PRODUCT OF THE MONTH
Welcome to Sugarlandia Don Papa Rum is a genuine Philippine premium rum from the island of Negros in the Philippines, produced by the Bleeding Heart Rum Company. Inspired by the island’s legendary revolutionary leader, Papa Isio, and the dream-like landscape, Don Papa was launched in 2012 and today has a presence in 20 countries such as France, Germany, Spain, United States of America, South Africa, Belgium, Italy, and Japan. TEXT: SIERRA MADRE GMBH, NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: SIERRA MADRE GMBH
The Philippine archipelago is a country in Southeast Asia, situated in the Western Pacific ocean and on the same latitude as Venezuela and the Southern Caribbean islands. It is composed of 7,107 islands and is one of the most volcanic regions on earth, situated by the Pacific Ring of Fire. It has a tropical, wet climate with heavy monsoon rains from May to October. It is a country rich in natural beauty and resources with some of 28 | Issue 57 | December 2017
the world’s greatest biodiversity. Negros Island is the fourth largest island in the country, located in the Visayas region and similar in size to Jamaica. It is known locally as the sugar bowl of the Philippines and produces most of the country’s sugar supply. In the heart of the island lies the mighty Mount Kanlaon, an active volcano which produces the island’s rich volcanic soil, perfect for producing an exceptionally delicious drink.
Sugarcane has grown on the island for centuries. As early as 1755, the Philippines began to export sugar to China and other Asian countries, in modest amounts. The real boom came when vast haciendas were established and the production of sugar became a fully-fledged industry. From the 1850s until the 1980s, sugar dominated this beautiful island of rugged mountains, empty white beaches, and lush jungles. Sugarcane is grown from September to May before being cut by hand using traditional methods. Inspiration The figure of Don Papa is inspired by the charismatic leader Dionisio Magbuelas, also known as Papa Isio, a local Negros island hero. He was instrumental to the