MANILA, Philippines - As a family tradition, the art of making lambanog is often passed on from generation to generation. The process involves collecting the sap from a coconut flower, similar to rubber tree tapping. The sap is then cooked and fermented to become tuba (also known as coconut toddy), and is then distilled to make lambanog. Mostly produced in Quezon, lambanog is famous for its potency which normally carries about 80-90 proof variations.
Today, lambanog-drinking has since become a communal thing where men, after a hard day’s work, would gather around in a circle and begin doing the “tagay” (drinking bouts where people take turns drinking from a single cup that goes around to everyone in the group). Fiestas, weddings, birthday parties and other important family occasions are now also celebrated much more gleefully with a flagon of lambanog. Here and abroad, lambanog also makes for a good cocktail drink in bars.
Actually, the road to lambanog’s going classy originated from humble beginnings in San Pablo, Laguna. Thanks to the vision of Milagros Santos-Zabat and her passion to continue the family’s age-old craft of concocting what others now refer to as the Filipino wine, lambanog has since been elevated to a classier status.
In 1979, Zabat started the road to upgrading the lowly lambanog when she established Milmar Distillery Inc., now also referred to as the “House of Lambanog.” But just like all other companies, Zabat’s now famous House of Wines also had its ups and downs.
While still pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics at Philippine Women’s University, Milagros had already wanted to take over the lambanog business from her father, but she was turned down. Soon, due to a dearth in manpower and the lack of focus from her father, the family’s brewing business had to be closed down.
After graduating from college, Zabat decided that it was time for her to revive the family business and take over its management. She borrowed P5,000 capital from her mother and finally managed to get the approval of their family to run the show.
Back then, she felt that her family’s lambanog business would soar again as it had great market potential. What served as a motivation for her to try and grow the business was the backing of her husband, and the knowledge she acquired from helping her parents.
Thus, Zabat began manufacturing lambanog in their backyard, first still under the brand name Sunnyvillle (derived from the combined family names of her parents, Crescencio Santos and Purita Villanueva) and eventually, MilMar (for Milagros, and Marius).
The growth of the couple’s business soon followed with the establishment of a brewing factory located at 85 Lakeside Park Subdivision, San Pablo City in Laguna. As part of revitalizing the business, the couple brought in a chemist to ensure the quality of their product. They also registered it at the Bureau of Food and Drug Administration. A semi-automated processing machine was also purchased to ensure faster production.
Since then, the lambanog business has become the Zabat family’s main source of livelihood for many years, at one point even outselling gin and rum as a preferred drink for men.
As it is with every family tradition, the proverbial changing of the guards occurred once more when Mila decided to pass on management of the business to Marius Myrone Jr., their only son, who gladly took over the family business after graduation. Later, his wife Evelyn also decided to join him.
Upon taking over the business, both Marius Myrone and Evelyn introduced new ideas to the production process of Milmar. To achieve these goals, they partnered with Planters Development Bank, which is known for its strong support for small- and medium-scale enterprises. With the assistance of Plantersbank, Milmar was thereby able to transcend lambanog’s traditional image and has since reached new markets.
As proof of its success, Milmar now also sells Sioc Hoc Tong and Anisado in most parts of the Bicol region and Mindoro. Asked about his success factor, Myrone said being the man on the ground is important because he is able to be in direct contact with suppliers, observe the manufacturing process and form strong relationships with clients.
“Being a new graduate and a frequent partygoer, I know very well what young people look for in Metro Manila bars,” Myrone said.
As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Myrone does not hesitate to share a drink of Milmar lambanog his prospective buyers. The success of Milmar has enabled the company to practice corporate social responsibility by providing employment opportunities to the community where they operate.
Milmar currently distributes its products in Southern Luzon and Metro Manila. Myrone’s vision is to reach former markets nationwide and to expand its export market presence. This they plan to do by putting up their own website with the help of SME.com.ph, an internet company being managed by PDB SME Solutions, Inc., an affiliate of Plantersbank.