We all need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. And one great way to unwind is to stay somewhere peaceful and yet rejuvenating.
If you're planning a trip to Negros Occidental any time soon, I suggest you book a room at May's Organic Garden in Pahanocoy, Bacolod City. It is a beautiful place with relaxing views, comfortable rooms, friendly owners and staff, and good organic food.
Our group of Organic Agriculture (OA) Bloggers, through the courtesy of the Agricultural Training Institute's e-Extension Program, stayed there for four days and we loved it! When we first arrived straight from the airport, we were immediately treated to a filling lunch that includes brown rice, crispy salad, and several viands.
After eating, we went upstairs to check out our rooms. It was so funny that all six of us, girls, started exclaiming over how pretty our beds look and were almost screaming (to be heard among the noisy chatter) that nobody should sit anywhere until after everyone has taken photos that the guys had to rush over to find out what the commotion was all about hahaha. That is one really nice room!
After we're done settling in, we all got to meet the place's owners, Mr. Ramon and Ms. May Uy, who warmly welcomed us. On our way to the meeting area, we had to cross a bridge over a large pond with really nice views.
Later, after a refreshing snack made with organic ingredients, we got to tour the place and were amazed that they have pigs at the back of the property! They have no foul odor and they eat leaves that you can hand-feed to them.
We also saw the property's Vermicomposting area where they use worms to make vermicompost, a kind of organic fertilizer. This is what they use for the many kinds of fruits and vegetables they nurture.
Sir Ramon also introduced us to his RU Foundry business. Here, they make various kinds of shredders that can cut, not only grass (for composting), but also paper, hard plastic, glass, and big stones in just a matter of seconds! This process makes recycling stuff easier. The powerful machines are proudly Philippine made, are very sturdy, and can compete with any other shredders bought abroad.
I was fascinated by the pressing machine that can make tiny bricks (kinda like charcoal) using recycled paper, which could be used for cooking. Families who are unable to buy expensive liquid petroleum gas and don't have gas stoves could use these instead.
He likewise showed us their Hydraulic Ram Pump that are very useful when irrigating high areas that are far from bodies of water. The pond was near the swimming pool but we, unfortunately, had no time to take a dip the whole time we were there.
Next, we rode a cute little tour bus to go to the big vegetable plantation across the road. There, we got to see how they make lemon grass oil and saw where the veggies in our salad came from. The plants are very healthy and pesticide-free!
The following days had me snapping photos of the lovely flowers and restful nooks within the area. We even had a videoke session one night which was a riot given the antics of some of my wacky friends.
One afternoon, some of us also walked towards the sea which is only about 10-15 minutes away from May's Organic Garden. We reached the mangroves just as the sun was setting. It was great to find out that they have a lookout area (albeit dilapidated) where we were able to take good shots.
I will always have fond memories of our stay in May's Organic Garden and I hope, someday, I'll get to go back there with my husband and kids. The room where the girls stayed, with six beds and two bathrooms, would perfectly accommodate my whole family :)
*To see more photos of the place, please view this Facebook album
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