There are several rope-works at Manila and the material used is abacá, the ropes produced are equal to any to be had anywhere.
In Camarines Sur both harness and hammocks are made from this material.
In the Provinces ropes are made of cabo-negro, a black fibre from the wild palm, said to be indestructible; of burí, of fibre from the anabó, of the bark of the lapuit, and of rattan. Bayones or sacks for sugar, estéras or sleeping mats, hats and cigar cases, and baskets of all sorts, are made at different places and from the commonest up to the very finest. That called the Tampipi is now regularly kept in stock in London, and is very handy for travelling.
There is a lager beer brewery in Manila that must have piled up money since the American garrison arrived.
Alcohol is distilled both from sugar and from the juice of the nipa-palm (Nipa fructicans).
The oils and resins of Ilocos have been mentioned when describing the Ilocanos; they are not exported, finding a ready market in the country.
Essence of Ylang-ylang is distilled in Manila and other towns; it used to fetch formerly 1000 francs per kilogramme.
Salt is made at many places between Parañaque and Cavite.
Bricks, tiles, cooking pots [bangas], stoves [calanes], sugar moulds [pilones], and draining pots for the pilones [ollas], are made in many provinces.
The industry of the women is also shown by the very beautiful embroideries of all sorts, either in white or coloured silks or in gold or silver. Some of this latter work, however, is done by men.