Cruising in Cavite’s Centers for Fun | Motourismo

The DOT Calabarzon group led by its acting regional director, Marites T. Castro (center), 

Fuel prices are at an all-time high, making many motorists think twice before hitting the road for a quick out-of-town trip. The good news is, we don’t have to drive very far for a fun and unique countryside experience.

Motorists tend to gravitate to the all-too familiar Tagaytay for a taste of crisp mountain breeze, a meal with the family or perhaps an overnight stay and snuggle with the cool weather. But the City on the Ridge can be bursting at the seams at times, and getting a table and parking slot can really be a challenge.

Sonya's Garden in Alfonso, Cavite

The good thing is the upland towns of Cavite are viable, less crowded alternatives which can also give you the highland weather, but minus the view of Taal Volcano and Lake.

The Department of Tourism, as part of its continuing effort in the reboot of tourism in the Calabarzon region, is developing “Center for Fun” circuits in Cavite, which incorporates faith, food, farm and adventure destinations.

 

Bounty Harvest Farm in Indang

The initiative, which is part of the DOT’s national Tourism Recovery and Response Plan (TRRP), has also developed similar circuits for the provinces of Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

According to DOT Calabarzon acting regional director Marites Castro, the Center for Fun program streamlines development efforts in coordination with local governments and tourism stakeholders to ensure observance of Covid-19 safety protocols.

She said the DOT regional office and tour operators recently made a simulation tour of the proposed destinations in upland Cavite, most of which are farm- and nature-themed establishments which have dining, recreation and accommodation facilities.

Queen's Strawberry Farm

In Alfonso town near the Tagaytay Ridge are trailblazing pioneer farm tourism site Sonya’s Garden, and Queen’s Strawberry Farm which takes pride in its strawberry-themed restaurant and chic boutique lodging.

 

EMV Flower Farm in Indang

In nearby Indang town is the newly-opened EMV Flower Farm, a sprawling flower garden with pyramid log cabins, swimming pools and pavilion for special events; and Bounty Harvest Farm, where you can buy healthy agricultural produce, dine al fresco with Pinoy comfort food, or immerse in agrarian living by staying at the bahay kubo style cottages.

 

CvSU Agri Eco Tourism Farm in Indang

Also within the town is Cavite State University, an agriculture-oriented school which is tapping into countryside-themed educational tours through its Agri Eco Tourism Park.

Encounter a variety of fowls and farm animals up close and personal at Yoki’s Farm and Paradizoo, which are just minutes away from each other in Mendez.

Asiong Caviteno Restaurant in Silang

Bite into the rich culinary heritage at Asiong’s Caviteno Restaurant in Bucal, Silang for a taste of heirloom dishes which have been eclipsed by the province’s gentrification.

 

Shambala Silang

Shut yourself from the outside world at Shambala Silang, a garden yoga retreat, slow food dining outlet, and repository of indigenous and craft from all over the archipelago. Tucked in the town’s interior villages, it recreated the Banaue Rice Terraces with matching authentic Ifugao tribal huts where visitors can stay overnight.

Guests can also visit Cavite’s parish churches which have religious and historic significance, such as those in Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, Indang, Silang and Cavite City.

Castro said that the DOT Calabarzon program is highlighting the region’s rich culinary traditions in line with the thrust of new DOT Secretary Christina Frasco on food tourism and the development of alternative destinations.

 

Bounty Harvest Farm in Indang

For a consummate tour around the region, the DOT circuits can also offer the farm-to-table experience, the Green Corridor Initiatives, sports adventure such as scuba diving which is focused in Balayan Bay, Batangas.

The tourism agency also has a roster of accredited establishments to choose from to match it with their chosen destinations in Calabarzon. The list includes Luntiang Republika in Alfonso, Teofely's Farm and The Weekend Farmer in Silang, Terraverde Farm in Maragondon, and Farmer’s Table at Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay City.

Posted by: Arabelle Jimenez

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