Destileria Limtuaco Museum

One of the must-do lists when you visit California in the USA is a trip to Napa Valley, where they grow grapes and make the best of their wines. In the Philippines, while we may not have Napa Valley, we have an array of tropical fruits and local raw materials to produce a world-class line of liqueur.

A former family museum, the Destileria Limtuaco Museum, is now open to the public.

The Destileria Limtuaco Museum opened its doors to the public in February 2018 despite the museum has been there as a private museum for the family. In 1979, Julius Limpe acquired the ancestral bahay na bato (house made of rock) to "enshrine the Destileria Limtuaco Museum."

I only knew before about Siok Tong, or Siok Hoc Tong wine, 
whenever I hear the brand Destileria Limtuaco.

The museum tells story of the "oldest distillery in continuous operation in the Philippines which was established by Bonifacio Lim Tua Co in Binondo, Manila in 1852, the Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc. It introduced and popularized the Chinese medicinal wine known as Siok Hoc Tong or Sioktong." At present the company itself is located in Grace Park, Caloocan City since 1956 while the company's museum is located in Manila City.

The museum showcases how the oldest distillery in the Philippines, the Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc. moved from the past and what it is now in the present. The facade of the museum is obviously of Spanish house while its entrance is a Chinese figure. Outside is a diorama of how cracking sugarcane was done with a tied carabao (water buffalo) doing the chore. It displays how it was before.

So as its flyer says, the museum has various photos, personal effects, iconic videos, array of printed materials from the past, objects of bygone eras, artisanal flavors, herbs and spirits, bottles, the red bikini among others that made the existence of Destileria since 1852.

When I was a kid, I saw those bikini-clad models in calenders of White Castle, somewhat, a Parental Guidance for us. Now, those mementos of the red bikinis are inside the museum and the White Castle whiskey as a brand has made a mark on us. The museum is divided into 12 sections, such as:

First Floor
A. The Gallery
B. A Matter of Taste

1. How It Was Before
2. Our Roots
3. Our Mini-Distillery
4. Our Process of Making Rum
5. Our Process of Making Whiskey
6. Ageing Matters
7. Signed..Sealed..Delivered
8. Home is Where the Heart Is
9. Remember This
10. So They Say

Second Floor
C. Best Foot Forward
D. Mark It.. Market
     11. Generational Vibe
     12. Product of Evolution
     13. And the Award Goes To

The most memorable part to me was the premium tasting. At an entrance fee of P200 pesos, (about 4 dollars only), I can taste their liqueur in the market. A total of four tastes was at hand. Much as I wanted to taste more, I was amazed that they are harnessing the Filipino tropical produce such as dalandan, manggo, coffee, sugarcane, dragon fruit, etc. I was delighted as well to see a brand of liqueur, Imeldifique. I inquired how they came to give that name, I learned that Imee Marcos came to the present generation of master blender on how the Destileria can help their farmers in Ilocos. They end up with a product named Imeldifique, after Imelda Marcos and getting raw materials from Ilocos. They also have the basi product and dragon fruit wine.

I left the museum happy that I bought with me 10 small bottles of wine. The company boasts of its export of wines made from tropical fruits like the one with mango flavor. Anyway, I can just order in big bottles online. If I was not commuting, I should have ordered the bigger ones. So nice to be given as pasalubong for relatives abroad or when going abroad. One of Destileria's line of products available for orders is called Philippine Craft Spirits and there are more products aside from this craft spirits.

The Philippine Craft Spirits:

1. Amadeo Coffee Liqueur - a delicious infusion of fresh Philippine roasted coffee beans and the finest rum. It boasts of being one of a kind, no extra added flavor and color.
2. Paradise Mango Rum Liqueur - the only liqueur made from sun-ripened Philippine mangoes.
3. Very Old Captain Artisan-Crafted Dark Rum - barrel-aged in seasoned oak to perfect ripeness. 
4. Liqueur de Calamansi - one of the Manille Liqueur Collection, made from calamansi.
5. Liqueur de Dalandan - also one of the Manille Liqueur Collection, made from dalandan.
6. Intramuros Liqueur de Cacao - an all-natural product using 100% roasted cacao.
7. San Juan Lambanog - a traditional Philippine distilled spirit made from coconut.
8. Dragon Fire Dragon Fruit Wine - fermented wine made with the meat of 100% red dragon fruit endemic to Ilocos Norte.
9. Vigan Basi Philippine Sugarcane Wine - a premium cane wine made with sugarcane juice pressed from the best of Philippine Cane.
10. Imeldifique Cooking Wine - made with sorghum spirit and enhanced natural Philippine onion and native garlic.

