There are places that simply let you admire the scenery. Then there are places that quietly change the way you look at life. Peñalosa Farms in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, belongs to the latter.
What began as an ordinary morning drive from Bacolod City soon turned into one of the most eye-opening farm tourism experiences I have ever had. Together with five fellow online media partners of the 9th Negros Organic Farmers Festival, I joined a farm tour sponsored by Peñalosa Farms, Fresh Start Organic Farm, the Negros Occidental Tourism Center, and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.
Little did I know that this visit would nourish not only my appetite but also my mind.
A Storybook Welcome
As our vehicle cruised along the highway toward Victorias City, someone pointed to our destination. From a distance, the building looked unlike anything I had ever seen. It was intriguing, almost mysterious.
The moment we passed through the bright red gate, the landscape transformed before our eyes. Towering steel frames carried layers upon layers of vegetables and herbs, while climbing plants dressed the surrounding walls. Every corner seemed alive with greenery.
Then the farmhouse finally revealed itself.
Instead of a conventional home, it looked like something straight out of a fairy tale. The lower portion appeared compact, the middle widened gracefully, and a charming tower crowned the roof. Up close, however, familiar Filipino elements emerged. Capiz shell sliding windows, beautifully carved wooden details, and native craftsmanship gave the house its distinct character. It felt like a delightful fusion of a traditional bahay na bato and a tribal mountain hut from Northern Luzon.
Even before stepping inside, the property already embodied what farm tourism should be: a place where architecture, agriculture, and culture exist in perfect harmony.
A Cup of Wellness
Vegetable beds stretched across the front yard while vertical gardens flourished on nearby steel structures. Everywhere I looked, edible plants replaced ornamental landscaping.
Inside the house, we received our welcome drink. It’s a steaming cup of five-leaf herbal tea made from pandan, tanglad (lemongrass), taheebo, gotu kola, and gynura leaves, finished with spearmint and calamansi.
One sip immediately set the tone for the day.
It wasn’t just tea. It was an invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature, and embrace healthier living. Right then, I sensed that this would be no ordinary farm visit.
Learning from an Agripreneur
Soon, Quezon-born Ramon Peñalosa Jr. joined us.
Rather than rushing into a tour, he invited everyone to sit down for an engaging conversation. For hours, he shared his thoughts about Philippine agriculture, the realities farmers face today, and the opportunities waiting for aspiring agripreneurs.
More importantly, he explained the principles that guide Peñalosa Farms.
He advocates transforming farmers into entrepreneurs, replacing conventional farming with organic practices, promoting integrated farming systems with zero waste, and introducing these ideas through farm tourism. His vision goes beyond producing healthy food. He wants people to experience sustainable farming firsthand and realize that agriculture can also become a profitable business.
What impressed me even more was the way he delivered every lesson, with humor, sincerity, and contagious enthusiasm.
A Farm Adventure Begins
After our orientation, Mr. Peñalosa divided us into two teams.
Our group received a unique assignment: identify different plant species around the 4,000-square-meter micro-model farm based on their uses and functions. It sounded simple enough, but it quickly became an exciting treasure hunt.
Before sending us off, however, he introduced us to two more fascinating stops.
First came the multipurpose hall, where soothing Filipino folk music played in the background. Then we crossed over to Café Organic.
Café Organic: Freshness on Every Plate
The café seemed to float peacefully above a pond teeming with fish, creating one of the most relaxing dining spaces on the property.
Waiting for us was Grace Peñalosa, Ramon’s wife, with an assortment of healthy snacks. We enjoyed a fresh vegetable salad paired with either red onion vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing, followed by suman topped with sweet mango bits and caramel sauce. Our colorful drink, naturally dyed with blue flowers, immediately caught everyone’s attention.
Curiosity soon turned into delight.
The first bite of the salad erased every expectation I had. Words like interesting quickly gave way to delicious, fresh, vibrant, and absolutely satisfying. Every ingredient tasted as though it had just been harvested moments earlier.
As we ate, Grace generously shared the family’s philosophy of stewardship, sustainability, and faith. She even spoke about the Bible verses that continue to inspire how they manage both their business and their farm.
It was refreshing to see that Peñalosa Farms cultivates not only crops but also values.
Discovering Nature’s Hidden Treasures
Our guide, Intal, then led us around the farm.
Her knowledge amazed me. Almost every few steps, she introduced another plant and explained its medicinal, culinary, or agricultural value. Many of them were surprisingly familiar, plants I had seen growing in our own backyard for years, but I had never understood their remarkable uses.
Thanks to Manang Intal, every corner of the farm became an outdoor classroom.
Once we completed our assignment, we continued exploring the piggery and poultry houses. Unlike many livestock facilities, these areas were remarkably clean and almost odor-free. The integrated farming system ensured that nothing went to waste while maintaining healthy conditions for both animals and crops.
It became clear that sustainability here wasn’t simply a slogan. It was a daily practice.
A Home That Welcomes Everyone
After touring the grounds, we finally explored the farmhouse itself.
Several guest accommodations occupied the upper floors, including twin rooms and dormitory-style quarters. Altogether, the property can host around 60 overnight guests, making it an ideal venue for educational tours, retreats, seminars, and immersive farm tourism experiences.
Naturally, I couldn’t resist climbing all the way to the top.
After ascending several flights of stairs, I reached the tower. There, a breathtaking 360-degree view unfolded before me. Vegetable gardens stretched in every direction, colorful windmills danced with the breeze, and the peaceful countryside surrounded the entire property.
Beside the viewing deck sat a tiny chapel, a quiet sanctuary perfect for prayer and meditation.
As the cool wind brushed across my face, I found myself wishing I could stay much longer.
More Than a Farm Visit
Some destinations entertain you for a day. Others leave you with lessons that stay for years.
Peñalosa Farms belongs to the second kind.
Beyond its fresh organic produce, beautiful architecture, and delicious farm-to-table meals lies something far more valuable: inspiration. The farm proves that agriculture can be sustainable, profitable, and deeply meaningful when combined with innovation, education, and purpose.
If you’re looking for a memorable farm tourism destination in Negros Occidental, this is one place that deserves a spot on your itinerary. Come with an open mind, explore every corner, ask plenty of questions, and leave inspired.
Who knows? Like me, you may find yourself dreaming of returning, not only to spend a night at the farm but perhaps to begin your own agripreneurial journey.
A Final Surprise
Before leaving, Mr. Peñalosa shared one final insight that caught everyone’s attention.
According to him, a well-planned integrated organic farm has the potential to generate seven to eight figures in annual net income per hectare. More importantly, he emphasized that success does not happen overnight. It requires the right mindset, continuous learning, disciplined management, and a genuine passion for sustainable agriculture.
That final lesson perfectly captured the spirit of Peñalosa Farms. Here, farm tourism is more than sightseeing. It is an invitation to reimagine what farming can become and to discover opportunities growing right beneath our feet.
Leave a Reply