Why Pili Nuts? Native to the Philippines, pili nuts are rich in healthy fats and protein. Uncooked, they act as a natural laxative; cooked, they’re easily digestible. Ground pili nuts are also used to extend and enrich chocolate. A Sweet Legacy Begins… In 1891, Don Antonio Regidor was born in Spain. Drawn to the Philippines, he eventually settled in Bicol, where he discovered the abundance of pili trees. Inspired by his mother's candy recipes, he created early pili treats like mazapan, yema, pastillas, caramelitos, and sugar-coated nuts. In 1936, he founded Central Pilinut Candy, one of Bicol’s first pili-based confectionery businesses—laying the foundation for today’s thriving pili nut industry.