Happy new year! Hope 2024 is off to a sweet start for you all. Sharing this lovely, cozy scene from November’s spread in Maribel’s Year.
Beautiful art from Maribel’s Year by Sarah Gonzales and brilliant motion graphics by Jeffrey Jones.
A Very Filipino Gift Guide for the Holidays
We’re sharing our first Very Filipino Gift Guide for the holiday season. These aren’t just great gifts for Christmas and the December holiday season, but a list to consult for occasions all year long — birthdays, baby showers, graduations, Valentine’s Day and beyond. Let’s get gifting.
Please feel free to share with friends and family far and wide!
Filipino Picture Books
When Lola visits every summer, the whole family gathers to cook, eat, and share in their happiness of another season spent together.
A celebration of the special connection between father and daughter that knows no bounds, this evocative, lyrical picture book recounts the months and seasons of the year a little girl and her mother spend in America while waiting for her father to join them from the Philippines.
In this love letter to the Philippines (and to grandmothers), a young girl comes up with a brilliantly delicious way to attract customers after a heat wave leaves her lola’s store empty.
A young girl in the Philippines uses music to connect with her grandmother as her memory fades in this warm and moving picture book perfect for fans of Pixar’s Coco.
A wide range of feelings — from malungkot (sad) to masaya (happy) to kilig (nervous excitement) — is covered in this thoughtful and charming first book of feelings in Filipino.
A celebration of dancing between Filipino and American cultures and the intergenerational relationship between a lola and her grandson.
A little girl holds lessons learned in her grandfather’s sari-sari store close while adjusting to a new home in this sweet picture book about the joy of community, connection, and Filipino culture.
A Muslim-Filipino fairytale about a boy who wants to own the clouds, and the strangers who offer to grant his wish... for a price. It’s available on its own or in a five-book set with other Philippine language storybooks!
Dancing Hands: A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language
An artful picture book about friendship and sign language, originally published in the Philippines in concert with nonprofit Room to Read.
UBE is an interactive book that explores the Filipino culture through food. Check out its companion, BUKO.
Cora and Mama work together to cook up pancit for the family in this celebration of Filipino heritage and foods.
Maria Orosa Freedom Fighter: Scientist and Inventor from the Philippines
This delightful children's book follows the life of Maria Orosa — a pioneering woman scientist who studied food science in the United States then returned to a war-torn Philippines and created super-nutritious foods to help her nation in a time of crisis.
Filipino Middle Grade Books
In this thrilling and hilarious middle grade adventure, a young Filipino American boy must team up with his ancestor to break the curse that’s haunted their family for generations . . . or be trapped in an amulet forever.
When a celebrity chef’s new restaurant threatens Mila’s family’s food truck, she plans to expose them for the recipe thieves they are—even if that means dabbling in the Filipino folk magic she’s tried to avoid. Fans of Tae Keller and Lily LaMotte will cheer for this charming story about food, family, and finding the place you belong.
A coming-of-age story that explores culture and family, forgiveness and friendship, and what makes a true home.
Slime entrepreneurs face off in an epic battle to see who can sell the most slime, while navigating sticky situations with friends and family.
A warm, tender story perfect for fans of Front Desk about a creative girl who hopes that by winning a filmmaking contest, she'll convince her great-grandfather to stay by her side.
A humorous and heartwarming middle-grade graphic novel that celebrates Filipino food, family, and folklore.
Marikit and the Ocean of Stars
A magical middle-grade debut about a Filipino girl who ventures into the land of the engkantos, or nature spirits, to save herself and her mother from a sinister fate.
My Fate According to the Butterfly
When superstitious Sab sees a giant black butterfly, an omen of death, she knows that she's doomed! According to legend, she has one week before her fate catches up with her―on her 11th birthday.
A fantasy novel is inspired by Filipino folklore and is an unforgettable coming-of-age story about friendship, courage, and identity.
