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Soaking Up
Filipino Culture
"Pogi"
is a true charmer. But
then what would you expect from a pampered water buffalo with a
Filipino name that means "handsome"?
More
than a mere house pet, however, this lumbering mammoth is a faithful,
wet nose work horse' greeting all who arrive at a secluded, working
coconut plantation two hours and 84 km south of Manila in
agriculturally-rich Quezon Province.
The
proximity to the capital and ease of access makes Villa Escudero a
choice destination for foreign and local visitors wanting a real rural
break far from the often overwhelming city scene.
An
800 hectare coconut plantation is an unlikely setting for a resort so
to avoid picturing Villa Escudero as a five star hideaway with every
possible convenience perhaps it would be more appropriate to describe
it as a comfortable family style country retreat.
Nearly
60 years ago the Escudero family established their now highly
prosperous and well-managed plantation.
Still in operation today, it encompasses a self-contained
community of 300 families; some of them are third generation tenants.
About
15 years ago the Escudero developed 20 hectares of the plantation as a
country resort with a difference.
One
of these is that arriving guests after being suitably greeted by Pogi
and guitar strumming singers are taken on a tour in an old carabao
cart pulled by the lovable beast of burden.
Another
difference is that when the tour ends guests are asked to take off
their socks and shoes in preparation for lunch.
The
mid day buffet lunch consists of a few western favourites but you'll
also see some tempting native specialities.
It's here that you may well first taste lechon, suckling pig
served with a thick sauce, halo halo, a desert of crushed ice mixed
with coloured sweets and fruits and covered with evaporated milk or
drink a fruity refresher made from the juice of lemon-like calamansi.
Regardless
of what you choose lunch will definitely be a wet affair as the bamboo
tables and chairs you'll use are sunk in the cooling waters that
cascade from nearby Labasia Falls.
Travel
tired visitors can linger on after the meal soaking up the tranquility
of the bird song rich rural setting, go rafting on or
swimming in the manmade lake behind the falls, return to their
river-sited, bamboo-enhanced and ultra quiet rooms if they've opted
for more than a daytrip from the capital or visit - a museum with a
difference.
While
the philosophy behind the vast collection of the Escudero Family
Museum tends to emphasise quantity rather than organisation there is
sure to be something to interest everyone. Even children are certain to be amused.
There
are costumes worn during the inauguration of each and every Filipino
president and precious religious icons like a 'Virgin weeping diamond
tears' plus valued statues dressed in gold-embroidered robes.
A
selection of Filipino wildlife specimens dot the barn-like museum
which boasts of a fine collection of Chinese porcelain, some of which
was unearthed when the foundations were laid for a nearby tennis
court.
More
contemporary are relics of World War 2 and bathtubs!
To
round out a 'typical’ day down on the farm departing
guests are serenaded by costumed musicians as they bid farewell to a
handsome water buffalo.
20 February 2001
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