Abe's Farm: A Fusion of Fine Arts and Fine Food

“In the heart of Pampanga, in the foothills of the dormant volcano, Mt. Arayat, nestles a new lifestyle destination…” reads Abe’s Farm’s brochure. Good thing I didn’t know about the volcano thing! Nevertheless, visiting Abe’s Farm, a sister company of my favorite Filipino restaurant, Abe’s, was indeed “a haven of hidden delights.”

The ride going to Abe’s Farm was enjoyable with very light traffic and good friends to pass the time with. Actually, the only traffic we encountered was after North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) as there were two funeral processions hogging the small roads.

The funny thing is when we checked the website for directions, it just said to “ask directions to Barangay Ayala” upon reaching the town. Don’t know why they couldn’t be more detailed or visual. Anyway, left with no choice, we followed their suggestion and eventually found it as every person we asked knew where it was. The sporadic signs that popped up in the direction the townsfolk pointed us to were very reassuring although I wish they had more of them immediately after NLEX.

The road leading to Abe’s Farm was not paved and it’s kind of narrow but seeing the entrance was already a stress reliever.

Abe’s Farm houses a restaurant such as the one pictured above as well as a spa and lodging.

I love how they maintained the Filipino interior concept all throughout.

This is where they wash the dishes….

…as seen here.

Even their washroom was nice.

Better to call for reservation which we did. And as we arrived early, we were given a choice on where to sit. Would we want a private room or…

…the one with a view? We chose this one instead and so it was time to order.

I would never pass up a chance on my favorite sinuting babay squid (baby squid sautéed in olive oil and seasoning).

And one certainly can’t go to Pampanga without trying their famous dish, sisig (minced pork jowl and chicken liver sautéed in garlic, spices and chilies.)

But never miss the chance to try Abe’s signature dish, binukadkad na pla-pla (crispy fried butterfly-cut snapper (or tilapia) with sautéed fermented fish.

We also ordered guisadong mustasa (sautéed native mustard leaves with shrimps and tomatoes)…

…as well as that good ol’ Pinoy fried chicken. See how the skin is not thicker than the meat?

A Filipino meal is not complete without soup. This is the sinigang na bangus sa sampalok (milkfish fillet in tamarind-flavored broth with vegetables).

We also tried the sinuam with fresh native corn. It’s minced and sautéed fresh young corn. It was kind of creamy but not that heavy and very flavorful. It was a good complement to the dry snapper. I loved this so much that it is now my #2 must-order-always when at Abe’s, next to the baby squid.

And if you’re ever at Abe’s Farm, look for Aldrin, our so affable and ready-to-take-our-picture food server. He is somebody who enjoys his job!

After lunch, we toured the place (naturally). Although called Abe’s Farm, this four-hectare property only consisted of a spa facility, museum, and accommodations. We were kind of expecting a food farm of sorts although we were later told by our guide, Abe’s nephew and former councilor, Ernie Aguilar, that they are planning to put up an organic garden and a butterfly farm. Guess who will be coming back soon?

This is one of their nipa hut accommodations which has air-conditioning but the occupants must share a common bathroom outside. I just wonder how it will be when it’s pouring at night and you need to heed the call of nature.

The hammock underneath it.

Another of the nipa hut accommodations which can fit two people.

The nipa huts are replicas of huts by the Ifugao tribes.

This is how you will know not to barge in. Anyway, the vacant huts were padlocked from the outside so we were not able to see the inside.

These are some of the scenic views you get to savor as you wander around the property.

The spa and the bigger accommodations share the same look.

How the accommodation for a dozen people looks inside. This is the bedroom below.

Still that wonderful Pinoy interior. More sleeping area upstairs but its occupants must contend themselves with floor mattresses.

We didn’t know there was a museum so it was a pleasant additional surprise to our itinerary. This is the way to the museum which charges P30 per pax that will go to its foundation’s scholarship fund.

Authentic vintage hats---the first things one sees upon entering the museum which is an old restored house.

Anyone who is fond of antiques or curious about how things were back then will have the time of their lives here as you can even touch the items, at least some of them.

For the Pinoys out there, I don’t know about you but I hear Dolphy’s voice every time I see an old iron like the one on the left. I remember watching that black and white film on TV during lazy afternoons. They sure don’t make them like they used to. Can’t remember the title though but thanks for the memories, King of Comedy. We miss you!

Although old, as you can see, it’s still being used.

Beautiful old bottles lined up the window sill.

I can hear the guerillas…

The bust of the late, great artist, writer and diplomat, Emilio Aguilar Cruz---and also the father of the late Larry J. Cruz, one of the country’s innovators in Philippine cuisine and food industry.

Abe’s actual tools.

His humor.

His personal memories.

His works.

Erwin Aguilar, our tour guide, shared that these doodles and scribbles were kept private by Abe that it was only after his death did the family know about their existence.

For a man of humble beginnings and tremendous accomplishments, no less than the late National Artist, Nick Joaquin, wrote his biography.

The very kind and helpful, Ernie Aguilar.

One can’t help but still smile with glee even after being exhausted from touring the property. As for me, I walked away learning a new term, bon vivant. Like!

For more information on Abe’s Farm, click here.

--The Paranoid Traveler

Abe's Farm: A Fusion of Fine Arts and Fine Food

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