An uplifting young reader debut about perseverance against all odds, Marie Miranda Cruz's debut Everlasting Nora follows the story of a young girl living in the real-life shantytown inside the Philippines’ Manila North Cemetery.
An extraordinarily beautiful novel-in-verse, this important debut weaves a dramatic immigrant story together with Pilipino mythology to create something wholly new.
An upper middle grade contemporary story of survival and grief from a Filipino-Spanish author whose star is on the rise, about two half-Filipino cousins whose resilience is tested when one of them is lost at sea.
Filipino Cookbooks
A sweet baking book of fantastically imaginative remixed Filipino American dessert recipes, plus essays on the Filipino American experience by baker-fundraiser Abi Balingit. This incredibly fresh baking book of 75 recipes span from the never-before-seen, incredibly inventive flavor combinations to more familiar, classic Filipino favorites.
A beautiful compendium of food and people, the 51 delicious recipes in this book are not just "from the heart"—they are also "good for the heart"—specifically included for their health benefits. The extraordinary food culture of the Philippines is presented in stories and recipes from 36 culinary trailblazers, award-winning chefs, food writers and social media stars from around the globe—from James Beard Award winners and nominees to chef-owners and more.
I Am a Filipino: And This Is How We Cook
Dishes reflect the influence and ingredients of the Spaniards and Americans, among others, who came to the islands, but Filipinos turned the food into their own unique and captivating cuisine. Filled with riotously bold and bright photographs, I Am a Filipino is like a classic kamayan dinner—one long festive table piled high with food. Just dig in!
A collection of 30 stories and recipes from expat Filipino chefs, home cooks, and writers that serves as a delicious, accessible introduction to the complex and adaptable, though perennially overshadowed, cuisine that is Filipino food.
7000 Islands: Cherished Recipes and Stories from the Philippines
For Filipinos, food is more than a pleasurable pursuit; it is the cultural language. It can be seen through the prism of its unique and colorful history, with influences from Malaysia, Spain, China, Mexico, and the US adding to the cuisine's rich texture.
Under Coconut Skies: Feasts & Stories from the Philippines
In this vivid cookbook, Yasmin Newman invites you into her kitchen and into the homes of friends and locals, sharing traditional dishes, and vegetarian and modern interpretations on the classics. Yasmin’s journey takes her through the lush isles of the Philippines, where she captures the age-old traditions, rich folklore and enchanting personal stories of the country.
Filipinx: Heritage Recipes from the Diaspora
In her debut cookbook Filipinx, acclaimed and award-winning chef Angela Dimayuga shares her passion for Filipino food with home cooks, cowritten with food writer Ligaya Mishan. Filipinx offers 100 deeply personal recipes—many of them dishes that define home for Angela Dimayuga and the more than four million people of Filipino descent in the United States.
Amboy: Recipes from the Filipino-American Dream
A collection of Filipino recipes from legendary LA chef Alvin Cailan. He emerged from his youth spent as part of an immigrant family in East LA feeling like he wasn't Filipino enough to be Filipino and not American enough to be an American, thus amboy, the term for a Filipino raised in America. He had to first overcome cultural traditions and family expectations to find his own path to success, and this unique cookbook tells that story through his recipes.
The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook
The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook was written by six home cooks who set out to explore their Filipino heritage and intimate family histories, one dish at a time. The result is a collection of over 75 heartfelt Filipino recipes, all carefully translated for preparation in today's most essential piece of kitchenware, the Instant Pot.
Filipino Gift Ideas
We’ve been longtime fans of Genevieve Santos’ charming art and have quite a few of her enamel pins. This parol ornament is a favorite that hangs on our tree every year. Be sure to check out her amazing Filipino collection!
Karen’s incredibly cute work makes our heart skip a happy beat. Her honey bear keychain is one of our faves!
If you’ve read When Lola Visits and have wanted to frame the stunning kamayan scene by Filipino artist Aaron Asis, now’s your chance! It’s available as a giclée art print, canvas print, acrylic print, poster and art card.
