gifts from manila

when i was in manila, my colleagues were kind enough to take me out during the weekends. on the second weekend, they took me to a place called "greenhills", where there were numerous stalls selling jewellery made of pearls. there are several islands off manila where pearls were cultured and exported. i was pleasantly surprised to find that prices were really affordable.

i bought the pair of fresh water pearl earrings with a 14k gold backing for my mum, for PHP1,500, which is about GBP20 or US$32. it matches nicely to the bracelet which i bought her back in september.

i also bought several bracelets which makes great presents to friends, each at around PHP120 which is about GBP1.60 or US$2.50!! seriously, a mcdonalds meal here in london costs way more than the pearl bracelets!!

we love cheap thrills!