Farming has always been my family’s bread and butter—not just our livelihood, but our legacy. The photo above shows my husband’s sayote farm in the beautiful mountain town of Atok, Benguet, nestled in the northern highlands of the Philippines. The cool air, rolling hills, and morning fog make this place feel almost magical, and it’s here where our hopes quietly take root.
Every vine that grows on this farm carries a story of hard work, faith, and love. Sayote (also chayote) may seem like an ordinary vegetable to many, but to us, it’s a symbol of perseverance. From planting the seedlings to patiently waiting four to six months for harvest, each stage requires care and dedication. There are days when the work feels endless—hauling compost, fixing trellises, checking for pests—but the sight of the green vines climbing higher each day makes it all worthwhile.
This season, we’re especially grateful. There has been no typhoon so far—something every farmer in the Cordillera prays for. The sayote vines are strong and healthy, their tender leaves glistening with morning dew. When I see my husband tending the plants with quiet determination, I can’t help but feel proud. Behind every healthy crop is a story of patience and unseen effort.
Farming teaches us more than just how to grow food—it teaches us resilience. It reminds us that growth takes time, that every season has its purpose, and that blessings often come after long days of waiting and working.
When harvest time comes, and we finally see the fruits hanging from the vines, there’s a feeling that words can’t quite describe. It’s more than joy—it’s gratitude. Gratitude for the land, for the weather, for strength, and for the simple miracle of seeing life grow from soil and care.
This farm may just be a patch of green in the mountains, but to our family, it’s a place of hope. A reminder that no matter how uncertain life can be, when we nurture something with love and faith, it will always find a way to flourish.