Binahon Agroforestry Farm and Resource Center

Nestled on the foothills of Mount Dulang-dulang of the Kitanglad mountain ranges in Lantapan, Bukidnon, the Binahon Agroforestry Farm and Resource Center is an eight hectare organic farm that was toiled from a barren grassland where only cogon grass and weeds used to thrive. Mr. Henry and Mrs. Perla Binahon, natives of the province decided to leave their careers in the government as a forester and as animal Science expert at the DENR, and pursued the call to go back home to their native land to re-start their careers -- this time, as husband and wife farmers. 

Located at Sito Bol-ogon, Brgy. Sonco, Lantapan City, Bukidnon

The Binahons started their adventures in organic agriculture in 1992, from a two-hectare land that was acquired for only 15 thousand pesos paid in three staggered payments. In the early months, results of their labor were far from ideal and revenue was not even enough to replace the small nipa hut they built on the mountain. However, these setbacks did not deter them from their goals and persistently beat their backs to pursue what they came there to do. Luck suddenly turned on their favor when they were able to grow and harvest 50 kilos of cabbages from the farm. And from then on, better things and new opportunities came which made the two hectare grew to become an eight hectare agro-forestry farm. 

With Mr. Henry Binahon, Sayentistang Magsasaka

Trained as foresters and agriculturists from the University of the Philippines Los Banos, the couple were determined to pursue their passions using the principle that the only way vegetation can thrive is through diversity of plants and other living creatures by naturally applying ecological balance to the land.

Sir Henry demonstrates the strength of Abaca plant...

Last June 2016, I was part of a group of bloggers and social media influencers who were invited to visit the Binahon Agroforestry Farm. This was an initiative of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) of the Department of Agriculture (DA). The task is to immerse ourselves in organic farming, learn its benefits, and create public awareness via social media campaign through blog posts and other social media tools. 

The place is a five-hour drive from Cagayan de Oro City, passing through Malaybalay, Bukidnon and is situated at Sito Bol-Ogon, Barangay Sonco. The area is at an altitude of 1,300 meters (4,300 ft) above sea level and it serves also as a base camp or a jumping point towards the trail head for those who wish to scale the peaks of Mount Dulang-Dulang. Sir Henry belongs to the Tigibanam Indigenous People (IP) which are natives of the mountain and is confident to claim that Mount Dulang-dulang (2,941 meters) is the Philippines’ second highest peak and not Mount Pulag, Benguet (2,922 meters). 

Mt. Dulang-dulang or D2, Philippines 2nd highest peak...

As an IP, Sir Henry lives through the Indigenous principle that diversity is natures’ natural occurrence. He further expounded that “monoculture” is not natural and it is one of the reasons why pestilence occurs. It is nature’s way to deconstruct monoculture of plants being overly populated in one area. This phenomenon also holds true in humans which explains the presence of dengue, because there is an over population of human species concentrated on one particular area. 

 A diversified vegetation that allows various vegetables and fruit trees thrive together...

Contrary to the old-school belief that trees consume the nutrients for small plants if they’re planted near to each other, Sir Henry debunked that thought by explaining how diversity of plants and trees are beneficial to each other. He presented a simple ecological cycle where pests of vegetables are controlled because insects of a nearby tree or other types of plants eat the pests. Fruits and leaves of trees that fall to ground are eaten by earth-worms and the waste of the worms serve as the best form of natural fertilizers to vegetables that grow nearby. 

Different types of trees filled the agroforestry farm...

Our group of bloggers spent one whole morning with Sir Henry touring the eight-hectare farm, scaling rolling hills and crossing a river. Most of the full grown trees were planted by Sir Henry himself many years ago. These trees have already self-propagated themselves naturally thereby populating the area to become a natural forest. The farm have also become a bird sanctuary bringing with them other seeds not original to Sir Henry’s list, which contributes to the flora and fauna of the farm.

Rattan vines clings to the trees and serve as natural guy-line support during typhoons

Further on at the higher part of the Binahon Farm is the majestic view of Mount Dulang-dulang. On the rolling hills, one can appreciate the variety of livestock roaming around freely such as chickens, ducks, and peacocks. These animals are also grown organically and are fed with vegetables and natural feeds. On this part is also the greenhouse nursery of lettuces ready to be planted on farm plots. The farm specializes in carrot growing where they also produce other carrot-based products like carrot-cake, carrot-muffin, carrot-juice, carrot-cookies and carrot concentrates where all of us had a sample taste of these products. Apparently, the only carrot product the farm doesn’t have at that time is the carrot itself, because it was freshly harvested and sent to other parts of Mindanao and Cebu. 

