The Ultimate Guide on Where to Buy Gold in the Philippines — From Ongping to Blockchain

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. BitPinas has no commercial relationship with any mentioned entity unless otherwise stated.

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In an economic landscape marked by inflation and fluctuating currency values, gold remains the undisputed “safe haven” asset for Filipinos. For generations, buying gold has been a primary strategy for preserving wealth in the Philippines.

However, the way we acquire this precious metal has evolved dramatically. The traditional image of haggling in Binondo now shares the stage with buying tokenized assets on a smartphone during a commute.

So the question for future gold owners is: Do you want the tangible security of a physical bar, or the instant liquidity of a digital token?

Here is the BitPinas guide on where to buy gold in the Philippines, covering both traditional physical avenues and the emerging world of digital gold like PAXG.

Part 1: The Traditional Route (Buying Physical Gold)

For many investors, gold isn’t “real” unless they can hold it in their hands. Physical gold carries no counterparty risk once you own it, it’s yours, outside of the financial system.

1. The Historical Hub: Ongpin Street (Binondo)

Binondo’s Ongpin Street is the epicenter of the traditional gold trade in the Philippines, lined with rows of jewelry shops.

• What to Buy: Mostly 18k, 21k, and 24k jewelry (“investment jewelry”) and Chinese gold.
• The Price: Prices are often based on the current spot price plus a markup for craftsmanship.
• BitPinas Tip: This route requires street smarts. Always ask for the price per gram rather than the price per piece. Ensure you are dealing with reputable, long-standing establishments to guarantee purity.

2. The Corporate Route: Major Pawnshops & Jewelers

If the hustle of Binondo isn’t for you, major corporate chains offer a standardized, secure alternative.

• Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry: A household name in finance, Cebuana has aggressively entered the investment gold space. They offer dedicated 24k gold bars minted specifically for investment, providing certificates of authenticity. This is often simpler for first-time buyers than navigating Ongpin.
• Mall-Based Jewelers (e.g., Just Jewels, Ty Po Huat): These offer convenience and security, though the premiums (markups) over the spot price of gold might be slightly higher than in Binondo due to overhead costs.

3. Specialized Bullion Dealers

For serious investors looking to store significant wealth outside the banking system, bullion dealers are the go-to.

• What to Buy: LBMA-approved gold bars (like PAMP Suisse or Valcambi) and sovereign coins (like American Eagles). These are recognized globally and are easier to liquidate internationally than local jewelry.
• Players: Dealers cater to the Philippine market, offering secure ways to purchase high-grade investment bullion without the “fashion” markup of jewelry.

Part 2: The Fintech Route (Buying Digital Gold & PAXG)

This is where the BitPinas audience will feel most at home. Digital gold solves the biggest hurdles of physical gold: storage, security, and liquidity.

Digital gold allows you to own an asset pegged to the price of gold via the blockchain, without needing a physical safe. The gold standard in this space is PAXG. XAUT by Tether is becoming popular as well.

What is PAXG (Paxos Gold)?

PAXG is an ERC-20 token operating on the Ethereum blockchain. Crucially, one PAXG token is backed by one fine troy ounce (t oz) of a 400 oz London Good Delivery gold bar, stored in Brink’s vaults in London.

Unlike buying a “paper gold” ETF in the stock market, PAXG offers the benefits of crypto: it runs 24/7, it’s globally transferable, and it’s highly divisible. You don’t need to buy a whole ounce; you can buy ₱500 worth of PAXG.

Where to Buy PAXG in the Philippines

For Filipino investors, using Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulated exchanges is the safest on-ramp such as Coins.ph and PDAX:

• PDAX also has a tailored digital gold offering specifically for the Filipino market. Unlike global exchanges that price gold in “troy ounces” (a unit many Filipinos aren’t familiar with), PDAX Gold is priced in Pesos per Gram and you can start investing for as low as ₱500.

3. Global Crypto Exchanges (For advanced users)

If you already hold stablecoins like USDT or USDC in a web3 wallet, you can use global platforms like Binance, OKX, or Kraken to trade for PAXG. These platforms often have the deepest liquidity, but require more technical know-how regarding wallet transfers and gas fees. Note that if you are in the Philippines, some of these exchanges are blocked in the country.

Summary: Physical vs. Digital Gold at a Glance

Which route is right for your portfolio?

Final Thoughts

Gold has proven its resilience over centuries. Today, technology has democratized access to it. Whether you appreciate the craftsmanship of a Binondo necklace or the blockchain efficiency of PAXG on Coins.ph, the most important step is ensuring you are buying from reputable, trusted sources.

Disclaimer: BitPinas articles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. Gold prices and cryptocurrency values are volatile. Always do your own research before making financial decisions.

This article is published on BitPinas: The Ultimate Guide on Where to Buy Gold in the Philippines

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