ILOILO -- Traveling to Western Visayas for the recent Iloilo Food Circuit and Heritage Tour 2.0, our Manila-based media group found itself headed to J’Maire Farm.
Nestled in the rolling mountains of Lambunao, Iloilo — affectionately known as the Baguio City of the province for its cool and refreshing climate — this thriving 2.7-hectare agritourism destination is much more than just a picturesque getaway; it is a celebration of holistic wellness, sustainability, and the vibrant beauty of rural living.
Originally conceived during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as a family sanctuary to ensure food security, J’Maire Farm has blossomed into a public haven managed by a dedicated family whose names proudly begin with the letter “J,” combined with their cousin "Maire."
Today, it stands as a shining example of sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism. The farm boasts a lush landscape of diverse flora, fruit-bearing trees, and organic vegetable gardens that invite visitors to deepen their appreciation for the richness of the earth.
Strolling through the grounds, guests are charmed by free-roaming farm animals and the serene presence of fishponds stocked with tilapia and pantat (hito or catfish), where visitors can even try their hand at fishing. Interestingly, the dining hall cum live entertainment area is perched atop the fish pond which makes guests feel like they're dining at a floating restaurant.
Our group was billeted at Villa 2 which has all the amenities of a plush hotel or AirBnb. It gave us the much needed rest and sleep complete with forest bathing.
But the heart of J’Maire Farm’s philosophy is its commitment to a genuine farm-to-table lifestyle. Promoting health and holistic wellness, the resort serves up freshly prepared local delicacies crafted directly from the livestock raised and vegetables harvested right on-site.
I’ve been to Iloilo many times and I thought I’ve already tasted the best dishes of the UNESCO Gastronomy Capital has to offer: pancit molo, batchoy, pantat, kansi, KBL, laswa, and many more. I was wrong. J’Maire served us the best lunch ever: chicken tinola with mongo and ubod ng puso ng saging, ensaladang langka, inasal na pantat (hito), fried freshly harvested tilapia, pata tim, and crispy kangkong. At dinner, we were treated to another house specialty: pato tim! Thank you Chef Jonel and farm supervisor Jiai Mae for the gustatory delight and nourishment.
Beyond offering a restorative retreat for tourists and a versatile venue for milestone celebrations, J’Maire Farm plays a vital role in the local community. By championing rural living and agritourism, the farm creates meaningful employment opportunities for residents in the countryside, helping to uplift the local economy while preserving the natural landscape.
Livestock roam the farm
Invest in farm communities
The Philippines has long been blessed with geography that should naturally secure its economic and nutritional independence. With millions of hectares of fertile arable land, rich coastal waters, and a climate ideal for diverse agriculture, the nation possesses all the raw ingredients for rural prosperity. To truly unlock the nation's potential, the Philippine government and private sector must aggressively pivot toward investing heavily in its farming communities.
True agricultural development means pouring capital into vital infrastructure such as farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, and cold-chain storage to drastically reduce the staggering amount of food waste that occurs before crops even reach urban markets.
Furthermore, investing in farm communities entails empowering agricultural workers with modern technology, climate-resilient crop varieties, and accessible credit facilities that liberate them from exploitative loan systems. By integrating digital literacy and sustainable farming techniques into rural areas, we can also attract a younger, tech-savvy generation back to the fields, ensuring the future of Philippine agriculture.
Guests paddle through the fishpond. Handout
Knowing all these, one of the farm owners and currently farm manager Jojo Bornales said his group is determined to keep up and develop J’Maire to make it truly a model farm for sustainability and relaxation while also coping with modern technology.
Indeed, for weary city dwellers and busy professionals yearning to escape the relentless hustle of urban life, a escape to countryside farm will surely offer the ultimate sanctuary of peace, fresh air, and tranquility.
So, if you are looking to breathe in the crisp mountain air, enjoy wholesome organic meals, or simply slow down and reconnect with nature, a countryside community like J’Maire Farm welcomes you to experience the heartwarming and healing rhythm in this side of the Philippines.
To learn more about the sustainable farming community, send an email to: jmairefarm@email.com.
Manila-based media reps with the staff of J'Maire Farm