Calica Grapes Farm, La Union

Cardinal grapes are exquisitely red and tastes really sweet. It is also good for the heart. I didn’t know that they grow abundantly in the Philippines, especially in a simple and quiet community of Urayong in Bauang, La Union.

Dubbed as the “Grape Capital of the Philippines”, Urayong may be the country’s very own Nappa Valley as it hosts several vineyards, which has become a steady attraction for tourists and non-surfers who frequent the area, especially during the harvest season. Unknown to many, the grape industry in the country began to flourish since 1970s.

One of the grape farms I’ve recently been to, that shows a lot of promise and potential is the Calica Grapes Farm. It is owned by the humble and very accommodating Calica Family, headed by the father Virgilio and daughter Jenee, who has been into the grape business since 2010.

Though the farm is just small with trellises just as tall as I am, I was surprised by the copious number of grapes growing on the vine. And they are not just for viewing spectacle, they are also ready for picking, at least the ripe ones.

I was so mesmerized by the sight of grapes, some still changing colors from green to red. It was my first time seeing them still attached to the vine, and picking them for real. The pick and pay activity costs P200 per kilo of grapes harvested.

Since I am already in the area, I also visited the other more popular and more established grapes farms nearby owned by the Gapuz and Lomboy. The owner of Calica Grapes Farm is actually related by blood to these two families, who pioneered the grapes industry in La Union.

Gapuz Grapes Farm is the perfect place for families and friends who want to avail boodle fight packages, while Lomboy Farms, the premier viticulturist and the first DOT-accredited Agri-tourism farm site in Ilocos Region, is more of an educational hub for those who would want to know more about the history of grape cultivation in the Philippines. Aside from the fresh grapes, all the grape farms also sell grape cuttings and wines, which by the way taste sweeter than the regular ones.

But what I really like about Calica Grapes Farm is that they don’t charge entrance fees, and when there are no other visitors, they would gladly take your photos with the luscious, photogenic grapes. They seem genuinely happy to receive visitors, especially coming from far-flung areas, who took the time to visit the farm.

And before I left, still in awe of what I just experienced, I’m beginning to believe that just like grapes, for everything, there is indeed a season.  

How to get to Calica Grapes Farm and tips:

1. From Manila, take Partas, Florida or Farinas bus (with terminals in Cubao, Manila, Pasay) bound for Laoag or Vigan. Get off at Urayong, Bauang, La Union (near the boundary of Bauang and Caba). Landmark is the painted sign that says Urayong – Grape Capital of the Philippines.

2. From the highway of Urayong and right across the signage, take the road going to the beach. Walk for about 10 minutes going to Calica. There’s a signage along the way.

3. From Calica, Gapuz is another 5 minute-walk. Lomboy, on the other hand is conveniently located on the highway, and about 15-minute walk from Calica or Gapuz.     

4. Make sure that it is harvest season (usually happens thrice a year) before you come. Contact Virgilio Calica at 0907-9050303 or 0905-5505046.

White Beachfront and Cottages, Hinugtan Beach

“You can fall in love and live a lifetime in just a moment.”

- Anonymous

In the northernmost tip of Aklan, about two hours away from my hometown Kalibo is a zen zone of sparkling white sand, crystal clear waters and virgin coast, that can surely captivate a heart. It is known as Hinugtan, one of the few remaining unspoiled natural wonders of Buruanga.

Since I wanted a beach all to myself, I decided to explore this neighboring beach of Boracay. I rented a habal-habal from Caticlan going to Alegria Port of Buruanga and from there asked a local boatman to take me to Hinugtan. Boat ride is less than 10 minutes.        

The moment I stepped on the sand, I know I was in paradise.

  

I saw few beachfront resorts but one of the best places to stay and spend a night or two in this secluded beach is the White Beachfront Cottages, a tropical resort with a large beach cabana, three native cottages, and a holiday house perched on a hill and overlooking the Cuyo East Pass of the Sulu Sea. Guests are also allowed to cook their own favorite seafood, or simply let Ate Aileen, the friendly and kind caretaker, do the job.

What makes the place endearing is that it is still below the radar of tourists. It is also nearby other wonderful natural attractions such as Batason Point, Tuburan Baybay and Nag-Asog White Beach. I hope the place stays just the way it is, and won’t turn into a mini-Boracay someday soon.

Hinugtan is a secret playground to detoxify, a sanctuary to meditate, and a perfect background to immerse in the world of R.H. Sin, who penned this beautiful poetry “Sometimes your soulmate is yourself. Sometimes you have to be the love of your life until you discover that type of love in someone else.” 

White Beachfront and Cottages

Hinugtan Beach, Brgy. Bel-is

Buruanga, Aklan

Tel. No.: 0995-2324562

GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan

“If you really want to be happy, don't just go for the money. Go for the relationship that lasts. Go for things of greater value.”