By Filipina Canadian artist Sarah Gonzales, this beautiful and atmospheric scene from the picture book Maribel’s Year is available as a giclée art print in various sizes. Take a look at her collection on Inprint here.
By Filipina American artist Christine Almeida, this lovely depiction of friends on their way home is available as a giclée art print in various sizes. Christine’s collection on Inprint can be viewed here.
Lumpia tee from Mochi Kids
Wear your favorite food! And check out Amanda’s other Asian-inspired designs while you’re browsing on Mochi Kids! She truly has one of the best curated collections of toys and fun gifts around.
Are you an ube fan or Lola’s favorite? Shirts, onesies and hoodies for your favorite members of the family!
Modern prints, greeting cards and pins with lovely sentiments. Are you a certified tita?
Glorious traditional capiz parol lanterns from the Philippines as well as lovely and festive capiz string lights.
Graceful and chic Filipino jewelry that makes a beautiful statement on its wearers.
A variety of bright and colorful wooden parol ornaments and other Filipino-themed ornaments and magnets.
ShopFarols | Filipino Parols and Capiz
Gorgeous capiz parol lanterns made with tradition and pride in the Philippines.
Banana ketchup lip gloss and so many more innovative cosmetics that embrace “the unique, distinct beauty of every Filipina.” So much love for Filipinta’s mission!
Joyful Filipino parol ornaments and DIY Filipino parol kits. This colorful ornament is our fave!
The sweetest Filipino plush dolls and toys inspired by Filipino culture and heritage.
These beautifully intricate boleros and ternos are woven by elders of the Tinguian tribe in the Cordillera region of Luzon and are available for sale through Lola Weavers’ Instagram page as well as at pop-ups around the US. Check their Instagram for their next pop-up dates.
Parol cookie kits complete with pre-lined cookies, piping bags and sprinkles — perfect for this year’s holiday gatherings and family time!
We recently came across Camille’s handmade prints and were instantly drawn to their energetic line and judicious use of color. There’s a j’en sais quoi to them that evokes a world that we’d love to fall into — one that’s two beats vintage and one part cool sunshine. Friday, we’re in love.
Sustainable and artisanal abaca bags, accessories and more!
Traditional Philippine textiles handwoven into exquisite clothing, jewelry and other accessories. We love this Batik Dopp Kit.
Clothing and bags that are “a heartfelt homage to the extraordinary legacy woven by generations past.” This Ancestor Made tote can carry a lot, including treasures from the past, current hopes and future dreams.
Lovely traditionally woven apparel, accessories and homewares made in the Philippines.
Mabuhay and maarte vibes along with that famous Tita Baby energy! So many sharp designs to choose from, it’s hard to settle on our favorite.
With so many lovely and graceful pieces on Jella Roson’s site, you’ll definitely not want to miss her Pinay collection.
Your childhood memory of the family sewing kit in a pin?! Yes, please! The Filipino Tupperware pin is also a classic. Check out Grandma’s Sewing Kit as well as other Filipino-inspired designs.
This Bahala Na tote — IFYKYK!
Hats and apparel with iconic designs that pay tribute to Filipino American heritage and San Diego.
Lovely handcrafted paper flowers and earrings. This paper orchid plant is captivating (and will never need to be watered)!
Filipino-inspired shirts including this one that proclaims to the world four of our favorite foods. Long live lumpia, adobo, sinigang and lechon!
Beautiful, modern jewelry including some pieces inspired by favorite Filipino dishes. Check out this pancit canton ring! Pauline’s incredible food collection looks good enough to eat!
Jewelry and accessories with sunny and playful designs. It’s honestly hard to pick a favorite…but these yellow pearl smiley araws do indeed make us smile!
Maybe you’ve seen the Ingat tote around town? It makes a lovely statement and is a fave of ours!
