Have you been to a lettuce farm before?
It was the 4th weekend of May 2022 when our school decided to visit Alomah's Place in Dahilayan, Bukidnon, Philippines for benchmarking. Our Gulayan sa Paaralan (Vegetables in School) coordinator with the help of other teachers prepared the necessary steps for the benchmarking to be done. It was my first time visiting a lettuce farm, too and I was so excited.
Just a little background, I am a big fan of lettuce. I love to eat it, especially when there's mayonnaise on the side. I even love it when it's being placed on burgers, etc. I even thought of learning how to grow one so that I can just pick it in my backyard whenever I crave one.
As we were on our way to the place, we were so happy with the nature view that we passed by. It was good weather at that time so we were glad that the weather cooperate on our trip someway.
It took us around 15-20 minutes from our school to the venue. We realized that we were so near the place where we felt the cold breeze of the air. By the way, among the different places in our municipality which is Bukidnon, Dahilayan is one of the coldest places. I remember one time when we had camping in the place, the temperature went down to 12° celsius. I'm not used to it though so I find it so cold
Now we had arrived at the venue:
After the registration, I looked around and witnessed a wonderful view of nature. I love staring at the trees and even the calming view of the sky. It made me feel refreshed in some way.
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The first thing that we did on our benchmarking was attend the short orientation conducted by the daughter of the owner. She explained to us how the place started and how it went throughout the years. She also shared the struggles that they had been through and cultivated in our mind that farming is not always about blooms, there are also instances that it's tough.
After the seminar, we were given complimentary food which was the lettuces on their farm and also a tea that they made. I wasn't able to take some photos of them since it's being passed from one place to the other table.
We also took some photos with my workmates too after the short orientation and went outside for the next thing that we were going to do.
Groufie!
After the short orientation, the daughter of the owner took us outside and gave us a tour of the place. She showed us first the different herbal plants that they had in the area. She discussed what are the uses of it and how can they use it if the plants will grow. They are also selling those plants. I was not familiar with other plants so I'm glad I have witnessed the. while they are still on the pot such as the rosemary which I love the smell, eucalyptus, and other plants around.
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After the tour around the herbal plants, the daughter of the owner took us down the hill for the much-awaited experience which was the tour around the lettuce farm. I enjoyed walking where we witnessed another wonderful view of the different plants down there. And the trees around there also look so good that I find peace.
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I am so happy with the view that I have witnessed. Now, as we arrived at the lettuce farm, I enjoyed looking at them so much. The lettuce that was still not harvested looks so pleasing in the eyes. I enjoyed the time so much that I took some photos around the lettuces and I had a great time.
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Our tour never ended there as there was another lettuce farm on the upper side of the place and that's where we find the empty plot as the lettuces were already harvested. Aside from that, the remaining rejected lettuces were left as they will be fed to the vermicomposting worms.
After the tour towards the lettuce area, we climbed up the hill to go back to the main area. As we reached the place, I was so tired, but my tiredness vanished after chilling on their bamboo playground. My workmates also enjoyed the time there.
I could say that the benchmarking was all worth it. I enjoyed the view and I learned a lot as well. I even bought some lettuces and brought at home. My parents also enjoyed the lettuces that I brought.
By the way, as we went home that time, what's more, heartwarming was the thought that we were able to witness the wonderful sun as it was about to set.
A wonderful weekend indeed.
Disclaimer: All photos are my own.