― Tony Meloto

Solitary walking helps clear my mind. It has become sort of my meditation when I want to banish negative thoughts. So without any important thing to do one weekend, I decided to practice walking meditation in the first farm village university in the world also dubbed as “the Silicon Valley for Social Entrepreneurship” and “Disneyland for Social Tourism” – the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm.

Located in a sprawling 34 hectares of verdant and fertile land in Angat, Bulacan, GK Enchanted Farm was launched in 2011 with the building of 30 houses for the informal settlers of Metro Manila, and the commitment of the private sector to actively engage in GK’s Social Artistry Development Program. It was named after the barangay where it is located – Encanto, a Filipino word that connotes supernatural and magical. And the place didn’t disappoint for it is truly enchanting being a farm, home, village, garden, recreation center and education hub rolled into one. This was made possible under the leadership of philanthropist, social entrepreneur and GK founder Tony Meloto who is relentless and passionate in seeing to it that the movement’s vision to end poverty for 5 million families in the Philippines someday become a reality.

Originally, I wanted to avail the Visit the Farm Package C. But the guys in the registration said that it’s unavailable and so I just ended up with Package A + DIY Tour, missed some demos but nonetheless, enjoyed the whole farm experience at my own pace.

The landmark state-of-the-art building of the farm is the Hyundai Center for Green Innovation. Donated by the HARI Foundation (the corporate social responsibility partner of Hyundai Asia Resources), the advanced green innovation center marries the ethnicity of the bahay kubo and the Hyundai design philosophy of Fluidic Sculpture. The carved wooden fishes exhibited in the lobby seem like a testament to the adage “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

The open theater of the farm is the Arch Angel-GK Center for Arts and Culture, built in partnership with the Angelo King Foundation. It is also used for community gatherings, cultural shows and other events.

The Bamboo Palace, made of indigenous Filipino materials such as bamboo and rattan, is an architectural masterpiece. It’s a traditional Convention Center, ideal for intimate parties, events and gatherings. Some of the local children spend their pastime swimming on the pond beside it.

  

The LifeBank Center for Bayanihan Economics was constructed with help from the microfinance group LifeBank Foundation. The center serves as an innovation and commercialization hub to advance social enterprises and “bayanihan economics” as a key strategy in breaking the chains of poverty. It has a mini garden with cute pig planters made from recycled water bottles.

The sumptuous buffet lunch (fresh salad with fruits, ginataang tokwa, bagnet, ginisang munggo, banana turon) was served at Berjaya Culinary Arts Center. The food, which is organic and healthy, is mostly sourced from their own fields to provide everyone with the freshest farm-to-table meals. I was surprised to find out that about 90% of the diners are French and other foreign interns studying, volunteering, and staying at the farm.

There are different types of accommodations (Hyundai Cabanas, Shell Villas, Grass Villas, Garden Villas, DENR Villas, Bamboo Villas, Farm Terraces)  scattered around the farm for those who want to stay overnight, immerse or experience longer a simple farm life. It also has a swimming pool overlooking the farm.

Iasis (a Greek word for healing) is the high-end spa and wellness center of the farm. It offers heart and soul retreat package, detox program, and healing by design program for those who want to experience total rejuvenation and wholeness.

There is a solar-powered water filtration system (courtesy of Schneider Electric), which provides clean, potable water for the use of families residing in the village. It is also used in the irrigation of farms.

Some of the animals raised in the farm include naturally grown pigs, ducks, chickens, turkeys, goats, sheep and horses. 

The most interesting and inspiring feature of the farm is the unique and exceptional social enterprises incubated within the area by young social entrepreneurs. These include Bayani Brew (healthy drinks brewed from lemongrass and purple leaves of sweet potatoes), Golden Duck (the healthier version of itlog na pula, dyed using natural turmeric), Human Nature (the indigenous and organic version of AVON cosmetics and personal care products), Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates, Gourmet Keso, Kabutehan (oyster mushrooms), and Plush and Play (hand-stitched cute stuffed toys). These businesses employ most of the residents and beneficiaries of GK, and thus have helped them become economically productive members of the society. 

My tiring but meaningful walking tour around the farm was an eye-opener for me.

I saw how social entrepreneurship helped the poor escape from the clutches of poverty. I saw how foreign strangers find meaning in their lives by serving those most in need. I saw hope in the eyes of local children who are given the opportunity to dream and fulfill them. I saw the most incredible display not only of nature, but most importantly of humanity.

There really are no excuses such as “being too busy” or “no resources to offer”. If you really want something, if you really care for someone, you’ll make time for them.

Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm

California St., Pandi Angat Rd.

Angat, Bulacan

Tel No.: 0916-2253363