Unschooling James and Adam

     We were invited at the last minute, around 6am, to visit a lansones orchard. Since we just woke up, we immediately declined but was fortunate enough to wake up completely after a cup of coffee to get back to our senses. That was so close to missing what this day has to offer. Luckily, we were able to pack a change of clothes and 2 loaves of bread and race to the meeting place at seven. Here are the reasons why we were super happy that we changed our minds: Victoria is the fruit basket of Oriental Mindoro and this was the season when orchards are brimming with lansones, kalamansi, and rambutan. Here, we had an all-you-can-eat lansones exprerience and we learned that there are three varieties of lansones planted in this orchard, Davao, native, and our favorite, Duco. You can tell them apart by their size, sweetness, and texture. We also had a refreshing dip in this crystal river! James and Adam took their turns riding a small horse and were also charmed ...

 Dear Tang, James, and Adam,          I really had high hopes that things would go smoothly and safely. Things started fine with just a few adjustments/repair on your bike, James, and we were all excited. Maybe for different reasons.. James and Adam, you were looking forward to playing Left for Dead at a computer shop in town. Tang, you're main reason was to place your order for the initial materials for our dream home and I was excited for the whole family to have this first bike trip together and to see if we can do it. I had no idea how long it would take us or how it's gonna be.         Before we left, I reminded you, Adam, and gave you instructions on where to put your feet while riding behind Daddy, so that you'll avoid an accident, which I felt was very possible to happen. Just a few minutes of rolling, we saw a mommy goat who had just given birth, licking her kid. We were intrigued by what was hanging from where the ba...

 Dear James and Adam,        We had a very nice sleep last night. As usual, you, James, and Daddy woke up first while me and you, Adam, woke up just in time for breakfast. Well, we can say that we've already adjusted, haha. We had fried Bangus, boiled okra, red rice, and eggplants. Adam, you tried okra but you didn't have anything else. There was no plans or list of things things to do, except that I have to make something for Ate Pammy and Ate Aira.         Ate Eden invited me to the market and rice mill. I asked you if you would like to go with me. Adam, you asked if it would be nice, I told you that it would be the same market where we went to yesterday. Both of you asked if you can buy some toys. I promised to give you P10 each, no strings attached. You were so excited. You watched Adventure Time and Daddy fixed some lunch that you ate while watching. It was your favorite, Sinigang and rice! You've been spoiled with siniga...

     Right after James' 7th birthday, we started our pursuit to learn more about organic farming, so this post took a little less than a year of delay. But as they say, it's better late than never! This time, I really think it is, because it is worth sharing. This was a Ninjago Party we (my husband, mom, and siblings) lovingly prepared for our special celebrant, James.      Traditionally, 7th birthdays in the Philippines mark a significant milestone for a child. I think because it's the school-age for most children and it's a time to say goodbye to being a little girl or boy. Typically, parents who can afford elaborate parties would celebrate this stage in the life of a child with catered food, magic shows, and around a hundred guests in expensive party places. Some would avail party packages in fast food restaurants instead, to avoid a stressful and time-consuming preparations.      But as whole life unschoolers, we tend to go against th...

One of the greatest joys I found living in the farm is harvesting fresh produce(planting them is on top of my list too!) and turning them into yummy dishes. Adam and James had a chance to harvest some peanuts and eggplants and learned how to weigh them. We all enjoyed some peanuts for snacks and eggplants for dinner! The whole family is learning a lot of practical skills and even some practical Math! We also learned how to make one of the many kinds of rice cakes(Adam's favorite!) wrapped in banana leaves.

Daddy had to run some errands and decided to bring the boys with him on a motorcycle since they will only take the roads that pass through rice fields. I had to submit a picture of my collage for my online art class and listen to this week's video lectures. These little ladies from the neighborhood were my company. The boys came past lunch and were very excited to share the news that they played some video games in a computer shop and had some cold drinks. Daddy on the other hand explained their late return which is due to some troubles with the motorcycle. He was thankful that some farmers and tricycle drivers gave him a hand and that James and Adam were good companions.

Since it's Sunday, we spent some family time with our "adoptive family" in a river for swimming and a feast. Ninya introduced us to Lakay Resort that boasts a natural pool made by collecting the flowing river water into a trap made with stones and sacks of sands. It was definitely a refreshing day! James and Adam had a wonderful time playing, splashing, and swimming with Joy, Keira, and Ninya. Our lunch prepared by Ate Eden included Chicken Adobo, Roasted Eggplant Salad, Chow Mein, Grilled Tilapia, rice cakes, "nilupak" (ground cassava with peanut butter, sugar, and margarine), mangoes, and duhat. A bamboo raft made swimming in the river more fun! James enjoyed floating with the help of recycled pet bottles as floaters. Adam enjoyed the aqua massage provided by the strong current of water coming from the natural pool. We saw some cute little ducklings swimming in the shallow part of the river. Damselflies made our day even more magical!...

We were lucky to catch Tito Boy and Tita Lolit on their carabao and the boys were able to try another new farm experience. Adam was a little scared but James rode the carabao with Tito Boy all the way to their home. Their cart was brimming with sacks full of rice bran, which they will burn and use as organic fertilizer. In Tito Boy's farm, the boys, together with Keira, Amira, and Yesha joined other kids in catching baby goats and petting them.

Our trip to Mindoro is not just another vacation. Our main intention is to immerse our family in a farming lifestyle and learn as much as we can as apprentices. We were fortunate that Kuya Jon, the father and main farmer of the Sarmiento family conducted a two-day training and farm tour and allowed us to participate. Delegates from United Nations and Bangladesh were present and they made our learning experiences even richer.  Learning about issues, strategies, and systems with and from farmers, leaders, and entrepreneurs. The farm tour gave us more visual and hands-on experiences. My first attempt in building something that includes a hammer! I made some labels for the trees that the delegates planted to set off the carbon footprint they produced when they traveled to the farm.

It's my(Mommy) third time and our family's second time in Sarmiento residence/Kuatro Maria's Farm in Mindoro. The first time was very memorable for us and we've been dreaming to come back since we left. Here are some of the first few memories I captured with our iPod: As soon as James, Adam, and Keira were up, they fetched some organic eggs from native hens and visited the barn that houses the pigs. Keira led the boys to the future fish pond that surrounds the rice field. Crossing the bamboo pole was challenging but they were able to figure out how to make it work. Mud was not a problem because a huge drum awaits and the farm is blessed with the abundance of free-flowing water!