The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently rolled out its culinary caravan in Region IV-A Calabarzon last June 1 to 3 to showcase farm tourism sites and their unique farm-to-table dining experiences, as part of its efforts to help jumpstart the tourism industry in the region which has been hit hard by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
OIC Regional Director, DOT-Calabarzon Marites Castro pioneered the Calabarzon Kulinarya Caravan: A Farm-To-Table Experience that promotes Agritourism by providing tourists with an educational experience from growing and harvesting fresh ingredients to cooking mouthwatering meals. the caravan consists of food trip circuits that tour operators and travelers can customize to savor the rich culinary and cultural heritage of the various localities in Southern Tagalog.
She also added that currently, Calabarzon has 26 accredited farm tourism establishments, which blend the charm of an agrarian lifestyle and a touch of basic modern comfort and recreational facilities for those that are offering overnight stays.
What is farm-to-table?
As the name implies, farm-to-table refers to food that comes directly from farms and goes straight to the table to be consumed eliminating the usual distribution methods such as a marketplace or grocery, often natural or organic.
During our tour, we got to experience the phrase in its purest form where the farm owners and staff gave us a quick tour around the farm and showed us the methods used on how they grow the plants they harvest and how they raise and handle their livestock. We also learned how some of the foods they served were made and prepared.
Farm to table is a trend that many people are adopting because it allows us to have access to fresh and healthy food. It is one of the most sustainable ways of living in the modern world. Farmers benefit by being able to reap more of the profit their goods can earn at the market and many of us enjoy knowing how their food will be treated and cooked.
Here are some of Calabarzon’s exciting farm tourism sites which are definitely worth the trip.
Graco Farms and Leisure, Pila, Laguna
Graco Farms & Leisure, Inc. raises and grows its livestock and other agricultural products organically. They also provide farm-to-table products at an affordable cost.
The farm currently has five different packages that starts at P150 per person including the entrance fee to the farm, a guided tour, and interactive feeding of the goats, fowls, and fish. Aside from that, the farm also offers accommodation options for their guests.
During our visit to the farm, we got to try their turon, tortang talong, salad, tilapia, eggs, and pandesal for breakfast that they grew on their farm. We also got to taste their fresh goat’s milk. We also got to make our own Pizza as one of our activities during our tour. During our farm tour, the guide allowed us to interact with their farm animals. We fed their goats and fowls, and catch a fish in their pond.
For more information, you can visit their website at https://gracofarms.com/ or message them via their official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/silentintegratedfarm
Silent Integrated Farm, Liliw, Laguna
The next farm on our itinerary is Silent Integrated Farm. Emphasis on healthy, local, and sustainable farm-to-table produce. The farm is passionate about its advocacy to help persons with disabilities (PWD), senior citizens, and community-based farmers by providing them with jobs. The farm was even named after Michael, a farmer who is deaf and hard of hearing but works silently to be a productive individual in the community.
They offer healthy foods and drinks fresh straight from the farm. Plus the entrance fee is FREE, but visitors may leave a donation on their way out.
For more information, you can visit their official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/silentintegratedfarm
Farmshare Agripark, Cavinti, Laguna
The next farm on our itinerary is FarmShare Agri Park. During our farm tour, I got the chance to milk a cow for the first time and try Rabbitchon. According to the farm owner rabbit meat is high in protein and low in fat and cholesterol content which is why it is considered “healthier” meat.
They also sell processed milk products and currently have over 6 flavors to choose from matcha, chocolate, strawberry, french vanilla, Greek frappe, and milk tea among others. They also have kesong puti available for sale.
They also offer farm glamping accommodation. For more details, you can visit https://www.facebook.com/fsagripark/
Bukid Amara, Lucban, Quezon
Bukid Amara was conceptualized from an inspiration, an Amorsolo painting. Bukid Amara has been all over Facebook and Instagram because of its beautiful instagrammable flower garden. It’s actually my second time here and I am still mesmerized by the beautiful vivid flower garden.
