landslide - Jessie's Sunshine Farm

Coconuts Our Mindanao

Exploring a new Trail at the West Cliff

March 27, 2025October 30, 2025 by admin

West Cliff Section

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. We have not yet traversed. As we embarked on the mission to cut back the towering Napier grass. It had claimed our paths. We stumbled upon rich discoveries. Not only delighted they 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.

Starapple Tree

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. In contrast, 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.

Undiscovered Fruits

Contemplating the culinary landscape of North America and Europe, one is reminded of the myriad flavors that remain undiscovered by many. Hence, 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. Therefore it could promote diverse dietary habits.

Cutting Grass and Trail

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 of the Devils Hole

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. Indeed, urging us to acknowledge and embrace the hidden treasures lurking in the wilderness of our land. All overall, 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.

Our Mindanao

A Tale of Big Landslide and Strong Flooding

February 25, 2025October 30, 2025 by admin

A Tale of a Landslide, Floods, and Grass That’s Out to Get You Ah, nature!

The ultimate interior designer, always ready to throw a surprise party with a side of chaos. Picture this: a quaint little creek, minding its own business, suddenly decides to channel its inner Niagara Falls. Cue the landslide and flood damage! It’s like Mother Nature looked at our peaceful pathway and said, “Boring! Let’s wash it away!” The Great Flood of the Small Creek Our beloved creek, once a gentle trickle, transformed into a raging river faster than you can say “waterlogged.” If you’re looking for a scenic detour, you’ve found it! Just be careful not to take a wrong step—unless you fancy a swim in the muddy abyss or enjoy a fall into the pit of hell, which is 30 feet deep and dark. There will be no escape from that tomb.

Grass That’s Gone Rogue

And let’s not forget the grass! Oh, the grass! It’s grown to a staggering 6 meters tall—that’s taller than your average giraffe! It’s as if the grass decided to audition for a role in a jungle movie. Who knew that a little rain could turn our farm into a scene from “Jumanji”? If you’re looking for a new hiding spot, this grass is the perfect camouflage. Just don’t forget to bring a map and bolo; you might get lost in there!

The Great Green Wall

You thought you were entering a lush paradise, but surprise! It’s more like a botanical version of a lost in the desert. Every step forward feels like a battle against a wall of leaves that seems to have a personal vendetta against you.

Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos

So, what’s the takeaway from this delightful disaster? Nature has a sense of humor, and sometimes it likes to remind us who’s really in charge. Whether it’s a washed-out pathway or grass that’s plotting to take over the world, let’s embrace the chaos and enjoy the wild ride. After all, who needs a perfectly manicured lawn when you can have a rainforest right outside your door, when God is in charge?

Stay tuned for more adventures in the great outdoors—where every day is a new episode of “Survivor: Farm Edition”! 🌿

Bananas Our Mindanao

Great Discover of three more Banana Varieties

February 23, 2025October 30, 2025 by admin

Six Varieties of Banana — and Counting!

So, we’re basically living in a jungle now. The grass is growing wild and proud. I swear it’s 20 feet tall. I expect a giraffe to peek over the fence. Consequently, we stay alerted. Any day now and ask to share our bananas. And honestly, it could, because this place has become a banana paradise!

More Bananas

We’ve discovered six different varieties of banana trees thriving on the farm, each with its own flavor, color, and personality. From the sweet and creamy Lakatan, the hardworking Cardaba (perfect for banana chips and kinilaw), to the dainty Senorita and the hearty Tindok, in our collection still missing. But it will expand faster than we can count. The farm looks like a living banana museum — green, lush, and endlessly fruitful.

We’re also experimenting with new plantings, trying to see which varieties thrive best under the shade of our coconut trees. The intercropping setup makes everything look like a tropical food forest — bananas, coconuts, and fruit trees all living in perfect harmony. Each plant contributes something to the ecosystem: shade, mulch, or food for pollinators. It’s a beautiful reminder that nature works best when everything works together.

Snakes in the Grass (and Other Adventures)

Speaking of together, our team has basically become a family of jungle explorers. Every day feels like an adventure. We climb trees like Spiderman to harvest buko — young coconuts fresh from the tree — and it’s quickly become our favorite farm fuel. Cold, sweet, and hydrating, it’s basically nature’s version of an energy drink.

And then, of course, there are the snakes. Let’s just say we’re not as enthusiastic about them. But the funny thing is, our noisy farm life — with all the laughter, tractors, and barking dogs — seems to keep them away. Apparently, even snakes prefer peace and quiet. They’ve retreated into the tall grass, leaving us to our bananas and buko bliss.

Life in the Jungle Farm

Every corner of the farm is buzzing with new life — banana suckers sprouting, coconuts blooming, and birds singing like they’re on the payroll. There’s mud, sunshine, and laughter everywhere. Some days we’re pruning trees, other days we’re wrestling with weeds taller than we are. But every day feels like progress — like we’re building something living, wild, and wonderful.

Stay Tuned

So stay tuned for more stories from our jungle paradise! We’ll be sharing more updates, a few banana puns (we promise we’re just getting started), and maybe even a tale or two about close encounters with nature — preferably from a safe distance!

Until then, remember: life on the farm is bananas — and we wouldn’t have it any other way. 🍌🌴

Jessie's Sunshine Farm

Tag: landslide