COCONUT SAP and COCONUT WINE—Now Tasting

Everybody knows this incredible tree that can be found anywhere around the Philippines especially in those areas along the beaches and lakes. This tree of life is scientifically known as Cocos nucifera but better understood if we would just say: coconut, buko or niyog…

Amazingly, there are over a thousand uses and products a single coconut tree can be made into. I can’t provide you that list but for sure, there are a couple of things that might come to your mind right now if I say the word, Coconut. Your toothpaste, bath soap and shampoo are usually mixed with components that were derived from the coconut fruit. You might as well think about some of the skin care products that you use, furnitures that you own, the bunot (a well-known floor tile polisher made of sun dried coconut husk cut perfectly into halves) and worse, I made you crave for a creamy, sweet cocojam. These are few things that I know that you can easily relate to when it comes to the uses of coconut.

But there is this first and unique experience of mine that all started from this amazing tree. Here in Bohol, I was given a chance to taste what is more than just the coconut water. I want to thank Uncle Freddie and Mr. Efren de Guzman of Bohol Coco Farm for introducing the coconut sap and the coconut wine or what is locally known as tuba.

The Coconut Sap Experience

I have not heard about this until the owner of Bohol Coco Farm, Efren De Guzman, invited me to taste the real tuba. I don’t want to confuse you but here in Bohol, the term tuba applies to both coconut sap and coconut wine.

What I am going to taste this time is the coconut sap.  Let me first give you an idea how this fresh coconut sap was being produced and harvested.

Korakora said on her website, Korakora.org: “A bunch of coconut flowers are tied together with a rope or rattan twine and then the tip of the bunch is sliced with a very sharp curved knife called “sanggot”. It is the sap from this cut that is let to drip into a container.”

Once the container was half filled with the fresh sap then a "manananggot"—the one who can climb up the tree expertly will then climb to cut or remove the container (cola cylinder) that was attached.

Once the fresh coconut sap was obtained from the temporary plastic bottle storage; now ready to serve...

I couldn’t really give you an exact taste of the coconut sap but let me try to explain how amazing this juice exploded on my taste buds. It tasted like nectar and as sweet as honey. I’m not really sure about its slightly sweet milky taste too! Once it runs down to your throat, it felt smooth as a ladies drink. Additionally, it's not so much acidic or irritating. Its aroma is as sweet as a coconut water concentrate.

The Coconut Wine-Tasting

One cool experience on coconut wine-tasting was when I was with Uncle Fred when we visited his relatives in Loon. There was a store along the street where I saw these big gallons of—I first thought its vinegar—but wine.

I asked Uncle Freddie about it and he said that these gallon containers contain tuba. Again, don’t be confused because the term tuba can be used alternately. This time, I am talking about the fermented coconut sap—now the coconut wine.

While I was here, they offered me if I want to give it a try. Yes of course! This could be another whole new experience, I thought.

He advised me to mix it with soda like Pepsi or Coke but respectfully I refused. I told him that since this is going to be my first time then I must taste what is so called the ‘original’ taste. So then, he served me a glass of coco wine. After that, he jokingly said: “Baka malasing ka ah! (You might get drunk!) and he laughed.

The taste of this coconut wine is different but somehow similar to the coconut sap. More of a wine, it could bring you a slight burning sensation in your mouth and throat. Being a very occasional wine drinker, I don’t really know how to rate its taste. But for me, it’s going to be a thumbs up score—not so strong as gin but just light as red wine. It doesn’t sting too much but somehow it could leave you a little of that tipsy feeling after.

So there. I guess this experience could not give me any life-changing lessons nor could make me a better person, but you know that little feeling of satisfaction? I consider these things as little joys of life—a moment worth remembering. And this small chunk of happiness is a thing money can’t always buy.

THE LOON MACAQUES: The Real Monkey Business

 “I will let you see a huge clan of monkeys today.” Uncle Freddie said as he bragged about this place high enough. I was kind of “what?” when he talked about it. I ended up asking myself silently: Are we going to travel far just to see monkeys?

Well, I have seen lots of them since I was a kid but somehow, I am determined to adhere to Uncle Fred’s promise that these monkeys will be ‘different’.  

So then, Uncle Freddie and I started this exhilarating motorcycle ride to get here in Loon.

