Historic and old Nueva Ecija is a tourist gem waiting to be discovered and to take its place among popular recreational destinations north of Metro Manila when the country’s tourism sector wakes from its pandemic slumber.
For those who have barely ventured out of the metropolis in the past 20 months, they may be pleasantly surprised that Nueva Ecija has become an even shorter ride through the expanding North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) system. The anticipation of what Nueva Ecija now has to offer families and groups of friends tired of lockdown is definitely uplifting, even tasty, as they drive through green fields and open spaces on their way.
Quiet and peaceful atmosphere at The Natividad Farmhouse.
Atty Province Tourism Officer. Jomar San Pedro said Nueva Ecija anticipated the birth of a more dynamic tourism sector. Last year the province launched its “Nueva Ecija, Never Ending” campaign in the hope that tourism will finally pick up momentum once health protocols are relaxed.
Nlex’s Lakbay Norte campaign recommends Cuyapo as the first city to visit in Nueva Ecija. The breathtaking 10 acre Colosboa Hills await you there. This tourist attraction opened in 2019, but before it really got going, the pandemic struck and made Colosboa Hills an almost exclusive playground for the locals. Now it welcomes mountain bikers and nature lovers from all over the world with its 3-kilometer circular route for advanced cyclists. The local government plans to create more trails for beginners and advanced riders and organize events once the city opens to tourists. Future plans also include a giant swing, giant spider web, and zip line.
Nearby is Argamosa Farm, a stunning 5 acre property that promises to be any plant lover’s dream destination. There is beautiful flora in its extensive, lush gardens with paths leading to different groups. Each pocket garden has its own pavilion with different themes. The pavilions and guest villas on the farm are built with natural materials to better protect guests from the heat. The owners of the farm rely on the farm-to-table concept and the food they serve is organically grown. They also source products from local smallholders to give back to the community.
Two hours from the metro via Nlex-SCTEx is Guimba’s quiet Natividad Farmhouse. Despite the proximity to a main road, the farm welcomes its guests with its calm, peaceful atmosphere. On a wet day, a relaxing swim or lounge by the pool can be just the thing. Children can play and romp in the manicured, tree-lined field while sheep graze nearby. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and cook it. You can also camp at night and make a campfire.
Cycling enthusiast Edrie Ocampo on the Colosboa Hills Intermediate Bike Trail. A picturesque cabin in Farmridge near Desmond with 360 degree views of the Pantabangan Dam and the Sierra Madre and Caraballo mountain ranges.
Also in Guimba, Myriad Farms is perfect for those looking for a more rustic and authentic rural experience. It is an accredited learning center for agriculture as well as a Farmer Field School and an agri-tourism camp. It offers visitors a real glimpse into rural life, especially for those who want themselves filthy, filthy and ultimately fulfilled. Here, guests experience firsthand rice production, organic farming and various aspects of food production.
Myriad, Natividad, Argamosa, and even Colosboa Hills are just examples of what San Pedro describes as the Nueva Ecija farm-run tourism initiative that capitalizes on the province’s reputation as a Filipino rice grain plant. San Pedro adds that agrotourism has been a growing concept in recent years and believes Filipinos are very willing to learn and appreciate the country’s granaries. The introduction of agriculture as a tourism concept for younger generations is about to start, he says.
But Nueva Ecija is not all about agriculture and gentle trails. A comparatively large province bounded by the Sierra Madre, Caraballo and Cordillera mountain ranges in the east, north and north-west.
The Forest Garden Resort is nestled in Pantabangan and overlooks the Sierra Madre mountain range. Forest Garden offers viewing platforms with art installations for Instagram-worthy shots. For guests who want to stay the night, the resort offers bohemian-style tents. Some mornings, guests wake up with a sea of clouds under their perch.
The nearby Farmridge by Desmond Farm overlooks Lake Pantabangan and is framed by panoramic views of the Sierra Madre. Quaint huts on a hill made of natural materials and huge glass windows welcome the outside world. Guests can also sit on the outdoor terrace or laze around the pool while enjoying the mesmerizing view. Farmridge is representative of the many and varied arrows in the whole Nueva Ecija Tourism quiver. You can take part in chocolate making at the farm’s cocoa plantation, just a short drive away.
Surrounded by a landlocked land, Nueva Ecija tourism officials took stock of what their beloved province has to offer tourists. The country’s grain of rice offers rural serenity, understated natural beauty, and an agricultural lifestyle that’s growing in popularity around the world – right on Metro Manila’s doorstep.
Images courtesy of Edna C. Villanueva ad Desmond Farms and Edna C. Villanueva
