Witness Orani : One Countryside Experience

When they say Bataan, Mariveles and Morong agad ang pumapasok sa isip ko. It is one of the quickest escape destination if you're from Pampanga like me.

But one sunny Tuesday, I had a chance to discover one of Bataan's kept secret.. Orani Bataan. It is with a thankful heart that I am one of the bloggers who were invited by the  Department of Tourism - Region III to witness the Beauty of Orani.

Orani Bataan's vision is to be included in the Top 5 Eco Tourism destinations in Central Luzon by the year 2020. 

We were welcomed by their energetic Mayor, Hon. Efren Dominic Pascual Jr and all the officials and members of the Municipality of Orani Bataan. To kick off the event, the Orani National Highschool students showcased their colorful street dance number. Inspirational messages were delivered by valued officials and the guest of honor DOT Region III Director Carolina Uy. You can see in everyone's faces the joy and excitement. Followed by the teaser video of "Tayo na sa Orani: Faith, Farm and Eco Tourism Day Tour Package".

Everyone's so ecstatic to start the tour and it is indeed a one adventurous ride. After the long, bumpy ride, we arrived at Tala View Deck. I was in awe.. really. I am a nature lover and I love the mountains.. and I can say this is my comfort zone. We were welcomed by our Kapatid na Aetas with their traditional dance. Tala View  Deck is also the gateway to Mt. Natib, a breathtaking mountain. Di ko maexplain ang kaligayahan ko when I saw the mountain, super green parin and sobrang peaceful. I want to start trekking so I asked the guides kung ano ang difficulty level, they said it's 6/9 and I was shookt! ganun pala sya kahirap for a noob like me. But yeah, the start of the tour is one for the books and unto our next destination..

For lunch, we arrived at Baby's farm. You can easily spot the place by checking on google maps, it is formerly known as Baby's tennis court. We were all so hungry so after the briefing we quickly went to our respective Nipa huts for lunch. And oh boy! Sea foods galore.! I have allergies with sea foods but that did not stop me. Good thing, I took my anti-histamine medicine early in the morning. haha. Aside from the Boodle fight lunch, you can also try fishing (pick and pay) and fish feeding (free)

From Baby's Farm, we rode an e-trike to our next destination which is the Diaz's Agri Farm. We were welcomed with a glass of fresh juice made from a flower called "Pansy" .. it is said to be a stress buster. Did I like it? Yes of course, it may taste weird but it was mixed with Lemon so it did taste good. I even tasted the flower itself, but yeah.. and it's a new experience which is what I aim for.

We learned about different kinds of organic fertilizers and there's also an opportunity to pick duck eggs (pick and pay) but hey, as much as I want to try picking eggs, I didn't do it because I have duck phobia, i was ran after a duck back when i was kid, lol. And we toured the whole farm, and wow! I was really inspired, because one of my adulting wish is to have a piece of land where me and my husband can retire, raise farm animals and plant veggies and fruits. You can also get to try planting rice, which again I wanted to try but this clumsy kid won't risk hitting her face straight to the mud. haha But my friend, Will did try and boy! as per him, it's difficult but definitely a life changing experience. Truly, Magtanim is never a biro, so stop wasting rice and save every grain.

And for our last but definitely not the least destination is the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the most Holy Rosary. It is a very peaceful and I can clearly remember what my mom and grandma said back when I was a kid na if it's first time to enter a church, pray with all your heart and tell God your wish and it will come true. I really love the sight of an old church, there's something in it that you can't explain. Right beside this beautiful church, is the Museo ni Birhen Maria, where they showcase and keep Mother Mary's clothes, crowns and accessories. Every detail of it, you'll know that they were made with love and passion. It's like entering Mama Mary's walk in closet.

After the tour, don't forget to check Orani's souvenirs and products.

Truly this experience is one of the books. Not only because this tour can let you witness Orani in 3 different ways in just 1 tour but also because of the generousity and hospitality of Oranians!


You too can have this one of a kind experience by joining this Faith, Farm and Eco Tourism brought to you by Department of Tourism Region III and the Municipality of Orani, Bataan.