To give you a brief orientation about this place, Loon is the municipality that lies on the western coast of Bohol. Located 17 miles north of the city of Tagbilaran, this place might seem to be a hidden paradise to those who have not heard about this yet. Loon offers a distinct peaceful atmosphere; wide pristine coastlines; fresh air; and a rich, incomparable marine biodiversity.

True enough, this place has become a natural habitat for some of Bohol’s amazing flora and fauna which includes the Loon Macaques also known as the Mangrove Monkeys.

The Loon Macaques (Mangrove Monkeys)

This sanctuary serves as a natural habitat for the Loon Macaques. More than promoting tourism, this facility aims to protect both the mangroves and the monkeys; thus, creating a balance in the ecosystem. 

A souvenir shop inside the sanctuary

After paying the entrance fee of P40, Uncle Freddie and I immediately proceeded to the viewing deck by walking over this man-made bamboo bridge. This way, it also facilitates an easier way to view and appreciate the surrounding mangroves. 

The Bamboo Bridge

Now here they are—the famous Loon Macaques were like consciously waiting for their visitors. They might not have any of Filipino hospitality, but their presence was like they were putting up a show!

This Macaque have just caught a shrimp (I think) and now enjoying eating it!

Madonna and child? 

Macaques are commonly found around the world’s thick forests but their origin can be traced heavily in Asia and Northern Africa. Aside from being used as a specimen for laboratory and clinical testing, Macaques are as good as pets too!

Fortunately, I was able to see them today here because there are times in a day when they are not available for some reason—they might be so busy with things that they usually do like resting and sleeping on the tree branches, finding crabs and clams to eat, or might just be somewhere else playing around. 

Here’s a message from the municipality of Loon that you need to consider while inside the sanctuary premises:

- Do not monkey around or make unnecessary noise.
- Do not throw your garbage anywhere.
- Do not feed the monkeys; our caretakers will do it or you.
- Do not throw anything at the monkeys.
- Do not smoke, eat or drink within the macaques’ habitat.
- Do not cut or bend the branches of trees.
- Do not hunt for any wildlife.
- Do not sneak into the boardwalk from any illegal access.
- Do not stay on the boardwalk for more than 30 minutes.


These monkeys are just one of Bohol’s homegrown, beloved, wild-turning-more-domesticated animals. Seeing them makes us happy. Let’s do our part too, by taking good care and nurturing their natural habitat… and everything else will follow. 

The Amazing Philippine Tarsiers in Corella, Bohol

They jokingly call me Tars (in the office) and that was a short name for Tarsier. Maybe because I am physically tiny and manifesting some big eyes especially when I lack of sleep.

I thought about this comment sometimes a negative thing; but when I saw these real Philippine Tarsiers here in Corella, Bohol, the way I think about it started to change.

Welcome to the Tarsier Sanctuary

I already felt a combination of emotions when I was still on my way finding them in their natural habitats. Tarsiers usually thrive in places where they can't be easily noticed and seen. Thus, finding them in the bushy habitat makes it a little tough.

Finally, we have found one, and then two, three and four!

I found these creatures unique from some other primates. Aside from being so small and was known to be the smallest of them all, Tarsiers are also known to be nocturnal, meaning they are active at night time. They sleep during the day in shadowy areas where trees and bushes are abundant. Aside from that, you can’t see them flock together like birds. They are more of a loner and don’t want any company. The cool thing about them? They can rotate their heads 360 degrees while their eyeballs can only keep still!

The Philippine Tarsiers are very sensitive. Like anyone else, they don’t want to be disturbed when they are sleeping. They have tendencies to be stressed and ‘commit suicide’ when they are threatened by unusual noises, bright light and any act of human intervention.

The Philippine Tarsier is one of the few extinct species of primates that can be found in the Philippines. That is the reason why their natural habitats are being protected by both government and some private sectors.

I kept in mind that I was entering a sanctuary not a zoo. It means that I should be more careful enough and never make any noises to distract and disturb them while they are peacefully resting.

The sanctuary has set up a guideline for everyone to follow:

• Tarsiers are known to be shy but maintaining a safe distance is ideal so they won't be scared. It would not be comfortable for them to be touched or fed. They might bite as well if they feel that they are threatened.
• Walk with the tour guide always.
• Taking pictures of them is not prohibited. But make sure that the flash of your camera is turned off before doing a shoot.
• Consider silence while in the sanctuary. Like any living creature, would you want somebody laughing and giggling around you when you’re asleep?
•         Do not take or bring anything inside the sanctuary. Remember, you are just here for a visit. It’s not your place.


