Fashionable gifts proudly made in the Philippines

This Christmas season, here are a few suggestions on what to give loved ones. Perhaps you can even get to reward yourself with quality pieces made by Philippine designers and artisans. Buying Filipino is not only important for our national pride, it also saves us from spending foreign currency.  That should give us more reason to spread holiday cheer.

• Joanna Preysler Boutique. Joanna Preysler’s boutique is a top choice for quality ladies’ accessories in exotic skins (crocodile, ostrich, python).  I enjoy passing by her beautiful shop in Greenbelt 5, Makati, to see what new items that will still be in vogue a generation from now.  If you factor in how long you will be able to make use of the bags and accessories, then the price is definitely be well worth it. 

The men in your life are not to be neglected with Joanna’s newest boutique, Eterno, located at Greenbelt 3. The merchandise on display will delight any male in need of something special.

For inquiries, call 621-5227, text 0917-3217446 or visit www.joannapreysler.com or www.facebook.com/joannapreyslerboutique

• Tarte Tatin. If you have young girls (one to 16 years old) on your gift list, then shopping at the Tarte Tatin stores makes good sense. Owned by the fashionable Mandy dela Rama-Santos, a second-generation garment manufacturer, Tarte Tatin features Mandy’s creations using fabrics that are sourced abroad. This chic clothing line will not break your budget.  I especially love the brocade and jacquard dresses that are perfect for holiday and special occasions at a fraction of what one will pay if bought in Europe or the US.  

Tarte Tatin stores are located at Greenbelt 5 and the Rockwell Power Plant Mall as well as Rustan’s Makati and EDSA Shangri-La Mall.

For inquiries, call 729-9916 or visit www.facebook.com/tarte.tatin.

• Kristine Dee. Jewelry designer Kristine Dee uses 14-18k white, yellow, and rose gold as well as sterling silver (with an anti tarnish finish) for those who don’t want to spend too much yet want the look of exquisite, timeless jewelry.   A graduate of the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York, she comes up with innovative pieces that even double up as pendants, brooches, and bracelets.  Every piece is handmade in her atelier that she personally oversees.

For inquiries, call or texg 0917-8950816, e-mail inquiry@kristinedee.com or visit www.kristinedee.com.

• Angela Angeles Bijoux. Angela Angeles was an architectural graduate when she shifted to jewelry design and became a scholar of the Gemological Institute of America (London).  She devotes her craft to reasonably priced jewelry that will make you look like a million bucks.  Since they are made of Swarovski crystals instead of diamonds and zinc alloy instead of precious gold or silver, you never need to break the bank. I have seen a number of beautiful brides and socialites wearing Angela’s jewelry for weddings and elegant socials. No one can spot the difference between her lovely faux jewelry and the real thing.

Available at Cura V, Rockwell Power Plant Mall, and Firma in Greenbelt 3.

For inquiries, visit www.angelaangeles.com.