When you teach aromatherapy, there’s nothing more powerful than taking learning out of the classroom and straight to the source. That’s exactly what we did on a recent field trip with our aromatherapy students—to Anao, Tarlac, officially recognized as the Ylang Ylang Capital of the Philippines.
This small but vibrant town in Central Luzon has made a name for itself in the aromatherapy and perfumery world, thanks to its dedication to cultivating and distilling Cananga odorata, the plant behind the sweet, floral aroma of ylang ylang essential oil. For many of our students, it was their first time seeing this beloved oil’s journey from flower to flask—and what an unforgettable journey it was.
The Scent of a Warm Welcome
As we exited the highway and took the Anao turnoff, we were greeted by rows of ylang ylang trees lining the roadside like a fragrant welcome banner. The moment we rolled down our windows, a soft, floral breeze filled the van—delicate, not overwhelming, but undeniably ylang ylang. It felt as if the air itself had been perfumed by nature.
Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Kuya Jessie, Anao’s lead distiller, and heaps of ylang ylang blossoms ready to be sorted. In Filipino culture, “Kuya” is a term of respect meaning “big brother,” and his presence embodied that energy—warm, generous, and full of stories to share. He had thoughtfully prepared a full itinerary to immerse our students in Anao’s thriving ylang ylang culture.
The Selection Process
We didn’t waste a single moment. As soon as we arrived at the Anao Ylang Ylang Center, we headed straight to the sorting area, where the day’s harvest was already underway. It was captivating to work with the locals as we enjoy the gorgeous smell of this sensual flower—deftly and deliberately separating the fully ripe, golden blooms, destined for distillation, from the unripe green ones that would later be used for potpourri and handcrafted ylang ylang products.
What seemed like a simple task quickly revealed itself as a delicate and essential step in the process. Our students were struck by how much skill, intuition, and deep respect for the plant were needed, even at this early stage. It was a powerful reminder that every drop of essential oil begins with mindful, manual labor—and a true connection to the plant.
As we help sort the day’s harvest, Kuya Jessie tells us more about the municipality’s commitment to sustainable and community-based farming. These ylang ylang trees aren’t mass-produced in an industrial setup—they are nurtured by local farmers who understand their needs, rhythms, and cycles. The attention to detail was inspiring. Did you know that Anao is the only town in the Philippines where locals can pick ylang ylang flowers for free? This unique approach not only sustains the industry but strengthens the community’s bond with the plant.
The Heart of the Process: Distillation
The highlight of our trip was witnessing the steam distillation process at Anao’s distillation facility. The room housed gleaming stainless-steel stills and the intoxicating scent of fresh blossoms. Kuya Jessie loaded the stills with freshly sorted flowers as we all gathered around, excitement buzzing in the air.
As the steam passed through the plant material, we waited in anticipation. After several hours, the magic happened: the first drops of ylang ylang essential oil began to trickle into the glass separator, floating above the hydrosol like golden beads of light. The air turned even sweeter, and many students described the moment as “surreal” and “sacred.” It was a powerful reminder that every drop of essential oil carries within it the spirit of the plant, the care of the community, and the alchemy of nature.
Kuya Jessie also generously let us sample ylang ylang hydrosol, freshly collected in a 5-liter gallon container. He poured it into a beaker and passed it around. One sniff, and the students were swooning—it was lighter than the essential oil, but still unmistakably ylang ylang: floral, fresh, and emotionally grounding.
Conversations That Grounded Us
What made this trip even more meaningful were the conversations we had with Anao’s people—the pickers, the farmers, the tourism officer, and the distillers—who shared their stories with so much pride. We learned that Anao’s ylang ylang journey began with just a few trees and a dream. Once the local government saw its potential, they stepped in to support the community by providing free saplings and training.
Today, Anao exports its essential oil to wellness brands and perfumeries around the world, but they remain grounded in their values of sustainability, community, and shared purpose.
Lessons Beyond the Senses
This trip reminded all of us—students and teachers alike—that aromatherapy is not just about oils; it’s about relationships. It’s about the connection between plant and person, land and legacy, scent and story.
Our students came home with so much more than notes in their journals. They carried with them a renewed respect for the plant world, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to bring a single drop of essential oil into their hands. One student shared, “I’ll never open a bottle of ylang ylang again without thinking of Anao.”
A Trip to Remember
This field trip wasn’t just an educational requirement. It was a transformative experience—one that deepened our practice, strengthened our community, and awakened our senses.
To the people of Anao: thank you for your generosity, your knowledge, and your flowers. You didn’t just welcome us—you inspired us.
And to our students: may the scent of ylang ylang always remind you of where your roots are—and how far your passion for aromatherapy can grow.
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