Farm fresh
MANILA, Philippines - The journey to Sta. Elena in Laguna was short but sweet. The view from the side mirror revealed billboards gradually starting to disappear, and eventually I began to enter a sanctuary of lush greenery. It’s away from the bustling streets of Manila; the land is untouched and the air is clean, perfect for a garden of greens. Holy Carabao Farm (holycarabao.com) is located just an hour's drive away from the city, and being there makes you feel light years away from wherever you once were. It is pristine and calm, just the escape anyone needs, even if only for a few hours.
Upon entering, you see chickens and lambs (yes, lambs) roaming freely around the property, a sight you don’t see every day. A little further will take you past their Fun Ranch, where there are horses and logs stacked together; an obstacle course for kids and possibly adults. Everything was raw and beautiful and I just couldn’t wait to immerse myself in it. It was the kind of rustic environment I thought only existed in movies like The Parent Trap.
Holy Carabao Farm champions organic, biodynamic, and humane treatment of all forms of life. All their fruits and vegetables are grown without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers but instead use natural compost made from animal droppings, leaves, sawdust and wood shavings. Through this practice, Holy Carabao Farm produces organic fruits, vegetables and herbs. They are able to harvest weekly, though changing weather conditions mean that their selection always varies, so it won’t hurt to give them a call to check on the availability of their produce.
Going organic is a lifestyle choice. It’s an acknowledgment that this earth and everything living on it is precious. It’s opening yourself to a healthier and happier you. Plus, you’re supporting local goods, which means you are supporting the local farmers who produce them.
Holy Carabao Farm is 100 percent organic and totally local, so if you’re looking for a brief escape from your life, or a long-term escape from your old, unhealthy lifestyle, be sure to check it out for your fix of wellness and nature.
Hindy Weber-Tantoco takes YStyle on a brief tour of her green haven and gives us the lowdown:
