In our agricultural venture, we have embarked on an exciting project of planting various kinds of bananas. We have dedicated different sections of our land to cultivate five distinct varieties: Lakatan, Latundan, Bulcan, Saba, and Morado. Each type of banana has its unique characteristics and benefits, making our selection diverse and valuable.
One of the crucial aspects of banana cultivation is understanding that these plants bear fruit only once a year. This means we need to plan our planting schedule carefully so that we can harvest bananas throughout the year. By staggering the planting of each variety, we can ensure a continuous supply of bananas, which is essential for our purposes.
Feeding Support for Animals
A significant part of our banana production will be used for feeding our pigs. Bananas are not only a nutritious food source for them, but they are also an efficient way to convert crops into meat. The bananas we plant can yield bunches that weigh between 20 to 30 kilograms, and when we sell them wholesale, the price ranges from 10 to 20 pesos per kilogram. This translates to an impressive income of about 200 to 300 pesos for each tree if we sell the bananas at wholesale prices.
However, our farm’s vision goes beyond just growing bananas for sale. We also value the conversion of vegetables into meat, seeing it as a practical and rewarding process. The market price for pork typically runs around 180 to 220 pesos per kilogram, which aligns well with our farming goals.
Please, send some TINDUK
Currently, the only variety missing from our banana selection is Tindak. Introducing this variety in the future could further enhance our production and provide additional benefits.
In conclusion, our banana planting project is designed to meet both our personal consumption needs and the dietary needs of our pigs. Through careful planning and planting of our selected varieties, we aim to create a sustainable source of food and income. With the right approach, our farm will thrive, and we will have a continuous supply of bananas throughout the year.
In the myriad complexities of agricultural landscapes, certain corners remain cloaked in mystique, offering a gateway to nature’s hidden treasures. One such location on our farm is the West Cliff Section—a rugged expanse that, until recently, had remained largely untouched and untraversed. As we embarked on the mission to cut back the towering Napier grass that had claimed our paths, we stumbled upon rich discoveries that not only delighted our senses but enriched our appreciation for the land that sustains us. This essay endeavors to delve into the experience of exploring the West Cliff, unravel the wonders we encountered, and reflect on the implications of these discoveries on our understanding of nature, agriculture, and even culture.
The West Cliff
The West Cliff is not the type of terrain one typically associates with an easily navigable farm. It is a wild tapestry woven with dense foliage, steep inclines, and curious wildlife. This enigmatic section, with its unkempt beauty and ruggedness, poses a challenge even to the most intrepid explorers among us. Nestled along the edge of our property, it is characterized by steep slopes that give way to craggy vistas overlooking the undulating fields below.
Our endeavor to clear a trail through the thick Napier grass was a journey imbued with both purpose and excitement. Napier grass, while beneficial as fodder for livestock, grows aggressively and can quickly overwhelm areas, rendering them inaccessible. Armed with machetes and a sense of adventure, we set forth to carve a pathway, curious about what lay hidden beneath the overgrown layers. It was during this process that we made an exhilarating discovery—a lone starapple tree, ancient and gnarled, standing like a sentinel amidst the wild.
The Star Apple Tree
The starapple tree, known in botanical terms as Chrysophyllum Cainito<, is a tropical marvel that has graced the landscapes of regions far and wide. Its glossy leaves and enigmatic fruits are a delight, both visually and gastronomically. Approaching the tree, we were greeted by a canopy that filtered sunlight, casting a serene glow over the area. The tree bore a multitude of fruits, each promising a burst of sweetness.
As we sampled the starapples, familiar to some but more elusive to others, the experience was nothing short of revelatory. The fruits, with their smooth, greenish skin, yielded to our touch, revealing a sweet flesh that was both watery and cool—an unexpected delight amidst our labor. In that moment, I found myself pondering how different this experience would be for those residing in Europe or North America, regions where starapples are all but absent from the cultural palate. The juxtaposition of our life here—a luscious embrace of nature’s bounty—against the more commercial agricultural practices elsewhere strikes me as a poignant reminder of the richness of biodiversity.
In our quest to explore deeper into the West Cliff, we chose a route that led us perilously close to a landslide area just north of what we refer to as the Devil’s Hole. This ominous name belies its nature; it is a man-made excavation reaching a daunting depth of thirty feet, created in an earlier effort to unearth soil for other farming projects. The drop is treacherous, and we issued reminders to one another—“don’t fall in there.” Unlike enjoying the inviting fruits of our discovery, this site carried an air of caution; contemplation of what could happen should someone lose their footing is uncomfortably vivid.
