Farmplate

by Nikka Marie Barbudo

In the middle of 2018, it was just recently formally opened to the public. The aesthetics are everything for the family-owned business. Consider spending a few hours resting at a farm, away from the rush and bustle of city life. Or set up a tent in a quiet and secure place and simply enjoy the view of the Mayon Volcano while sipping on fresh coconut juice. Kids may have fun in the playground, ride the carabao, or simply cycle around the farm. It is a great way to appreciate the outdoors while also relaxing. This is not your average tourist attraction farm; it is called Albay’s version of Farmville and another first in the province of Albay. It is located in Gabawan, Daraga, Albay, just a few kilometers from the Daraga town center, and is an ideal area to unwind, rest, and commune with nature. It includes a large space with social media-worthy scenery such as a barn house, a playground, picnic spots, a vegetable tunnel & plantation, a little resto, a bonfire area, and more. FarmPlate would never go ignored with aesthetics being the vogue among Instagram users. Finally, FarmPlate has opened its doors to visitors, who can enjoy a variety of outdoor sports like as bicycling, ATV riding (they only have one ATV at the moment, and even carabao riding. Local children are available to teach tourists how to fly kites. Guests are also allowed to bring food and have a picnic while seeing the Mayon Volcano, if you don’t have any packed snacks or plans to have a picnic, there are a variety of restaurants by locals within the farm that you will definitely like. FarmPlate is also available to overnight guests, they offer camping areas near the lake where tents may be rented; sure, the location has a lake or on a barn house that has 12 comfortable mattresses with cozy blankets and sets of overnight necessities. They may even build a bonfire to round off the camping experience.

First and foremost, the Farmville-inspired farm and barn house were built not as a tourist attraction, but for the primary purpose of farming and storage. It started when an unusual number of people asked whether they may photograph the place in a short period of time. That’s when the owner realized the property has a lot of tourist potential. Even though FarmPlate is still in the works and has just recently opened, people are already enjoying it and connected with nature. The farm is open seven days a week, beginning at 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, till 9 p.m. from Friday to Sunday, with entry costs of 50 pesos for children under the age of 12 and 75pesos for adults. And the Mondays through Thursdays are free visits for seniors. The fee includes unlimited entry to the large farm, as well as the use of bikes, picnic mats, open cottages, and the playground. You may also try your hand at kite flying for free and join your friends for a free campfire. This location provides a welcome escape from the hectic city life, as it is only a few minutes’ walk from the busy Daraga main corridor. Farm Plate has been recognized by the Department of Tourism, which means it is officially considered a tourist destination in Daraga Albay.