The reason I am talking about this is because I seldom see resorts here in the northwestern part of the island that are near the center of the towns or in a landscape setting. Almost all known resorts are nestled directly on the sand of popular beaches, which is perfect, but what about the experience when you put a resort in a landscape? Or let's say between trees that stretch across a wide land away from the sea.
Such is what I found out about Purita Farms Vacation House when we visited it couple of years ago. It has been quite a long time, but the farmhouse still mesmerizes me and continues to attract tourists across the island. It deserves to be featured in one of my travel blogs in this community to shed life and light on its beauty.
Purita Farmhouse and Resort is located in Bangkal, San Remigio, Cebu, built in a 4-hectare mango orchard that sounds odd for northern Cebuanos, as we are not accustomed to this kind of resort setting. Despite that impression, the resort has attracted not only local people but also tourists across the island and sometimes even foreigners. Since it is in an orchard setting, the resort gives you a countryside feeling despite being in the center town of the north, which means it is usually quite busy and noisy. That's why I commended the resort when we arrived, because they made a good choice of setting, placing the resort in an area that is not disturbed and busy for visitors.
The resort promotes itself as a vacation house or resort in a farm, even though it is near the coast of the north. The landscape and the greens make the stay feel more rural and connected to nature as visitors roam around the wide place. According to their website and what I saw during the visit, the resort’s main highlight is its pool area and the vacation houses that guests can accommodate in various charges or prices. The pool is seen from a kitchen house beside it where benches and tables are available to enjoy the view of the orchard, as the whole pool area primarily offers a 180-degree view of the mango trees, which vary in colors and appearance depending on the season you visit. But I recommend summer, when it blooms perfectly and when resorts near beaches are crowded and occupied. The pool area and the kitchen house give a balance of updated amenities and a natural, rural atmosphere.
Speaking of updated amenities, Purita is not renovated without history. In a nutshell, Purita comes from the name of the wife of the farmhouse’s owner, Romulo R. Senining, who happened to be a judge. Such romance is left in this land. It was just a four-hectare mango orchard functioning only as an orchard for the family, with mango trees that stretched perfectly with a summer-like ambiance in Bangkal, a place that holds quiet and green landscapes. By the year 2007, the family decided to repurpose the orchard but in a way that it was preserved. A farmhouse and the resort we know now were built while keeping the orchard, which is considered the gem of this place. From a traditional family orchard, the area began welcoming tourists and visitors who wanted to experience a resort in quiet and serenity. Celebrations like family gatherings and birthdays are held here, as well as relevant milestones. Far is how the orchard is doing now, but still the life and nature it has remains present.
Now, there is a fact that is not always written in reviews or blogs about this resort—and that is the resort is located just behind the town’s cemetery. Ghost! No, there are no ghosts in this resort, as the architecture and exterior designs are well planned and established so that the cemetery operations won’t disturb the resort.
I was with my family when we visited this resort, and the fortunate thing was it was the first days of summer and no visitors were there except us. We had access to the pool and room during our exclusive stay, which cost us 5,000 php, and for night use 6,000 php, with a maximum of 30 people and charges for excess persons. The charge also gives you access to a house with a kitchen, grilling stations, and some rooms for the whole stay. The rooms give you a province-like feeling because of the designs and interior features. I was really impressed that this resort is suitable for family gatherings despite not being that big in structure. And what I loved the most was the pool because it gives you the perfect spot to look over the orchard in quiet rural vibes.
This is a slice of the orchard I was talking about. With its steadfast green and rich land, mango trees stand in harmony with the shades of green, creating an atmosphere of calm and beauty. During free hours, you can roam around the orchard to feel the natural vibes of the place, with winds blowing cold and light just crawling on your outer skin gently and humbly. I had a breath in the orchard—a breath rarely found in places I visit. As you can see in the photo, the whole environment looks surreal and vibrant.
Before I end this narration about my experience in Purita, I will have to tell you how to get there so you won't get lost in our town. But call me when you get here. LOL. To get to Purita Farm, follow these directions:
I will assume you are travelling from Cebu City because this is where most tourists land. Go to the North Bus Terminal or any terminal near you and ride a bus heading to San Remigio/Tabuelan. Our buses have destination names placed in the front part, so you won’t be frustrated finding the right one. Travel time is approximately 3-4 hours.
Inform the driver that your stop is at Calcalan, San Remigio, Cebu, beside the cemetery of the town. The cemetery is known as the landmark of the place, and most drivers are familiar with it.
A narrow path will lead you to Purita. You can ride a motorcycle to get inside, but walking will do.
You can use Google Maps to track where you are at the moment.
In the recent announcement of the resort, they are still not operating for safety precautions after the 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit the north. You can find their FB Page using “Purita Farm” as the keywords, and updates are posted there. And yes, despite still being named as a farmhouse, the resort is operating only as a vacation house and not as farmland. So don't expect horseback riding there like one tourist who gave a bad review.
Purita Farmhouse and Resort remains a peaceful escape for anyone wanting quiet moments and a bit of nature without going far from the center of town. It may not be the typical beachside destination the north is known for, but it offers a different kind of calm. If ever they reopen soon, I hope more people will see the charm hidden in this orchard of our very town in San Remigio.
