Prado Farms in Pampanga is pretty much a photographer’s wonderland. From the brightly colored walls to the art pieces made from recycled materials, every nook and cranny of this place breathes pure artistry.
A jumble of rusty LPG tanks stacked on top of each other form puzzle pieces that make the farm’s distinctive gate. Floors are a patchwork of tile mosaics, and stained glass windows peek out from beneath hanging vines. Formerly a warehouse for LPG tanks, Prado Farms is a showcase of creativity. Old junk like steel grates and discarded pieces of wood are re-purposed into aesthetically pleasing works of art that decorate the farm.
This family-run farmhouse manages to blend whimsical art with sustainable farming. During their Hacienda Day tours, guests can enjoy an all organic feast, architectural and farm tour, and learn more about biodynamic agriculture, a method of organic farming that emphasizes the holistic relationships of the soil, plants and animals as a self-sustaining system. Visitors can take a ride around on a wooden cart pulled by a carabao (water buffalo), hop on the bicycles scattered about or go on foot to explore the farm.
The farm raises arugula-fed pigs and ducks, among other animals. They believe that the slower the food is grown and cooked, the better it tastes. Thus, Prado Farms also serves healthy homemade Kapampangan treats sourced from the farm, that are both delicious and delightful to look at. The lovely meals just evoke feelings of comfort and warmth.
Pistou (diced potatoes, ham, ground pork sautéed in eggs, garlic and onions, served with homemade kesong puti, longanisa, and pandesal)
Rich hot chocolate and fried suman served with pinipig (rice crisps) on the side.
Prado Salad: garden salad made of fresh vegetables sprinkled with tiny peanut-sized cucumbers, edible flower petals and fresh mango vinaigrette
Fresh picked garden fresh herbs, condiments for “Sa-Le” a local tinola of duck soup that was served with duck-stuffed and arugula fed lechon (roasted with a duck wrapped in lemongrass inside its belly).
Aside from the delicious food, what makes the place special is the place itself. The structures around the farm are described as “a blend of Philippine colonial period style buildings with details of characteristic humor and eccentric quirkiness.” There’s a community center, theater, library and blue house. Everywhere you look, there seems to be doorways and windows that just make the perfect frames for photos.
The place just comes alive with people. Put anyone in a doorway or looking out a window, and you’ve got an instant shot. We all had a field day posing and taking photos of each other at this place.
Prado Farms also offers rustic accommodations at their farm-hotel, matched with Kapampangan hospitality. Aside from the hotel, the compound contains a chapel, a theater, an eco-lodge and overnight accommodations where attendees of seminars, retreats, destination weddings, pre-nup or editorial shoots and parties can stay.
Prado Farms is located in Lubao, Pampanga, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours away from Manila through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). For inquiries and rates, contact pradofarms@gmail.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pradofarms
Thanks to Angel (www.lakwatsero.com), Marcos (www.ambot-ah.com) & Gael (www.thepinaysolobacker.com) for the photos of me at the place!
I was in Pampanga some months ago and had 4 hours to waste. For the life of me, i couldn’t recall name of farm nor area in pampanga. Senior moment. But i kept thinking of those lpg tanks. Thanks for posting this. Aaaahhh…prado!
Hi Tita Lili. You’re welcome! 🙂 Hope you get to go back to Prado Farms the next time you’re in Pampanga.