Behind every gulp of aromatic, either sour, sweet, or bittersweet taste of coconut wine consumed by people, there is Andres, 52, one in behind who bravely climbs a coconut tree to continuously go on with every step of life.

Andres Señeris is a father of five, all have their own family now. But, some of his children's child is in his care due to personal reasons. Andres is keen and a hardworking father who tries anything for the family. Carpentry, fishing, furniture making, vegetable selling, and now, making of 'tuba' or coconut wine.

In photo: Andres Señeris

Since his contract on being a carpenter ended, he tries doing 'pananggot'. It is a Hiligaynon terminology that refers to the process of producing tuba. A job that is fraught with hardships like colonies of bees, snakes, and extreme height.

As early as 5 o'clock in the morning, with his 'sanggot' or knife and 'kawit', a large container made of bamboo, Andres courageously climbs every cut step he made on that tree to reach the top.

Climbing a coconut tree is a tricky business. It requires concentration and a lot of care in every movement to make. With age of Andres, others may think that climbing more or less 40 feet coconut tree is a very dangerous job for him. But Andres will fearlessly take that dangerous risk for a sap of coconut palm.

"Even though my knees were already trembling because of my age, I needed to climb that coconut tree for me to be able to produce tuba", Andres said in vernacular.

Instead of feeling at home as other people his age does, Andres would be seen at the peak of a coconut tree, chopping a coconut spathe and putting the container he brought up there.

He climbs up a coconut tree, chops a portion of coconut spathe, inserts the containers, then ties it up securely making sure that the sap would drip in.

He then would collect the sap collected in the container.

"If I collected several gallons of tuba out of pananggot, I would ferment some of it to make it into vinegar. Most of that is what I'm selling as tuba itself."

As of now, that is what Andres does for a living.

'Pananggot' became his hobby and source of income.

"I'm doing this all for my grandchildren."

Andres would be doing everything for the everyday needs ofhis family, especially his three grandchildren who were with him and are still studying.

Thinking of his family, he would take risks and be willingto face any danger that might come his way.

Heritage

Producing tuba lies from the blood of the family. From his father who passed away several years ago, to his siblings who make the same job.

"I remember the days when my father had to wake up early to go to the farm. With his containers, he leaves the house that early then when he came home, those containers which he brought the day before were already filled with tuba", Andres, reminiscing his late father's memories.

So, he didn't hesitate to try making tuba. With the learnings he had from his father accompanying him during those times, he made
good use of it.

Like what his father made for a living for their needs and all when he was still alive, Andres does the same for his family - for his grandchildren.

"Every time I'm doing 'pananggot', it feels like my father's still here", Andres said.

Doing this makes Andres live the memories he had with his father. It urges him to work hard, and continue doing the job because it somehow returns him into the past.

Culture

Tuba was consumed long before. It is considered an alcoholic beverage served as a welcome drink. A way in which brings people as one, and Andres wants this to see in every people who buy a tuba from him.

"A simple gathering would be much more enjoyable and memorable if there's a local and natural drink - tuba", he said.

As Filipinos love to gather and celebrate, and drink, it facilitates camaraderie. It makes get-togethers fun, lively, and interactive. It gives meaning to culture and connection among people.

Andres, as a "manananggot' is also concerned as people nowadays prefer the more accessible drinks like beers and any other branded beverages.

However, he, as trained by his father, didn't lose hope tocontinue working in the industry of tuba. He wants to be proud of what he grew up into. He wanted people to support the locals and the culture.

"Being a 'manananggot' takes courage. It is not easy as some think it is. I am doing this kind of job not just to earn money, but also to preserve the dying industry of tuba", Andres proudly said.

According to an article on Wine Enthusiast, Arturo Panchoraised awareness for the beverage and encourage broader production.

He said, " Coconut wine is important in our history.It's a part of who we are. We need to recognize that."

And that's what Andres wanted to prove. Tuba is not just about a key for a better life, does not only bring more profits to sap gatherers but also a door for coming back into history.