I actually missed writing here since it has been part of my routine, and I missed talking a lot with you. I missed you, just like I miss home. So as for today, I'll be sharing more of our life in the province. I want to give you guys a glimpse of our farm. Yes, we do have a farm in the province, which we just had this year, and it's all of our parents' sweat and hard work. Now, this blog also serves as an appreciation post for my parents, who have been so hardworking always in all ways, and I just want to share with you how amazing they are by sharing all these to you guys.
Initially, my parents didn't actually have full knowledge of how to do farming at all. They just learned from the experienced ones. It all started when my father stopped working in the city as a company driver due to some reasons and decided to have a farm instead of going to faraway places.
This picture was taken last week during our visit to the farm with my father and my sister. During that long break from work and school, we accompanied our parents everyday whenever they went to check on the carabao and the farm.
In this modern time, it is already common for farmers to have tractors plow the fields. But here in our place, corn farmers are still practicing the traditional way of plowing the farm by using "carabao", a water buffalo used by Filipinos. Carabao is the national animal of the Philippines, which has actually been very significant in Philippine culture because it has been an essential being in people's subsistence since before, when farming was the primary source of livelihood.
This carabao is actually not ours. It belongs to my uncle, my father's younger brother, who used to own a farm. However, my father took over the farm and initiated taking care of the carabao since my uncle has to work in the city. My father has already learned and is still continuously learning how to plow. He has been asking for guidance from his older sister's husband, basically my uncle, who is a farmer, for so long.
MY PARENTS' FARM
There has never been an easy way to farm. You may not know it, but I am one of those teenagers who still help harvest corn up until today. My mother loves it, so do I. Though there was food on the table already, that is not what we rely on. It's the thought that there's no need to buy rice in the market because we already have corn.
It is really very beneficial, particularly in these expensive times for both rice and corn. In this way, we could save money. Although it is exhausting, it is enjoyable, especially when done with cousins and neighbors. We've been practicing it up since then, which is probably why I've become so accustomed to it. With the sun's heat, I don't mind at all. In all honesty, I don't care, I'm happy that my parents would be pleased if harvest time arrived, and I came home from the city. We consider it to be a family tradition.
As of now, crops are still young and not ready to harvest. It takes more time. I'm proud and happy that my parents will soon reap the reason behind all their tears and sweats in the farm. I am forever thankful and blessed to have them.
Now, there are some young corns that are already good to eat when boiled or grilled. My parents had some last week for us, and they were the sweetest, indeed. My parents always melt my heart and make me cry silently in gratefulness. More than that, I know some here are already familiar with boiled and grilled young corns, but for those who don't know yet, here's how it looks like.
Boiled Corn
Grilled Corn
In Cebuano, we call this "anagon," which comes from the word "anag," which means grill. We grilled the corn on the farm, and the plant that we took it from has been given to the carabao. We eat the corn, and he eats the leaves.
We also have bananas, moringa leaves, malabar spinach, and peanuts on the farm. It's indeed abundant there. It's too expensive in the marketplace but free in the province if you plant, because you will actually reap what you sow.
Moreover, we also have this little hut on the farm, which was made from bamboo trees. My father and his brothers built that one as a resting place.
SCENERY ON THE FARM
This is what you could see on the farm. A place where you could definitely feel the therapeutic embrace of nature. Stay tuned for more exciting stories and vistas I'll be sharing with you soon.
Overall, this photo concludes this blog. Salute to all loving parents out there and to those who stand as parents for their siblings. You are all appreciated and recognized. You've been our constant inspiration in life. No matter what, we will always look up to you. Thanks for your selflessness and sacrifices.
Kudos to all farmers around the world who have been the constant providers of everyone's food, especially rice, corn, fruits, and vegetables. May you all have more harvests and a prosperous life.
Lastly, thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog, my dear Hivers. I value your unwavering support always. See you all around!