Saturday

Where to get papal visit souvenir items

It's not everyday that the Philippines gets a pastoral visit from the head of the Roman Catholic Church. To celebrate this "once-in-a-lifetime" event, a lot of the faithful look for items that remind them of the occasion. 
 
Here's a list of places where you can get memorabilia to remind you of Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines: 
 
Caritas Manila


The social arm of the Archdiocese of Manila Caritas Manila offers T-shirts for P180-P300 for the papal visit. They also sell umbrellas for P150 and rosary beads for P100. All of their proceeds will be used to sustain programs for the poor.
 
Contact 563-9311, 564-0205, 0999-7943455, 0905-4285001 or 0929-8343857 to order. 
 
 
Radyo Veritas 
 
Catholic radio station Radyo Veritas has a papal visit commemorative gift pack to all those who will donate P500 to the Radio Veritas Foundation Inc. 
 
The gift pack includes the following:
 
  • Papal visit commemorative card 
  • 30-day unlimited entertainment load powered by a video-on-demand for P250 
  • Other commemorative items like the official papal visit T-shirt, foldable fan, and a hand-made wooden rosary bracelet
  • Discount coupons from several participating consumer brands 
 
However, because of the huge demand, the gift packs are no longer in stock. But Radyo Veritas is already working on making the items available in major department stores. 
 
Jesuit Communications 
 
Jesuit Communications is known for its liturgical music. And for the pontiff's visit, they made an entire album for the first Jesuit pope. Titled "Mercy and  Compassion: Songs for Pope Francis," the 14-track  album features inspirational songs by Filipino artists like Aia de Leon, Noel Cabangon, Jett Pangan, Ebe Dancel, and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle.  
 
To get a copy of "Mercy and Compassion," visit Jesuit Communications at Sonolux Bldg., Seminary Dr., Ateneo de Manila University. You can also call the Tanging Yaman store at 4265971 to 72 local 112-113, email tanging.yaman@jescom.ph, or visit the Tanging Yaman kiosk at SM Megamall. It will also be available in religious outlets and all Universal Records stores.
 
Philippine Precious Moments Collectors' Community 
 
Aside from the usual souvenir items, a gift shop in Makati has also created miniature Pope Francis dolls. 
 
Philippine Precious Moments Collectors' Community made a 12-inch Pope Francis doll that costs for P1,000. It comes with a doll box and a certificate of authenticity.
 
The doll has been available since January 1. To get your own piece, visit Precious Moments Manila Showroom in Makati, Precious Moments Lobby Shop in Century Park Hotel, and Jojo's Christmas Cottage in Aklan. For orders, reservations, and inquiries, contact (02) 887-5252 / 225-8332.
 
 
 
 
Philippine Postal Corporation 
 
The Philippine Postal Corporation has also released commemorative stamps to mark the visit of Pope Francis.
 
The collection features four designs selling at P10 each. 
 
 
Online stores 
 
For those who prefer to have their pope souvenirs delivered right at their front doorstep, many Philippine-based online stores such as OLX and AyosDito.ph also have a wide range of items that feature papal visit designs.   
 
Quiapo 
 
The papal visit also sparked the creativity of many small-to-medium entrepreneurs who made their own designs to celebrate the Pope's coming. 
 
Many street vendors in Quiapo have already started selling various Pope Francis-related items such calendars, T-shirts, and prayer booklets during the last quarter of 2014. — VC, GMA News
 
source: gmanetwork.com