Destileria Limtuaco Museum

Intramuros has always been a mysterious and fascinating place for me since I went there for a school field trip during my youth. The center of Spanish colonial existence within walls had a lot of history and sadly, wartime horrors. I still mourn for the churches and sites destroyed by war. This February, another location is added to the list of interesting must see destinations in the Walled City. Last week I chanced upon an FB post about Destileria Limtuaco Museum, 40 years in the making before they opened its doors to the public. Originally intended as a private museum of family artifacts, the company known for being the oldest distillery in the country finally gave the go signal to allow tourists and locals a peek into the rich Filipino wine culture spanning 5 generations.

Located just beside Lyceum University, the Destileria Limtuaco Museum is a restored bahay na bato 2 level structure. Entrance is P100 for adults and P50 for students and seniors. Harvey the tour guide provided a narrative of the company’s first popular drink called “sioktong” and as they say the rest is history. An imposing winemaker made of wood is seen at the entrance. Harvey then mentions the various distillation process in making rum from sugarcanes and whiskey from corns. We also had a chance to smell the liquors. For adults, there’s a product tasting for an additional of P100 in the bar located inside the museum. Pretty cool if only I didn’t have a minor beside me.

White Castle Whiskey is the most popular product of the company and there’s a collage of past models in their famous white and red bikinis. Vintage bottles, caps and paper labeling machines are also on display.

The 2^nd level features various liquor products, private memorabilia of the Limtuaco family such as cameras, typewriters and telephones. This was my son’s favorite part of the tour.

The museum is small than I had anticipated but it got me intoxicated and packs quite a punch.

Destileria Limtuaco Museum is located at 481 San Juan de Letran, Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila (beside Lyceum University) 

Landline: (02) 485 9621

What Gets You Hooked in Kawit, Cavite

Much has been said about Emilio Aguinaldo and his role in Philippine history. Some say he was the reason for Bonifacio's death or that old age dampened his heroism. But all will agree that his mansion is an amazing historical and architectural marvel.  If only all heritage houses can be preserved like this one. I have a love affair with old "bahay na bato" structures. Thanks to heritage conservation organizations, I get to appreciate these treasures via online and when possible on heritage walks.

What is intriguing about this house is there are a lot of secret passages and other interesting features related to Aguinaldo's active role in the Katipunan. There are tour guides in the house and can provide detailed information (just give a tip for their efforts).

the famous balcony 

Philippine map on ceiling 

Sinful terrace - where the Katipunan details were plotted

Seats with firearm secret storage

indoor swimming pool 

Aguinaldo Shrine has free entrance and is open from Tuesdays to Sundays except on holidays from 8am to 4pm. Bus to Kawit is at P30 to P40, Bus terminal is located in Macapagal corner Coastal Road.

A few blocks away from the shrine is St. Mary Magdalene Church or Kawit Church, Founded in 1737. this church was the venue of Aguinaldo's baptism. It is where the miraculous image of St. Mary Magdalene is enshrined. It was damaged during the second world war but got restored in 1990. 

Cavite is also the birthplace of extraordinary Filipinos namely Julian Felipe - the composer of our national anthem and Ladislao Diwa - Philippine revolutionary fighter and first governor of the province.