Experience Heaven in Earth: Garin Farm

         Why go to a farm, when you have all the city leisures??? From time to time, work, house, work is such an endless routine. That’s why some people get bored and sometimes leave workplace because of the wrong impression that they are bored of it… which may sometime true but not most of the time. As individual we need a time to self generate. Reflect and just be with the nature. As in individual, me myself also had that experiences but all started to change when I got to Garin Farm. A place for Agriculture, PILGRIMAGE, and LEISURE of course…I believe after reading this full blown content you would definitely tag your friends along and go for an adventure @ Garin Farm.

       Together with my colleagues in one summer day, we were invited to have a one day tour at  GARIN FARM, San Joaquin, Iloilo with a private vehicle from Pilar, Capiz. We hit the road at around 6:00 am, And reach Iloilo City by 9:00 o'clock. Our journey is actually just to climb the cross (literally). We reach San Joaquin town @ 10:30 and still need to travel for about 10-15 mins to reach the farm. 

        Garin Farm can be reach with 1 and half  ride from the city of Iloilo. It is the  last town in the south of the province of Iloilo. For commuters, you can ride a San Joaquin Jeepney at the Iloilo “Super” Market in the city proper or from Mohon Terminal, (fare would be probably around 50-60 pesos. Ask jeepney driver to drop you off the parking area for tricycles going to Garin Farm. The tricycle fare is usually Php10.00 per person unless you will rent it.

         For private transportation, from the city it is a 53.5km drive taking the Iloilo-Antique National Road. It will take you about 1 and half hour. There will be signage and billboards of directions along the highway going to Garin Farm to lead you.

Upon the The entrance.

Fee is Php150.00 per person. Just to set proper expectation, as people always says in order for us to reach Glory(Himaya) we must undergone struggles. So upon entering the entrance gate you will be welcomed by awful smells from the different animals likes chickens,ducks,goats,etc. You have been warned. If you cannot take it, try to smile, the biggest smile possible. Smiling suppresses gag reflex which will make you less nauseous. :) 

After a 10-15 minute walk along the pathway of struggling odor, you will be rewarded with the magnificent view of a 5,000 sq metre, beautifully designed, soothing to the eyes man made lagoon. On an elevated area, just above the lagoon, is Garin Farm’s swimming pool. There are cave-like cottages near the pool where you can leave your things.

If you plan to stay overnight, they have meticulously designed and landscaped glass-walled rooms with an astounding view of the ocean or the mountains – A spot where you can really feel that you are one with nature.

 So???listed here are tons of activities that you can try  in this 14 hectare inland resort. Look for it and Enjoy! Garin Farm.

For water activities, you can go kayaking or boat paddling with a partner in the lagoon. You can swim in their swimming pool with a man made falls. If you are up for a more challenging activity, you can try the 300 metre zipline across the lagoon. And if you want serenity and to reflect, you can climb 456 steps going up to the Divine Mercy Cross. I swear, it is going to be worth it. Not to mention the calories you will be losing along the way, the top most part promises another breathtaking view of the entire resort, the mountains at the back, and even the bell tower of San Joaquin’s Church from afar. On your way up, there are different life size statues of the different biblical scenes such as The Last Supper, The Agony in the Garden, The Crucifixion and Ascension of Jesus and a lot more.

Check out the Inland Resort Amenities and their Rates:(Rates may change)

Amenities: 
 Restaurant, Canteen, WiFi Access, Laundry Service, 24-Hour Security, 24-Hour Electricity

Entrance Fee: Php 150 per person

• Excluding children below 1 year old
• Senior Citizen discount is applicable to cardholders only
• Strictly no outside food and drinks allowed

Activities and Fees (Prior to change):

• Hilltop Swimming Pool – Php 80.00
• Hilltop Fishing: Php 30.00/kilo
• Billiards: Php 60.00/hour
• Hilltop Horseback Riding: Php 60.00
• Zipline (300 meters X 2)
• Sitting: Php 250.00
• Superman: Php 350.00
• Golf Cart (3 Pax ride)
• Entrance to Pavilion: Php 60.00
• Pavilion to Cross: Php 90.00
• Executive Conference Room (15-20 Pax): Php 2,500
• Hilltop Boating:
• Single Kayak: Php 40.00
• Double Kayak: Php 90.00
• Pedal Boat: Php 90.00 for 2 pax
• Rubber Boat: Php 120.00 for 4 pax; Php 240 for 8 pax
• All-Terrain Vehicle (20 minutes): Php 200.00

ROOM RATES:

Hilltop Family Room: Php 3,500.00
Hilltop Twin Room: Php 2,500.00
Hilltop Single Room: Php 1,500.00

• Fully Air-conditioned
• Extra Bed: Php 350 with breakfast; Php 200 without breakfast
• Available for Family & Twin Rooms only and limited to 2 extra beds.
• Check-in guests have complementary breakfast and free use of the hill top pool.

Tips in Visiting Garin Farm:

• Bring umbrellas or wide-brimmed hats, and wear sunblock to protect your skin from the rays of the sun, (especially if you visit at lunch time)
• Drink a lot of water before of while climbing the stairs going to the cross.
• Do not be in a hurry. Enjoy every moment, every spot of the farm. This is a vacation not a race.
• Stay safe.
• If you want to witness Ilonggo Heritage, visit their Church, just a 5 minute drive from Garin Farm, and the Camposanto which is part of their cemetery.

______________________________________________________________IT ENDS HERE!!!!