Emerging Distillations from the Philippines By Jirbie Go, CA
- Aromatika Magazine
- Dec 22, 2025
- 2 min read
Pg. 64-68 - 4-minute read
Artisan aromatherapy distillation in the Philippines is still a young practice, but its growth over the past several years has been inspiring. When I first started learning about essential oils in 2018, there were no local brands or small-batch distillers. Over time, I met a few pioneering local distillers and witnessed the country slowly embracing this craft. This inspired me to begin my own distillation journey. My first still, a stunning copper alembic, arrived in 2021, but I set it aside due to the uncertainties of the pandemic. It eventually found a new home in Nueva Ecija, where it continues to distil eucalyptus, bamboo, and oregano. Last year, after meeting an engineer who builds distillation equipment, I finally acquired a 4-litre stainless steel still, determined to pursue hydrosol distillation seriously, supported by studies and classes from Ann Harman and Benoît Roger.
My first distillations were both experimental and deeply personal. I began with lagundi (Vitex negundo), a traditional medicinal plant I had nurtured from seedlings given to my students in 2023. Recognized by the Philippine Department of Health during COVID-19 for mild respiratory support, lagundi became the perfect plant to distil, especially for the benefit of my rescued cats with chronic respiratory issues. Following that, I distilled frangipani (Plumeria alba), whose delicate blossoms demanded careful timing and attention to preserve their fragrance. Each drop of hydrosol felt magical, connecting me to the essence of the plants and filling me with a childlike wonder that made the process unforgettable.
Over the following months, my distillation practice expanded with pomelo peels and oregano (Coleus amboinicus), each plant offering a unique sensory experience. Pomelo peels, rescued from a street vendor, produced a vibrant, citrusy hydrosol, while oregano required careful handling to preserve its bold, camphoraceous aroma. Sharing these experiences with my students has been especially rewarding; witnessing their curiosity transform into awe as the first drops of hydrosol emerge reinforces why I embarked on this journey. Each distillation becomes a shared memory, celebrating the art and science of aromatherapy and inspiring others to explore the alchemy of plants, deepening our connection to the botanical world.
The Steamworks issue of Aromatika Magazine is packed with heartfelt and inspiring articles. To read the complete article, order your copy of our Steamworks Special issue of Aromatika Magazine 13.3 E or subscribe to our beautiful E-Journal yearly subscription by following the link in our bio or simply copy and paste the link here: https://www.aromatikamagazine.com/product-page/steamworks-2025
Over the 141 colourful pages in our Steamworks issue, we have some of the most passionate individuals devoted to the art and science of aromatic distillations from around the world.
We thank you all for your continued support and hope you'll enjoy the fascinating chapters of our Autumn e-journal.
Get your copy of Aromatika Magazine!
To have your copy of our beautiful magazine, follow the link to the shop and get your download, or subscribe to become a four-seasons reader of our quarterly e-journal.
Comments