That declaration came from Eckard Rempe, the better half of petite Filipina beauty Perla. The couple owns "the farm" in Lipa, Batangas. Their venture to find a "home away from the city, live with nature and plant their own food for a truly healthy sustenance" led them to a calling. Now, their combined energies have brought them to a higher level of existence, thus firing them up to become advocates of a lifestyle that involves not only healthy eating habits but total rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit.
But two apples a day? Underneath our lunch table, Emily Cruz pinched my thigh; Olive Santico and Tina Limjuco were speechless and stunned, and quietly continued munching the dehydrated, organic and irresistible vegetable chips. Meanwhile, the brains of the trip, architect Willy Magcase, could only grin naughtily, his eyes glaring at us and challenging us: O, ano, kaya nyo yon?
Eckard Rempe, in his soft but compelling voice, was quick to clarify, "Well, what I am saying is that essentially one can survive on that, and certainly, two apples are better than any fatty junk food you can stuff your stomach with." To that I agreed even though I knew that I still would not give up my french fries.
It was not without reason that Rempe spoke that way. The meal that was served was fabulous and deliciously pure vegetarian. Except for myself, no one in my group was ever a vegetarian but every dish was appreciated for its flavor, presentation and freshness. It was the most beautiful and delicious vegetarian meal I have experienced in the country. The flaxseed chips were a delight and surely that was all the fiber one needed to detoxify the abdominal area.
The chef from Hawaii and California carefully plans the menu each day, so the menu is never the same when you visit. Lunch and dinner are served in the high-ceilinged and airy dining hall where only freshly picked vegetables and fresh fruit concoctions are done minutes before they are served. For this reason, it is important to call and make a reservation because the chef prepares only for the number of guests that appear on the list given him. An open-air hall that’s usually used for board meetings may also host private dinners.
The Rempe farm is 24 hectares and Perla was so kind to take us around and see the main areas. Nicely tanned and exuding great health, Perla has a sunny disposition and mild manners as fresh as the place she so lovingly nurtured to what it is. My other thought at that moment was the people of the village and how they may be enjoying employment at a time when our economy makes it so hard for them to earn a living. Considering how the Rempe couple runs the place, the training they get is in itself priceless.
One may have seen or met her at one time or another because her family owns the famous Berde Plants, which for more than a decade now has become a byword in the artificial trees and garden accessories business. They still maintain their factory and mainly cater to export and commissioned projects.
The creativity of the Rempes is definitely bringing them to new heights. Perla was very pleased to show us what products they’ve been doing lately, which she also used in the construction of their farm. "Recently, we developed new home accessories and a bestseller is the wall paneling done in metallic finish." Architect Magcase, who is swarmed with projects, was more than impressed. Quite happily he exclaimed, "Look at these huge jars with copper finish!" sounding like he had suddenly solved some design requirements in his head. Truly, the metallic tones were beautiful and add character to any setting. Consider that the wall looks like it was made of metal when actually it is wood and that the copper jars are actually painted clay.
Perla also showed us the custom-made tiles where they can transfer any image of your choice onto its surface. These tiles can either be framed or simply mounted to cover a whole wall. So if you have any design or pictures you wish to put on tiles, Berde Plants has the technology.
Walking around the 24-hectare property was a really delightful experience. The farm’s charm is further enhanced by little accents of fresh flowers – including ordinary bougainvillea – placed in little bowls strategically situated on the floor, pathways, windows and in unexpected areas. It is amazing how these flowers, which may have already fallen on the ground, ironically still give life and add so much beauty to the overall aura of each quarter we visited.
The manicured gardens and very clean surroundings make it the best venue for even the most finicky individual to walk around as a form of exercise. Actually if one is adventurous, he can choose to take the rugged trail into the forest. Each path leads to exciting spots that prove to be a visual feast – swimming pools scattered in different settings; beautiful and restful massage huts in very private alcoves where water softly runs through natural brooks.
"I heard from the grapevine that you spent some $7 million for this place," I told Perla Rempe.
She answered, "You know, Impy, in life things happen and in our case, we were led by natural forces to do this. Two and a half years, 400 workers, guts and perseverance made this place. There are still many things to do. Take a look at our cold-pressed coconut oil which I can vouch to be better than olive oil. You can use this as healing oil, as moisturizer to beautify your skin and hair, as well as for cooking. We now have the technology to do that and we’re very proud to tell you it’s a local product. Development of other local products is ongoing. What can I say, research and technology are not cheap. But the bottom line is we believe in this lifestyle and we want people to learn how not only to keep their health but to remain healthy – so what price can one really put on that?"
Our walk made us perspire and we did not even cover a tenth of the place. By 2 p.m., we all had one thing in mind: Massage. So each of us chose our own cottage. Equipped with shower rooms, the cottages are surrounded by open air and small pebbled gardens.
Let me describe what I did. I had to go out of the room and be in a 4x5 meter garden-like setting where a bamboo shower hung about two feet above me. Warm running water flowed and there I was naked in the forest at last. I thought, boy! if Brad Pitt could only see me and join me right now, that should make my day! But then, somewhere in my head, I sort of heard my daughter (who is a dead-pan comic ) say: "Oh yes, mom, he would run away!" And I burst into a hearty laughter!
What a Rempe day!