As it entered its tenth year, the #NLEXLakbayNorte continued to promote more tourist destinations in Northern Luzon. However, due to the global pandemic, the usual five to six-day caravan across several provinces was curtailed to a shorter trip focusing on just one province. This writer of Nomadic Experiences was recently invited to participate in the two-day familiarization tour of Nueva Ecija. Following IATF-enforced safety protocols, we explored other must-visit places in the province known as the “rice granary of the Philippines”.
Lakbay Norte Highpoints Must-See Places in Nueva Ecija
Nueva Ecija was more than endless rice fields; this landlocked province wanted to let travelers know about stunning natural spots, relaxing wellness resorts, thriving farm tourism, and rich culinary culture. To give you more reasons why Nueva Ecija should be considered more than just a pit-stop en route to places like Baler in Aurora, here were the interesting places we visited during our two-day visit.
Colosboa Hills in Cuyapo
Situated on the rolling slopes of Cuyapo, Colosboa Hills was every bit of a gift to every outdoor enthusiast. In addition to the camping grounds spread over the ten-hectare nature park, there was a three-kilometer bike trail that included downhill and uphill trails for both beginner and intermediate mountain bikers.
Seasoned biker Edrie Ocampo, who was hired by the tourism office as a consultant to design the biking track, said, "We designed a trail that will not only test the skills, endurance, and stamina of bikers but also give them the opportunity to enjoy the majestic view.” He also shared with us the plan of the local government to stage off-road biking competitions in Colosboa once the trails were finalized.
The picturesque scenery of Colosboa shall provide every "Tambiker" a reason to sharpen their uphill and downward biking skills while surrounded by a beautiful sight of Mt. Bangkay and Mt. Bulaylay.
A variety of trees were also being planted in the park. Cuyapo Tourism Officer Joan Mendoza said the LGU planted trees like the Palawan Cherry, Banaba, Fire tree, and Yellow tree.
After several rounds of negotiating the steep biking trails, you might be hungry. Fortunately, Tambayan ni Berto was a nipa-hut restaurant where you could enjoy delicious Boodle dishes perfect for a group of bikers and friends.
Argamosa Farm Resort
Those seeking a relaxing weekend to enjoy both nature and wellness could stay at this farm, which was bursting with beautiful corners such as gardens, ponds, rice fields, and cottages inspired by Balinese architecture.
Ruddy Argamosa originally envisioned his five-acre property as a family vacation spot but later turned it into a farm-wellness resort. Located in Paitan Sur, guests could either stay overnight or take a day trip and enjoy farm-to-table meals.
Additionally, their sumptuous servings not only included fresh fruits and vegetables, it also consisted of livestock produce. As Mr. Argamosa said, “We harvest and catch it, our guests eat it”.
“Right now, we have a lot of occupancy next year booked by tourists coming from Europe,” Argamosa said, pointing to the vast appeal of wellness and nature-friendly resorts, particularly of Argamosa Farm Resort, to foreigners in search of a tranquil environment.
Highland Bali Villas
In spite of the popularity of "Bali" as a branding word for many resorts in the Philippines, you could not deny how Balinese architecture had inspired resort owners and developers to create properties that elevated style and a grounding atmosphere.
One such example was this high-end resort in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, which served as a perfect getaway for a long-deserved family holiday or an anniversary wellness-and-chill session with your special someone.
Aside from the comfort-lavished rooms and great food served in the restaurant and poolside bar, the resort featured a couple of outdoor pools, world-class spa services, and an amazing view of the Sierra Madre and the Pantabangan lake.
Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm
Nestled on the slopes of the Sierra Madre mountains and overlooking the calm waters of Pantabangan lake were a set of cabins that gorgeously blended with the surrounding nature.
Constructed on the vast farmland of Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm, these hilltop cabins dished breathtaking outdoor views and a country vibe stamped with mother nature's serenity. Part agricultural and farm tourism site, guests could enjoy a much-needed Zen-and-chill experience while regaling at the spectacular landscape in between spreads of healthy farm-to-table meals.
