12 Jun Negros, the organic capital of the Philippines
I was invited my Fresh Start Organics founder Ramon Uy (who would later on turn into one of my very good friends) to share the principles of Plantbased Nutrition in Bacolod last June.
In a 6 hour conference, we shared the principle of Food as medicine to over 50 delegates from Bacolods tradesmen and women. The topics included; Plantbased nutrition and how to cope with Caner and Diabetes through diet.
My mom, the resident Chef of Coocgreen Plantbased Wholefoods also prepared a plantbased, glutenfree, nutrient dense lunch samplings for the delegates.
Always a crowd winner, my mom also went the extra mile to introduce this tedious raw Roullade and it was received with a gasps and awe. Made of dehydrated spinach and pili cream cheese, this is a fussy raw and glutenfree option to lasagna. Topped with sundried tomatoes. All organic.
The delegates of the Plantbased nutrition convention consisted by mostly entrepreneurs and small business in the area headed by Ramon [ChinChin] Uy.
Fresh Start Organic Cafe in Ayala Mall Bacolod owned by our host Chin Chin Uy.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by Fresh Start Organic Cafe, the only certified organic restaurant and cafe in Bacolod with their signature Green Salad
Fresh start organics pinoy lumpia ubod
Fresh start organics vegetable sandwich
Fresh start organic in the Ayala weekend Market
All products of Fresh Start organic ranging from fresh produce, personal care, snack items and dine-in options are all farm to table sourced from their certified organic farm in Negros.
Fresh start Organic certified organic farm
A local superfood, Moringga power packs high levels of iron, calcium, beta-carotene, Vitamin C and is a good source of plant protein. It is really good fortune that this plant is abundant in the Philippines popularly used in bean stews and soups and the famous Tinola Chicken broth.
Basil is a cult winner in anti inflammation populary used as a top-on for salads and pasta.
Asparagus growing in the Philippines! This american grass is pretty rare and I must say pricey in the Philppines. Its really quirky to find one growing in Bacolod!
This Happy Pig just delights in being fed by visitors with organic vegetation sorrounding her at Mays Garden where we were hosted through-out the duration of our stay. Look out for other jealous pig-mates when you only choose to indulge one though.
Pigs are very smart, their brain has the capacity and power of a 6 year old child. When they are slaughtered their fear and stress causes them to emit a powerful stench that can temporarily blind even the eyes.
Pigs dont sweat so organic or not, even when theyre fed a good healthy diet of vegetables and grains that are non-gmo, pig doesnt make for a healthy meal. Pork in many religions are off-limits due to the high level of toxicity in it.
Horses in stable, why did I not ride these beauties.
The gangs of Chin Chins Organic Farm in Bacolod, the wild geese.
Geese can be louder and more hyper than dogs, they are effective stable guards and can terrorize strangers as they roam in packs. These energetic bunch really gives life to any farm.
Bacolods Silk Farm Show room
I know Ill be widely criticized by featuring Negros Silk Trade as it has yet to adapt the more sustainable practices of working with the nature of silk worms instead of “manufacturing” them but I feel that it is important that we are realistic with our expectations with livelyhood practices here in the Philippines. Not every province can afford to be strictly organic in its process and Negros Silk farm is no exception, they pride themselves for adapting the Japanese excellence in quality and for providing dignified jobs to people in the area and hopefully someday, when the market is ready, they can also adapt the most sustainable measures for cultivating silk.
Silk Cocoon. The silk worm still rests inside these cocoons, this is the house theyve been around themselves to protect them from hungry preying birds.
Traditional silk weaving machine
A silk weaver in action
Dr. Hos Farm
Dr Hos Farm is a few hours away from Bacolods Center but its definitely worth the drives. The view on the way is surreal and the weather cool.
Freshly masticated juice from Dr Ho, a very popular welcome drink in his organic farm and resort-inn.
Alatiris, a childhood memoir
Organic Pineapples
Bloodless dinuguan Puto [rice cake] Dr. Ho is very proud of this delectable bloodless dinuguan which is made from sweet sticky rice flour that is steamed in bamboo.
Bloodless Dinuguan
Picking fresh herbs and spices from Dr. Hos Garden
Organic salad buffet
My Mom enjoying her healthy lunch at Dr Hos Organic Restaurant
Natural pink lemonade thirst quencher
Claypots gives better flavor than steel pots, here cooking is the pasta sauce to be served for later.
Glutenfree pastry
Turmeric tea:
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that makes it a must drink for all.
Not shown here, Dr Ho advices the combination of Coconut Water and Oregano to bring down cholesterol levels and ups immunity.
Dr Hos Recipe for morning powershots is also pressed root of turmeric and a shot glass size of coconut milk. He swears by this as natures potent energy spiker and under armour against diseases.
Turmeric can heal joint pain and muscle pain in its coldpressed pure form.
Glutenfree Lava Chocolate cake, when you fork the middle the chocolate or lava pours-out.
Tofu ricotta cheese: Fermented Tofu in Miso with garlic.
Organic Soybeans can also be found in Negros by no other than Fresh Start Organics.
The grumpy Monkey. This lil terror which lives in Dr Hos Farm thrives in eating edible flowers, vegetables and fruits nearby. Temperemental, she likes to intimidate visitors.
Adorable story; A german guest bravely approached the monkey and it fled scared. When Dr Ho asked why, the former said “Im a zoo-keeper”
Guess even chimps knows whose the Gorilla in the kingdom!
Dr.Ho my mom and yours truly
This blog entry hardly gave justice to what Negros can offer but I do hope it gives a good sneak peak. Ill personally try my best to join the Organic Negros Trade fair in October to highlight more wonderfully natural finds in the Organic Capital of the Philippines
No Comments