Not the cow’s moo nor the cock’s cocorico but the horse’s neigh that thrills children and parents to visit the Mejares Fun Farm. Every time people hear the horse’s sound, they rush to the streets to watch in glee at the passing equine star. This new tourist attraction is located in Lianga, Surigao del Sur – a two-hour ride southeast of Butuan City. Tourists keep coming back here because of the Kalesa – a horse-drawn carriage which was the mode of transportation for nobles during the Spanish time. Nowadays, Kalesas can only be found in Vigan, Laoag, Manila and Iligan. But in Lianga, Kalesas are now frequently seen roaming its streets. Thanks to the Mejares Fun Farm for offering this old-style vehicle at a very reasonable price. The windy ride is relaxing, fuel-free and environment-friendly. A perfect escape from the hustle and bustle life of the city and a reminiscent of our Spanish colonial past.

Arlinda Mejares-Galarroza, owner of the 14-hectare Mejares Fun Farm, was always determined and enthusiastic in developing her farm into a unique and adventure-filled tourism site. “Ang uban naay zip-line ug Carabao ride, so nakahuna-huna pud kog Kalesa kay wala pa kaayo ni sa Caraga. Timing pud kay pag adto nako sa Iligan naay nagbaligya sa akoa ug kabayo. So nipalit kog duha. Usa ka puti ug usa ka brown. Gipahimuan nako ug karomata ug sapatos. Karon mao na ni ang usa sa kalingawan dinhi sa mga bisita.” (Some have zip-line and Carabao ride, so I thought of a Kalesa since we don’t have this in Caraga. It was timely because when I went to Iligan City somebody offered me to buy his horse. So I bought two. One white and the other brown. I made carriages and bought horseshoes. Now, it has become a popular entertainment for our visitors).

In the farm, fun doesn’t stop on the Kalesas per se. For the adventuresome, they can try climbing the treacherous rock formations, trek the steep slopes of nearby hills or explore the bat-filled underground cave. For the animal lovers, they may opt to feed the birds, fish, pigs, ducks and other animals in the farm. For the vegetarians and fruit lovers, they may want to pick bitter gourd, okra, cucumber, spinach, stringed-beans, watermelon, banana, papaya, among others. They can buy and bring it at home or eat it at the farm’s restaurant where short orders and other sumptuous menu items are also offered. For food lovers, Arlinda would definitely recommend her crispy “Rock Dynamite”, a chili pepper with cheese fillings rolled in lumpia wrapper. Expect it to be very spicy, so better order as well a glass of cold and honey-sweetened lemon juice, just in case. For visitors who are health conscious, they need not worry. Everything served here is organically grown. “Wala gyud mi ga-spray diri ug chemicals. Tanan natural gyud. Mao ni akong natun-an niadtong nikuha ko ug NC II sa organic” (We never used chemical sprays here. Everything is natural. This is what I learned when I took the NC II on organic [agriculture]) Arlinda laughs. She explains that she uses a mixture of coconut wine, beer and sugar as her home-made natural fertilizer. In addition, natural wastes from her aquaponic system also serve as nutrients to her plants.

Opened only last January 2018, the Mejares Fun Farm is already a favorite place for weddings, birthday parties, field trips, family outings and team building activities. It has a training hall with wifi connection and a dormitory which can house up to 17 people. Tents are also available for those who wish to camp nearby.

A month after its opening, the Mejares Fun Farm was certified by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as a Learning Site. Then in May 2018, the farm was accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a farm tourism site. It should be noted that this is just the second farm in Caraga region that was ever awarded with such distinction from DOT.

“Mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa ATI kay sila gyud ang nitabang ug nigiya sa ako kay wala man gyud koy hinanawan sa farming.” (I’m very thankful to ATI because they were the ones who helped and guided me since I don’t know much about farming). Arlinda is referring to the farm and business advisories given to her by the agency in addition to the construction materials she received for her swine house that was worth P 100,000.

Arlinda, who used to be into buy-and-sell business, believes that through strong will, hardwork and support from the government, it is always possible for a farmer to be successful in farming. She says one should not stop from dreaming big just like her who still has a lot of plans for her farm.

Currently, documents for the expansion of her catering services and farm school application are in the works. In addition, Christian devotees are expected to visit here during Holy Week because Arinda’s Stations of the Cross are near completion. Furthermore, once she gets the funding support from other agencies, she will construct additional dormitory, souvenir center, orchidarium and swimming pool as added attraction in her farm.

Don’t wait for all these features to materialize though. It is still advisable to visit the farm the soonest possible. Reason: Entrance is still free at Mejares Fun Farm. At least for now. Soon, when all the planned attractions are in place and functional, Arlinda might ask for an entrance fee in the future.

If you wish to visit, the farm is located in Brgy. Banahao, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. For reservations you can call 0938 255 1587 or drop a line in their facebook page by searching Mejares Fun Farm & Restaurant.