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It has been ingrained in the Filipino culture that whenever you travel somewhere far you have to bring something back for your family and friends.

From keychains to T-shirts, to mugs, heck even food! A pasalubong is something you must never forget.

And in Bulacan, you're sure to find plenty because this province is not only rich for its culture and history, it's also big on food!

Because we don't want your friends and family to miss out on all the things you'd binge, we listed the top five recommended pasalubongs in Bulacan that you can take home with you.

Just make sure to buy a few extra because we know, you'll want more for yourself.

1. Pastillas de Leche from San Miguel, Bulacan

This creamy candy traces back its origins to San Miguel, Bulacan, and was first made by farmers who tended to their cows or carabaos. As the name suggests, it is made with carabao's milk and is mixed with sugar and other flavors for variety.

And when it comes to the Pastillas game, there's no one like Cristy's Pastillas.

According to its owner, Cristina Abu, she opened her little shop in the 1970s with the hopes to share her grandma's beloved recipe to the world. Soon after, her business gradually rose and has become unbeatable ever since.

She tells Biyahe ni Drew that the secret lies in the farm-fresh carabao milk complemented with their labor of love.

Cristina adds, “Ang carabao's milk lang ang pwedeng gamitin sa original flavor ng Pastillas de Leche.

“May season din 'yan kaya pag wala, talagang ubos lalo na tuwing December kakaunti ang supply. 'Di kagaya tuwing rainy season, talagang marami 'yung gatas kasi madamo.”

The three best-selling flavors from Cristy's Pastillas are ube, yema, and the original Pastillas de Leche.

If you want to have a taste of Cristy's Pastillas de Leche, pay her a visit at Progresso Street, San Miguel, Bulacan.

2. Chicharon from San Miguel, Bulacan

Aside from their beautiful women and rich history, Bulacan is also known for its chicharon, the OG snack of all the titos and titas who love that “putok-batok” goodness.

Chicharon is a popular side dish made of deep-fried pork belly or pork rinds dipped in vinegar and complemented with alcoholic beverages.

In San Miguel, Bulacan, you can find Inay Goyena's Chicharon owned by Ferdie Goyena.

According to Ferdie, he has been tending to his mother's business for three decades and has made no changes in the original recipe.

The process of making Inay Goyena's signature chicharon is tedious, says Ferdie.

He explains, “Una gugupitin natin 'yung balat pati huhugasan tapos ise-scrape natin 'yung skin at ibibilad natin yan sa araw for more than 2-3 hours.

“After that magpapakulo tayo ng mantika sa mga 120 degrees para matanggal 'yung germs.”

After that, he cuts the pork rind into little pieces using a pair of scissors to prevent it from splattering on the floor, before deep-frying the pieces once more.

Inay Goyena's is famous for its three melt-in-your-mouth variants namely, the kulurot, bula, and chicharong may laman.

Put Inay Goyena's chicharon to the test by visiting 49 Tecson Street, Poblacion, San Miguel, Bulacan.

3. Herschel Candies from Bustos, Bulacan

Amping up the candies game with Herschel Candies from Bustos, Bulacan whose name got its origin from Normita Cabalquinto's granddaughter, Herschel.

Nanay Normita opened her business in 2002 in the hopes of making a little more money on the side.

Through hard work and determination, Herschel Candies grew into a proper business empire specializing in various candies and pastries.

Nanay Normita shares, “Noong una kasi kami lang gumagawang mag-anak. Tapos noong tumatakbo na ng onti, kumuha na kami ng mga manggagawa.

“Talagang sobra ang hirap namin noon at itong pagke-kendi ay napakalaking tulong talaga sa buhay namin.”

Check out their candies at 918 Mayor A. Hilario Street, Poblacion, Bustos, Bulacan.

4. Barquillos from Bustos Bulacan

Barquillos / Source: Pinterest.com

During the Spanish colonialism in the country, one rolled wafer pastry has made its mark in Bustos, Bulacan and that is the barquillo.

A barquillo is made from basic cookie ingredients of flour, sugar, egg whites, and butter rolled out thinly into a hollow cylinder.

According to Maria Elena de Lara of Zeny's, she learned to make the pastry from her grandmother who also learned it from their ancestors.

She explains, “Ang barquillos kasi lagi naming hinahanda tuwing fiesta. Ang kapartner ng barquillos ay ice cream at saka 'yung Lengua de Gato.

“'Yung mga matatanda nakikita namin na ginagawa at kinakain nila ito.

“Hindi siya nakakasawang kainin, kaya kahit isang garapon ay kaya mong kainin kasi masarap e.”

5. Minasa from Bustos, Bulacan

Minasa / Source: Zenys Minasa (FB)

Lastly, we have the Minasa which was conceived by the privileged families of the town Bustos in Bulacan.

According to Lourdes Luz, a Minasa maker, the special pastry was originally reserved only for the elite and was served during fiestas and special occasions.

She says, “Namana namin 'yan sa mga ninuno namin na ginagamit nila pang meryenda tuwing fiesta kasama ng chocolate.

“Noon, ang mga may kaya lang sa buhay ang nakakagawa niyan kasi sila lang 'yung may molde at panggawa sa bahay. Napakahirap niyang gawin noon kasi kahit 'yung oven inaabot ng maghapon para magawa.”

For Bustos's very own barquillos and minasa, try stopping at Zeny's Minasa at 7 Tinawan, Bustos, Bulacan.

Pay these stores a visit and try for yourself what Bulacan can offer your tastebuds. Whether it's sweet or salty, we're sure there is something for you to munch on!

'Til the next food trip!