Bohol Bee Farm is like stepping into the pages of a fable where everyone lives abundantly and happily ever after. It’s a story of empowering and inspiring others to practice organic farming right to the very core, continually adopting good will and respect to life and land. Just as its name suggests, the farm is a little kingdom of “busy bees” continually caring, protecting, growing, creating and reaping within its realms. Those who visit, leave rejuvenated, happier, healthier and hopefully influenced by the experience.
The owner, Vicky Wallace, left her job in New York City and returned to her province to embark on a “shared” venture – to give back to her community. With only two tables and four staff on day one, Bohol Bee Farm now employs 208 locals (of which 80% are women) and has (far from the likes of Jolibee) 3 large organic restaurants serving innovative, exotic dishes. Vicky has further introduced exciting livelihood activities visitors can partake in, along with delicious farm-made products for sustainability. There’s a bakery, a fabulous herbal hilot spa, a handicrafts store, informative marine and land tours, coffee and chocolate products as well as a “food-for-the-gods” ice creamery, spooning out adventurous flavors like malunggay. Most products are made or grown on the premises including herbs, spices, fruit and vegetables.
Essentially, Bohol Bee Farm promotes the protection of bees and teaches of their valuable use and products. No other insect has served the needs of man like the honey bee. I learned 80% of pollination on earth is done by bees. If it wasn't for bees, many fruits and vegetables we enjoy would not exist. Bees are vital for pollination of plants and produce useful by-products – some, believed to be cancer-curing. As you may have heard, lately, bees have been disappearing by the billions.
While in Bohol, I delighted in all farm activities, positive people, tantalizing meals, white sands, a river cruise, native dancing, marine adventures, monuments, rainforests, churches and “miracle water”, caving, saw the famous Chocolate Hills and had an encounter with the world’s smallest primate - the Philippine tarsier.
