HINUNANGAN, SOUTHERN LEYTE

Bulks and bulks of coconuts are harvested in this property every 2-3 months. Filipinos love to drink the coconut water either right from the poked coconut shell or have it chilled and poured in a tall glass, then eat  the white coconut meat afterwards, or drink and eat it at the same time which is called the "Buko Juice" wherein coconut meat strips are added to the coconut water. This is known to be helpful to people with kidney problems, according to some medical specialists.

In the Philippines, the coconut meat is used for making the so-called "Buko Salad," cooking the "Pancit Buko" and baking "Buko Pies" that is so delicious that even tourists / foreigners take it with them abroad. Let's not forget the coconut oil which is widely used for cooking and baking too.

By the way, the word "buko" means young coconut, while "niyog" refers to adult coconut. The "niyog" is used when cooking food that requires coconut milk. Filipinos hailing from the province of Bicol are known to cook food with coconut milk such as the "laing," "pinangat," and the more popular "Bicol Express" which is filled with all kinds of hot pepper that will surely turn your face and ears red. Coconut milk is also used as an ingredient for some Filipino sweets, desserts and drink concoctions.

Aside from food, the coconut also has various uses in the Philippines. When the coconut shell and hair is all dried up, it is formed to make what is called the "bunot." It is used by housekeepers to scrub wooden floors in houses, rooms and stairways to make it look very shiny. The coconut hair is also used for flower arrangements, especially with orchids.

Other uses of the coconut shell that are already for export quality are hand bags, purses, cups, soup bowls, forks and spoons, and souvenir items like keychains, picture and mirror frames and more.

It is likewise believed that coconut is being used as bio-fuel substitute to diesel. This is already available in some gasoline stations in Manila.

Because of its many uses, a large percentage of Filipinos have put up their own coconut businesses here and abroad. The fact is true. There is money and livelihood in coconuts.