Poetry in a Bottle: The Story of Basi by Arturo G. Pacho and Sigrid M. Salucop

Poetry in a Bottle: The Story of Basi is the story of the Ilocano basi makers—and of the Filipino—striving to live, persevere through times of hardships, and be loved.
This book celebrates the lives of basi winemakers from the distant past and the remnants of their legacy. Their lives are deeply intertwined with the Ilocano sugarcane wine itself, its beauty, its history and culture, and the many inspiring tales attached to it. From the bloodshed in the fight for justice and liberation, to the intricacies of winemaking, to the modern struggle of basi to remain relevant in the marketplace, the full story of this heritage wine might offer us answers about its future potential and will touch the very core of what many of us want—freedom, honor, and dignity.

I truly believe that basi contributes to the kabuhayan sa (people’s livelihood in) San Ildefonso. For my family alone, basi supported my three children in completing their college education in various professions. Basi made us self-reliant, enterprising, and hopeful. —Virginia P. Piano, Owner of VP Piano Food Products and Producer of Basi in San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur

Finally, a book that introduces a stranger to basi, the Philippine legacy and artisanal wine of sugarcane juice, barks, and herbs. Basi has always been central to the Ilocano culture. But Filipinos outside the Ilocos enjoy it for its bragging rights. I see this as a good omen that the emerging basi industry is taking its place in the Filipino culinary scene and the developing Philippine agritourism world. —Ramon K. Ilusorio†, Chairman, Management Association of the Philippines, Agri-Business and Countryside Development Foundation (MAP ABCDF), Makati City

There are very few drinks that encapsulate the spirit of the Ilokano as basi does: intense, strong, vibrant, and passionate. —Chris Stolk, Pitmaster and Chef, Smoke Bar and Restaurant, Paoay, Ilocos Norte