Francis Cologne

In celebration of Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines on January 15 - 19, 2015, I checked the Internet for a possible fragrance that would best represent him and a list of possible fragrance that can be best worn during the papal visit.

Googling led me to a company called Excelsis Fine Fragrance.  They actually have 3 fragrances under the Pope line - Francis, Benedictus, and The Pope Cologne.  The website describes Francis Cologne to be "an engaging fresh fragrance with a citrusy top note of bergamot and a soft, woody dry down of sandalwood".

Image from huffingtonpost.com

In his interview with Huffington Post, Excelsis CEO Frederick Hass said that the fragrance was in celebration of the papacy of Pope Francis and it represents his "humble and down to earth" character. Hass further explained in the post that the fragrance was supposed to be subtle and not flashy but relatively simple.

Pope Francis is not affiliated with the company nor endorsing the product.

I haven't smelled this but judging from the description, the fragrance may be compared to citrus colognes like Nenuco, Denenes, or even J&J Baby Cologne Regular since bergamot is the main ingredient. And the supposed simplicity and humility that the fragrance is evoking, this citrus ingredient can best represent.

Bergamot. Image from elementsbathandbody.com

Bergamot is a typical Mediterranean citrus ingredient mainly used in the abovementioned baby colognes.  It's citrus direction is not sweet nor very light like that of mandarin or ponkan orange, nor sharp like lemon or kalamansi. It has a tarty, zesty, citrus - floral direction that allows a simple, clean, fresh and yet sophisticated execution. Mixed with sandalwood, the fragrance may last longer than any of the typical citrus cologne in the market.

Unfortunately, this fragrance is not available in the Philippines. You may buy it via Amazon:

and have it delivered to the Philippines via JohnnyAir or MyShoppingBox.

As I am planning to buy, let me know if you are too so we can buy in bulk and save on delivery charges. Hit me up via Facebook or the comments section below to consolidate our orders.  Deadline will be on January 15, 2015. Pick-up will be in Ortigas, Pasig.  Delivery date will be identified after order placement.

For more information on the itinerary of the Papal Visit, check #PopeFrancisPH or visit Rappler's official website on the papal visit.