Buko juice goes big time

The humble buko juice has surely gone a long, long way.

If you think it’s still the same variety peddled in the streets by cart-pushing vendors, be ready to be amazed.

The buko juice has gone big time. And it’ll be safe to declare that the Philippine buko juice, specifically the Lipa Fresh Buko Juice, is now world-class.

As developed by GYT Enterprises Corp., Lipa Fresh Buko Juice is now billed as "the healthy alternative." Healthy, because it is as pure as good old H20. Moreover, it is naturally rich in potassium, which helps cleanse the kidney and prevent the dreaded UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).

Potassium, according to science books, is a vital mineral that helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain, and regulates the body’s water balance. Whenever people are stressed out or engaged in rigorous sports activities, the body’s metabolic rate increases, thereby depleting its potassium reserves.

"That’s why buko juice is the perfect choice for hardworking corporate types and active sports people," attests Kathleen Say, vice president-marketing of GYT Enterprises. "It replenishes the body’s potassium levels. Think of it as nature’s Gatorade!"

"Lipa Fresh Buko Juice contains natural electrolytes that help retain water in the body and prevent dehydration. It really relieves stress!"

Kathleen recommends it to golfers. It is also good for movie stars and producers, especially now with the excitement and controversies of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Our elders never tire of telling us how buko juice was effectively use das dextrose during World War II.

Filipinos should really be grateful because Mother Nature, in her infinite generosity, has gifted our country with an abundance of coconut trees – the so-called "Tree of Life."

Truth be told: Our country’s buko juice is more delicious than those in Vietnam or Thailand, Kathleen opines.

"In my travels abroad, I’ve noticed that our very own buko juice tastes better than the coconut juice in other Asian countries. The sweetness is just right. It’s not so strong that it’s overpowering. It’s light; it’s fresh. It’s almost like water."

In their quest to elevate the Lipa Fresh Buko Juice to world-class standards, GYT Enterprises Corp. packaged its products in handy 500ml bottles.

"Instead of serving buko juice the usual way, in its natural shell or in plastic cups, we wanted to present it in convenient, sanitary, and leak-proof bottles," Kathleen attests.

After only five years in the business, GYT Enterprise Corp. has made a lot of headway in the industry. "By constantly improving our product quality, as well as our standards and services, we were able to gain BFAD approval in 1997," Kathleen beams with pride.

In 1999, Lipa Fresh Buko Juice cinched another breakthrough when it passed the very strict Japanese quality standards and was awarded its first airfreight shipment to Japan.

The company’s next target is to be HACCP (Hazard Analysis in Critical Control Point, an international food accreditation usually used for export) compliant in two to three years’ time. The industrious men and women behind Lipa Fresh Buko Juice are working double time to attain this international approval.

"It really makes us proud to present to the world a product uniquely Filipino," Kathleen reiterates.

"It’s simply because there are plenty of coconut farms in Lipa, Batangas and the best-selling coconuts come from that part of Luzon," Kathleen proudly replies.

Mayor Vi must be proud – not just because of Dekada ’70, her star Cinema movie (an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival) but more so because of the most delicious and refreshing buko of Lipa City.