Rare Bamboo Salt in Iloilo Philippines

Miagao Salt or “Budbud” is an ancient rock salt that has been around in Iloilo, Philippines since the 1800s. The coastal town has seen its glory days during those times as salt beds were aplenty across the villages of the province.
Lorlie is the last woman “asindero” (salt maker) standing between the extinction of this dying tradition of salt making in the country because of climate change and heavy commercialization. We documented the slow art of baking budbud that still uses traditional tools like bamboo branches and sun drying methods that produce the most beautiful artisanal rock salt that transforms the way you cook. Watch the full video to get to know how this precious salt is made.
Check out our Filipino Artisanal Salt series: • Salt Series
For orders:
De Paul Budbud Sea Salt
Lorlie Noblezada, 09957802224
lorlie.noble...
Miagao, Iloilo
Sources:
Philippine News Agency, “Iloilo Town Seeks To Revive Dying Salt Industry” by Perla Lena (June 12, 2023)
Daily Guardian, “‘Budbud Asinderos’ The Last Salt Farmers of Iloilo” (May 19, 2021)
Sulu Garden, “A Fisherfolk Salt-making Tradition Doomed to Extinction” by Jonathan R. Matias (April 17, 2015)
Manila Bulletin, “Salt Shortage Leads to Importation” by Zoilo “Bingo” P. Dejresco III (January 10, 2023)
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The Fat Kid Inside Studios
Erwan Heussaff - Founder
Kashka Gaddi - Content Producer
Eamonn Quizon - Cinematographer
Edel Cayetano - Story Producer
Harold Singzon - Story Producer
Mary Lournette Baligod - Story Producer
Kleo Balares - Editorial Producer
Hans Rivera - Multimedia Producer
Julius Rivera - Camera Operator
Steven Sune - Editor
Lorraine Santos - Editor
Dana Blaze - Editor
Ivan Christian Cocjin - Editor
Martin Narisma - Food Editor
Kathryna de Bustos - Content Manager
Chester Velasco - Production Assistant
Kevin Amponin - Production Assistant
Dustin Dagamac - Colorist
Sofia Paderes - Graphic Designer
Kim Manuel - Graphic Designer
Roanne Salvacion - Accountant
Donalyn Aranda - Accounting Assistant
Social Media:
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[@bernicejeannesikat8127]

These are the kind of yt videos that should be trending👏🏼👏🏼 galing!

[@Saber522]

😚

[@xsystem1]

pwede bang akin ka na lang? 😊

[@oneeightart]

Absolutely✨✨

[@rgm6595]

Years ago, a Japanese researcher, if I'm not wrong, described that the salt in Miagao, Iloilo was first class.

[@dare2dare]

Iba talaga yung lasa ng asin na local kesa imported. Yung color ng local na asin medyo brownish, yung imported naman sobrang puti. Sa Lasa naman mas malasa yung lutong ginamitan ng local na asin

[@maxxwells]

iba talaga ang asin namin, kasama ako jan na gumagawa

[@xsystem1]

​@@maxxwellsnice ang galing nyo po

[@maxxwells]

@@xsystem1 thank you, ikaw din po

[@JustAnotherRandomGuy-_-]

May iodine ba na halo asin niyo?

[@benjosephguese]

Hats off to FEATR for showcasing these heirlooms. You are not only telling stories you're also inspiring young generations to preserve these heirlooms. Great job FEATR!

[@kennethjamesbag-ao6159]

These videos should be something that the government check and reflect upon. It's raw, it's informative and it's really beautiful to see these slices of life in the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@velwhite3371]

I've been staying in Miagao for a year but never knew that the town still practiced traditional saltmaking. I'll definitely be buying local salt from now on.

[@teyabadabadoo]

This by far is the best content ive seen on this channel. One person aspiring to revive a dying industry and aims to create a positive social impact through her work. To hear it spoken with such heart and simplicity is both inspiring and humbling.

[@user-cq6mn9om4f]

You can feel her passion and eagerness to revive the salt industry in the Philippines. I hope the government will hear this.

[@teekeela2403]

So proud of you, Manang Lorlie! Thank you FEATR for featuring this amazing and ever humble woman. 😍

[@featrmedia]

[@AZ4ZEL666]

I rarely see YT good recommendation I also lived in PH, so it was satisfying to see our sea salt tradition getting a short documentary.. Thank You

[@stingray5093]

The level of wisdom this woman has makes me proud as an ilonggo.

