Palaweno Brewery is gaining quite a reputation for their delicious craft beers brewed locally right in downtown Puerto Princesa. I spent a rainy afternoon here enjoying the beer with some old friends, and some new. A visit to the Palaweno taproom is the perfect way to take a break from the heat and humidity of the Philippines.

Beer is always better when shared with friends, or friends of friends.

Ayah Javier is a self-taught brewer who started her career with a home brewing kit and a dream, to bring craft beer to the Philippines. Soon she partnered with Malu Lauengco and established Palaweno Brewery, the first female owned and operated craft brewery in the Philippines.

Palawan beaches pair perfectly with cold beer.

The two set up shop in Palawan's capital city Puerto Princesa, and Ayah set out to create what is now a line of microbrews that have brought Palaweno Brewery global media attention and local sales of 1,200 cases per month.

Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!

This number may not impress larger beer brands, but for an artisanal brewer that still hand bottles and labels ever beer, it’s quite something. In fact, those 1,200 cases are four times the amount of beer Palaweno produced per month just 2-years ago.