As I always say, “The best things in life are free”. It’s like drinking fresh water that comes from the spring. This free water that is use for rice fields by farmers and chills children’s bathe brought forth happiness as they wade in the free-flowing water. Only free from nature — fresh air, safe water, free vegetables, fruits and rice from the farm. What more can you ask for? On the other hand, what is luckier or shall I say, “happier” than to be born free with nature’s wealth? In reality, I could say yes, this is fortunate and more to be envied. 

When I was a child, I’m fascinated by the many lives and exciting things going on a farm. My grandparents were farmers, my parents met here and used to live in a small nipa hut called “Bahay Kubo” designed by our forefathers. They moved out when us their children were born. I grown up as a “probinsyana” province girl, far from the crowded cities, tall buildings and pollution. There the air is fresh and still more nourishing than those unhealthy air-conditioned room. The reason why I’ve always wanted to visit the farm.

More and more now as an adult, I think about what it means to live somewhere and truly understand where I’m gonna live. As I range over the mountainside above our farm, I wonder about the variety of lives we cared for, carabaos, horses, deers, cows, pigs, chickens, cats and dogs, some of which we made into pets. I felt their voices, eyes and ears announcing and welcoming my presence.

Standing with my cow as I scratch his head, sniffs and licking my hand to see if I am bringing treats.

This sentimental swamp place with forest, animals both domesticated and wild, plants, flowers, gardens was and has always been my dream. As I stood up and overlooked on a row of “Palay” rice plants in a field with chirping birds flying to the mountains up the sky, I could see a simple joy and a different feeling to a Filipino cultured family. I knew I would just wanted to live in a simple native house, work here and do everything I could never get bored. This is the place where I wanted to share plans for my future husband. A place that is up for something new to see and learn. A place that I called hard work, passion, obsession and ofcourse, LOVE.