Barique: A Premium Filipino Lambanog from Quezon Province Makes Its Debut

Long before artisanal spirits and craft cocktails filled today’s bar menus, Filipinos were already sharing a homegrown drink steeped in tradition: lambanog. Distilled from coconut nectar and crafted across generations, lambanog has long been part of Filipino culture—passed around during celebrations, gatherings, and late-night conversations, serving as both a symbol of hospitality and a storyteller of our rural heritage. It is bold, shared, and unmistakably Filipino.

Today, this iconic spirit has taken a bold step.

Introducing Barique: Heritage-Crafted, Premium by Design

Barique, proudly made in Quezon Province, reimagines the lambanog for the modern Filipino celebrations. Upholding traditional distillation methods while applying today’s quality standards, Barique elevates the traditional coconut spirit into a premium, world-class liquor.

Smooth, sweet, and bold with a lingering warmth, Barique showcases what lambanog can become when craftsmanship, culture, and innovation come together.

Two variants offer distinct yet refined experiences:

●        Barique Gold – 45% ABV, ₱3,999 (750 mL)

●        Barique Silver – 40% ABV, ₱2,599 (750 mL)

A Versatile Spirit for Today’s Lifestyles

Beyond being enjoyed neat, Barique is crafted to shine in today’s cocktail culture. Its clean, refined flavor profile transforms beautifully in mixes—whether in tropical highballs, elevated island-inspired cocktails, or twists on classics like the old-fashioned or gin fizz.

Its bold yet smooth character also pairs effortlessly with food, making it ideal for Filipino dining. From grilled seafood and crispy pork dishes to rich coconut-based specialties, Barique’s warmth and sweetness enhance flavors and elevate the meal.

“Barique is more than a drink—it’s an experience of elevated Filipino heritage. Our goal is to honor lambanog’s cultural roots while introducing a refined version that allows it to be a part of more occasions and among the choice drinks of today’s more sophisticated customers,” said Maura Pasciolco, General Manager of Pacificroots Coconut Products Manufacturing. 

Celebrating Filipino Craftsmanship and Innovation

Barique is an addition to the line-up of products proudly made in Quezon, produced by Pacificroots Coconut Products Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Pasciolco Agri Ventures, the same company behind the well-loved Quezon’s Best products.

As Quezon is the homeland of lambanog, Barique stands as a testament of local pride and ingenuity. It honors the drink’s cultural authenticity while elevating it through world-class distillation and sanitation standards,  ensuring safety, refinement, and consistent quality at all times.

“Because it is at a more accessible price point, Barique opens the door for more Filipinos to appreciate the craftsmanship of their very own lambanog,” said Lito Pasciolco, owner of Pacificroots Coconut Products Manufacturing. 

A Toast to Tradition

With every bottle, Barique invites Filipinos to celebrate both their roots and the vibrant spirit of modern Filipino life. Whether enjoyed in intimate gatherings, grand celebrations, or gifted during life’s milestones, Barique is a proud reminder that world-class spirits can be Philippine-made.

Barique is now available online at quezonsbest.com and  Lazada, and soon in Shopee and in selected retail stores nationwide, such as S&R, Landers, and Marketplace.

More information about Barique is also available at barique-lambanog.shop.

Mulanay: Finding ‘Paraiso’ Through Digital Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities

The town of Mulanay in Quezon province has come a long way from the underserved rural community portrayed in the 1996 award-winning film Mulanay: Sa Pusod ng Paraiso, directed by Gil Portes. While the movie depicted a village lacking in infrastructure and a community deeply rooted in tradition and reluctant to embrace modern medicine, present-day Mulanay is now a first-class municipality where diversity and inclusion thrive, opening opportunities for residents in challenging circumstances such as persons with disabilities.

These opportunities pave the way for programs that uplift Mulanay’s most vulnerable sectors, including a partnership that the local government, through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) office, forged with ATRIEV, PLDT, and Smart to train residents with disabilities on the basics of entrepreneurship and the use of digital innovations to grow their businesses. This partnership aligns with the PLDT Group’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology (IDEATe) program.

 

“As a father to a child with autism, I understand the challenges that persons with disabilities face,” said Mulanay Mayor Aristotle Aguirre. “That is why we are working with like-minded organizations to provide them with digital skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, so they can start or grow their own businesses and thrive in today’s economy.”

 

Conducted by ATRIEV and also supported by NORFIL Foundation, more than 20 persons with disabilities and carers of persons with impairments attended the Digital Business Basics Training (DBBT). The eight-day workshop was divided into two modules. The first focused on starting a business, covering essential topics such as branding, connecting with target markets, fund sourcing, and pricing and costing strategies.

 

Sergio Macarang, 55, saw his clients dwindle after he got into a vehicular accident that limited his mobility. He was a construction foreman prior to the accident. He turned to selling medical masks and wipes to supplement his income. And now, he wants to grow his business.

 

“You need careful planning,” Macarang said. “You have to learn proper costing, so you don’t end up selling your products at a loss.”

 

Pricing was also the most important skill for 26-year-old Jerald Regencia, a reseller of beauty products born with physical impairments. “I was intimidated at first because I have forgotten my Math,” he recalled. “But I brushed up on my Math skills to ensure that I am earning from my business. You have to factor in all your expenses.”

The second module gave participants hands-on experience using digital tools and social media platforms to expand their reach, such as setting up Facebook and Tiktok accounts and creating content for their pages.

 

“I was even able to design a logo for my business using a mobile app,” Macarang added. “Through Facebook and other online platforms, I can now reach more people and potential customers. My business is no longer limited to foot traffic on our street — it has grown beyond our community.”

 

“Selling online has really made things easier for me,” Regencia shared. “Before, I had to personally visit my suki to show them new items or ask if they wanted to order again — which wasn’t easy because of my condition. Now, I can just promote my products online and connect with them through messaging apps.”

 

Through inclusive initiatives like this, the stories of persons with disabilities in Mulanay are moving toward brighter chapters. Equipped with digital skills and business know-how, their journeys are only just beginning.

 

“At PLDT and Smart, we believe that technology is a powerful equalizer,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement Team. “Through programs like IDEATe, we are opening doors for persons with disabilities to participate fully in the digital economy, giving them the tools and opportunities to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.”

IDEATe activities are aligned with PLDT and Smart’s commitment to help the country achieve UNSDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, and UNSDG 10 on reducing inequality by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities.

The City’s Next Stage is Set: Quezon Club Coming Soon

The city’s most anticipated after-dark destination is about to open its doors. Solaire Resort North proudly announces the upcoming debut of Quezon Club, a refined, exclusive venue where dining, performance, and charm converge.

Named after its home, Quezon City, long celebrated for its roots in the entertainment and creative industries, Quezon Club honors that heritage while elevating it. Here, velvet-lit evenings unfold into an ever-changing stage of curated performances, soul-stirring cuisine, and cocktails that tell their own stories.

Far from the usual night out, Quezon Club is built on mystique, refinement, and artistry. It offers an atmosphere where the culturally curious and style-driven can indulge in world-class entertainment acts, from live music and theatrical reveals to immersive performances. Every visit reveals a different layer, sometimes in the form of unexpected performances, sometimes in familiar dishes reimagined.

This isn’t just another venue, it’s a curated escape, says Earl Butterhof, General Manager of Quezon Club. “Quezon Club invites you to be part of something special, a place where each night becomes part of the city’s story and your own.”

The secret is about to be shared. The curtain is about to rise. Quezon Club is ready to welcome you this September.