Learn from nature at Dasoland

Hey look, it’s a big pig!” When your three-year-old sees a carabao for the first time and mistakes it for a hog, it can be amusing. But if he grows up thinking that fruits and vegetables grow in supermarket bins; or that if he buries a hotdog in a flower pot it will grow into a hotdog tree; then that is a more serious matter. When your child grows up abhorring the outdoors, preferring instead to park himself in front of a television or computer screen, there is some cause for concern. Apart from being a candidate for childhood obesity due to lack of exercise, some opportunities that will help him develop into a better, more caring person are lost. After all, a growing body of scientific evidence has shown that contact with nature and natural elements help people to become more socially connected. Exposure to purely man-made elements, on the other hand, tends to lead to more selfish goals and concerns.

Unlike other vacation spots where there is a constant need to be a juggernaut and do something all the time, Dasoland allows one the leisure to observe and appreciate nature and its simplest, yet most surprising displays. Without the incessant drone of moving vehicles, one can opt to recline in a hammock underneath a tree, and gently sway to the tune of softly rustling leaves occasionally interrupted by the light creak of branches. Alternatively, one can take long and quiet contemplative walks, and perhaps be rewarded by a cloud of flickering fireflies at dusk. The sounds of nature will encompass in this rural setting. And although a gecko’s call is initially startling, one soon learns that this is one sound that signals nightfall. It is a persuasion to retire early so that one can wake up at sunrise. The sights and smells of nature at dawn are completely unique.

Enjoy the simple thrill of riding a carabao-drawn cart

That is not to say that Dasoland offers only bucolic pleasures. For those actively inclined there are swimming pools where one can take a refreshing dip. There are bicycles to ride so that one can explore the extensive property; or one can saddle up the horses and wander on horseback instead. There are also a play port, playground, skating rink and mini golf facilities to keep kids entertained. In addition, guests can choose to amble through a butterfly garden or stroll through a 3-hectare mini-zoo that houses birds including flamingos; crocodiles, reptiles, bobcats, mini ponies and more common farm animals. Should visitors want to harvest their own meal, they can take a boat ride and catch some tilapia in two well-stocked lagoons.

Dasoland’s chapel is built with locally-sourced bamboo and nipa shingles.

At Dasoland, there are interesting displays that will please hobbyists and collectors. Examples of authentic Ifugao houses stand in a terraced portion of the property that is planted to multi-hued bougainvilla shrubs; there is a year-round Christmas display with the Nativity and Santa Village; and a museum houses vintage furniture, antiques, and precious objects. At the transportation and farm implements display, most noticeable is the collection of circa- World War II MacArthur jeeps named after the famous general. Some of these vehicles that are highly prized by automobile collectors are in running condition. Colorful calesas and an old weapons carrier complete the transportation display. But while plant lovers will gravitate towards the Japanese Garden, cactus house, bamboosetum and flower park, the highlight of Dasoland is its extensive mango orchard.

Automobile enthusiasts will envy this fleet of circa WW II MacArthur jeeps,

“When I inherited this land in 1959, I found 4 old mango trees in a field overrun with shrubs and cogon. Today there are 3500 mango trees,” relates businessman and Dasoland owner Menardo R. Jimenez. “Farming is my first love, and I personally dug the holes, planted and watered many of the first mango seedlings. Those trees are bearing fruit today.” He shares that during the early years, he encouraged by his young sons Butch, now senior vice president of PLDT, and Joel, currently a director of GMA7, to help. “Each summer we would visit the farm to plant more trees. It was a chance for them to experience the quiet rural life; a time when they got to play simple games with the children of the caretakers.” Nowadays, it is the grandchildren who look forward to vacations in the farm.

Authentic Ifugao huts are positioned near terraces planted with bougainvilla.

From an original size of 30 hectares, the property has grown to a 408 hectare expanse. It is also planted to a wide variety of fruit-bearing and hardwood specimens whose numbers are not included in the tree count. Part of the owner’s advocacy is to provide livelihood opportunities for residents in the area. “Entrepreneurship is important and no one should shy away from working manually,” he believes. It is where workshops and demonstrations on vermiculture and composting are held to encourage productivity and promote ecological farming methods.

“Think of your future. Ask yourself: What will I do? Where will I go?” Mr. Menardo Jimenez counsels the young. “You may have to start small, but take action so that you can achieve your goals.”

“Think of your future. Ask yourself: What will I do? Where will I go?” Mr. Menardo Jimenez counsels the young. “You may have to start small, but take action so that you can achieve your goals.” The advice also applies to us who are concerned with increasing environmental awareness among our children. By giving the youngsters experiences that will allow them to appreciate nature, we give them a good start to develop the right ecological attitudes and sensibilities. A retreat at Dasoland is one opportunity to be grateful for nature; to stop and smell the flowers, so to speak. This can be an experience where children will value that flowers can be more beautiful growing lush on rich soil. These last longer; are more fragrant than those artificially arranged in a vase as a floral bouquet.

Dasoland Family Adventure Park is in San Vicente, Dasol, Pangasinan. For inquiries, call their Makati City office at 816-3873, 816-3875 or 0918-9418856. Or e-mail mailto:dasoland@yahoo.com.