Sampaguita stickers and more bring maganda moments to your day.
Boracay, sampaguita, buko and mangga! Lovely scents reminiscent of the Philippines.
“Forward-thinking clothing inspired by centuries of tradition” incorporating Filipino, Spanish, Chinese and Western elements. So many stunning pieces including this collection of boleros!
VINTA brings the “quintessential glamour and chic of Filipiniana fashion of the past” to the world. So many stunning pieces!
Loving Pinoy Threads’ minimalist and pared down designs. Need a hat for your ate or a bag for your lola? Look no further.
Offering a modern take on the graceful and elegant Filipino terno, “designed to be part of your everyday wardrobe, worn effortlessly and daily.”
Creations range from super cute accessories to glasses will infuse your day with happy vibes. Make sure to stop here to search for a stocking stuffer or two!
Filipino Food to Gift
Filipino-inspired pies and treats such as bibingka pie, puto bumbong pie and Pasko cookies available for pick-up or delivery in the Bay Area, or shipping in the US. Check website for ordering deadlines for December!
Scrumptious cookies with Filipino flavors delivered to your door — need we say more? Follow Salamat Cookies on Instagram to be in the know for scheduled events and pop-ups in the Midwest and elsewhere in the US.
So much sarap here! Get your tita or lola The Ultimate Ube Gift Set, a DIY Filipino chocolate truffle kit or one of the many delicious options in Sarap’s Holiday Shop. There’s truly something for everyone, including yourself! ;)
Every bar of Oodaalolly is “a harmonious blend of vibrant Filipino spirit and meticulous Swiss craftsmanship.” With playful flavors like Pasko Delight, White Chocolate Kapélaté and Lina’s Langka Ginataan, it’s hard for us to settle on a favorite. One of everything, please!
Umami-packed Filipino seasonings with a modern twist. A pair of sinigang and sisig make a fantastic gift!
“Every bar of Theo & Philo chocolate is a masterpiece, carefully crafted to capture the rich heritage of the Filipinos.” Milk Chocolate Turon, Milk Chocolate Adobo and 65% Dark Chocolate with Green Mango & Salt are just some of the magical masterpieces to choose from. No need to wrap as the each wrapped bar brings its own unique beauty to the recipient. Available at Sarap Now and Fili Flavors.
Vibrant and tart calamansi marmalade and sweetly indulgent coconut spread, aka The Pantry Darlings, will brighten up any slice of toast or warm slab of pan de sal.
Tree-to-bar chocolate sustainably crafted with local Filipino cacao beans and ingredients. White Calamansi Chocolate, Cashew Dulce, Auro’s 32% White Chocolate and more can be found at Fili Flavors and Sarap Now.
Filipina purveyor of Filipino products and handcrafted items from the Philippines. Their Calamansi Bundle Box includes hard-to-find natural calamansi powder.
Asian sparkling water crafted with real fruit and no sugar added. We’re longtime fans of their calamansi sparkling water! Their current offerings also include lychee, yuzu, pomelo and mango.
Pick up pints to gift at any of their locations in Southern California. Subscribe to their newsletter to receive alerts for their next online drop, when they’ll be shipping their next set of pints of sweet, inventive ice cream throughout the US.
Flaky pastry with fillings that run the gamut from traditional yellow mungo to guava cream. Available to ship to pamilya and barkada all over the US, or try their hopia in person in Winnetka and Granada Hills, CA.
Perfect for your noche buena feast or frankly, anytime of the year — pillowy soft and rich ensaymada in such flavors as ube, queso de bola, mango, dulce de leche and cookie butter crumble. Available to ship or pick up at Ensaymada Project’s store in Newhall, CA.
No one does ube leche flan like Cafe 86. A cornerstone of the Southern Californian community since 2014, their desserts have continually warmed hearts and brought people together. Gift cards are available for your favorite Cafe 86 devotee at one of their ten locations (and growing!).