Freshly baked Carrot Muffins...

The Binahon Agroforestry Farm is one of ATI’s learning sites, which employs agricultural students from different colleges and universities in Northern Mindanao. These students are spending time to be trained, not just on farming but also on the production of naturally-concocted pesticides. Mr. Binahon emphasized that in order for farmers to escape poverty, they should practice diversity of produce and learn to be entrepreneurs. He believes it is not enough for farmers to become good producers because they should be good businessmen as well. 

This is where they processed carrot-based products

The morning tour was certainly wasn’t enough to cover the whole place and there is so much more to see. The Binahon farm is open to anyone who wish to learn and experience organic farming. They offer accommodations good for one hundred people. Visitors and guests can avail of their organic farming tour complete with board and lodging. 

Binahon Agroforestry Farm can accommodate 100 guests...

For more information, you may reach Binahon Agroforestry Farm and Resource Center at mobile: 09178796890, email: hbinahon@yahoo.com. You may also get in touch with Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) at (63-2) 929-8541 to 49 or you log on to www.ati.da.gov.ph

 

Sun Life’s Money for life: How well are we planning for our future?

Despite the presence of dozens of insurance companies in the country, it is very alarming to know that the Philippines scores among the lowest rank in receptiveness in the Asian region with regards to being “insurance” conscious. Sun life Philippines, the leader in Insurance and investment business have recognized these facts and are diligently finding ways of bringing the message across through various campaigns and investment products. 

Sun Life's Money for Life Ambassadors...

Last June, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) launches its five-year growth plan dubbed as “Rise PH”. This aggressive campaign hopes to target to serve five million clients by year 2020. After President Benigno S. Aquino III exited his post as the 15th president of the republic, he left our country with a huge leap in economic growth. After three decades as the “sick-man” of Asia, it is now the fastest growing economy in the region, even surpassing China in terms of growth-rate.

Money for Life launch at Shangrila Makati...

However, these positive economic statistics is yet to be felt by the people on the lower scale of the society and it will take a positive and aggressive push to continue the momentum so that we will see a more tangible effect. Nonetheless, Sun Life have felt that this is the opportune time to break the culture of apathy among the working class society and view life in a new perspective. 

The Bus of the Future offers riders a glimpse of what lies ahead if they invest in Sun Life...

According to Sun Life, financial literacy is the key to transform the minds of the present generation towards financial consciousness. However, for some who are “awakened” and have started to do their own initiatives, like putting up savings account, halt their potential to go further to improve the financial dilemma. Somehow, seeking the advice of a professional Registered Financial Planner or RFP would be more costly, so they try gambling their resources in some investment. Some made good hits but many failed miserably thereby getting frustrated to be engage in any form of Investment.  

It allows rider an experience of 360-degrees virtual reality video...

The Money for Life is a comprehensive, customizable financial planning program that will ensure that the client will have sufficient funds for every stage of his life. To help inspire the public to create their own Money for Life plan with a financial advisor, Sun Life created a 360-degree virtual reality (VR) video, transporting them in different scenarios based on their chosen life-stage. This will enable the viewer live the dream for a minute and be encouraged to start planning for their future through Money for Life and Sun Life’s life insurance and investment products.

These VR can be experienced by riding the Sun Life’s “Bus of the Future”. These buses are currently touring some parts of the major cities in the country, mostly schools and malls to help public see a “virtual” future of their own life can be if they plan their resources wisely. However, for those who failed to visit the Bus of the Future in their own locality, one can simply log onto the website: moneyforlife.com.ph, so they can instantly begin their own financial planning.

Alomah’s Place: Organic Farm / Adventure Farm

Outdoor adventures are the reasons why Trails Unlimited was born because I love sharing the various outdoor stuff that I do to encourage more people to be active and seek a healthier lifestyle. Years ago, when I was still as strong as an ox, I would climb mountains with friends almost on a weekly basis. Those were the days where I can load my pack filled with 35 kilos of equipment and carry it on my back for hours while hiking. Truly, the journey going up to the summit is as good and enjoyable as reaching it.

The water fountain at the middle of the fish pond is gravity fed that comes from the mountain...