Moreover, there are souvenirs that can be bought inside the museum aside from wine. These include t-shirts, coffee mugs and note pads to name a few.

The museum services can be improved through, I think, the following ways:
First is when they can have a service for Order Now and We Deliver Later. If I want to buy right there and then inside the museum, I can pay my order and I can have it delivered at an address I want anywhere in the Philippines.

Second, in wine tasting, while the wines' raw materials come from the Philippines, it will be better to have something to pair the wine with that also comes from the Philippines. The Castello de Amorosa in Napa Valley offers bread sticks and chocolate; perhaps the Destileria can offer something Filipino. Why not peanuts, cashew or an artisanal chocolate like Theo and Filo or something coming from Cebu or Davao?

The Destileria Limtuaco Museum is located at 482 San Juan de Letran St., Intramuros, Manila.
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday; 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Entrance rates: Senior/student - P50; Adult - P100; Premium with wine tasting - P200 for adults only

For orders, visit: www.limtuaco.com

They also partner with Convoy Marketing Corporation for orders and delivery:
Tel. No. (02) 361-4342; (02) 361-5161

Berlin Wall in the Philippines

If you think that Berlin Wall can only be found in Germany, not anymore. There is also a piece of Berlin Wall brought to the Philippines to convey the message of peace. One can see that piece of historical wall at the National Museum of the Filipino People in the City of Manila.

Sapporo Sojourn

I shall pass through this world but once...been to Sapporo once, perhaps may not be able to go back anymore. I am sharing my very best of my Sapporo sojourn. Those photographs are great reminder that Sapporo holds one of the must-visit places on the face of the planet. Sapporo is the largest city in the island of Hokkaido, located in northern Japan. 

Flowers. If there is another word aside from "cold" that will make me remember Sapporo right away, it is the abundance of flowers. Sapporo is not only filled with greens. It is also adorned with flowers - plenty of colorful flowers. You will see them everywhere.

Sapporo Fire Bureau. One of the most sophisticated and high-equipped fire bureaus in Japan. Do not forget to drop by a fire station and be able to meet the firefighters responsible for making Sapporo and its people safe. I met them.

Walk around Otaru Canal. Enjoy seeing the real pictures. Find out that ice cream is more fun to eat even if it is cold. Buy some mementos. Take more pictures that will last a lifetime of experience.

Chocolate Factory

Shiroi Koibito Park. If the smoking area is already as lovely as this, how much more the entire Shiroi Koibito complex? See the chocolate factory and witness the making of chocolates and cookies. Watch the show at the park. Be amazed of the picturesque of flowers all around. Bring home some cookies, candies and chocolates. 

Odori Park. Very neat and clean. Do not stop walking because nearby is the TV tower. If one comes from a tropical country, see for yourself the maple trees in the park. Buy some snacks too and have a taste different from our tastes in the ASEAN region.

Mt. Moiwa Observatory. Located at the top of Mt. Moiwa, this is the first of its kind in the world. Not just your ordinary ropeway. Not just an ordinary cable car but a combination of cable car and railway towards the top of the observatory. On top of the observatory is a control tower for disaster preparedness and fire protection. There is also a shrine and from the top you will see the breathtaking Sapporo. This is where I have seen the longest bow. I mean the cable operator executes the longest bow. She does not rise unless the car is in complete halt. Every tourist is accorded respect. 

Mt. Okura Ski Jump Site

Mt. Okura Ski Jump Site and Sapporo Winter Sports Museum. Mt. Okura Ski Jump Site is a kind host for various winter sports. During competitions, delegates from different countries compete in here. I loved the museum, it is a kind of tribute to sports and the people behind it.

