If you would like to pick up souvenirs and wedding giveaways that benefit children, the Children’s Joy Foundation Inc. (CJF) is a good starting point. Organized in June 1998, CJF is a non-profit, non-government institution aimed at helping children in less fortunate and exceptionally difficult circumstances. As part of CJF’s skills training program for the children, the foundation offers exquisite giveaway items. From jewelry cases and bags to gift boxes and lanterns—you name it, they probably have it. Costs for individual souvenir items range from Php 20 to Php 100, depending on the materials used and quantities ordered. Discounts for bulk orders also apply.

Gift items are carefully handcrafted by their resident children using an assortment of materials such as abaca, sinamay, and even paper maché. While a wide variety of styles and designs are readily available, the CJF also welcomes suggestions and special order requests for items that have not yet been produced. And because all proceeds from sales go directly to funding the children’s educational and basic needs, CJF is an ideal place for couples who are not only searching for that perfect giveaway but also looking to give something back to the community.

But that’s not all; in addition to souvenir items, the Children’s Joy Foundation Inc. also features a Rondalla Group of children from a variety of ages, all of whom are trained and experienced in performing at public engagements such as parties and church and wedding receptions. The group’s repertoire ranges from Filipino folk songs to classical pieces to traditional love ballads. As an added bonus, you can even request to have a new song or two played at your wedding provided, of course, that you book them early enough. You can expect the group’s rates to vary according to the number of hours and pieces requested.

One of the more popular places for couples looking for meaningful souvenirs is the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. (TWH; literally, "Home With No Steps"). Noted for their corporate giveaways and subcontract arrangements for export garments and other items, TWH also produces items which are perfect for weddings.

Established over thirty years ago with the aim of providing the disabled with a refuge to help them prepare for integration into the mainstream of society, one of TWH’s core objectives is to equip persons with disabilities with useful skills and knowledge through education and training programs. Today, there are more than 22 affiliate homes for TWH in the country with close to 20 programs and services. Among these is the production of a variety of products and gift items by disabled members of the community.

They make exquisite place card holders from molded wire, and for wedding giveaways, couples can choose from a wide variety of items such as miniature wood carvings, bookmarks, fans, gift bags, and paper boxes made from handmade paper (which can also, incidentally, be used to match the invitations you send).

Your guests can also find wonderful presents for you at TWH as they also offer a variety of furniture and household items from lampshades, baskets, and hampers to kitchenware and cabinets.

And because many of their members are also talented artists, couples looking to send distinctive invitations and thank-you cards can also request the personalization of a particular design to be illustrated for their wedding on traditionally handmade paper. Just be sure to hand in orders at least a month before the wedding to give the artists adequate time to prepare.

Orders can be given directly to TWH personnel at their headquarters in Cainta, Rizal. Couples can also drop by Stall #73 at the Gift Market section of the Market! Market! Mall in Fort Bonifacio for a quick browse through TWH’s gift selection.

When it comes to producing ingeniously creative products, few are a match for the Corn Husk Association of the Philippines, Inc. (CHAP). Founded in 2003, CHAP is a non-government organization which works with several private and public entities (including the GMA Corn Program of the Department of Agriculture) in creating livelihood opportunities through training farmers, young people, women, hobbyists, and basically anyone interested in learning how to craft a variety of items using cornhusk wastes.

CHAP operates a Cornhusk Business Center, which markets and sells many of the cornhusk products in General Santos City. In addition, the organization has 22 affiliated chapters and an estimated 18,000 trained crafters nationwide.

Couples looking for unique souvenir items will be able to customize their own designs or choose from many of the products already available—from dolls to flower arrangements to bags, baskets, and many more. Even apparel such as hats, jackets, and gowns are available! In fact, one of the cornhusk gowns by renowned designer Emi Englis was exhibited in Paris, France in December 2005.

Needless to say, all materials of CHAP products are made from cornhusk and other corn materials such as corn silk, corn stalks, tassels, roots, etc. Prices usually range anywhere from Php 20 to Php 80 per item, although some of the more lavish ones may go up to Php 2,000. Orders may be placed directly at the CBC in General Santos but be sure to account for shipping—which will take approximately five days—and its costs, which will be billed to your account. Couples in Manila may also contact Mrs. Carina Deatras, who operates a home-based outlet and may be reached at 0927-7234059.

Contact Information:

The Children’s Joy Foundation Inc. is located at #6 Brown Swiss Street, Project 8, Quezon City. Tel Nos. (02) 920-3272 or (02) 453-1704. E-mail: cjfmanila@yahoo.com.ph. For booking or inquiries, please look for Ms. Chit Soriano.

Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. is located at #175 Aida St. Marick Subd. Cainta, Rizal. Tel Nos. (02) 655-0059 or (02) 655-8038. Fax (02) 655-0812. E-mail: mktg_twh@tahanangwalanghagdanan.com.ph. Website: http://www.tahanangwalanghagdanan.com.

The Corn Husk Association, Inc. is located at V.G. Rivera Farm, National Highway, Lagao, General Santos City, 9500. Telefax: (083) 302-0444. For orders, designs, exhibits and trainings, please contact Ms. Rue Ramas. Mobile No: 0920-9516479 or 0917-9515364. E-mail: rueramas@seedworld.bayandsl.ph.