Factory shopping in Cebu is quite an experience for both locals and tourists. Cebu has always been known for its vibrant design industry, and factory shopping offers the opportunity to find unique buys on a wide range of items.

Located on Mactan Island are several export processing zones that manufacture items from Italian furniture, upscale German fashion jewelry, to branded apparel. Unfortunately, the products are not available to the public. However, a once-a-year sale around Christmastime is when some factories unload their overruns minus the labels, which is something to look forward to.

Here are some not-so-secret shopping stops for Made In Cebu items. Be forewarned that all of them are in out-of-the-way places, but the sleuthing would be very worth it! 

CORDOVA SASTRES

Due to the numerous clothing export manufacturers found in Mactan, there are many skilled dressmakers in the area and a ready source of textiles, mostly jersey. Sastres is the vernacular for dressmakers. In Cordova, located on the southern tip of Mactan Island, several entrepreneurial sastres are peddling very well-priced clothes from as low as P400 for a dress. The addresses change all the time, so best to search under Cordova Mactan dressmakers online.

FERIMAR This well-established resort fashion brand is worth the stop for better quality outfits and accessories. Located just before Marco Polo Hotel, in the area known as Nivel Hills, this by-appointment-only outlet is open from Monday to Saturday. Good finds include bangles and native bags to go with the kaftans. Please call (032) 415 6733.

NATURES LEGACY Long a strong proponent of using sustainable materials, think corks and coconut husks, Nature’s Legacy prides itself on material innovation. Their showroom feature homewares and furnishing on the main level, while the upper deck carries fashion accessories. Nature’s Legacy is an exporter, so most of their stuff for sale is over-runs unless it is made to order. By appointment only, please call (032) 425 8814 or 416-0210. Area 77, P. Remedios Street, Banilad, Mandaue City

ZAI DESIGN HIVE This company is the latest incarnation of one of the pioneers of the fashion accessories industry and has been exporting to Australia, Japan, Europe and the US since the 70s. It has won multiple awards worldwide for their design excellence, meticulous craftsmanship and innovative use of materials. The product range has since been expanded to include souvenirs and home objects that the company primarily sells in the Mactan Cebu International Airport. Walk inside Aladdin’s cave to score some seriously eclectic baubles, bling and trinkets! By appointment only, please call Melinda at (+63) 920 590 7282. Zai Design Hive, Aries Compound, Sangi New Road, Lapu-Lapu City 

JAMES DORAN-WEBB STUDIO If driftwood is your thing, search for this delightful workshop owned by a Brit, James Doran-Webb. He does fantastic things with driftwood. An owl, a rabbit, or a leaping horse that’s bigger than life size. But that’s not all. He also has lampshades, home knick-knacks, and many more. Be prepared to pay for extra luggage if you do find his studio in Mandaue City. His creations make one-of-a-kind souvenirs that are hard to beat! By appointment only Monday to Friday, please call Dinah at (+63) 923 701 1696 and ask for directions. 

PROFOOD GALLERY For food shopping, it’s good to visit the source. One of the biggest exporters of dried mangoes, Profood International Corporation, is a byword in dried fruits. They make the popular Philippine Brand foods and send it worldwide, including to shops like Costco in the US. Visit their food mart and get anything mango — green mango balls, mango juice, among others. It’s the perfect shopping stop if you’re looking for a taste of the island. V. Albano Street, Maguikay, Mandaue City. Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Telephone number (032) 520 9349