Quick turn at the Stellar Place and catch up for the train. See the JR Tower too. Never forget the map. Maps will guide you of the way back to the hotel. Maps come in both Japanese and English. We just walked from the Sapporo Grand Hotel up to here.

Old Hokkaido Government Building. The historical building is popularly known as akarenga, or "Red Bricks", from the red bricks that make up its finishing. It is the former seat of government of Hokkaido.

Sapporo Clock Tower. The historical clock tower still works until now. It is a wooden structure and it is a symbol of Sapporo. The clock tower was built in 1878. 

Sapporo Convention Center. A venue for big events like international expositions and exhibits. It was opened in 2003 as a multipurpose convention center. 

Ask me to be back in Sapporo. Given the chance, I will. I long to be back one day, Sapporo. 

P.S. I am greatly indebted to Superintendent Ric Perdigon and Fr. Benjie Ventajar for the photographs.

Finding What is Hot in Cagayan Valley

Cagayan Valley River as viewed from Calvary Hills

I entered Callao Caves five years ago. I was amazed of the wonders of nature. I was somewhat afraid of enchanted places especially the boating we did in order to see millions of bats coming out from top of the cave. I am again back in Cagayan - to explore more and know more about it.

Cagayan Provincial Capitol

In my short stay in Tugegarao amid the sizzling hot temperature, I cannot simply leave without sneaking to nearby tourist sites. Although, my stay was never enough; I am glad that I can go back again to explore for more.

Cagayan, caving capital of the Philippines

Cagayan Valley is known for the Cagayan Valley River. It is the largest river basin the the Philippines. The river is so visible from the plane, it is very long and stretches from one province to another.

First provincial museum in the Philippines

The province of Cagayan is known as the caving capital of the Philippines. Visitors and locals who drop by the Provincial Capitol is greeted by two mini-caves in front of the tourism office. The tourism office also houses the first provincial museum in the Philippines, Cagayan Museum. Established in August 15, 1973; the museum houses an extensive collection of fossils, artifacts and ethnographic items. Tourists can visit the museum for free or may have group schedules on weekends upon request. Phone: (078) 846-7337. 

What is so significant about the caves and the museum is that Cagayan is the location of the excavation for the Philippines' oldest human bones. Until now, the bones are still in the possession of the archaeologist, as I learned from my recent visit. Hopefully I can see them one day in a government museum.

St. Peter Cathedral

Scientific, historical and religious - that's my description of Cagayan. Whenever I visit a Philippine city, I always look for the old churches. Provinces may not all have caves like that in Cagayan but surely they have old churches. 

The Tugegarao Cathedral forms part of the rich Spanish history of the country. It is the longest church in Cagayan Valley measuring 1,850 sqm in length. Dominican priests arrived in Cagayan Valley in 1600s and started their mission in Tugegarao on May 9, 1604. The church was built from 1761 to 1767 as the largest church in Cagayan. The diocese was founded by Pope Pio X in April 10, 1910. The church got destroyed during the Liberation Period in 1945 but the parishioners helped to rebuild the church. Nowadays, the church, which is St. Peter Cathedral, is under renovation. It is not yet to late to share for its restoration.

Calvary Hills in Iguig

In the nearby town of Iguig is the famed Calvary Hills. It is a site for Lenten season religious activities. With an area of 11 hectares, it makes home to the more-than-life-statues of the Stations of the Cross depicting the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. A signage says about the Jubilee Cross Chapel: "enshrined, authenticated true relic of the cross of Christ." In the hill is the Iguig Church. With the town of Iguig founded on December 28, 1607; the church and the convent were built from 1765 to 1787. Calvary Hills remain as a real landmark in Iguig, Cagayan.

Next time, I will be glad to be back to explore the north more - visit more of its churches and ruins, see more caves and hopefully, the islands. What made my mobility easier is the price of tricycle rental. Special trips range from 20 pesos to 60 pesos within Tugegarao City. Drivers reply with "you're welcome" and are more tourist-friendly than those I have encountered in one city in southern Philippines. It was just fine as I enjoyed the fun of enduring literal heat in the north.

