Pasalubong is a Filipino term referring to gifts or souvenirs brought home for family and friends after a trip, often as a token of thoughtfulness and sharing.
Since Davao is my mother’s hometown, I’ve had the chance to visit several times, and these are some of the items I usually bring home—along with a few recommendations from my cousins who live there.
Durian
Davao is famous for its unique durian fruit. Often compared to jackfruit, durian stands out for its strong aroma and rich, creamy texture. When visiting Davao, tourists frequently bring home durian-based pasalubong such as candies, tarts, and spreads.
Due to its pungent odor, airlines ban whole or open durian from both hand-carry and checked baggage. Airlines permit only vacuum-sealed, blast-frozen durian flesh in checked luggage (without seeds or husks), which seals in flavor while containing the smell. Be sure to double-check your airline’s specific policies before flying.
As shown in the photo, there are several durian varieties. My aunt avoids the Puyat variant due to its bittersweet profile and prefers Kob (or Cob) for its sweeter, creamier taste. Kob is actually a Thai durian variety registered as D99. Note that durian can go as cheap as ₱60 per kilo during its peak season from August to October.
If durian isn’t for you, Davao offers plenty of other fantastic pasalubong choices.
Pomelo
Davao is home to vast pomelo farms, particularly in areas like Calinan, Tugbok, and Toril. The soil in Davao, especially around Mount Apo, is rich in minerals due to its volcanic origin.
There are popular farm and brands in Davao such as Nenita’s and Mely’s. If you wanted to buy cheap ones and knows how to look the best pomelo, you can buy in the market. Remember that a peeled pomelo is better if you are traveling via plane so it won’t add much weight to your luggages at check-in.
If you wanted your pasalubong much presentable, you can buy pomelo that’s in a box. While we were boarding, we witnessed a heated argument between a passenger with a 4- or 5-year-old child and a flight attendant. The flight attendant stated that only one box of pomelo is allowed per person as hand-carry luggage. The woman argued that since she had a child with her, she should be allowed to bring two boxes. So the argument ended.
Mangosteen
The best time to visit Davao is during the Kadayawan Festival in August, as the city celebrates a bountiful harvest. Even as September sets in, fruits remain abundant and affordable. Mangosteen, my personal favorite, sells for as low as ₱20 for a quarter kilo or ₱70 per kilo. Since I love mangosteen so much, we made sure to bring plenty back home!
Malagos Davao Chocolate
Davao is the chocolate capital of the Philippines so it is a-must to try one! One popular brand is Malagos Davao Chocolates. It is known from it’s tree-to-bar creation. Tree-to-Bar is a chocolate-making process where the company controls every step of production, starting from growing the cacao trees (tree) all the way to making the finished chocolate bar (bar).
They won 56 international awards of this writing so this should be definitely a pasalubong!
What We Bought:
- 65% Dark Chocolate Mini Bar (₱85)
- 72% Dark Chocolate Mini Bar (₱90)
- Tablea (₱350)
65% is milder and sweeter, while 72% is richer and less sweet, with a stronger cocoa punch. You should choose the 65% mini bar if you’re giving it to kids.
Where Can You Buy Malagos Davao Chocolate
- Malagos Garden Resort & Chocolate Museum – Located in Barangay Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City—this is where their farm, factory (Malagos Cacao Development Center), and Philippines’ first Chocolate Museum are all situated.
- Head Office (Puentespina Compound) – Bolcan Street, Agdao, Davao City — this is the main corporate office.
- Satellite Office (Quezon City) – Cedar Hills Garden Center, Mother Ignacia St., Brgy Paligsahan, Quezon City.
- Malagos Homegrown Café in Matina Aplaya, Davao City — sells signature chocolates, mini bars (65%, 72%, 85%), gift boxes, truffles, etc. (this is where we went)
- Kiosk locations at major malls like SM Lanang and Abreeza Mall in Davao City — convenient for pasalubong shopping.