Alomah's Place is a Two-hectare Organic farm land...

Now that my life has become busier, hiking gigs also became less and less. I really miss going on those kinds of trip. Form packing up gears, sleeping in tents for days, and cooking food high up in the mountains, these moments were priceless. During these times I often wish I could bring my kids with me for them to experience it too.

Fresh pick with the morning dew...

Located at Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

Last month, I was invited to a blogging event that featured five organic farms in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental. It was organized by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) of the Department of Agriculture as part of their public campaign on food safety and food security. In this trip, I was able to bring one of my sons, Gab, along so he can write a story for Family Matters magazine where he is a contributing writer. I’ve been to this part Mindanao before and I knew it will be high up in the mountains. So, I guessed this was the adventure trip I was wishing for in a long time.

Del Monte Pineapple Plantation covers 14 kilometer long...

At Alomah's Green house Nursery. Lettuce seedlings ready for transplant...

Preparing for this trip brought us sheer excitement and joy indeed. I even bought Gab a new pair of trekking sandals and parka shorts to complement the adventure trip. I also gave a few tips in loading his pack so that he will not strain his shoulders in carrying them. Our flight to Misamis Oriental was pleasant and we arrived at Lagundingan Airport where ATI's van was standing by, ready to shuttle us to Bukidnon.

Varieties of fern trees and pine trees are also abundant in the farm...

 

 

The African Night Crawlers (Earth worms) are essential for the Alomah's Place in producing the best natural Fertilizers.

 Our destination is the Alomah’s Place and it is located at Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. On our way there, we passed along Camp Philips, were the small community of staff and employees of the world famous Del Monte Pineapple plantation live. Soon after, we passed by the vast farm of Del Monte which stretches up to 14 kilometers long. Both on our left and right sides were acres and acres of pineapple plantations. Our van driver, Kuya Ren, told us that planes are used in pesticide dusting the entire place. I can’t help but imagine the tons of chemicals that are being dumped and absorbed by the plants and the soil every time they do that.

This is Cyclone. He already won eight trophies in Horse-Show Competitions...

Gab was euphoric because he was able to drive the horse all by himself...

 After an hour of trek driving, we reached Alomah’s Place. This farm is one of ATI’s learning sites that feature organic agriculture. But more than just an organic farm, it is also a tourist destination where guests can avail of its awesome outdoor adventure activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. To start with, Alomah’s Place has several horses which one can get some horse-back riding experience. These are not the usual small horses being rented in Baguio or Tagaytay, where the handler would asses a rider first if he or she is too heavy for the horse to carry. 

Catch fresh organically grown Tilapia at the pond...

Some of these vegetables are replanted on plastic pots which are for sale...

 These fine horses are actually much bigger and already won numerous awards in Horse Show competitions. The farm owner, Mr. Benjohn Mahistrado, is a skillful rider who allows daring guests to ride these fine horses with him along the steep valleys and along shallow river beds of in and around his farm. This definitely gives one the ranging cowboy experience. For some who wish to have a more relaxing and laid-back nature tripping, the fish pond is filled with organically grown tilapia, and one can enjoy catching them on a bamboo raft. These tilapia are fed with lettuces and duck weeds that make them healthy to eat.

Fresh Romaine Lettuce ready for harvest. The ones that didn't pass commercial quality are fed to the Tilapia...

Free-range chicken that are also organically grown...

 Moms will also have their share of adventures as they can experience harvesting lettuces, bell pepper and other vegetables which are grown free from chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. These vegetables are so fresh and safe to eat, one can tear a leaf from the plants and eat them where they’re planted. Alomah’s Place also feature different kinds of herbs such as 16 different types of mint! It was my first time to see and taste how a bubble gum mint and choco-mint taste like and they're quite amazing! In addition, the Tarragon, Spearmint and Stevia Tea is one of Alomah’s signature welcoming drinks which is very soothing and refreshing. And the preparation of these drinks is also very interesting.

Peppermint is just one of 16 varieties of mint

These are just among the 16 different kinds of mint herbs...

In a mug of hot water, put four to five leaves of Taragon, Spearmint and Stevia to make a soothing fresh herb tea...