With my Uncle Freddie, we stayed here for half an hour. Though these Tarsiers do not really move much while there up on the trees, I maybe just wanted to stay here to stare at them and to pay more attention to their amazing details. Simply, they are cuddly and magnificent.

My visit here at the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, Bohol made me realize that taking care of them is now becoming a responsibility. There are now just a few of them living in the forest. Their extinction is abruptly getting worse as the years go by. Climate change, air pollution, increasing human population and deforestation could be some of the leading factors to their extinction.

We love our environment. We move to take care of it. Hope all of us have the same way of thinking in loving this natural earth. Hope in any way, we can move to prevent our Philippine Tarsier from total extinction.

Uncle Freddie and I at the Tarsier Sanctuary

Support the Philippine Tarsier Foundation:

Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc.
Km. 14, Canapnapan, Corella, 6337 Bohol, Philippines
www.tarsierfoundation.org

Filipino Hospitality in Tagbilaran, Bohol

My officemates are a little surprised when I told them that I have relatives here in Bohol. They believed that I may be just pertaining to the tarsiers, where Bohol has been known to have these cute little poppets. They were also thinking that I may just be kidding them since they are always comparing me to these smallest living primate on earth. Well, I don't really care much if I look like a tarsier to them, ha-ha! First thing, they are so irresistibly cute and cuddly. Second, we have some similarities—they are active at night and a kind of loner.

But honestly speaking, yes—I have some relatives here that I have not met yet. I have seen them through Facebook but a close interaction with them was never established. The distance between us must be the cause why I haven't seen anyone of them yet, but I guess there is this unseen bond that connects us together wirelessly.

The Filipino Hospitality

When I first saw them, I was amazed by a very warm welcome. I was not expecting that a bunch of them is already waiting for me to arrive and that made this moment so special. There are two things that came to my mind during the time I saw them coming to me to greet me. First, they might feel the same way too—the excitement to see each other for the first time. Second, I thought about Filipino hospitality.

Filipino hospitality is one cultural trait we Filipinos are known for: A warm welcome; a smile; a hug; an offering of a good merienda when one visited our place; a simple invitation for a stay for anyone who doesn't have a place to sleep at night; when we say hello, we say "Kain tayo" (Let's eat) instead—to name a few examples. Though some cultures practice this too, but in our country, this is genuine that foreigners always notice it.

Quote taken from a 'It's more fun in the Philippines' ad

This trait must have been inherited from centuries of the past, but its warmth has never changed. I have experienced this as I travel around the Philippines not just here in Bohol. I guess this kind of Filipino hospitality is well-preserved within the country but of course, very worth-sharing. It's one thing that makes it more fun to be here. It's our unique identity.

Bohol Coco Farm: The Real Ultimate FarmVille

Accomodation. As a backpacker, this always comes out on our list as one of our priorities that we need to consider. Unlike travellers who love and who can afford checking in to some fancy, luxury hotels; backpacking mainly aims to reduce the expense of travelling. That is the reason why I always choose to stay at pension houses and dormitories. It’s cheaper yet comfortable. It also gives a greater access to expose myself to deeper local interactions and to the region’s holistic cultural behavior.

During half of my stay in Bohol, there’s one place over here that I just felt in love with. Without the suggestion of my Australian friend, Rachael, this place might have been left forgotten because as a matter of fact, I had a hard time looking for cheaper accommodation in this area.

When she said to me that I can stay here for just P300 pesos, I was surprised but I was kind of hesitant though—what a 300-peso accommodation would look like?

So when I arrived in Tagbilaran half past twelve in the afternoon, I rushed down to the city immediately. After having a sumptuous lunch at Tarsi Restaurant, I rode a jeep to Panglao and instructed the driver to drop me by at the Bohol Coco Farm in Tawala in Libaong.

In an hour, I arrived there. I don’t know but my expectations have changed immediately. I started to think about F-U-N. I was discreetly ‘jumping’ like a kid inside and I could not hide the happy feeling. I smiled while walking: “This is the place that I was looking for.” I said to myself.