[@kkaeabsong]

This is more than just showcasing the stories of craftmanship and saving ones' traditions. This is somehow a cry for the government, companies, and NGOs to work with local folks to preserve and enrich such methods, so we as a country can be more self-sufficient. Napakayaman ng Pilipinas. Kailangan lang natin gamitin ang ating yaman sa paraan na mas nakakarami ang makikinabang, at hindi iilang tao o korporasyon lamang. Kudos to your whole team, FEATR!

[@saltimonan4037]

proud miagaowanon here.. thank you so much FEATR for featuring traditional salt making in our beloved hometown.. proud of u Manang Lorlie!

[@featrmedia]

Thank you for watching!

[@melai7459]

Grabeeee. Ang galing ni Ma’am! Randam mo yung passion nya and she really knows what she’s doing.

[@mickulet3959]

Promising yung words ni mommy and who knows maybe one day makikita ko si mommy na nasa history ng iloilo reviving the bamboo salt culture.❤

[@cristinamillare6686]

Manang Lorlie..nakaka PROUD ka! ang galing galing mo po.

[@twinx1093]

It would also be great if this will be introduced to tourism. Like in other countries, their traditional way of making things are part of the tours, it help revived and sustained the tradition and the industry

[@Susangeles42]

Correct. Matulungan din ang mga locals

[@mmyr8ado.360]

Kung gusto nila ibenta sa turista yan, kelangan may mga magebebenta sa asin, either sila mismo o sa mga souvenir shop. Kelangan din may magandang lalaygyan sila na may brand; kung bamboo salt yan, dapat nakalagay sa lalagyan na gawa sa kawayan. Hindi naman masama kung may magaadvertise sa kanila sa social media para organic yung paglago.

[@slytherinnyc]

The french have Fleur de Sel , Pakistan has Himalayan pink salt (although mined) but the Philippines has Bud Bud Bamboo Salt...amazing...I hope this gets cultivated and continued... great job FEATR for FEATURING and shining light to this rarity... I love this woman... she really is the essence of community... social worker... brava! NOT Haciendera... Asindera...i'd rather be the latter.

[@rexg.sayson]

A true Ilongga and Filipina of the highest degree. And to your husband too, the highest commendation. May you both pass on to the next generation your knowledge and passion about budbud asin, a true Ilonggo and Pilipino heritage product.

[@aileenfrancisco2110]

honestly this kind of pasalubong would be awesome! In Hawaii, they sell different kinds of salts. Tourists and gourmands from the mainland buy them as souvenirs.

[@joshuamiguelellorin7243]

Legendary feature. Sana madami pang ganitong story na maipakita.

[@febieveraapolinar8521]

Kudos to Erwan for featuring Miagao asinan story, i am an ilonggo and I'm so proud of my being one...thank you Erwan!

[@rainebuquid2299]

Amazing story! I grew old not knowing that this salt making technology exists. Maraming salamat sa inyo, Manang Lorlie, also to your hubby, and the rest of the people behind keeping the Budbud salt industry alive. To FEATR, for featuring this amazing story. If not for you we would not have known about this salt industry in Miagao, Iloilo. Hopefully, this salt making technology and industry will continue to thrive through generations ahead. I hope to sample even a teaspoon of this salt. Sa inyong lahat, maraming salamat muli! God bless everyone.

[@janmadrio3558]

Kudos Ma'am Lor. UP, please continue opening your doors to the community and welcoming local producers to use facilities and areas. Serve the people!

[@mindyu2146]

Good job manang Lorelei imagine this is the only feature of FEATR w/o the voice or presence of Erwan yet you carried it thru, I will try to buy bud bud if I go to Miagao😊

[@heyauxstardust]

Just bought our budbud salt stock earlier and got a chance to meet Tita Lorlie. What a nice, warm and humble woman. Support local.

[@karenpaclibar205]

I wish also you would feature tlga ung mga artisans in the Philippines. To showcase their heirloom! Such a treasure tlga! ❤

[@franchesca2413]

Galing po ni mommy mag explain. Talagang alam nya ang production/process ng pag aasin. Nandun din yung passion at compassion nya sa kanyang ginagawa. Hindi rin sya makasarili..

[@AngryKittens]

FEATR's videos should be required viewing for Congress. So they can actually understand what they need to preserve and promote. I'm happy UP supported her.

[@ernestdmenace3200]

I believe she is also doing this along the shoreline and property of UP Visayas..

[@cyrilmunez8207]

FEATR & VOGUE PHILIPPINES Are, by far, the identities I have observed to always highlight the PH's hidden gems. ❤️

[@pinkchrisking]

Dapat lang. Salamat ate sa pagmamahal mo sa ating sariling asin. Mabuhay po kayo.

