It was meant to be an express tour. Just a quick stopover, take a few souvenir photos and off we go. Mariano’s Blooming Agri-Tourism Park turned out to be a complete surprise.
This was a family trip around the holiday season.
If you’ve ever been on a family trip during Christmas, I’m sure you know what I mean.
There’s grandma and grandpa. Uncle and Auntie. Nieces and Nephew. The In-Laws. Somehow, we all managed to fit into one car. An early start? Huh!
By 9 o’clock in the morning, the whole entourage were still in GenSan outside the gate with the adults arguing which electrical switches to turn off. At the back, the kids were restless. One asked why he couldn’t stay at home and play Roblox.
Driving from Lake Sebu, it was mid afternoon when we arrived at Mariano’s Blooming Agri-Tourism Park in Tupi.
We found a slot among the tree-lined parking space. The parking area looked as though it was full. But, we drove around and found somewhere to squeeze in without too much trouble.
From the parking lot, a short gravel path led directly to the ticket booth. After paying, they gave us a wrist ticket to wear while inside the farm. The line to pay for the tickets was moving quick and we didn’t have to wait long for our turn.
We weren’t prepared for what was coming to greet us. There was a large vegetable garden at the entrance near the gate. A small cafe for refreshments. And a playground with a photo booth.
The real showstopper however, was the rows upon rows of sunflower fields.
Quick stopover? Forget it.
It was nearing sundown and the sunflowers have this orangey shade which gives off a heavy drama effect.
There were several huge plots of land with just rows of sunflower in it. You can take your pick and take photos to your heart’s content and nobody would bother you nor hurry you up.
The farm was vast. There were other flowers, but the sunflowers were the main attraction. Some were small enough they didn’t stand beyond my knees.
Others were much taller than an average person. They were absolutely beautiful.
It took the whole entourage a long time to finish the photo shoot. You know the drill. Group shots. Solo shots. And special shots for social media.
The blooms were a sight to see.
I guess everyone had a good time. If you had a whole section in this farm filled with sunflowers just for you, you would be too.
Would love to visit again when I’m back in GenSan.
Visited here before the pandemic around the Christmas season.
