South of the Metro: Nature and Farm Love

South of Metro has been developing quite fast. What was once seen as a provincial area has been quickly developing into a weekend R&R destination for those living in the city and getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Metro even for just a few days. Seen as the easiest recharge destination, Cavite and Laguna are the closest to Manila. 

Residents of the South such as those living in the cities of Laguna, Cavite and Batangas, have since developed their lands to satisfy the R&R appetite of guests whether they came from another city, another region or even other countries. One of the distinct features of these cities is the number of available farms that can be visited for various reasons. Here are some Laguna farm suggestions for the next time you visit the South:

Sta. Elena

Sta. Elena is one of the most-coveted addresses in Laguna. Once you enter the  two hundred (200) hectare community, time slows down, you no longer need to worry about the stresses of the city and you suddenly find yourself having more time for yourself and reflect. Here are some things you can do in Sta. Elena:

Nature Sanctuary – It’s not just a golf course. Sta. Elena is a certified member of the Audobon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses and it allows the developer to build pockets of rainforest trees around the course. Through this, plants will flourish and the place has become a natural habitat for birds.

Holy Carabao Holistic Farms – This is not just a farm, it is a community. This is where you will say, I want my family to live here because I can feel the love. Holy Carabao promotes a holistic lifestyle and wellness in products that they offer. From fresh organic vegetables to meat, to quick meals, it’s wellness in every bite. Of course what is Holy Carabao without the carabao? Visit the farm with the family and get to explore the livestock within the compound and just enjoy the ambience of the place along with their healthy food choices.

Fun Farm – Whether you are a child or an adult, this place will surely give you that much needed outdoor fun. This is raw nature fun at its best, children can run around the farm and freely pet and feed animals. Aside from playgrounds, there are other attractions such as a lagoon, horse stables, a giant sandbox and a zipline. Bring your family or group of friends here and it will surely leave a smile on everyone’s face.

Old McDonald Feels

If you enjoyed Fun Farm, you can also check out Alaminos Goat Farm. It’s not exactly made for tours but anybody can access it and see how goats are raised. Some visitors even get to experience milking the goats.

Go Organic

Sta. Elena is only the beginning. If you have not had enough of it, there are so many more organic farms to choose from. Here are a few suggestions:

Costales Nature Farms – Already by Mt. Banahaw, this farm lives and breathes organic. Farm tours are available such as educational tours that can even last three (3) days.

Kahariam Farms – A few minutes drive from Laguna is Kahariam Farms that was built for personal farming but has reflected the owner’s passion as it flourished and has since been opened to the public offering farm tours and educating the public on how to produce food without harming the environment.

Caffeine Rush

Being in the South also means you have clear access to the best coffee grounds in the country. Coffee lover? Here are some mandatory stops for you:

Gourmet Farms – Here you can bring out the inner farmer in you. Aside from getting to know how coffee grounds are made to experiencing other farming activities such as lettuce picking and herb planting.

The Coffee Farmhouse – This farm brings resort vacation and farming together. Known for harvesting one of the best Barako coffee in the Philippines, the place now offers overnight stays while you learn about the different kinds of coffee and the equipment that are used.

Just Relax

Then there’s the idea of living in a farm, far away from the city. A place where you can experience the simple life and the breathe fresh air and eat fresh food. Here are a few suggestions for when you go to the South:

Sitio De Amor – Visit this multi-hectare farm in San Pablo Laguna, where you can experience the best of flora and fauna in Laguna. Get the haciendero feels when you go around the pool, wandering through orchards and the aviaries and listening to birds chirping, riding the horse and visit the koi pond, and get a relaxing end of day dip by the lagoon. All these and more at Sitio De Amor. Check out their offerings for events or even just a weekend stay.

Tesoro Farm and Resort – Located in Bay, Laguna, is a place that spells relaxation. Enjoy the carefully manicured garden, take a dip in the cold springs and dine in the pavilions or choose from the benches scattered around the farm. The perfect place to getaway with friends and family as it provides everything you need to have that perfect, relaxing weekend.

These are just a few of the farms that you can enjoy in the South. Known for coffee, hot springs, cold springs, popular delicacies and heartwarming hospitality, these places in the South surely makes the trip worthwhile. Whether you choose to live or visit, there is a perfect place for whatever experience you want. Farms is only the beginning, but there are much more to explore in the South.