Celebrating The Vibrant Tapestry Of Filipino Heritage In Every Modern home

My name is Ruchel Freibrun, and my journey to creating Heritage Pinoy Gifts began long before I ever imagined opening an Etsy shop. I was born and raised in the Philippines, surrounded by a culture rich in creativity, warmth, and tradition. In 1992, at the age of 23, I moved to the United States—but no matter how far life has taken me, the heart of my Filipino heritage has always stayed with me.

My connection to both countries was woven into my story even before I was born. In the 1960s, when the largest U.S. naval base outside of America opened in the Philippines—Sangley Point—my father served proudly in the U.S. Navy. His service became a bridge between two worlds. Sadly, he passed away during the Vietnam War, and although I lost him far too soon, his story has always been a powerful reminder of resilience, honor, and the deep ties between the Philippines and the United States.

Growing up in the Philippines, I fell in love with the artistry and craftsmanship found in everyday life—handmade goods, intricate designs, vibrant colors, and the stories behind every creation. Even after moving to the U.S., every trip home meant one thing: pasalubong. I would bring back Filipino-made treasures for my American friends, and their excitement reminded me of how special our culture truly is. Filipinos are incredibly creative, and no matter where we go, we carry our heritage with pride. Like me, many Filipinos abroad love gifting pieces of home to the people around them—sharing our culture one meaningful item at a time.

That inspiration led me to create Heritage Pinoy Gifts—a shop dedicated to celebrating the beauty of Filipino culture and craftsmanship, while helping Filipinos and friends of the Philippines connect to the warmth of our homeland. Every product is something I grew up with, something I treasure, and something that tells a story about who we are.

But there is also another part of my story—one shaped by the resilience of the Filipino people.

Growing up, I experienced powerful typhoons that devastated towns, especially in rural areas. Homes were destroyed, families were uprooted, and rebuilding was overwhelming. After moving to the U.S., a friend introduced me to Gawad Kalinga, a non-profit whose mission touched me deeply. Gawad Kalinga, which means “to give care,” is a movement dedicated to ending poverty in the Philippines through homebuilding, education, livelihood programs, and community empowerment. Their work restores dignity, uplifts families, and creates long-term, community-driven change.

Today, Gawad Kalinga USA (GK USA) serves as the lead partner supporting this inspiring global effort—and I am proud to support their mission through my shop. As part of my commitment to giving back, Heritage Pinoy Gifts donates 5% of all sales to Gawad Kalinga. It’s my way of honoring the communities that shaped my childhood and helping others rebuild their futures.

Whether you’re Filipino, Filipino-American, or simply someone who appreciates cultural gifts, I invite you to explore, shop, and share these meaningful items with the people you love.

Mamili na tayo! (Let’s shop!)
And thank you for supporting Filipino heritage—and the Filipino community—one gift at a time.