A getaway with a horseful of stories to tell

Having their cake and eating it, too, is a concession only the privileged few get to enjoy. Hardworking men or women, at some point in their careers, reward themselves with expensive toys. But some guys get even luckier. Edward Chiongbian has retired, but is currently involved in the family business of raising horses on a farm-cum-ranch on the outskirts not too far from the city. Edward and his comely wife Odette, with their brood tagging along, regularly visit the place, which is an hour-or-so away by car. I was a recent guest of the couple, and I must say it was a rare experience not soon to be forgotten.

As one approaches Canlubang or its neighboring towns, one’s attention is riveted by the omnipresent Mount Makiling. It was as a young man that I first became aware of this magnificence that lords it over the towns of Laguna.

The Chiongbian farm is perched at an altitude that’s a third of Mount Makiling’s total height. One glance across the vista brought to mind some scenes from the movie The Lost Horizon. Standing at the Chiongbians’ hide-away’s viewing deck, one can truly see forever – Taal in Batangas and a host of other municipalities in the distance.

The perfectly graded winding roads leading to the Chiongbian place were smoothly paved, allowing even family sedans to reach this unique sanctuary. The ascending routes have been beautifully landscaped with exotic and tropical foliage which are dramatically highlighted with attractive flowering plants. Coconut trees of varying heights dominate the place, giving guests the feeling of being on a high promontory in a Hawaiian hacienda.

Edward’s ardent love of Filipino antiquity is amply demonstrated in this multi-level weekend getaway. The story goes that Edward spotted an old house about to be demolished to make way for a commercial establishment. On the spot, he offered to purchase it lock, stock and barrel. The deal was sealed, and he personally saw to it that the old house was dismantled carefully. And piece after precious piece, the entire house was transferred to the farm. As all relocation goes, it took a large crew of carpenters, masons and painters several months to assemble everything into the well-functioning vacation place that it is today.

Spurs and chaps that have seen better days betray Edward’s fascination with things Western. Being part-ranch and part-farm, a cowboy theme serves as the inspiration for this house built by this Cebuano with the support of his young supportive wife. Multi-sized sculpted figures of horses are ubiquitous all over the place. A wornout saddle is the focal point of a vignette prominently positioned in a corner of the living/dining room. A neatly wound rope riata completes the interesting tableau.

A breathtaking sight within the confines of the place is a man-made lake where healthy tilapias are bred. The mini lake features a romantic-looking bridge spanning its entire breadth. A faux waterfall with revolving water adds charm to the surrounding area with the calming sound of cascading water.

A sumptuous attraction at the Chiongbian sanctuary is the glorious food to which visitors are treated. The Chiongbians grow herbs and some vegetables. Crispy fried tilapia, generously smothered with crushed garlic and soaked in native vinegar, was the piece de resistance during our lunch there. Chicken they themselves raised was used in preparing the traditional tinola to feast on. Thinly slicedpuso ng saging was sauteed in vinegar, perfectly balancing the meal. To cap the meal, refreshing drinks of young coconuts gathered from one of the trees were served.

A thrilling attraction for the young ones is the swimming pool with water slides artistically sculpted using cement and sand. Meanwhile, the young once can enjoy a hydro massage at the Jacuzzi.

Nature lovers will certainly have a field day at the Chiongbian farm. The surroundings have been left pretty much untouched. The place is God’s bountiful gift to mankind. Its vastness and magnificence can only remind you that, yes, there’s a Super Being choreographing all this.

A ride on a minuscule wooden carriage drawn by a small horse can be a delightful experience for guests invited to the place. After that ride, a visit to the stable as well as the paddock where horses run around happily can be a very educational experience especially for the young. Capping one’s visit is a close look at a live tiger that has a cage all to itself. In a neighboring cage, a couple of friendly bearcats move gracefully unmindful of onlookers. Boy scouts have camped out here and they did have a roaring good time!

Edward and Odette feel they’d be happier if they were to share their place with more people. They plan to open their place to nature lovers who want to get away from it all. This writer hopes that happens soon so he could have a second helping to a slice of paradise.

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For questions and suggestions, write to xtnsprit@mydesiny.net.