syrup—masarap (tasty) for pancakes, oatmeal, even halo-halo. Maple butter and leaf-shaped candies are cute add-ons.
Canadian Chocolates
Go for Canadian-only classics like Coffee Crisp, Smarties, Mr. Big, Aero bars, Mars, KitKat or a boxed set from Purdys or Laura Secord.
Instant crowd-pleaser sa pamilya at kapitbahay.
Very Canadian Chips
Ketchup and All-Dressed chips are peak-Canada snack culture.
Add Hawkins Cheezies—old-school, addictive, and uniquely Canadian.
Tim Hortons Essentials
Ceramic mug or travel tumbler + ground coffee: perfect gift for titos and titas who love their morning brew.
Bonus points: Timbits cereal if you can find it.
Roots Apparel & Leather Goods
A Roots t-shirt, beanie (toque), or leather key fob/wallet delivers premium Canadian style na pang-“airport OOTD” and durable for daily use.
Roots leather bags are also great for pasalubongs.
Hudson’s Bay Company Stripes
Although Hudson’s Bay has closed, Canadian Tire has bought the rights to their iconic multi-stripe socks, scarves, blankets or totes and will likely be available the end of 2025.
If you can find them on eBay, grab them now. Recognizable, heritage vibes, and easy to pack.
Indigenous-Made Gifts
Support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artisans: beadwork earrings, soaps, prints, or soapstone carvings.
Buy directly or from verified shops to ensure artists are fairly paid.
BC Smoked Salmon (Vacuum-Packed)
Elegant, protein-packed pasalubong that travels well—try maple-smoked for extra Canadian flair. Great with crackers and cream cheese sa family merienda.
“Made-in-Canada” Seasonings
Level up your ulam (meals) with Montreal Steak Spice, maple BBQ rubs, or PEI sea salt.
Perfect for family cooks who love trying new flavours.
COW’s T-shirts
COW’s t-shirts and souvenirs make perfect pasalubong because they’re funny, cute, and unmistakably Canadian.
Think punny designs (hello, “Moo York,” “Moo-ana,” and other pop-culture spoofs) that get instant laughs at family merienda.
The shirts are comfy, easy to pack, and the brand’s playful vibe carries that vacation joy straight from your suitcase.
Whether it’s maple everything, Roots cozies, or chips na “only in Canada,” these picks deliver that nostalgic pasalubong joy.
