Scents of the islands

How Filipino perfumers capture the spirit of Siargao, Baguio, and Banaue

- JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

With more than 7,000 islands in the Philippine archipelago, each one has its own story to tell—through its colors, flavors, traditions, and people. But have you ever wondered what a province or city would smell like if its spirit were captured in a bottle?

That's exactly what three Filipino perfumers have done. In a historic first for the local fragrance scene, Greg Parilla of GP Fragrances teamed up with three of today's most sought-after local noses—Bernadette Lim, Shale Albao, and Gib Ang—to create the “Elements Collection,” a trio of perfumes inspired by iconic Philippine destinations. Together, they bottled the essence of Siargao’s island rhythm, Baguio’s mountain stillness, and the majesty of Banaue’s rice terraces.