- Puentespina Family Warehouse Store (Cabaguio area, near Assumption College Davao) — offers full range of chocolate products, including baking and specialty items.
- Other retail stores like Cacao Culture at Poblacion Market Central offer selections of Malagos along with other local chocolates.
Also read: Eden Nature Park Davao
Apo ni Lola
Lola Abon’s is one of Davao’s most iconic and oldest pasalubong brands, renowned for its wide variety of durian-based delicacies. It was established in the 1950s by Abondia “Lola Abon” del Puerto Raakin. Later, her grandson, Arnel “Jojo” Raakin, continued the legacy by founding “Apo ni Lola” in 1993.
What We Bought:
- Durian Buko Pandan Yema – ₱50
- Yema Langka Spread – ₱200+
- Mangosteen Candy Sticks – ₱42
- Hopia – ₱100+
Lola Abon vs Apo ni Lola
- Lola Abon’s – Focuses on traditional recipes, preserving the original taste of durian pastillas and yema.
- Apo ni Lola – Known for innovative varieties and modern packaging. They now offer over 70 types of durian delicacies, including tarts, bars, and jams.
- Lola Abon’s – A quaint, old-school pasalubong store.
- Apo ni Lola – A large, modern three-story flagship store in Matina, designed to be a tourist destination itself.
Also read: Jardin de Señorita Mountain Resort, Kapatagan, Davao
Where Can You Buy Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies
- Apo ni Lola Flagship Store & Factory – Located at 14 San Miguel Village, 4th Avenue, Barangay Matina Crossing, Davao City — this is their primary store, production facility, and main destination where you can shop their full product line, try free samples, and buy freshly made durian soft-serve and coffee.
- Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao Airport) Stalls – Departure area and surrounding pasalubong booths at the airport — convenient for last-minute packaging and pasalubong shopping before flying.
- Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) Pasalubong Center – Located at the bus terminal area in Ecoland, Davao City — offers popular packaged Apo ni Lola delicacies alongside other regional products for travelers taking land routes.
- Magsaysay Park Pasalubong Center – Located along Magsaysay Avenue, Poblacion District, Davao City — features various local gift stalls that re-sell Apo ni Lola’s top-selling candies, tarts, and boxed items.
- Local Supermarkets and Mall Pasalubong Counters – Select souvenir and local product sections inside major malls like SM City Davao (Ecoland) and Gaisano Malls — handy for grabbing popular durian candy variants while running errands in the city.
Planning a trip to Davao? Choosing the right accommodation can make your visit even more memorable. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly stay, a centrally located hotel, or a relaxing retreat, Davao has plenty of excellent options.
- Hop Inn Hotel is ideal for travelers looking for clean, modern accommodations at an affordable price without compromising comfort.
- If you appreciate heritage and classic Filipino hospitality, Apo View Hotel offers a charming stay with easy access to Davao’s top attractions, shopping centers, and dining spots.
- For those who want excellent value in the city center, Red Planet Davao provides comfortable rooms and a convenient location that’s perfect for exploring the city’s vibrant food scene and landmarks.
- If your idea of a vacation includes peaceful surroundings and resort-style amenities, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao delivers a relaxing escape with beautiful waterfront gardens, spacious accommodations, and a tranquil ambiance just a short drive from the airport.
No matter your budget or travel style, these hotels offer a comfortable base for discovering everything Davao has to offer—from its famous food and cultural attractions to its breathtaking natural wonders. Booking your stay in advance can help you secure the best rates and make your Davao getaway even more enjoyable.
Mers Native Delicacies
Mers reigns as the ultimate stopover for traditional Filipino kakanin (rice cakes), home-style dishes, and native pasalubong. We ended up visiting twice—once on a Thursday and again on a Sunday—and found the parking lot packed with cars both times! Its prime location makes it an irresistible pitstop for travelers heading to Southern Mindanao. Beyond their original shop, they have even expanded next door into a full restaurant.
