A Weekend Trip To Melba's Farm

Somebody asked me, upon learning that I’m into tour guiding, where in Negros is   Melba’s Farm. You see, she was amazed to see huge billboards of Melba’s Farm along EDSA. She thought the owner must be very rich to afford it. Or he could be the owner of that billboard too, I said. In this case, that is true since Mr. Alvin Carranza owns Melba’s Farm, which he named after his mother, and MacGraphics Carranz, an outdoor advertising company.

If you’re like this person who’s wondering where Melba’s Farm is located, let me walk you through it. It is located at Sitio Masanglad, Brgy. Cabatangan, Talisay City. It’s actually right at the boundary of Bacolod City and Talisay City. However, it is more accessible via a 2-km dirt road from Brgy. Alangilan, Bacolod City.

Our group from Negros Island Tourism Inc. (NITI) was invited by Mr. Carranza and though we were not able to meet him, his coordinator, Nicky Burgos eagerly accompanied us to their farm.

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It was my second time to visit the place. The first time, we hiked from Brgy. Alangilan up to Melba’s farm. The terrain of Alangilan is quite rugged. One moment you’re climbing a rolling hill, the next you’re going down several feet and get your feet wet in the stream. By the time we reached Melba’s Farm, we were all out of breath.

The second time was a breeze, Mr. Burgos met the group at Lopue’s East and drove us to Melba’s Farm. If you’re driving skill is not ready for the off road, never attempt to drive up to Melba’s Farm. Maneuvering on the rough road can be an adventure in itself and a 4-wheel drive vehicle would be the ideal choice. They can also arrange to pick you up for your convenience if you are staying overnight.

Located 600 meters above sea level, the first thing you’ll notice at Melba’s Farm is the cool breeze. Thanks to the different species of planted forest and fruit trees thrive together with the naturally-grown endemic trees in this 12-hectare property.

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Farm Administrator Raymond de Asis guided as to the different trees at the farm and we didn’t miss to have our pictures taken at the trees planted by the Miss Earth 2009 candidates. Then we hiked to “the tube”, a trail used to transport timber from the logging sites of ILCO during its heyday. This is a preferred trail by mountain biking enthusiasts since it will require a lot of skills to maneuver through the sloping trail.

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When you reach the clubhouse, you will surely appreciate the scenic view of Bacolod City. The buko juice that welcomed us was just what we needed after the hike. Imagine yourself sipping buko juice, enjoying the view of the city below and the cool gentle breeze touching your face, isn’t it bliss?

It’s a good thing that there’s still such a place within Bacolod City. Mr. Carranza’s conservationist principles are quite evident at Melba’s Farm. They use solar panels for power, they disallow the use of plastics and they use biodegradable materials.

The clubhouse is already equipped with phone, internet access, and a wide screen television which let you stay connected. There are currently two rooms which can accommodate guests. The Lauan room can accommodate 4-6 persons. This room is ideal for a family and has a deck with a nice view of the landscape below. Another room more ideal for couples is the Mahogany room located at the right side of the clubhouse. It has its own deck too, overlooking the organic greenhouse garden and the thick forest below. All the rooms and the bathrooms are quite spacious. Guests are free to use the infinity pool which is just big enough for a small group since management deliberately designed the place for intimate gatherings.

After inspecting the place, we are ready for lunch. Melba’s Farm has their own organic vegetable garden thus, the food they serve are not only fresh but also healthy. Lunch was prepared by Raymond’s wife Chinky. We had mixed tropical fruit platter for appetizer – Indian mango, pineapple and star fruit (galangan). All praises for Chinky’s cooking. She can turn a seemingly ordinary recipe into something really special. We had Camote Tops Salad, Carrot and Camote Okoy, Crispy Kangkong and Steamed Hainanese Chicken with Candied Ginger and Spicy Tamarind Sauce. The food will surely be one of the reasons to go back to Melba’s Farm.

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What’s the best thing to do after a sumptuous lunch? Siesta! It’s a pity we didn’t get to do that. We had to go back to our busy life at the city. But the good news is, we have our experience at Melba’s Farm to share to friends and family. And we’re sure they don’t need much convincing to visit Melba’s Farm.

How to get to Melba’s Farm

For first timers, the easiest way is to contact them and arrange for you to be picked up. For those already familiar with Alangilan, you’ll pass by Buro-Buro Farm in going to Melba’s Farm through a 2-km rough road but call the management first so that they can give you instructions. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is a must.

Suggested Side Trip

The Granada-Alangilan area is fast becoming an eco-tourism destination because of its cooler climate and fertile soil. Going to Melba’s Farm, there are several interesting sites we recommend you check out.

• USLS Granada Eco Park
• Bacolod Polo Club
• Buro-Buro Farm

More photos:

Some photos courtesy of Maricar Dabao of Viaje Negrense

If you’ve been to Melba’s Farm, please share with us your experience at the comments section. Please help guide our visitors by submitting your review.