Here's how the two women of Palaweno Brewery gets work done in an island paradise

Being first isn't everything, but it sure is a nice place to be. Still, much should be said and praised about Ayah Javier and Malu Lauengco, the two women behind  Palaweno Brewery.

Established in 2012, Palaweño Brewery is one of the few in the world that's run by female craft brewers — in the world's best island at that. A Standford University study found that only 4% of Brew Masters are women and in the Philippines, Ayahay's Ayah Javier and  Malu Lauengco are in an even smaller minority.

“Our mission is to make the best beers in the Philippines, and have the time of our life doing it," Ayah and Malu told Amy Sedghi, writing for The Guardian in 2016.

The pair is very hands on with their business. In a 2017 interview with Kate Springer for CNN, Ayah said that they wake up at 6am and they start brewing by 7am. They do their own bottling and labeling, too.

Six years later, Ayah and Malu are keeping the "ayahay" spirit alive — open, soothing, or otherwise just generally chill — all while bottling the best Palawan has to offer. They infuse their brews with the unique honeys in the region and when its in season, the best mangoes in the world. Tourists also go loco for coconut. 

The mission is to capture paradise in a bottle continues.

GMA News Online got in touch with these craft beer pioneers to find out how they got it done and what it's like to have what seems like the coolest job in the world in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

What got you into craft beer?

AYAH: I was in San Diego, California when the craft beer industry boomed. Back then, I was oblivious of this thing they called “craft beer” until my cousin introduced me to it. I became an instant convert! So I came home with a kit in tow. I wanted to share this unique and exciting experience with the Filipinos.

What were your drinking habits then, before opening the brewery?

AYAH: I’m such a beer lover, that’s my go-to drink even before discovering craft beer. I can’t say the same with Malu, though. LOL!

MALU: I wasn’t such a fan of beer before. I was more of a vodka drinker. I now understand and appreciate why people go for craft beers.

Did you or do you still find it difficult introducing the drink to people?

MALU: Initially, it was something alien to the locals. As we get more media coverage (both local and international) and more people are recommending us to their families and friends, it sort of took a life of its own. As for our foreign guests, Palawan beers are a “must-try” for them since most tourists look for unique local products.

Any favorite craft beer brands or styles?

AYAH: All of our brews are my favorites. Not one style outshines the other. I guess my choice boils down to what mood I am in.

MALU: I am mostly keen on the Belgian styles which are mostly malty and well-balanced.

What was it like setting up the brewery and the business?

AYAH: It wasn’t like a walk in the park, I tell you! Everything was hard to come by since we are situated in a remote island. But, to get to brew in “The Best Island in The World” is such a treat! Wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

Is there anything in the beer making process that makes it challenging for women?

AYAH: With all the technology out there at our fingertips, it makes brewing a little bit easier. Nothing particularly hard for us since we enjoy all the challenges that comes with it.

What about in running the business on a daily basis?

MALU: With Palaweño Brewery, we all had to start from ground zero. When we started, there were just 3 of us doing everything — brewing, washing the bottles, bottling, et cetera.

As we grew, it became a challenge to run the whole show. Putting that in perspective, though, it just feels like one big family with the new gang.

What do you do when a male customer is being pesky (or worse) around a female customer? Do you have bar policies against this?

AYAH: We’re happy that that has never happened here. Like any other establishment, we prohibit such. We will just need to tell him off, if ever that happens.

Do you worry about your female customers getting "too drunk"?

MALU: We adhere to responsible drinking, be it male or female. Should we ever find a customer unable to handle his/her glass, we will advise them to take it slow.

How do you deal with people who believe that drinking isn't a very ladylike thing to do — or worse, that drinking leaves women vulnerable to harassment?

AYAH: I believe that drinking beer is for everyone. Craft beer is as wholesome as your milk, pound for pound. No one yet has ever told us that beer isn’t for women.

Luckily, harassment of any kind hasn’t happened here yet. We’re fortunate that all of our guests are awesome and fun people! It’s been such a treat to be a part of their vacation in Palawan.