Our Dogs
Our dogs, loyal companions with their penchant for exploration, were irresistibly drawn to their own whims, darting into brush and underbrush, noses close to the ground in hunting for snakes. They embraced their instinctive nature with abandon, each quest an adventure. As we ventured alongside them, the dichotomy of excitement and trepidation filled the air; every rustle of grass might signal either a hidden marvel or an unexpected risk.
After hours of labor and exploration, we finally reached our destination: the North Meadow Section, a recent achievement of our agricultural ambitions. Just last week, we accompanied the spires of surrounding greenery with the new life of seventy-four coconut hybrids. These hybrids, bred for resilience and productivity, represent the culmination of our efforts to diversify and enrich the farm.
The imagination of the coconut palm crowns swaying softly in the breeze offers a palpable sense of accomplishment; it is an affirmation of our laborious journey through the West Cliff. Those trees, soon rooted firmly into the ground, symbolize not just future harvests but a deeper connection to the land—one nurtured through understanding and exploration. The cycle of planting, caring, and eventually harvesting underscores the interplay between humanity and nature, reinforcing our role as God’s stewards of this land.
The journey through the West Cliff Section has far deeper implications than merely expanding the physical boundaries of our farm. It forces us to confront the realities of agricultural practices in contemporary society. As urban areas encroach upon rural landscapes, traditional agricultural systems face myriad threats, from loss of biodiversity to unsustainable land use.
Each exploration of a previously uncharted part of our farm offers manifold lessons on the importance of preserving biodiversity. The serendipitous discovery of the starapple tree highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices that honor and integrate such natural wonders, ensuring their survival as our farming techniques evolve. In a world where monoculture predominates, promoting a polyculture approach—where various species coexist harmonously—holds profound significance for ecological balance.
In addition to the agricultural implications, the starapple’s presence connects us to the broader cultural narrative of an indigenous food system. Fruits like the starapple are more than gastronomical delights; they are parts of culinary history, woven into the fabric of regional cultures. Such fruits represent the bounty of our environment, foods often misunderstood outside their native contexts.
Contemplating the culinary landscape of North America and Europe, one is reminded of the myriad flavors that remain undiscovered by many. The advent of globalization has integrated numerous exotic items into mainstream cuisines; however, the starapple—an exquisite delight bursting with subtle sweetness—has yet to find its rightful place. Advocating for awareness around such fruits offers an opportunity to enrich culinary experiences and promote diverse dietary habits.
My exploration of the West Cliff Section of our farm transcended a mere cutting of grass; it was a journey of discovery, reflection, and an affirmation of the intricate web of life that characterizes agricultural landscapes. Through the serendipitous find of the starapple tree, we have bolstered our understanding of biodiversity and its significance in sustainable agricultural practices. The perils faced near the Devil’s Hole reminded us of our responsibilities as custodians of the land, while the North Meadow Section represents hope and potential for future growth.
Our experience compels us to look beyond our familiar terrain, urging us to acknowledge and embrace the hidden treasures lurking in the wilderness of our land. This journey stands as a testament to the interconnections between ecology, culture, and agriculture—an intricate dance that shapes our existence and influences the legacy we leave behind. As we continue to explore, cultivate, and engage with our environment, we open the door to endless possibilities for understanding and celebrating the bounty of nature. Expanding our comprehension of these perspectives could not only enhance our farm but potentially enrich societies that are still unfamiliar with the delectable offerings of tropical treasures like the starapple. In this ever-connected world, discovering and appreciating the diversity of fruits from afar might bring us closer, as we all savor the essence of our shared human experience through the lens of food.
The sun hung high in the sky, casting relentless rays on the North West Meadow Section where we gathered to embark on our ambitious project of planting 75 hybrid coconut trees. The terrain was undeniably challenging – a sloped landscape ending in an alluvial fan with troublesome water run-offs and potential landslide areas. This terrain creating an environment that demanded both resilience and teamwork.
As we stood at the edge of the cliff, mentally preparing ourselves for the task ahead, I couldn’t help but admire the lush surroundings; the beauty of nature never ceased to inspire me. However, as I looked at the steep drop, I knew we had our work cut out for us. With coconut seedlings hoisted on our shoulders, we carefully navigated the descent, each step requiring caution and balance. The heat was unyielding, with temperatures soaring to a blistering 35 degrees, but the challenge only fueled our determination.