Must try ung floral spring roll nila all ingredients are fresh from their garden and all-natural and organic. For more details, you can visit their website at https://bukidamara.com/ or message them via their official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/bukidamara/
Linang ni LK, Lucban, Quezon
Last but definitely not the least Linang ni LK by the famous chef himself, Francis Christian Ocoma aka Lakwatserong Kusinero. By far one of my personal favorite among all the places we visited during our farm-to-table experience. The food was fresh, colorful, and really delicious! Must try ung ube-lipit and ube-taw nila lalo na if you are a fan of ube 😋definitely a must-visit if you are in the area.
For more details, you can visit their official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/LinangNiLK
Francesca de Banahaw, Sariaya, Quezon
Francesca de Banahaw Resort in Sariaya, Quezon was named after the owner’s 14-year-old daughter Dana Francesca. The resort has almost 3 hectares and, according to the owner of the resort, they have over 60 mango trees and over 100+ coconut trees. The resort offers both day tours and affordable overnight stays.
For more details, you can message them via their official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/FrancescaDeBanahawPH/
Joni and Susan Integrated Farm, San Pablo City, Laguna
The next farm on our list is Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms. You must try the Mushroom Dinakdakan, which is created with homegrown oyster mushrooms and the Honey Calamansi with Butterfly Pea, which is quite refreshing and ideal for the hot weather we experienced during our tour. Sunflower skin care products are also available.
Located at Maharlika Highway, Barangay San Ignacio, San Pablo City, Laguna
They are open Mondays to Saturdays from 9AM to 5PM
For more details, you can message them via their official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/JASIFINC/
Casa San Pablo, San Pablo City, Laguna
In San Pablo City, Laguna, there is a bed and breakfast called Casa San Pablo. This B&B is surrounded by pine trees and offers relaxing accommodations and friendly staff. They also provide a one-of-a-kind local culinary tour in which you will learn about the various edible phases of a coconut and how they are produced. We also got to try the famous Kulawo (eggplant with gata), a classic eggplant salad in smoked coconut cream vinaigrette served as a dip over tiaong biscocho. It’s a must-try if you’re in the area, and it’s also a great pasalubong item because it’s something you don’t see very often in Manila.
They also have a private museum where all of the owner’s contemporary art collections are on exhibit.
For more information, you can visit their website at https://casasanpablo.com/ or message them via their official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/casasanpablo/
Don Leon Nature Farm, San Juan, Batangas
In San Juan, Batangas, Don Leon Nature Farm specializes in organically raised black pigs and poultry. They also sell free-range brown eggs, red and black rice, and other products. They also offer TESDA-accredited training and certification for anyone interested in farming.
For more details, you can message them via their official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/DonLeonNatureFarm/
Pinkie’s Farm, Lipa City, Batangas
Pinkie’s Farm – Store uses grass-fed cows to produce all-natural milk products. We were able to sample their fresh milk, chocolate milk, coffee milk, and espresso milk. Aside from that, we were able to taste their strawberry yogurt, which is my personal favorite. All of their items are also accessible through their website, https://pinkiesfarm.com/, or their reseller partners.
Pastilla making was one of the farm’s activities, and one of the presenters spoke about Pinkie’s Farm’s history. They also showed us how to make and wrap pastillas after that. The pastillas are very delicious. Even without dipping it on sugar, you can taste the sweet milky flavor. This is a family-friendly activity that I am sure everyone will love.
I also had the opportunity to try milking one of their cows, which was a funny and unique experience. Aside from that, we had the chance to feed calves as young as two days old, as well as adult cows.
For more information, you can visit their website at https://pinkiesfarm.com/ or message them via their official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/pinkiesfarm/
Milea Bee Farm, San Jose, Batangas
Milea Bee Farm, last but certainly not least, is dedicated to the propagation of stingless bees. On our tour, we learned about edible plants, herbs, and flowers. We also got to experience a cacao fruit, which has a similar feel to the santol fruit but has a sweet flavor that is distinct. Aside from that, they provide stingless beekeeping workshops and other farming seminars. They also create skin-friendly products on their farm using all-natural components.
For more information, you can visit their website at https://mileabeefarm.com/ or message them via their official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/mileabeefarm/
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There is nothing quite like enjoying a delicious meal with the knowledge that its ingredients came fresh from the farm and straight to your plate.
We definitely enjoyed our trip it gave us an insightful look into the sustainability mindset and efforts of today’s farmers. And how we can help them especially after being heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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