What We Bought:
- Bibingka (₱230 for a pack of 5) – I usually pass on bibingka, but Mers completely changed my mind. Unlike the dry versions I’ve tried from others, theirs stays incredibly moist and offers a unique, richer flavor profile that sets it apart.
- Puto (10 pieces) – With 10 pieces in a single pack, this makes a fantastic, budget-friendly option if you are bringing home treats for a large group.
- Pooh Cake (₱100 for a pack of 8) – These taste just like hopia and come in wintermelon, ube, and durian flavors. Each pack contains 8 pieces.
- Durian Candy (₱100) – While these cost a bit more than standard candies, the rich flavor and generous quantity make them well worth every peso.
- Salbaro / Cassava Crunch (₱55) – I missed this classic snack, so I made sure to grab a pack for myself!
- Durian Oatmeal Bar (₱250 for a box of 12) – A unique twist on local flavors, packed neatly in a box for easy travel.
The store has a lot to offer it can get really overwhelming. There’s puto maya, suman, tikoy, cassava cake, candies, and more!
Where Can You Buy Mers Native Delicacies
- Mers Highway Main Complex & Restaurant – Located along the National Highway, Barangay Cogon, Digos City, Davao del Sur — this is their primary facility, flagship store, and spacious stopover complex featuring their full lineup of fresh kakanin, pasalubong products, and a carinderia-style restaurant.
- Mers Downtown Digos Branch – Located on Lapu-Lapu Street, Digos City, Davao del Sur — this is the original, historic location where Mer’s Kitchenette first began, serving downtown shoppers and locals in the city center.
- Digos City Overland Transport Terminal Stalls – Located at the main bus terminal in Digos City — offers convenient takeaway packages of their top-selling puto, bibingka, and travel-ready snacks for commuters and bus travelers.
- Davao City Pasalubong Resellers & Pop-up Vendors – Found in select local pasalubong hubs, regional product stalls, and consignment shops across Davao City proper — ideal for picking up boxed Mers specialties like cassava crunch, pooh cakes, and durian oatmeal bars without driving out to Digos.
Salbaro
Salbaro or salvaro is a thin, flat circle that is very crunchy, it shatters with each bite. Often sweetened with caramel or latik. Known for a light cassava flavor and modest sweetness.
I bought this one, if I remember it right, for ₱30-₱50 at a tourist spot near Mount Apo in Kapatagan trail.
Dairy Best
On our way to the Philippine Eagle Center, my cousin introduced me to Dairy Best, a premier brand of fresh, locally produced dairy treats in Davao City. I instantly fell in love with how light and smooth their milk feels—a refreshing contrast to the heavy, processed fresh milk you find in standard grocery stores.
Dairy Best sources pure, pasteurized, and homogenized milk straight from local Davao dairy cows. Because a local cooperative manages production and distribution, the milk stays completely farm-fresh, budget-friendly, and free from heavy preservatives.
Beyond their classic fresh milk, they serve up delicious flavored options like chocolate, strawberry, mango, and melon. We happily chugged a bottle of fresh milk right on the spot, and my cousin even gifted me a 1-liter bottle of chocolate milk (₱90) to bring back home to Manila!
Where Can You Buy Dairy Best
- Malagos Main Plant & Store: Calinan-Baguio-Cadalian Road, Barangay Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City (located right near the Philippine Eagle Center and Malagos Garden Resort).
- Davao City Central Outlet & Cafe: V. Mapa Street corner Mabini Extension, Poblacion District, Davao City.
- National Dairy Authority (NDA) Outlet: NDA Compound along the Diversion Road in Davao City.
- Mobile Vans & Supermarkets: Select local supermarkets (like Gaisano Mall) and roving Dairy Best distribution vans selling fresh bottles along major thoroughfares on early mornings and weekends.
Conclusion
There you have it! There are other pasalubong items in the wet market that are more affordable, so you can check those out, too.
