You can give without loving, but you can not love without giving. This is very true but what gifts are appropriate to give your Filipina sweetheart? Here are some suggestions to help you out.
Roses and chocolates.
Whether you give her a single, a dozen or two dozens fresh-cut long stem roses, she will be ecstatic to know that you care and she will show to the world that she has someone special in her life.
Even if your Filipina girlfriend is on a diet, she can not resist chocolates if you brought it for her.
Fragrance
Filipina ladies tend to love signature label fragrances and accessories, and they will be highly appreciated especially if bought from other countries.
Designer bags and jewelry
Although the Philippines has its own designer label products, she would appreciate it especially if you carried it with you halfway around the world. It is better if you buy jewelry in the Philippines.
Electronic gadgets
If your girlfriend is into electronics, she would appreciate if you bring her electronic items. These are usually way beyond the reach of average income families and may be considered a luxury. You do not necessarily have to give her the latest models in digital cameras, home theatre systems or notebooks while you scrimp and endure using a manual typewriter for the rest of your life. Just be practical and do not go overboard.
Cell phone.
Chances are she has one already but if not, and you want her to contact her anytime when you go back to your country, you may give her a unit depending on how much you can afford. The hitch to this is she may find another text mate/boyfriend using your cell phone but it is a risk you have to take. If she is faithful to you, she will remain faithful.
Budget for clothes.
She will appreciate this (well, who doesn’t) but set a budget and stick to it. Give her just enough to buy a whole new set of wardrobe especially if you are planning to take her to your country. If she is a wise shopper, she can get good deals. Clothes can be bought at cheaper prices in the Philippines compared to your country.
The list for gifts is endless. It is actually up to you to make the choice but even little things count. It is not wise to literally bury your Filipina girlfriend under mountains of gifts because she may love your gifts more than you. On an end note, woe unto you if you happen to land on the “bilmoko” species (coined from bilihan mo ako, Tagalog term for “buy me this, buy me that) because you will likely go bald (if you are not already) with her demands. She may ask you to buy her land and condo units, luxurious cars that may require you to spend your salary ten years in advance.