At that time, there were six cabins of varying layouts but sharing the ambiance of a calm bucolic lifestyle, and a main farmhouse called Matahum. Each cottage was named from different words taken from Tagalog, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon languages, such as Amihan, Hiraya, Bahaghari, Maharlika, Malipayon, and Marahuyo.
In the cabins' interiors, there were mostly wooden materials, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and nipa thatched roofs. Other features included a private bath, a loft, and a veranda that led to the majestic views of the mountains and the lake.
Myriad Farm
Accredited as a Learning Site for Agriculture by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in 2019, and as a Farmers Field School (FFS) by TESDA in 2020, Myriad Farms—located in Brgy. Triala in Guimba—conducted training for both local farmers and visitors wanting to learn basic and advanced farming methods.
Activities on the farm included: Harvest-and-pay of seasonal fruits and vegetables, carabao-riding experiences, farm demos, and mini-lectures on how to make jam, fruit vinegar, and tomato sauce, and the processing of meat such as pork tocino and garlic longanisa, as well as vermiculture and compost making.
Myriad Farms also conducted agricultural training on rice production and organic farming methods for livestock, vegetable, and fruit produce.
Pantabangan Dam
If you were on the lookout for jogging and biking trails, then the route passing through the span of Pantabangan Dam should be on top of your list of places to see in Nueva Ecija.
Overlooking the waters of Pantabangan Lake (a tributary of the Pampanga River), the dam was an earth-fill embankment dam since the spot where the water flowed was once an old town. Because rainwaters from the Sierra Madre always flooded the town, the Philippine Congress passed a law authorizing the development of the Pampanga Basin in 1969. Soon, the old town was replaced by a dam reservoir.
Natividad Farmhouse
Located in Brgy. Casongsong in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, this farmhouse was another ideal place to enjoy a secluded stay. Offering only a few rooms—all of which were spacious, comfortable, and furnished with complete features, one could expect a socially-distanced vacation communing with nature and the farm's countless roaming, adorable sheep and goats.
At nighttime, enjoying a sit-in by a bonfire or gazing at the starry-filled skies was common. Other activities included swimming and heaps of Zen and chill time.
Forest Garden
Unlike the controversial Dolomite Beach, this patch of property situated on a hilltop in Brgy. Malbang, Pantabangan, was good for one's mental health. Why wouldn't it be? It had amazing nature scenery and fascinating wooden structures millennials would describe as "Hashtag for the Gram".
A small cafe was also located on the property, so you could pick a comfy spot at one of Forest Garden's art installation creations and enjoy a cup of coffee while regaling at the impressive view of the Sierra Madre.
Hapag Vicenticos
Already a culinary landmark fronting Cabanatuan city's Freedom Park, this restaurant served all-time favorite Filipino cuisine inside a charming fusion of a traditional heritage house and "bahay na bato" setting.
Gorging on a family-reunion type of feast at Hapag Vicentico's meant ordering some of their bestsellers like the crispy pata kare-kare, deep-fried hito, adobong baby pusit, tortang talong, and more.
Cabanatuan’s Freedom Park
A walking tour through the Freedom Park of Cabanatuan was not complete without learning something about the city’s history. For newbies in the city, it was advisable to hire a tour guide—specifically the one being groomed by the tourism office to become the city’s Carlos Celdran: Jayson Rabino.
During our brief walking tour, he obliged us with a history lecture and some anecdotes about the city's Freedom Park and its adjacent historical sites.
It was great to see that historical learning was being combined with tourism promotion in many parts of the country. Travelers were therefore advised to hire the services of these historians who had been trained by a growing number of tourism offices in their local areas. Why only travel for the 'Gram, when you could travel and learn as well? Plus, you could also help these chroniclers of our past earn additional income.