Our first mission was to tackle the thick weeds that had laid claim to the land. Armed with herbicides, and shovels, and sheer willpower, we cleared the area where needed. The sweat was cascading down our brows and was proof of our labor. As the days went by, we laid out the designated spots for the coconuts, driving stakes into the ground to mark their future home. The excitement was palpable as we discussed our strategy: Furadan, salt, and fertilizer would act as the nurturing triad to ensure our coconut trees flourished in their new environment.
The preparation required meticulous attention to detail. We decided to dig the holes a little deeper than usual, anticipating the erosion that might accompany the impending rains. The thought of soil being swept away by runoff and laying bar our coconuts was a daunting prospect, so each hole was carved with care and precision. Once everything was in place, we transitioned to using the auger, drilling holes with determination and purpose. Finally, the moment came; one by one, we planted the coconuts, gently nestled in their new homes.
As the evening approached, dark clouds rolled in, promising relief from the relentless sun. I felt a wave of anticipation wash over the team as raindrops began to fall, nourishing the soil and our newly planted saplings. A day later, more rain came, greasing the wheels of nature’s cycle just as we hoped. With our first section complete, a sense of achievement enveloped us.
It is time to move on to the next chapter of our journey: The West Cliff Section awaited us. With the experience gained from our efforts in the North West Meadow Section, we will be better equipped for the challenges ahead. Each step we took not only drew us closer to our goal of planting hybrid coconut trees but also forged memories that would linger long after the coconuts began to flourish. Through hard work, collaboration, and a deep-rooted connection to the land, we would continue planting seeds of hope, literally and metaphorically, in the canvas of nature.
As we embarked on the journey of constructing our second flower tunnel, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Armed with 10 mm steel rods and bamboo, we began to shape our vision into reality. The strong steel rods provided a sturdy framework that intertwined seamlessly with the lightweight bamboo, lending an organic touch to the structure.
The sides of the tunnel were adorned with hamakan, encased in bamboo stripes, and halved bamboo tubes to cover the tops, a combination that not only offered durability but also exuded a rustic charm. At the bottom of the fence, we drilled holes to release standing waters. Mosquitos won’t get a breeding ground. The solid concrete footings, forms made of flower pots, anchors are drilled into the Panas, ensured that our creation would stand firm against the elements, providing a sanctuary for the vibrant life that would soon flourish within. Bamboo halves gracefully formed the roof, creating an airy canopy that would create a shadowy space with a cool breeze from the cliff while rain was draining to the northern side.
On one side of the tunnel, rose bushes—each a riot of color and fragrance—stood proudly, their delicate petals swaying gently with the breeze. Alongside them, two oil palms towered gracefully, their fronds casting delicate shadows on the earth below. The juxtaposition of vibrant roses with the grandeur of oil palms created a harmonious balance of beauty and elegance. And in between, we find a tropical evergreen, soon slick, slender, and tall, dominating as the towering princess of this stretch of the Flower Garden. The other side was festooned with decorative bananas, their lush foliage adding an exotic flair to the landscape. As the backdrop to our floral oasis, shadow-loving Alocasia, Caladium, and Giant Taro formed a verdant sanctuary, their large leaves unfurling like sails in the wind. This verdant backdrop not only complemented the floral display but also enriched the overall aesthetic, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of greenery and flowering hues.
Underfoot, the flooring comprised natural panas, affectionately known as sandstone, with meticulously laid panas tiling in strategic areas for practicality and visual interest. The warm tones of the sandstone naturally complemented the vibrant colors of the flowers, creating a cohesive and inviting space.
This second flower tunnel became a testament to our dedication and love for gardening, a place where nature could thrive, and beauty could be savored in the most exquisite forms. The combination of robust construction and lush, lively plants transformed the space into a dreamy retreat, offering a glimpse into the tranquility and joy that a well-tended garden can inspire.
Hey everyone! It’s been a wild week here on the farm, and I’m excited to share some updates about our feathered friends.
First up, the chicklets! Remember those adorable little guys we were raising? Well, they’ve finally got their own two walkout compartments! It was a long time coming, and we lost a few little ones to the harsh weather. Rain and wind, you’re no match for our chicklets now! We have 7 in total, 4 native chickens and 3 “monster chickens” (they’re just a bit bigger, haha!). They’re all safe and sound now, and I can’t wait to see them grow up.
Speaking of growth, our pabos have a new compartment too! Their mom wasn’t exactly the best at taking care of them, and we lost 8 little ones. We built a second compartment to give them some extra space and hopefully a little more protection. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that this new setup will help them thrive.
It’s been a lot of work, but it’s so rewarding to see our little flock growing and thriving. We’re taking it one week at a time, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for our feathered friends!
What do you think of our new compartments? Do you have any tips for raising chicks? Let me know in the comments!
