IN THE past few years, there’s been a boom in micro breweries in the Philippines. Discerning beer drinkers are spoiled for choice these days, especially in Manila, though craft breweries are popping up all over the country, including Negros with Felix "Bogs" Hagad's “Bogs Brew.”
In Ancient Egypt, beer was made almost entirely by women. As we shifted to an industrial economy, men took over. Brewing is still mainly the domain of men, but two women, Ayah Javier and Malu Lauengco, proudly claim to be the first female craft brewers in the Philippines,
After six years of living in San Diego, Ayah brought home a love of craft beer and a home brewing kit. She teamed up with Malu and in 2013 they opened Palaweño Brewery in Palawan’s capital, Puerto Princesa.
They produce five core brews, including a nut-brown ale laced with wild honey and Ayahay IPA, which “wants to make you hoppy.” They've also experimented with seasonal brews such as Mango De Palawan and Buko Loco Coconut Cream Ale.
Their line of craft beers are named “Ayahay” which means relaxed, which captures the laid-back style of the island and the beers.
It’s sold in nearby bars, but Ayah and Malu also conduct regular Micro Brewery Tours in their bar with members of the team on hand to talk through the brews chalked up on the board. Ayah and Malu even make bottle labels by hand for the 300 cases they produce each month.
Their beers have been well received by locals and visitors alike.
American tourist Dan said: “What a great little brewery tucked away in Puerto Princesa. They have five beers on offer (bottled). There is a tap house where you can sit and try the beers. The IPA is marvelous."
Another tourist, Sebastian, also praised the beers. “You can just feel the passion that this place has about their beers. Loved the whole experience." he said.
The brewery is keen to use the island’s plentiful coconuts to create an affordable craft beer. Their goal, says Malu, is to offer quality, affordable beer to the local market: “Our mission is to make the best beers in the Philippines, and have the time of our life doing it.”
Micro brewing took off in the US and the UK in the 1970s. Many beer lovers, tired of mass produced brews, began making their own beers. A grassroots home brewing culture emerged and thrived because the only way beer lovers could experience the full flavor of real beers was to make it themselves.
Increased home brewing activity inspired beer enthusiasts to start their own small brewing companies. Their intent was always to reintroduce the public to a more flavorful beer with real character.
The quality of beer from these small breweries improved over the years, enabling a wider distribution and establishing popularity and choice.
Today, there are thousands of micro breweries all over the world making some superb brews – indeed, there's never been a better time to enjoy these outstanding beers that have flavor, character, tradition and culture.
Cheers!