Why is the Filipino Calamansi Being Left Behind?

Calamansi (or “Kalamansi” in Tagalog) is a part of the Filipino heritage. If you ask any Filipino about what their earliest memory of this small citrus fruit is, they would probably tell you that they grew their own tree in their backyard whether in they grew up in the Philippines or relocated abroad. Calamansi goes by many other names like Calamondin, Lemonsito, or Panama Lime. In Asia along in goes by many names: in China it’s Kat Chai, the Limau Kasturi in Malaysia, the Jeruk Kesturi in Indonesia, and the Quat in Vietnam. This small and deep green fruit is commonly used in dips and marinades, beauty products, and even alcoholic beverages all over the world. The Philippines used to be one of the biggest exporters of this fruit, but we are now starting to get left behind. What happens next? Will the Philippines finally step up and empower the farmers and SMEs who are championing the humble calamansi or will our local industry be eclipsed by overseas production? Watch the full video to be part of this important discussion about the small unassuming fruit. The calamansi story is brought to you by the Australian-ASEAN Council of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This beautiful story would not be possible without Grace Guinto and Fides Mae-Santos of The Entree Pinays. Project Sponsor: Australian-ASEAN Council of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Team Australia: Co-Producers: The Entree.Pinays Team and Co-Founders, Grace Guinto, and Fides Mae Santos together with their loving families Production Team: Kurt Ballener and David Shin of Mind Society Victoria, Australia: Jenny Abalos & Marc Serafino of DV Cider Ross Magnaye, Ralph Libo-on, and the Serai Melbourne team Pat Nourse, Creative Director, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Santiago Cuyugan, Mame Cocoa Felis Sarcepuedes, Akasya Kapé Sarah Pineda, Superchido Philippines Chef Don Baldosano, Linamnam MNL Noel, Thelma, and Mark Ong, Maong’s Grill Chef Ely Salar, Patisserie Le Choux-colat Virgilio Bunag Jr., Calamansi Farmer Fred Davalos, Calamansi Farm Supervisor Dr. Christian Anthony C. Agutaya, Vice President for Research Development and Extension of the Mindoro State University, Philippines Helen Del Rosario, Soyuz Foods, International, Inc. Cathie Carpio, Food and Beverage Consultant Allan Tuazon, Saint C Jump to: (0:00) Intro (0:54) What is Calamansi? (3:40) Cooking with Calamansi (9:30) The Future of Calamansi (10:55) The Entree Pinays (15:55) Farming Calamansi (18:40) Saint C, What Happens Next? (23:00) What Calamansi Means to Us (28:00) Serai (33:10) DV Cider (37:31) Revolutionizing the Calamansi, Discussion (42:18) Outro ------------------------------- We are looking for collaborators, content producers, brands, and anyone who has a story to tell. Email us at [email protected] 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 Interns: Patricia Beatrice Te Seng Social Media:   / featrmedia     / featrmedia     / featrmedia     / erwan     / erwanheussaff