PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES
Smart Shopping for Souvenirs
Photographer and Correspondent: Karlo Samson

Whenever you travel, it's best to keep both eyes on the lookout for opportunities that may come your way. These may be opportunities to learn something new about a foreign culture, to make new friends, or even to earn a little spending money.

Recently, I took a trip to Palawan, an hour's plane ride away from Manila in the Philippines. Palawan is known as an island paradise and draws visitors from all around the globe. Despite that fact, it is also a good place to find great bargains. From cool ethnic bracelets to bug jewellery! Below is a picture of a bracelet made from thin slivers of wood fiber. To wear them, you first have to soak them in water for about ten minutes so that you can stretch them wide enough for your hand to squeeze through. As the bracelets dry, they contract, making a snug fit around your wrist.

As for the bug jewellery, they are resin rings which have actual insects embedded inside. You can find spiders, scorpions, flies!!, and salaginto (small metallic-colored beetles). Accessorize with arachnids. How can you go wrong?

There you have it. Act smart when you go visit a new country, keep your eyes peeled for opportunities and you'll take home really cool memorable souvenirs and perhaps earn some money on the side. Peace out.