Filipino cigars

[Guest ripper]

Anita, a checkout specialist at Fred Meyer, the supermarket in our town, is one of the sunniest people I encounter on my daily rounds. She is always in good spirits. I always give Anita a mug, a tumbler, a bag, a cooler, a calendar, some sort of swag, and especially a black & yellow pen. She and her husband are Steelers diehards, like me.
A few months ago, Anita mentioned she was going to visit her family in the Phillippines and asked if I wanted anything. Cigars was my answer.
Anita delivered a gift bag from Ninoy Aquino Intl. Airport in Manila, where she got a 20-pack of Tabacalera cigarillos from a firm that has been making cigars in the Phillippines since 1881: 

https://www.tabacalera.com.ph/ 

Plus a 10-pack of a cigar with a strange obloid shape called La Reynas Mascaras. Appears to be 2 small cigars rolled into one, like a wide culebra. The La Reynas Mascaras Facebook page notes that it is a chewing tobacco company, plus it distributes juice and milk in paper cartons similar to these cigars.

https://www.facebook.com/La-Reyna-Fa...6634938042562/ 

Anita said she looked for cigars in Manila, but could not find them. She said this purchase was made by one of her cousins "out in the provinces."
Will give these cigars a rest after the long journey.

[kalibratecuba]

I was given some Filipino tubos that were nice, but too light. I'm always interested to learn more. Let us know how they smoke. I love the La Reyna packaging.

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[soutso]

This post reminds of a gift I received from a new friend. He was a cigar smoker up until the early 90's. He still has some lovely Cubans from the 80's lying around. He just keeps them in a draw in his living room.

He gifted me this Lonsdale pictured below. I can't remember if it's from Malaysia or the Philippines. This stick was purchased in 1981! Interestingly he told me that he never kept a humidor. He simply put his boxes in a drawer and did so for a few decades as he indulged in this hobby. He had heard that this is what the average Cuban person does so if it was good enough for them, it's good enough for him!

For the record, the cigar was quite good for what it is (a NC) NC's to me have a 'plastic' background taste. - Just my opinion etc This stick was smooth and mild in the retro hale with coffee, chocolate and earth flavours. 

[SirVantes]

These Don Juan Urquijo Vintage Blend 1993 Churchills have sentimental value for me. Back in the mid 90s, I spilt a cab of these with my best friend, to commemorate him moving out of the country for a new job. We couldn't find and frankly couldn't afford anything Cuban then. We've smoked them over the years, usually when we meet up. They're actually pretty good - like the country cousin of ERDM    

[Fuzz]

Was given this cigar by a friend's boss. I did not smoke it beyond this point. Tasted like a Marlboro Gold.

[gusto616]

Despite their long history of making cigars, my general opinion about Filipino cigars is that they suck... I am of Filipino heritage & would love to be able to say they make quality highly desirable & tasty cigars, but they don't.


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[garbandz]

In the 90s two brands were available here, Fighting Cock and Double Happiness.

Same company, pretty good cigars.

probably sold out by J R......they cleaned up the market very well.

 

There are copies now that have nothing to do with the originals.

[Guest ripper]

5 hours ago, gusto616 said:

Despite their long history of making cigars, my general opinion about Filipino cigars is that they suck... I am of Filipino heritage & would love to be able to say they make quality highly desirable & tasty cigars, but they don't.


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I did not want to comment because the cigars were a gift. But I did toss out the La Reyna mutant sticks. Foul smell unlit.

[Spanishcedar]

14 hours ago, Fuzz said:

Was given this cigar by a friend's boss. I did not smoke it beyond this point. Tasted like a Marlboro Gold.

Looks can be deceiving!

[OsbourneCox]

Just got back from PI in March. Supposedly these are good, but haven't had one yet. I was in Boracay and couldn't find anything decent and a RASSC was $25.00 USD. My experience with most Filipino cigars is they're mild and have no distinct taste.


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[Auspaul]

Have been given a few cigars from the Phillipines  over the years usually well constructed and look good Tabacalera need to sit for a year or so strong nicotine buzz some ammonia  when they are new. Don J Urquijo supposed to be premium they are ok but overrated cant compare to Cuban might try one again in 6 months .Antonio Gimenez these  were good a few weeks after arriving nice and smooth good flavor lots  of smoke

[Customsfan]

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I do believe the "Culebra" style of cigar was invented or introduced in the Philippines.