This beverage company helmed by Filipino siblings has your next merienda covered with their oat milk lattes, crafted with Asian flavors such as roasted oolong milk tea and strawberry matcha.
A Filipino take on kombucha with calamansi kombucha, sampaguita peppered jasmine kombucha and lemon moringa kombucha on tap. More inspired flavors are on their site, along with where they can be found locally in Southern California and certain areas where local delivery is offered in LA County.
Ube butter, buko pandan butter and ensaymada butter for pan de sal, pancakes and really, and kind of bread. Available for shipping or pick-up at Big Boi’s Sawtelle location in LA.
Pastillas de leche, ube crinkles and more toothsome treats for delivery all over the US.
Filipino flavors for everyone! Send their holiday gift pack to your loved ones to let them know you’re thinking of them this holiday season. Would also make a great gift for college kids learning how to cook.
Masa’s Pandesal Mix, Polvoron Mix, Monay Bread Mix and Cebu’s King Roll Bread Mix, perfect for burgeoning bakers, are all available to order at Say Weee!
A purpose-driven subscription snack box company Yum Day, launched by a Filipina American, offers curated snack boxes and snack subscriptions to satisfy a sweet tooth and savory preferences alike.
“Sarap every drip to the last drop.” Out of Office’s current online offerings include an exclusive Fellow x Out of Office Carter Mug and stunning custom print by Bianca Austria!
Gifts from Our Favorite Filipino Small Businesses
This pair of sisters has the art of Filipino gift-giving perfected with their brilliantly curated shop. They search far and wide to find the best of everything, including this So Filipino tote bag. Check out their shop online or follow them on Instagram to see where they’ll be popping up next in Southern California.
Truly one of our favorite bookstores in Southern California, Jhoanna’s curated collections of gifts and books for all ages are legendary. She has helped uplift many an author and illustrator’s voice and is an integral part of the community. Bel Canto, what would we do without you?! Stop in one of Jhoanna’s two locations — at The Hangout on 4th Street and KUBO on Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls — or shop online. Know a friend who lives far away who you know would love Bel Canto’s selection? Gift cards are available to use in store or online.
Jenn’s shop has one an exceptional curated collection of Filipino and Asian toys and clothing. You’ll have a hard time choosing from many a great gift in her online shop or in person at KUBO in Long Beach. Don’t miss her parol fun box!
The best vegan Filipino baked goods! Check San and Wolves’ website for upcoming pop-ups in LA County, as well as news about their forthcoming brick-and-mortar shop in Long Beach. Gift cards available.
One of the most beautiful, charming and well-curated children’s shops we’ve ever been to, with an incredible collection of hand-picked trending and vintage-inspired clothing, books and toys. Truly a unique gem of a store located in the Belmont Shores neighborhood of Long Beach. Good news for those who live outside of Southern California — you can browse Sweet Threads’ phenomenal collection online. Don’t miss their 12 Days of December Deals!
Long Beach’s newest and most scrumptious cookies and brownies! Stop by Maria’s shop in Long Beach in person to try one of everything including her churrodoodle cookie, salted toffee chocolate cookie and famous ube brownie, or check her website for online ordering and gift cards.
Located in Los Alamitos, Teofilo’s mission is to "give back to the Philippines" with its extremely fresh roasted coffee from the Philippines. Order coffee beans and other gifts online, or stop by their shop to enjoy a very special cup.
Stop by at this Filipino-owned shop in Far East Plaza in LA’ Chinatown for the latest in culinary tools and a brilliant collection of cookbooks. Arrive hungry and leave inspired with the perfect cookbook for you and yours.
Also located in Far East Plaza in the heart of LA’s Chinatown is the coziest pie kiosk there ever was — Laroolou. Artisanal pies and thiccies (very thick cookies!) are on offer here with rotating seasonal flavors as well as mainstays, like the Calamansi Cream and Sir Salted Earl. If you’re in the area, don’t even think of not stopping by. Check Laroolou’s website and Instagram for current hours and upcoming pop-ups.
