Palaya Natural Farm

The concept of “market” is having a wonderful make-over somewhere in the remote mountainous area of Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal.

I wouldn’t mind going to the market every weekend as long as it is as stunning and idyllic as that of Palaya Natural Farm. Every Saturday, they have this Market Day, where they sell organic fruits, vegetables and other products. The setting is not the typical talipapa but a sprawling 66-hectare Pitahaya (dragon fruit) farm surrounded by the verdant Sierra mountain range.

Palaya is one of the largest Pitahaya plantations in the Philippines. It is a privately-owned, community-run organic farm founded in 2014 by Ignacio “Iggy” Colesio. Iggy is a former teacher who fully ventured into agri-business when he discovered about the benefits of organic farming. The interesting name of the farm is a portmanteau for three Tagalog words - pala (blessedness), laya (freedom), and aya (beautiful). And this is the dream of Iggy for the farmers, people and community supporting Palaya - a life that is blessed, free, and beautiful.

  

By commute, the farm is about two hours away from Manila. Some portions of the road leading to the farm are not yet paved so expect a bumpy ride. Also there is no cellphone signal so there was no social media distraction during my entire stay.  

Palaya has the following packages for those looking for a worthwhile and salubrious weekend get-away – teambuilding, barkada camping, couple’s and family promo. These packages usually include an overnight accommodation, meals, river access, farm tour, bonfire set-up, horseback riding and use of common area.

I originally wanted to camp and stay in a tent.

But to avoid the hassle of unexpected rains, I eventually settled in a kubo. It is very basic with futon and pillows. I love how cozy it is, especially at night with the cold, bed-weather.

  

The peak of day visitors is usually during Market Day, where anyone could buy the freshest and newly harvested produce from their farm. These include dragon fruit (when in season), squash, guyabano, bitter gourd, eggplant, guyabano, lettuce, cabbage, bell pepper, turmeric and more. The farm uses natural farming protocols or zero chemicals, ensuring that their products are 100% organic.

Coinciding with Market Day is the farm-to-table buffet breakfast and lunch for only P200-P300. They have a decent and healthy food selection, but I particularly love their flower garden salad and adobo sa dilaw.

S’mores by the campfire are also available for those staying overnight.

There are several activities to do within the farm, which include tour of the dragon fruit farm by foot or via horseback ride. I quite enjoyed the guided and leisurely horseback tour. There are over 26,000 dragon fruits thriving in the farm. Pitahaya is a high-yielding cactus, considered a super fruit because of its many health benefits – it stops acne, helps reduce weight, helps suppress arthritis and cancer, fights diabetes and respiratory problems, reduces the risks of heart attacks and signs of ageing, among others.

The farm is punctuated by a shallow river, where anyone could take a dip. Its cold waters could jolt a lethargic soul. I also crossed the river, riding a balsa, to get to the other side of the farm – the dragon fruit hill.

It is a brief 15-20 minute hike before reaching the viewing deck, which offers a refreshing view of hills, mountains, river and the farm below; truly one of the best spots to detoxify from the stressful city life.

I stayed for about three hours, breathing in all the fresh air and relishing the beautiful mountainscape. Some people want material things. Me, I just want this kind of peace, happiness. Nothing more, nothing less.

After the Market Day, when all the noise and crowd has gone down, the soothing quiet and serenity at Palaya could be savored. They do not only come from the simple, pastoral life, but on being a consistent home of ecological balance, a showcase of God’s creation, wherein nature openly gives back to the people who safeguard and nurture them.

From Cubao, take a jeepney bound to Cogeo. In Cogeo take a jeepney bound to Sampaloc, Tanay and get off in Batangasan junction. Then rent a tricycle (P200 one-way) going to Palaya. Palaya is a little further the jump-off point of Mt. Maynoba.

Palaya Natural Farm

Brgy. Cayabu Sta. Ines Rd.

Tanay, Rizal

Tel. No.: 0926-0656757