Staying at the Bahay Kubo

Unlike the usual dormitories that I have checked in before, this place is incredibly different. You won’t see a story building here with air-conditioning units attached. Houses (as I call it, which is true) are made of Bohol’s native but finest materials. The house’s walls are made of bamboo and wood while the roof is made of nipa (a type of palm that usually grows at the seaside). It’s cold to stay here in the afternoon and even colder at night. This type of houses is considered as one of the basic physical home for Filipinos as early as before the Spanish came on the 1500s.

The Bahay Kubo where I stayed

At the veranda--where you can eat or just enjoy a good chat with some friends

What to Do in the Farm

Basically, this is not just merely a place where you can stay. This is not just your ordinary accommodation where you usually leave early in the morning and just arrive late at night. It’s basically a huge farm that highlights the important and creative uses of coconuts and some other medicinal and non-medicinal plants. This place also contributes to a healthier lifestyle by integrating all-organic way of farming.

As a typical Manila boy, there are some things that I enjoyed doing here. For me, this is an opportunity to switch back to the basics. I got the chance to enjoy running with the chickens and ducks, visit the plantations, and feed the pigs and more!

More fun gardening here!

Pig-Feeding 

Bignay fruit-tasting

Farm tour is more fun here!

Playing with the kids

Chicken-chasing

When I was here, I also got to learn to love the coconut and the environment. I had enough time talking to Mr. Efren de Guzman (owner) about his mission-vision and aspirations to promote the use of the coconut. I was convinced that this tree really is the tree of life since it has more than a thousand of uses. His encouraging words also taught me to value the earth more, to love the environment and to be more conscious about how we manage our waste.

This farm also contains a never-ending list of plants that can be seen here—from vegetables, trees, up to various types of medicinal plants. When I was here, it looked like I was taking up a Biology/Botany 101 with Sir Efren. It’s unbelievable that he almost know the uses of all the plants here. This experience taught me about getting more conscious on herbal plants and their medicinal use. It simply conveys that fact that treating an illness has other options too—that synthetic drug is not just the only one.

The Coco Skywalk

One of the fascinating things to see and enjoy here is the Coco Skywalk. A long narrow bridge made of bamboo, the main use of this skywalk is not really just for you to have a 360-degree-birds-eye-view of the entire farm but this was built to facilitate the ease of harvesting the extracted coconut sap on the trees. Most of the sides of this bridge are connected to the each coconut; thus, creates a longer pathway for you to walk along as you enjoy the scenic view of the farm.

The view from the Coco Skywalk

It’s also my first time to taste what the locals call tuba, generally called as the coconut sap. It’s a sweet, nectar-tasting juice coming out from the coconut’s flower. It usually goes through the process of fermentation converting it into wine.

A simple way to obtain coconut sap

Enjoying the sweet tuba

The Palwa Restaurant

Along with their promotion of organic, all-natural farming, this place also promotes a healthier food, of course.  Naturally and organically grown vegetables are freshly harvested everyday to avoid oxidation as it decreases the amount of essential nutrients within. The restaurant also offers native chicken, goat meat and pork. Different from others, these farm animals don’t feed on synthetic-formulated feeds but were nourished naturally by feeding them with some plants and other stuff formulated inside the farm.

Accessibility

Bohol Coco Farm is located in Tawala in Libaong, Panglao Island, Bohol. It’s also near some tourist destinations like the Alona Beach, the Panglao Centro and the Hinagdanan Cave to name a few. There’s also a beach that is only 800 meters away from the farm in case you want to swim in the afternoon or early in the morning. For an express night out nearby, Alien Disco is banging every night when you turn left from the coco farm’s main entrance.

The beach that is only 800 meters away from the farm

An Ultimate Farming Experience Indeed

If you are missing out some things that you feel you might have not done yet or if you just want to experience more than your usual accommodation, I suggest this place for you.  I felt a combination of sad and funny thoughts during my last hours before I left because I still really want to stay longer but I can’t. This place is really hard to leave that it felt like a second home for me. The staffs here are all friendly and accommodating—I guess that’s one thing that made this place so special.

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I also want to express my appreciation to the farm owners—Mr. Efren and Ms. Julia De Guzman, for the real Filipino hospitality and also to their son, EJ, for becoming a good buddy for two days here. I also enjoyed the funny and friendly conversation I had with the girls—Jen, Rose and Ar-ar. You girls rock!!

My Coco Farm Family

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