With references from the Provincial Tourism Office of Cagayan and National Historical Institute

Lady at the End of the Tunnel

The place within the fort is called Reducto de San Francisco Javier. Guess where this tunnel is heading to?

This tunnel and ravelin were added in 1773 during renovations in Fort Santiago. This area protected part of the riverside and the seashore.

Ravelin 

Ravelin, another entrance after the tunnel. Then, come to read those familiar lines.

Then to Our Lady of Guadalupe..

A quaint chapel in the Reducto de San Francisco Javier constructed in 1773.

This fortification was restored in the 1980's and has been converted into a shrine for the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

A boy sits in a cannon on top of Reducto  de San Rancisco Javier in Fort Santiago, Manila.

Cannons were placed on platform on top. Gunpowder and ammunition were stored in chambers below. 

Reducto de San Francisco Javier is part of Fort Santiago. Once a Spanish fort during the colonial period formed part as protection during the war and now included in the long history of Manila City. 

Visit Fort Santiago. Visit the City of Manila, whose present Mayor, Joseph Estrada, was once President of the Republic of the Philippines. 

Missing the Golden Tara

While the Golden Tara is no longer in the possession of the Philippines, it will always be remembered by the people of Agusan. This landmark of the Golden Tara in Butuan City remains as a reminder that there was once a Golden Tara in this part of Mindanao.

Note: The original 21-karat gold figurine is presently kept at the gem room of the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History in the USA.  -Butuan Branch Museum, www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph

Butuan National Museum and Its Crocodile in a Fridge

I visited Butuan National Museum yesterday to look for anything historical therein. The post at the gate of the museum says that it is closed for renovation. Huh! After the tuk-tuk driver almost misled me to a place I already knew before, that's what I got. 

Sundial 

I entered the compound looking for anything beautiful or something to treasure as I leave for Manila in the afternoon. I approached a man wearing shorts and slippers and knew that he is the security guard. Thanks to him because he ushered me inside the museum just to show me two freezers in the lobby. 

Lolong's head

Lolong's skin

One freezer contained the head of Lolong while the other one, its skin. Lolong is the world's largest crocodile caught and was held in captivity in the town of Bunawan in the outskirts of Butuan City. The crocodile died before I was able to see it in that man-made niche.

Now, I see the crocodile in the fridge.

The lagoon

   

Short Stop in Museo Sugbo

Bell made of wood (Museo Sugbo)

My first time to Cebu City was never enough. For four days, I spent my two days in Waterfront hotel and my three nights in a not so far hotel. There are plenty of hotels in Cebu to choose from. No wonder, you will never get out of bed when you get there anytime. When I come back to Cebu in the future, I want to try another hotel and another hotel and another hotel and more hotels.

Whenever I sojourn to a new place, I look forward to not only the hotel and the bed. I look forward to the history of the place. In Cebu, there are good historical places to visit. I visited only two - never enough. I was alone in my walking shorts and boarded the taxi to Museo Sugbo.

Entrance landmark of Museo Sugbo

I am a fan of museums. I love to see remnants of the Philippine history. If you love to visit museums like me then we may go together. I may not go to the mall but if you date me to a museum, that is what I love so much.

Inside a former jail, now Museo Sugbo
http://pinterest.com/nenesan/simply-nene/

I first saw the jail for Jose Rizal in the City of Manila and my tears rolled without me noticing it. Now, I am seeing a "bartolina". I wonder how many inmates were there who shared a small opening for oxygen. I've been to some present day jail facilities in the country but this is the second old jail facility of the past that I came across with.

The "bartolina"

There are lots to expound further in an article inside the Museo Sugbo.  There are more to say that Cebu is so Spanish.

The wall coated with millions (?) of egg whites in order to be preserved.

It is more fun visiting the Philippines. It is also more fun to visit the sites that show us where we came from. It is more fun to visit museums in the Philippines.

Museo Sugbo is located at M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Brgy. Tejero, Cebu City, Philippines. It is Cebu Provincial Museum but it was formerly the Cebu Provincial Jail. For inquiries you may call 516-2205 or visit their Facebook page, Museo Sugbo.