Seven Syllables is one of Cerritos’ newest coffee shops and micro roasters. They serve nuanced single origin coffees with their goal being “to cultivate community and camaraderie through coffee.” Order online for the coffee aficionados in your life or stop by to experience Seven Syllables’ notable drinks in person.
No one does ube leche flan like Cafe 86. A cornerstone of the Southern Californian community since 2014, their desserts have continually warmed hearts and brought people together. Gift cards are available for your favorite Cafe 86 devotee at one of their ten locations (and growing!).
Philippine Expressions Bookshop
Since 1984, the enthusiastic and erudite Tita Linda Nietes-Little has been a long-standing supporter of the Filipino literary and arts community. This storied shop houses one of the best and oldest collection of books by Filipino and Filipino American authors. Looking around at the Filipino art and artifacts around Tita Linda’s shop and browsing its packed shelves, you’ll surely find a gem or two that you never new existed…and that you just have to have. Philippine Expressions is located in San Pedro’s Historic Arts District and also sells its extensive collection online.
A mainstay in the SOMA community of San Francisco offering Filipino American books as well as many titles from the Philippines.
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Femme Fire’s curated collection celebrates diversity and features many Filipino-authored works. Gift cards and online shipping available!
Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest just sixty miles from Portland, this lovely bookstore serves the Columbia Gorge community of Oregon and beyond with its unique and informed staff recommendations and excellent service.
Give the gift of Tagalog lessons and Filipino cultural classes with Tagalog Time with Pat, Tagalog Kids, Kababayan Kids, Filipino Cultural School and Kabataan Culture!
Our Favorite Filipino Businesses in Canada
This Filipina baker in East Vancouver makes cookies, cakes and pies as exquisite as they are delicious. Check out Francine’s Instagram page to see which holiday markets she’ll be popping up at in December
This Canadian online bookshop’s thoughtful collection of children’s books, cookbooks, essay collections and gifts celebrates the different voices and narratives that highlight the “the range of migration experiences that make up our unique and ever-evolving collective identity.” Check Alala’s Instagram page for pop-up events.
Filipino jewelry beautifully handcrafted by Filipino artisans that connects you to the motherland.
Clothing with bold and modern designs, accessories, ornaments and gifts celebrating Pinay strength.
Maribel's Year Celebrates Halloween
In Maribel’s Year, on Halloween, Maribel and her mother carve pumpkins, pick apples and make apple pie for the first time. Beautiful art from Maribel’s Year by Sarah Gonzales and brilliant motion graphics by Jeffrey Jones.
Hope everyone has a great Halloween! 🎃🍂
Bay Area Author Visit
Just came back from a trip to the Bay Area! Thank you so much to San José Public Library for hosting an author visit! I absolutely loved connecting with the San José community.
I also reunited with old friends, made new ones and met Instagram friends in person. So many good books, so many wonderful conversations, so many sunny drives (October heat wave!) and so much good food (shout out to Breadbelly for their exceptional kaya toast). Thank you to everyone who made my stay in the Bay so memorable! Click the above image to watch highlights from my trip.
October Events
Bay Area friends! I’ll be in San Jose at my first official Bay area event on Friday, October 6, and I’ve also got some other fun events planned in Orange County and Long Beach. I’ll be there with treats in tow. Hope to see you there!
📅 Sunday, October 1
⏰ Signing 1-2 pm at Booth B17
Orange Coast College
2701 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
📅 Friday, October 6
⏰ Author Visit 4:00-5:30 pm
3355 Noble Avenue
San Jose, CA 95132
📅 Thursday, October 19
⏰ Signing 5-7 pm
Grand Opening Week
The District (next to Whole Foods)
2857 Park Ave
Tustin, CA 92782
📅 Saturday, October 21
⏰ Reading at 1 pm
Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library
5870 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90805