 The accommodation of Alomah’s is another part that made this trip quite exciting. It features various types of sleeping styles, depending on the level of adventure one seeks. The farm offers Cabin / dorm types that accommodate  four to six people, outdoor tents that are securely pitched on the adjacent camping grounds and, of course, the “Tent-Floor”, which is located at the second floor of the Octagon Bamboo Pavilion. It’s for those who wish to experience sleeping inside the tent but under a bamboo roof. Gab and I braved to sleep in one of the tents outside to really feel the true camping experience; something that I really missed doing. At this time, the temperature was like 16 to 18 degrees Celsius with zero-visibility of fog all over the place. Yes, it’s cold because Dahilayan is situated 1,163 meters above sea level. It is almost as high as Baguio (1,500 meters).

Nipa Hut Cabins good for 4 to 6 people... 

Feel the true camping experience with their Tent accommodations...

Octagon Pavilion. The second floor holds the "Tent Floor"...

The Tent Floor offers five dome type tents Each tent can accommodate two persons comfortably...

 A few minutes from Alomah’s is the famous adventure park in Northern Mindanao which is the Dahilayan Adventure Park. During warm seasons, people from all over visit this adventure park that offers some of the best rides such as various types of ziplines from a novice 350 meter leisure lines, Flying Lizard Canopy glider, Python Roller Zipride to Asia’s longest dual Ziplines with its heart-pumping 850 meter length 100 meters above ground. There are more to experience in this park for a reasonable fee. However, accommodation rates may not be as friendly for some. That is why many who visit Dahilayan Adventure Park stay at Alomah’s Place where there are more affordable lodging rates.

Dahilayan Adventure Park's signature ride. Asia's longest Dual Zip line. (Photo credit: www.coconutinsider.com)

enjoy the rides or just relax with positive vibes being emitted by the vast pine tree forest in the park

But for people who prefer the “Farm adventure”, Alomah’s has more than enough to offer. Because it allows guests to be exposed to the beauty of organic farming. Mr. Benjohn, his wife Grace and son Diego are hands-on owners of the whole property. Many guests often mistaken them to be servants of the farm because they are the farmers themselves.

Alomah's Place is owned and managed by the Mahistrado family. Seated are Sir Benjohn, his son Diego and wife Grace...

For those who wish to visit Alomah’s Place and want to learn more about organic agriculture, you may reach Mr. Benjohn Mahistrado at 09177153560 or 09088972466. To learn more about other ATI organic agriculture learning sites, visit www.ati.da.gov.ph

A dream come true Camping trip for me... :)

Given a chance, I will definitely visit Aloma’s Place again, bring the whole family, and insist everyone to sleep in the tents.

TW Steel Maveric Collection

Whenever I attend watch events, I always feel like I’m living in a "fantasy world" where the items I'll need to blog about are something I only fantasize of having but will not, most likely, experience in real life. That's mainly because such products are too expensive for my budget and are thus categorized as luxuries I could not afford in the meantime. 

launching of Son of Time, TW Steel Maveric Collection...

Still, one reason a lot of people enjoy reading blogs and why bloggers enjoy writing them is because, it is a "personal take" or a story of an “experience”.  Actually, I find it easier to blog about outdoor adventures like barefoot running, mountain biking on trails, and visiting far flung areas up in the mountains because my experience is part of the subject matter where I live the story. 

with Tough Leather straps...

Thus, it’s quite difficult for me to blog about something, most especially if it’s a product review that is not experiential, because I need to squeeze my imagination and "feel" having an actual product. In a recent TW Steel Watch event, I only had a window of minutes to creatively pretend about the awesomeness of owning the newly-launched remarkable timepieces as I only got to wear them for a moment of photo opportunities and a couple of selfies. That’s the closest thing I could get to.

HOG Rider, Ms. Rizalina Keating with her Harley Davidson  modified Chopper Sportster Seventytwo 1200cc with an awesome 16inch Ape hanger handle bar...

For those who are following my blog for quite some time, you must have probably noticed that I have been to several TW Steel events in the past and I've done my very best to write good personal blog posts about them. If some of you found them less entertaining, I apologize. I'll try to write more creative and imaginative posts next time.

This one is a monster...

Last week, the launch of the TW Steel Maveric Collection, which is part of the Son of Time Project, was held at the Revel Club at Bonifacio Uptown Mall. Unlike other TW Steel events I attended before, this one was graced by people from HOGs or the Harley Davidson Owners Group, which made the day very interesting. Part of the program is an outdoor demonstration of these bikers and, of course, their remarkable Harley Davidson Bikes, sparkling in chromes and glittery flames paint job. The highlight of their demonstration is a short bike ride cruise of 20 HOG members around BGC. 

