It was a night of the “super blue blood moon”. A rare celestial phenomenon that last happened in 1982. We were in the midst of our Lakbay Norte 7 tour in Tarlac that time that I firmly requested we hurry to our accommodation that evening to catch the “super blue blood moon”. The Farmhouse by EDL was our host that evening and I was ecstatic when we arrived on time. We hurried to capture the moon spectacle and after that I couldn’t help but look down at the attractive setting we have that evening. Inviting pool, lovely warmly lit garden and my companions starting their full moon party at the bar.
The Farmhouse by EDL
Sitting on a 29-hectare farmland is a two-story boutique hotel with a pool, idyllic garden, a bar and kitchen serving farm-to-table goodness. Used to be a private family vacation house and a setting for religious retreats, the Farmhouse by EDL opened to the public last January 2017 as premiere farm tourism destination in Capas, Tarlac.
There are 16 rooms of varying sizes. Rooms looks compact, clean and incredibly simple. The cabinets, side table, TV and even the bathrooms were appropriately fitted for the space. It was just enough to move around comfortably. It reflects the simple life in a farm ridding of any excessiveness we don’t need.
I enjoyed the early morning tranquility by the garden and pool. Just sitting there with my quality brewed blend of coffee and watching the warm glow of the sun crawl slowly to illuminate the property. I could see several yellow breasted birds near the tall trees. In a whirl wind trip as Lakbay Norte, I bask in this morning of stillness and country vibe.
Experience Farm Life
The Farmhouse by EDL also organizes immersive tours at their farm. We were divided into groups so we could do the tour simultaneously visiting different sections of the farm. We rode a modified farm carriage pulled by either a water buffalo or a tractor. On our tour we visited the sections in order:
- Organic Garden. Rows of vegetables, herbal plants with snippets of wisdom on what they can do.
- Free Range Chicken and Eggs. Getting up close and personal with these healthy looking fowls.
- The Hatchery. Where eggs are stored and sorting balut and penoy. We also had a crash course on making red eggs.
- The Cattle Ranch. Met friendly and leaf-hungry cows. Some of us got to milk them. And nearby we learned about vermiculture and vermicompost using African Night Crawler worms.
- The Pig Pens. Oh those cute little native pigs. If only they don’t grow up.
For a city folk like me, this is a refreshing destination. It’s not often we see what goes behind the produce we consume on our tables. Having to stay, see and participate in a farm offers a deeper appreciation of the people who work here. A place where family and groups can have a unique getaway. Let the Farmhouse by EDL give you a nourishing experience for both your tummy and urban-weary souls.
The Farmhouse by EDL (Book Online)
Address: EDL Drive Sitio Nueve Barangay Dolores Capas Tarlac
Contact No.: 0917 709 6908 | (045) 206–3345
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Follow their Facebook page /thefarmhousebyEDL/ and Instagram @edlfarmtourism
The Farmhouse by EDL is 2.5 hours land travel from Manila and 30–40 minutes away from Clark International Airport.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
