LIFE ON THE FARM

The FARM

The farm, a beachfront property, is owned by the author's brother-in-law. It covers an area of less than 4 hectares and was acquired 9 years ago. Located along the old Catarman-Laoang service road in Barangay San Juan, Mondragon, Northern Samar, the farm features man-made ponds where Saint Peter fish and other freshwater and saltwater marine species are raised. Several farm animals are purchased and bred for breeding purposes. The farm is gradually being transformed into a small, homey resort - CS FARM and RESORT.

The man-made pond lies beyond the coconut trees,
 leading to the beach.

The author, dressed in a farmer's get-up - comfy
top and jeans, a cowboy hat, and rubber boots.

The author, enjoying the sight of a horse munching grass - so quiet, so peaceful - began to reflect on the idea of writing a blog about life on the farm. As she watched the animals and took in the surroundings, she started observing the activities around her, taking notes, snapping photos... and eventually created this blog.

Farm Life of Father and Son 

The father, a Marine Engineer, was born and raised on the farm but pursued his college education in the city. He worked abroad as a third engine officer until his retirement, which was caused by a heart attack while aboard an international cargo ship. Since then, he has settled on the farm. His son was born and raised in the city, completing both his elementary and secondary education there. He is now pursuing a degree in Business Administration at the state university in his father's home province.

The father's passions include gardening, fishing, farming, and watching boxing matches on DVDs, while his son's interests are exploring computers and playing volleyball and basketball. Despite their different generations and upbringings, these two individuals are united by a common goal: to live a quiet and simple life on the farm, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

After spending Christmas vacation on the farm, the
son and his cousin are heading back to the university.

Life on the farm means raising tilapia in the pond and caring for several farm animals, including ostriches, ducks, chickens, goats, pigs, horses, five dogs, and a pair of cats. The day usually begins at 5:00 in the morning with gathering and preparing feed, followed by feeding the animals. Breakfast is typically between 7:00 and 8:00 AM.

Feeding frenzy

Three "ladies" and a man

Following the leader....

Feeding time for the ducks...

It's bath time!

It's meeeeehhhh

Let's go kids!

Biggest birds on the farm - ostriches.

There...good boy...don't move!

During weekdays, the son attends classes at the university and heads home to the farm on Friday nights. He helps his father tend to the animals and the garden, or he runs errands. Sometimes, he drives to the provincial capital, about 44 kilometers from the farm, to pick up fresh supplies or pay bills. Meanwhile, the father checks his stocks, visits the vegetable garden, or simply goes fishing. After a long day of work, both take time to rest or enjoy some relaxation before heading to bed. Relaxation often means watching boxing matches on a DVD player, listening to music or news on a portable radio, or swimming in the pond or the sea.

The poor man's Olympic-sized swimming pool - 
the man-made pond.

The cousins, enjoying the sea and the sand, are making
the most of their time.

The cousins' playground...

Farm’s Daily Routine

 Aside from raising farm animals, the father, who has green thumbs, ensures that no part of the soil is left untilled. While planting may not always be fun, both he and his son enjoy the task - especially during harvest time. However, one doesn’t simply sow a seed or plant a seedling and leave it to grow on its own. After breakfast or before the sun is up, the father tends to his vegetable garde - pulling weeds, cultivating the soil, and watering the plants. He then returns to the house for lunch before heading back to the garden as the sun begins to set.

The man with a green thumb - everything he touches 
turns green.

Young watermelons. Rice stalks are laid on the ground to prevent
the  growth of wild grass and the infestation of bugs.

There are several varieties of banana plants on a
hectare of land.

The "blonde" 

Ready for harvest...

Green tomatoes...

Petchay

String beans...green and violet

 Self-Sufficient Farm

Self-sufficient organic produce is available throughout the year. Vegetables are planted and harvested during the summer, while rice is planted during the rainy season and harvested in the summer. Stocks of grains are stored and consumed until the next harvest. Fresh chicken, duck meat, and pork are available anytime. Fish and shellfish can be caught from the pond or the sea. On fine days, hubby heads to the sea to catch fish with his fishing hook or simply gathers shellfish.

A variety of ripe bananas and papayas are
harvested continuously from the garden.

Life on the farm may be simple, but there is electricity and running water - a luxury not every household can afford. Two young nephews stay with the father and son to help out with household chores. A part-time househelp, who comes to the farm two or three times a week, is hired to handle tasks like doing the laundry and cleaning the house. What more can the father and son ask for?

Two young nephews relax while watching movies on DVD
after a hard day's work on the farm.

One rainy afternoon, when everyone stayed home,
gadgets kept them entertained - laptops, netbooks,

tablets, and cell phones made the day.

They may feel lonely at times, but they always find ways to cope with it. The mother-author wishes she could join the father and son on the farm more often, but her work as an educator at a private school in the city doesn’t allow her to. She can only be with them during summer and Christmas vacations. Still, text messages and phone calls help make the distance feel a little shorter... :)