Shiny! :)

 The TW Steel Maveric Collection projects a thematic rough and rugged image which made the presence of the HOGs very fitting. This launch was also made special with the attendance of TW Steel founder, Mr. Jordy Cobelens himself. An avid biker in his home country the Netherlands, Jordy is also a big fan of Harley Davidson Motor Cycles. That is why in the HOGs cruising portion, Jordy took the liberty to join the gang for a quick Harley ride. 

Mr. Jordy Cobelens (middle) with the HOGs...

The hugely successful Son of Time Project brought together TW Steel Chief Designer Ton Cobelens with Amsterdam based custom motorcycle builder Roderick Seibert. The collaboration exploded with creativity, delivering a unique one-off custom motorcycle matched with a unique time piece, the Son of Time. The project created so much noise it was clear the market was ready for a full TW Steel collection to mix their bold attitude and big styling with a new take on the Sport Heritage world.

Another beautiful monster...

Inside the Revel Bar, where the main program took place, the complete set of the Maveric Collection was further highlighted with the watches’ features expounded by no less than Jordy with executives from Lucerne, the Philippine distributor of TW Steel watches. As a state courtesy, the ambassador of Netherlands Ms. Marion Derckx, was also present to give a short message on the good diplomatic relationship between the Netherlands and the Philippines. 

Jordy Cobelens, Lucern Group president Mr. Ivan Yao with Ambassador Derckx and the HOGs...

The TW Steel Maveric Collection is now available at TW Steel Boutiques located at Shangri-la Plaza, the Podium, Century Mall, SM Aura, SM North Edsa, SM Mega Mall and SM Makati, Lucerne Le Temps (Resorts World Manila), Chronos, Swiss Gear, Wristpod and Adora. 

Mr. Jordy Cobelens, Co-founder of TW Steel...

Shortly before the event ended, the organizers raffled off two TW Steel watches. Unfortunately, I've never had any luck winning in these kinds of raffles. So I just took a selfie with Jordy and hoped he could rub off some of his luck to me thereby getting me closer to my dream of owning a TW Steel watch someday ... preferably with a Harley Davidson bike attached to it.

GROHE Opens showroom in Makati City

Whenever I visit someone’s home, I always had the habit to check the bathroom and the kitchen. I’m always fascinated by these areas of the house most especially the parts with shinny and sparkling chromes. At home, as much as I wanted to keep it clean most of the time, the frequent use by “uncooperative” members of house makes it a little difficult. Nonetheless, that doesn’t stop me from dreaming to have a beautiful bathroom and kitchen someday, very much like the ones in design catalogues. 

Just the other week, I had the privilege of witnessing the launch of the newest show room of GROHE, the world’s leading producers of state-of-the-art sanitary fittings which offers the most complete line-up bathroom and kitchen products from a single source. The GROHE brands are manufactured by no less than the country of Germany, which is of course noted for quality and durability.

 
The show room is located at Designo Atlelier, 5th floor of Wilcon IT Hub along Pasong Tamo, Makati City. The event was attended by top GROHE distributors, architects, interior designers and real estate developers who are eying for a new look in their future projects. The launch features some of the brands latest models in kitchen and bathroom fixtures. 

Part of the tour of the show room, is a showcase of kitchen sinks that will make chefs and cooks drool for excitement. One model features a special control that allows you to mix cocktail drinks directly form the tap itself and another one also gives an instant hot water from the tap with just a twist of a knob. These exceptional kitchen sinks are equip with cutting edge technology only GROHE can offer. 

The tour highlighted the latest models of shower heads that regulate water flow. These designs were made not just for aesthetic purposes only but for maximizing the flow of water that allows to cover as much area of the body with less water consumption. It also offers special knobs and switches for various uses and effects. The bath tubs and Jacuzzis are also something you want yourself dip in to with their state of the art contour designs, making your personal bathing a very pleasurable one, each time.

After the tour, the guests were ushered to enjoy a sumptuous early dinner courtesy of Chef Jessie Catering services. A timely opportunity to give in to my gastronomical craving since I was not able to take my lunch early that day. Soon after the evening culminated by the superb talent rendered by no less than the world renowned Broadway star, Ms. Lea Salonga, with some theater favorites and Disney songs.