At the recently concluded “Anahaw Bloom: Fragrance in Full Bloom” fragrance convention, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle took a closer look at the rising stars of the local perfume scene—homegrown brands that are creating world-class scents with passion and purpose.

Here are three that deserve a spot on your radar.

Cocktail enthusiasts, this one's for you. Founded by AJ Patawaran, Ysven takes inspiration from mixology to create olfactory experiences as intoxicating as your favorite drink.

“As I continued to deepen my craft in perfumery, I found myself equally drawn to the world of cocktails. There’s something incredibly creative and sensory about both—how ingredients are layered, balanced, and designed to evoke a mood or story,” AJ tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “At some point, it just clicked—I could fuse the two passions. That realization led me to develop my own signature as a perfumer, creating fragrances inspired by cocktails and liquors. Each scent is crafted to feel like a drink in fragrance form—bold, playful, and rooted in both personal experience and sensory storytelling.”

Standout picks from Ysven’s lineup include Solar Amber, Rum Cola, and Vodka Lime. Each bottle is a toast to bold storytelling.

For those drawn to rare, story-rich perfumes, the collaboration between Judilyn Cruz and Orca Parfums is one to watch out for. The brand’s Acropolis Collection, particularly the limited-edition Athena’s Rose, is a scent steeped in mythology and craftsmanship.

“Athena’s Rose is crafted with meaning, care, and a strong creative vision. Nearly all its ingredients were carefully sourced with quality and storytelling in mind. The roses alone are a rare blend: Rose Otto, Rose de Mai, Damascena, and Bulgarian Rose—some of the most exquisite floral materials in the world,” Judilyn said. “We invested in over 800 raw materials to develop this scent through intensive research and experimentation. Cost was never the main concern—excellence was. We wanted to create something that could hold its own not just locally, but internationally.”

An ode to beauty and power, Athena’s Rose is a modern mythical fragrance you shouldn’t miss.

Following the success of his first three releases, perfumer Greg Parilla completes his Dreamer’s Collection with Coeur de Rose—a floral, genderless scent that serves as a heartfelt finale.

“My inspiration stemmed from two key observations: first, learning about certified Filipino perfumers, I questioned why we weren’t creating perfumes comparable to designer and niche brands,” Greg said. “Second, witnessing successful perfume brands in other countries, I felt a Filipino brand could—and should—compete on a global stage. We’ve proven we can create world-class perfumes.”

Delicate yet bold, Coeur de Rose is more than a fragrance, it’s a statement of local pride.

Follow these brands on Instagram to learn more about their latest drops and scent stories.