[@deannalacson2658]

Kudos👏👏👏 Must-see video for the LGU, DOST, DTI, NGOs and a lot more! the philippines is surrounded by sea water, why not develop and re-grow the salt industry?

[@icy29]

First off, Thank you very much sa FEATR for featuring this kind of specials, ito yung mga feature na dapat natutunan ng ating mga future generations, may part lang na nakakalungkot but true when she said that the Gov't's mindset was "bakit pa natin gagawin yan kung pwede naman tayo bumili sa labas" masakit pero totoong ganun nga ang nangyayari.

[@angelofandida5021]

I'm also a native of Miagao and I can attest that even our Lola's before they used to fry the local salt before using it. I also remember during elementary and high school days people living along the shoreline they used to produce this budbod or bamboo salts along Brgys. Palaca, Tabunacan and Damilisan, Miagao. The LGU should collaborate with Manang Lorlie.. hats off to your passion. Thank you so much FEATR for this video...salute.

[@ysaquill6049]

Fascinating how indonesia has a similar traditional salt-making method. Theirs have a longer history and is also a dying industry. Hindi nga lang kasama ang roasting sa process nila. Must have been passed to us through trade. Ang galing.

[@jamscabiao2271]

Galing ng explanation ni Manang Lorie, you can say na alam na alam nya at kabisado nya ang ginagawa nya :)

[@petemarquez8393]

The salt industry in Miagao is the best and should be protected and enhance for the salt industry to survive for the next generation to come we also encourage our young’s generation to show how the salt making process is done God Bless our hardworking Asindera and Asindero let’s support them

[@angelvenice]

I’m born and raised in Iloilo. Growing up, this is the only salt my lola used for cooking😍 This taste so good by itself but esp with green mangoes😋 Thank you for featuring Iloilo!❤

[@crazilyinliv]

Buti naman at may support & communication siya with local institutions like UP Visayas, DTI & DOST. She also mentioned having had food safety training which falls under DOST - that’s good. UP Visayas is right there sa Miag-ao so mayu gid nga makapakonsulta siya. Sana nga mas masuportahan pa and that may space sila to flourish more. Totoo nga naman na ang unpredictable na ng weather, paano kaya masosolusyanan yan?

[@myrylljoammetaton5642]

proudly from Guimaras but now lives in Iloilo City. Amazing video as always, was not even aware of budbud. Feels like such a treat that I get to watch 2 videos featuring Iloilo in 2 days from my fave story tellers. I hope and wish you have also visited and documented Jordan, Guimaras and our salt known as Tultul. Love you featr!

[@aprilroselectaesmana9141]

Na visit na nla ang jordan wla pa gling na feature...

[@myrylljoammetaton5642]

@@aprilroselectaesmana9141 yeah I saw them sang ari sila iloilo and guimaras. Indi lang ko sure if gin docu gid man nila ang Tultul or gin visit lang.

[@featrmedia]

Wait for it!

[@myrylljoammetaton5642]

@@featrmedia Yayyy! Looking forward and very excited! Thank you, Featr ❤️

[@pianoman6022]

Im from Iloilo and I don't even know that there's this such thing. Thank you so much for featuring this.

[@daisytagnipez7219]

Galing ni nanay dapat ganyan ang isip kahit sa anumang produkto natin

[@juantuten3332]

Kudos po sayo Manang Lorlie isa ka po bukod tanging Filipina. More power po sa inyo and God bless you 🙏

[@katzein8426]

I wish that our government would focus on our local products such as these so we could improve the quality of life of these artisans who has mastered the craft and finally give them a better opportunity in showing their product to the rest of the country or even overseas. Kudos to FEATR for another well made short docu!

[@jonraymagallanes9752]

more Lorlie’s in the internet please. nakakaproud. :)

[@SecPakknow]

Salamat gd Ma'am Noblezada Thank you Erwan for making this film

[@rodiantebalagso4493]

Proud to be pinoy...tangkilikin sariling atin...

[@beatmatchdj]

the way she explained every processs trullyy amaze me .

[@yhanjimenez1440]

Her passion and dedication it's so inspiring.👏❤️

[@pedsvalvlogs9561]

The explanation is explicit good job nay perfect kagd mag ekslekar very knowledgeable of what you đọ throughly remarkable ikaw nay very good ka dyan proud ilonggo

[@chesmari]

Someone needs to make some type of coop to get these salt makers access to the global market. People would pay good money for a high quality sea salt.

[@rinotilde2699]

I hope these traditions continue far into the future... I should buy budbud salt next time I go to Iloilo. She's very knowledgeable!

[@MrRikkuJohn]

ang talino ni nanay. may sense lahat ng sinabi nya. ang galing!

