Gifts that keep on giving, unfortunately

MANILA, Philippines - Instead of polling people for the best gifts they’ve received, we thought it would be far more interesting to ask a few designers what ranks as the worst present they’ve been unfortunate enough to receive. Some of these presents are worth more than a few laughs. There’s plenty of vintage (food, that is) and a few used goods here and there. The designers, unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of unforgettable gifts such as a bottle of half-empty lotion, share their Christmas horror stories.

“My worst Christmas gift was when my ex boyfriend gifted me with lingerie in front of my parents then proceeded to break up with me!” — Janina Dizon-Hoschka

 “In high school, we made a wish list of the things we desired. I faithfully followed my friends’ list, but all I got was this fake Giordano polo shirt packaged in a real Giordano bag. Talk about rude!” — Chris Diaz

 “When I was in the eighth grade, my classmate gave me a giant bar of chocolate, but when I opened it, it was super old and flaked apart!”— Rocio Olbes

 “At a Christmas party in Iloilo, I got a leopard print thong with some glitter and — eww! — fur. It’s so weird. I got it from a very conservative friend of mine.” — Eric Delos Santos

 “Somebody gave me a package full of fresh fruits — grapes mostly. It was pretty disappointing because when I opened it, I discovered the grapes were all rotten. Another unforgettable present was a box of chocolates full of ants inside! That was probably the worst! —Tina Daniac

 “I don’t think of them as bad gifts, just funny ones. Once, Dennis Lustico gave me a yellow silicon rubber ring with a small metal handle (imagine a wobbly magnifying glass) that you use to fry perfect circular eggs or pancakes. I had to ask what it was for. I’ve never used it, but I still keep it in my kitchen. It makes me smile.” — James Reyes

 “Our group of close friends had a ‘white elephant’ exchange gift night where everyone was asked to bring gifts they didn’t want, but which was interpreted as bringing the worst gifts anyone could ever think of — gifts included a small can of 555 sardines. And I think I received a bottle of half-used hand lotion. It was absolutely hilarious!” — Tippi Ocampo