Almost Paradise: Alomah’s Place in Bukidnon
I have visited a number of provinces in Mindanao including Davao, Cagayan De Oro, and Camiguin. But it’s my first time in Bukidnon and it was a memorable one as we stayed in one of the most charming organic farms I’ve been to – Alomah’s Place! I would stayed longer if not for my already-booked affordable flight back to Manila.
Almost Paradise
Enroute to Bukidnon from the Cagayan De Oro airport and Buhian Farm in Misamis Oriental, our van service only took a few hours to reach this province known for it’s rich agricultural production and pineapples. In fact, we passed through the famous vast Del Monte Pineapple Plantation whose farming methods and use of chemical fertilizers have long been questioned and debated (although that’s for another article).
You’d know if you reached Alomah’s Place as it embodies a picturesque landscape upon entering their humble farm gate. Aside from the carpet of greeneries, you’d be greeted by a setup of small dark-colored tents pitched on a bed of colorful flowers in season with the foggy mountains as backdrop.
Upon going down from your vehicle and stretching your eyes further, you’d notice a downward-slope landscape leading to a simple but enchanting man-made fountain which completes your sight with a calming sound of gently splashing waters.
Yes, it seems that you’re almost in paradise and still haven’t tasted their organic produce.
Alomah’s Place
Alomah, derived from the name of the couple-owners Benjohn Mahistrado and Grace Alambro, is a two-hectare farm located in the highlands of Dahilayan, Manolo Forttich, Bukidnon. Dahilayan might sound familiar to you due to the nearby Dahilayan Adventure Park frequented by local, domestic, and international tourists when they visit Bukidnon.
The farm was bought by the current owners in 2008. They started to develop the land into what it is today since 2010 upon the prodding and training led by the Department of Agriculture‘s Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). With the agencies help and assistance, Alomah’s Place bloomed into the organic farm it was meant to be.
They produce organically grown lettuce, bell pepper, and other vegetables and herbs. They also have a fishpond with tilapia fed with organic feeds. Today, they have surpassed their 50% organic status mark, while most vegetation are grown in a natural way. They are now strong suppliers of herbs, 7 variants of basil, 16 variants of mint, and organically-grown tilapia.
The Charm of Alomah’s Place
As part of their agri-tourism efforts, they have opened Alomah’s Place exposing visitors and enthusiasts to organized organic farm tours which both educates the public and adds to the farmers’ income as well.
Moreover, they also offer services and activities such as cottage accommodations, indoor group tents, camping, kareoke, horseback-riding, trail walk, bamboo rafting, and the bamboo playground.
We got a taste of those mentioned above early morning the next day where we did our sunrise trail walk tour around the organic farm where we saw their vegetations, tilapia pond, vermicast system, and the fountain area where you can try the bamboo rafting experience.
The trail walk and farm tour was concluded with a horse-back riding activity with their friendly horses personally taken-cared of by the owners of Alomah’s Place.
Furthermore, they also offer special hot tea concoctions made from various mints planted in the farm.
Aside from all these amazing organic developments in Alomah’s Farm, what I love most about it is the obvious passion of the couple organic farmers Benjohn and Grace. They love what they are doing not just because it’s their farm, but because of their desire to share the blessings, knowledge, and benefits of organic farming for our health and to fellow farmers who wish to switch from the usual chemical fetilizer-led farming, into organic farming!
Alomah’s Place
Dahilayan, Manolo Forttich,
Bukidnon, Mindanao
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dahilayanmanolofortichbukidnon/
Mobile / Cellphone Number: 0908.897.2466Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)
Department of Agriculture
Tel: +632.9298541 loc.255 & 258
Fax: +632.9209792
Mobile: +63920.946.2474 (Globe, TM, & Sun Cellular)
SMS: 391-32 (fro Smart & Talk n Text)
Email: [email protected]
Websites:
www.E-Extension.gov.ph
www.ATI.gov.ph
Let’s go back and mag-camping tayo dyan! <3