[@randomgeekqq3794]

Awwww I'm so in awe of tita's knowledge and dedication

[@tin-anparas5870]

Manang Lorlie must be preserved!

[@sosantos5893]

I love you passion and dedication. Di ka nagpahadlang at ginawa ang makakaya mo para to preserved the Asin making culture. Kudos!

[@teresajoymarquez9375]

Saludo po ako sa inyo Nanay mahirap pero napaka matiyaga niyo po,tama sa ating Gobyerno aksyon at malasakit hindi lang puro kaalaman at plataporma. @FEATR Salamat sa Kontribusyon sa ating bansang Pilipinas!

[@emersondiezon876]

More power nanay lorie. Ganto sana mgacontent ng mga blogger satin para ma inspired ang mga new generations, hindi ung kung ano2ng content na ginagawa nila na wala kang kakapulutan ng aral. Thank you for this content FEATR👌

[@journeygirlletstravelandbe3666]

WOW very informative. This is a story that can help people to think the best thing to we can do within our environment. Me pera sa paligid natin kailangan lang sipag at tyaga, hindi lang sa ibang bansa.

[@user-sz7px4dx7z]

Mas lalong sumasarap ang lutuin pag ginagamit ang budbud sea salt. Galing nyo po nanay lorlie. Preserve po ninyo ang tradition na ito.

[@littlemisssunshine3267]

Amazing story, amazing woman....."you have to have passion for making salt, kung pera lang ang habol mo, hindi tatagal...." nakaka inspire ang passion nya....walang maliit o malaking pangarap, basta't malaki lang ang puso sa paggawa....❤❤❤❤

[@xiela7211]

Nakangiti akong pinapanood si Nanay☺️ Grabe yung passion❤

[@jayarsantotome9788]

This is a story that showcases the true heart and passion of this lady! Kudos to you!

[@acisszgons6847]

Bravo Lorli and hubby for cultivating the old and culturally unique traditions of salt-making and Bravo Erwan for giving them a platform to spread this and inform people! Lorli has a point about the lack of government support about this dying industry and it looks like it will eventually die with her if they get no support. Whilst in likes of Marsala in Sicily, Italy support and include salt-making as part of their tourism ( which we skipped as I remember seeing the salt-making industry along Mandurriao airport growing up which has died with the relocation of the airport and the urbanisation of Mandurriao) we prefer to always do it the east way and import ultra basic staples as salt and rice. I think a thing that keeps the Philippines poor is the colonial mentality of thinking our own home grown industries and products are not as good as the imported ones whilst the rest of the world are promoting and giving pride to their own products and produce. The DOT has done a fantastic job of promoting the Philippines through the “it’s more fun in the Phillipines” slogan. Now we need to support and market our industries and products.

[@irenedatu7277]

Wow! Proud Ilongga here. I remember harvesting asin dried on bamboo back then in Tambaliza Iloilo, my father’s home island.

[@klasiqk]

Well spoken, straight to the point and educational. What a gem this lady. Keep at it FEATR!

[@jasonalviz8363]

my mother used to do this when she was a teenager. she's from Igbaras btw. kudos featr!

[@ronnieb8448]

Thank you, FEATR! I love your work! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@arminsarcia]

I hope you guys get to see the whole of iloilo and panay. Im from the next town, san joaquin, but i havent gone home in years.

[@nanamhar7625]

This is a story that should be viral, very interesting and informative. Government should be focused to help how to preserve this kind of tradition.

[@gembabe79]

OMG, bringing back so many memories. This was what brought us through growing up. I remember my family waking up early to gather fine sand, make it in plots and wet it with sea water; later on take that crusted sand at the peak of the day and put it in a big basket (tabungos as what we call it). Repetitive filtration of sea water until it becomes strong, putting that strong water into bamboo slots or plastic squares until salt is form. I salute my mom and family's hardwork.yes, it's hard and laborious but through our harvest, we were able to barter it with rice, rootcrops; buy school supplies and other necessities.thank you for this episode! I can't help but shed tears😢 remembering my childhood

[@conniekoo]

I'm really loving these traditional salt making series. Thank you!

[@featrmedia]

Glad you like them! You can also check out the rest of our salt videos on our channel. :)

[@makatangiska632]

These videos about traditional salt making is super informative. FEATR is such a gem.

[@christinafortuno2814]

Thank you FEATR. Let us support local salt makers.

