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After a chocolatey-morning, we were set to have a lambanog (shot puno!)-afternoon.

We headed to Macalelon to visit the Mikastra Integrated Farm, a farm school specializing in Purong Lambanog and S**a sa Tuba. As one of the first farm schools in Quezon’s third district accredited by the Agricultural Training Institute and TESDA, it plays a vital role in enhancing local farmers’ skills and knowledge, contributing to livelihood opportunities in the community.

Macalelon dancers performed as the rain pours down, and we gulp down the shots of lambanog offered so happily during the Tagayan dance.

Department of Tourism Calabarzon Office
Mikastra Integrated Farm
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

Ang pag-ibig ay parang tsokolate. Madalas, pinagdadamot natin ito. Pero marerealize natin sa huli, na mas masarap ito pag may ka-share ka. Ayiiii ☺️

We went to the Four K Kakao Farm in Gumaca during the Agritourism fam tour earlier in August. We had the opportunity to witness the cacao production process behind 'Tangerine' chocolates, a locally-grown brand made from the cacao beans grown by the local farmers of the province.

Remember, the more bitter the chocolate, the healthier it is. Pero pag ikaw ang bitter, eyyy ka na lang lol

Department of Tourism Calabarzon Office
Gumaca Tourism
Four K Kakao Farm
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

Hindi ako mang-aagaw pero sa Gumaca, masaya pala dun pag binaba na yung araña (chandeliers) under the baluarte (fort). 😆

We ended the first day of the TARA NA SA QUEZON Campaign Launch 2024 in Gumaca where we got welcomed with a, say, teaser of their Arañat Baluarte Festival. Was beside Gumaca Mayor Webster Letargo that time shooting for photos when the chandelier went down and I just grabbed whatever I could in one hand. Turned out my grabby hand got 4 banana chips! Tame pa daw kami ng lagay na yun. 😅 Hoping to catch the actual festival and see how crazy fun it could go!

Governor’s Night was hosted at Hotel Angelina where we got served sumptuous food. The Adobong Pusit and the Ginataang (?) Crabs were da bomb. 🤤

Department of Tourism Calabarzon Office
Gumaca Tourism
Tourism Quezon Province
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

I don’t know about you but when I play a farm simulation game, I have specific zones for crops, trees, livestock, and even processing mills. Now, imagine my thought processes while I walk inside Habilin Farms in Tayabas, Quezon.

It is not your typical farm. Habilin goes beyond organic farming and levels up its sustainable living by following the permaculture* concept. Walking around, it just looks like an abundant forest with native Kubo or huts here and there. I’m about to go make chika more about this as I write this caption but I think it’s best left to my upcoming article. Stay tuned!

Btw, legit farm-to-table experience. I love how we used banana stems as plates! Such a unique experience.

Habilin Farms is also an accredited learning site for agriculture by the Agricultural Training Institute and it offers TESDA Scholarship Trainings on Agroentrepreneurship among others.

*Permaculture is a way of designing gardens, farms, and communities to be sustainable, environmentally friendly, and in harmony with nature.

Department of Tourism Calabarzon Office
Tayabas City Tourism
Habilin Farms
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

Di ako lumaki sa farm pero nakabisita ako sa ilan sa mga the best farms na makikita sa probinsya ng Quezon!

First stop was the Lukong Valley Farm in Dolores. With the view of Mt. Banahaw and Mt. San Cristobal in the background, you get to join a fun guided tour where you can check out its dragon fruit plantation and a variety of farm chicken.

Personally love the lei given to us, a plain scarf in a variety of colors you can choose from with a pin button of Dolores. Right off the bat, I restyled it into a head accessory. Such versatility! The parade of colors did not stop with the scarves, we were also treated to a lively and colorful performance by the Dolores Niyugyugan and Tiaong Street Dancers. ❤️🇵🇭

Department of Tourism Calabarzon Office
Dolores Tourism: Faith and Wellness Tourist Zone
Lukong Valley Farm
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

What’s a vacation without souvenirs? Visit the Pasalubong Center at the Municipal Hall of General Nakar in Brgy. Anoling. If you want to shop further with a cause, drop by the Healer’s Choice, Inc. (HCI) just a 3-minute walk from the Pasalubong Center. HCI is an association that empowers mothers through livelihood programs and community development initiatives. Thank you to Program Director Ms. Edna Ruzol and all the staff of HCI for the very warm welcome, hane!






Tourism Office-General Nakar, Quezon
General Nakar, Quezon

🎶𝘉𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘺 𝘬𝘶𝘣𝘰, 𝘬𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪… 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘪-𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘪…🎶
Attending the formal opening of General Nakar’s Agri-Tourism Fair made me sing a song in my head as I browsed (and tasted!) the town’s local offerings.

As part of its 75th founding anniversary, all the barangays showcased their finest agricultural products, delicacies, and handicrafts in nipa hut booths during the fair held on 23 July 2024. Locals and guests enjoyed free tastings and had the opportunity to purchase the best of General Nakar’s bountiful products.

2nd & last photos 📸 The Beauty of the Philippines lodi






Tourism Office-General Nakar, Quezon
General Nakar, Quezon

Glitz and glam filled the night! Closing out the first day of General Nakar’s 75th Founding Anniversary, we watched the hardworking men and women of the local government shine on the red carpet during the Gala Night at the Sports Complex in Barangay Poblacion.






Tourism Office-General Nakar, Quezon
General Nakar, Quezon

Imagine being welcomed with gentle smiles, open arms, and offering a tagay of lambanog so smoothly in a dance. Mapapa bottoms up ka talaga - kahit anong oras pa yan!

The Tagayan Dance I saw performed here in General Nakar made me feel the warmth, jovial, and hospitable nature of Nakarins. Now, imagine deals being made, the feeling of witnessing a courting, or simply just a bonding session happening over the tagayan circle. It’s way too different from the inuman sessions I know of in Manila, that’s for sure.

Last slide 📸 The Beauty of the Philippines






Tourism Office-General Nakar, Quezon
General Nakar, Quezon
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

opening program featured a wreath-laying ceremony honoring General Guillermo Peñamente Nakar at the Municipal Grounds on 21 July 2024.

Gen. Nakar was one of the first commanders of the Philippine guerrilla movement against the Japanese forces during World War II before he was executed in 1943.






Tourism Office-General Nakar, Quezon
General Nakar, Quezon
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines