GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan

GK Enchanted Farm is the second phase of GK2024 wherein the communities built by Gawad Kalinga are now formed into centers of social innovation. They are developing a system that can train global entrepreneurs who will produce global products that will sustain chosen communities and lift their social statuses to middle-class citizens. Once a field of kugon, the land was transformed and is slowly making itself known to the public as a learning hub for social entrepreneurs. I remember Tito Tony saying that he wants to train only the best because they are the ones who can conceptualize and manage competitive global brands that is up to par with western products. His theory proves effective with the products developed and being produced in the farm including Golden Eggs, Bayani Brew, Café de Sug, their artisan chocolates etc. Those volunteers come from our top universities, as well as other foreign students who too come from some of the best universities of their respective countries. He says that a lot of prominent French families send their children here to train and know what it’s like to toil for a cause. Usually, when he gives lectures abroad and students speak of ideas he invites them to the farm. Apparently he has grown tired of words and want actions done to prove a point. True enough, I saw a lot of young foreign people staying in the farm. He says part of his plan is improving our gene pool in the hopes that these people find their life partners in our country. Imagine our future generations living in a farm and looking like hunky models!? That I gotta see!

Their pretty cafe made out of bamboo and recycled materials.

Tito Tony giving us some souvenirs.

Known by many as the idealist founder of Gawad Kalinga, and known by his volunteers as a strict disciplinarian when it comes to work, we call him Tito Tony Meloto. He loves speaking of his ideals as much as he loves working hard and making it happen. Another observation, he loves the idea of making foreign nationals work for the Filipino people. He says we've worked hard enough for them, it’s about time we become their bosses. I truly believe that our colonial mentality is causing us be great employees, yet it is also due to that fact that most of us remain as employees the rest of our lives. He says we have the resources, we provide the raw materials of other countries’ products and buy it from them ten folds. We must cut off ourselves as being their suppliers and instead be the entrepreneurs who sell the final product to earn those ten-folds. He repeatedly mentioned that he owned none of the land nor does he have the funds for the projects yet he has managed to create communities worth millions. He has the gift of gab and knows it well enough to inspire people to make aware that they have a responsibility to uplift this nation. 

Called as the bamboo palace, it's a nice place to chill in.

Located near the entrance, it's a pretty sight to see.

Those round lights are made out of recycled plastic cups.

The activity area for those big groups.

The ability to dream is innate, but to make it happen is something worth aspiring for. Several years ago Tito Tony Meloto had a vision of ending poverty in the Philippines by 2024. It was a statement ridiculed by many, yet his vision has caused a world-wide movement of involving rich and poor to coexist in making it happen. Those people who once raised their brows now shut up and want in on the movement simply because they are incompetent of dreaming big when it comes to social responsibility. His strategy is simple: get everyone involved in uplifting those who don’t have much, use the knowledge and funds of the rich to create shelter and livelihood for the poor, educate the ignorant about social responsibility, create a system that is sustainable, and staying out of politics. Plain and simple, yet the impact it brought to this nation and those involved in it was life-changing of sort.

The dining area where volunteers hang out.

Another new hall under construction.

Lots and lots of lemongrass are planted in the farm.

The best part about seeing something raw is being able to draw a comparison upon its completion. Tito Tony toured us around the area since dad texted him that we’ll be coming over last week. We were more than happy to be lectured and be toured by the prime visionary no less. It was more of a private tour since it was just our family and three other Negrenses who heard of the place and also know Tito Tony. That’s one perk of growing up in the province, everyone has a common friend or relative one way or another. Basically, you say your family name, where you live, and suddenly it rings a bell. Anyway, the farm is not yet done because the project is huge. Tito Tony said it started with just a donation of two hectares, then fourteen, now it’s thirty-six hectares, and he’s still waiting for the neighboring lands to be donated for expansion. He said it’s a Php400M project but everything is donated. He knows people, by that I mean prominent people in their respective industries, and these people manage to make the farm turn into something beautiful. He says if you get number one man/woman, number two and number three will follow accordingly. There are a lot of structures being built at the moment including an infinity pool, an auditorium, bed and breakfasts, and a lot of dorm-type cottages to accommodate the droves of people coming in. Since the place is in the works right now it’s supposedly not open to the public, but it will be after a formal inauguration…but don’t worry they won’t throw you out when you do decide to drop by. 

Basil that has slight tangy-minty taste growing in some areas.

A vast rice field. It wasn't ready for harvest when we got there.

It’s a good place to breathe in some fresh air since it’s something they are working hard on, to minimize carbon emission by planting as much pollution-absorbing plants as they can. Having a zero carbon footprint is the goal. You will find a lot of greens here, mostly local plants, including those that they use for their products such as the pandan and lemongrass. The facilities are clean and well made, so even conyo people can appreciate the beauty of the countryside…considering that it’s not that far from the metro. There’s a lot of rice paddies that stretches for several hectares. With the volunteers’ help, they also plant a lot of bamboos and fruit bearing trees including coffee. Some big companies like Nestle, Selecta, Shell, and schools like Ateneo, La Salle and Assumption come here to do volunteer work. Tito Tony says there’s a plot allotted for Selecta to grow their ube and the profit is shared should the time come. I think it’s a great idea to maximize the use of the land…and to think there are more similar projects to be undertaken in some parts of the country. 

A sleeping piggy. She was quite lonely in her pen.

Another sleeping cutie. A tiny tiny puppy!

Probably a donated windmill.

Since the people living here have livelihoods and the volunteers are well educated individuals, you will notice that they are very warm and welcoming. It’s nice to converse with them…and you will also notice a lot of them are from Negros. So it’s a definite must for Ilonggos, especially those who miss the provincial life. They have food available for lunch wherein the ingredients are also harvested from the farm. I heard the owner of Sonia’s Garden in Tagaytay also came here to share some knowledge about growing flowers. 

I think mom paid Php200.00 per head for our lunch. It was a buffet-style which includes a soup, a main entrée, rice, vegetables, and fruits for dessert. The taste was very homey and actually felt right with the farm atmosphere. There’s also an area for washing and a clean toilet available. They sell their products around the entrance area with the souvenir shop at close proximity to the parking lot. 

It’s a good place to stock up on products as it’s obviously cheaper than the ones you will find available in the metro. I remember seeing Bayani Brew at Slice costing Php85.00 while it only costs Php35.00 here. The Salted Duck Eggs costs Php250.00 a dozen, the coffee costs Php250.00 as well. There were a lot of unavailable produce when we got there though. They say their office in Commonwealth has the complete stock of items including Human Nature products. They should consider expanding their outlets soon.

Future projects include the raising of Peking ducks and mushrooms...and a whole lot more! 

Anyway, I highly recommend everyone to take a time off and go see the GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan. It’s free.

Tito Tony discussing future projects of the Enchanted Farm.

One of the many cottages built for lodging.

Some of the products being sold.

Cute plushies made by the residents.

GK Enchanted Farm can be found in Brgy. Encanto in Bulacan.