[@nechonmendez9954]

the way Nanay talk makikita mo talaga sa kanya yung passion,, sana lumago pa ito at maipasa sa next generation…

[@rexelnim7706]

The most clearest salt,im proud to be a miagaoweños👍👍👍

[@ayrasanmiguel9363]

YESSS! I LOVE THIS FOOD SERIES😮

[@Emman_Patts]

Never fail to amaze us with compelling stories :)

[@Marriii092]

Thank you for featuring our hometown esp for making a salt..❤❤❤

[@TamZ4073]

super thank you to Featr for documenting this tradition and promoting this knowledge to the world! We have the similar process too in the province of Antique, which we are truly proud of. Hope that the Asin Law/Salt law will be revised and give way to the traditional processes of salt making. (Filipinos love food, thus we should learn and love the process of making our food too)

[@MIGS0513]

This is another very informative video. Thank you for capturing another significant part of our heritage. ❤

[@iasasison5986]

Bet yung mga ganitong content ng Featr, sana may compilation ng mga asin artisans. Hehe. Galing nyo! Kudos 🙏❤️

[@featrmedia]

We have more salt videos! Thanks for watching

[@cyrilmunez8207]

Ang galing mag-explain ni Nanay! ❤

[@bemstv5744]

Wow very good maam and sir,,, Nakita tlga namin na malinis ang paggawa niyo ng asin

[@joshguzma9234]

Polisiya ng gobyerno ang baguhin. Yan ang gusto niyang ipaalam at ibahagi sa mga Pilipino. Sa dami ng pondo na napupunta sa korapsyon, CIF at mga Ghost Projects, dapat sa pagpapalago ng lokal industriya nakatuon ang mga nakaupong opisyal at pulitiko sa Pilipinas. Mabuhay ka Ate. 👍👏👏👏👏👏🇵🇭

[@marieclairedolar8686]

Wow Sea salt Miagao salt! Pride of the Philippines! Let our government help this industry! We have a market for Thai healthy sea salt!

[@gmtio750]

You never fail to amaze us with your content. Thank you for this content. 🙏

[@dyamoy]

Ugh. Ang ganda. Galing ni Manang! 😢

[@cc14344]

Manag Lor! You are amazing!!! Kudos to Featr more of these please.

[@zarkitekcarian]

Lucky to know more about the hidden wealth in our country 😍

[@lemonbars3780]

A passionate and wise ‘asindera’. Manang Lorie is a true gem!

[@UdonTZai]

mabuhay kayo ate at kuya! thanks for FEATRing!

[@bluetamarind7642]

Another amazing video. Thank you FEATR! Kudos to your team.

[@ameliahirata4629]

Wow thank you Po at lumantad sa media at marami Po natutuwa na mama ninyo kung papaano mag kultivat Asin how you and our ancestor is bright they are Manang Asindero mabuhay love

[@sparta1446]

Galing ni nanay.. mabuhay po kayo🎉

[@2196luc]

Thank you, Featr/Erwan, fior what you are doing. I thouroughly enjoy all of your episodes. I traveled with you vicariously each time i watch your videos. Hats off to you.

[@aceofspades0601]

Good job manang and kudos UPV...lagi lagi, para sa bayan!

[@JaysonManfredMaurer]

Thankc sa pag feature..the Best gd tna c Maam Lorlee..

[@onfourtris3301]

Wow! Ay nanu haha di ko alam na may industriya ng asin sa Miag-ao👏🏻. Haha! Salamat Erwan now I know. Ganda talaga ng accent ng Ilonggo magtagalog nakaka aliw pakinggan. Sana may Part 3 at sa Iloilo pa din. 🤞🏻

[@featrmedia]

More Iloilo content in the next weeks! Stay tuned and don't forget to subscribe. :)

[@onfourtris3301]

​@@featrmediawow! I'm so excited na! big help po to sa Iloilo. ❤

[@ernestdmenace3200]

Salt making is an age old tradition in Miagao. There were 2 or 3 Asinderos in our barangay and several others nearby. It's a back breaking job and many Asinderos stopped producing budbud salt as they aged. And sadly none of their children continue the tradition.

[@richardunica3542]

@@featrmedia i amaze mexico salt field when i watch the video of jp chief anglo with his mexican chief friends they held a party at salt field.its mini hills of salt

[@peppaslittleadventures5935]

@@ernestdmenace3200It‘s still fresh my memory when my mum and auntie would go to Guibongan and buy a sack of salt.

[@anyamontaner]

Great Job Featr!!! These are the stories worth sharing and heirlooms meant for saving❤

[@camilotalaguimun6143]

Mabuhay ka Nanay! ❤

[@mistermomo5322]

Kudos FEATR !! Ang Galing nito sana maFeature nyo pa ang iba mga katulad nito. Culture and social Inclined topics na kung saan Past meets the present for the future. Parang ganun. SALUTE Sa Producer ❤❤❤❤