Legal Farmer: When a lawyer falls in love with farming

Legal Farmer: When a lawyer falls in love with farming

BY MANILA BULLETIN AGRICULTURE

Nov 24, 2023 04:59 PM 

By Henrylito D. Tacio

In December 2019, Atty. Edwaldo L. Legaspina – more popularly known as Basti among friends – already bought four-and-half hectares of land in Lorega, a barangay of Kitaotao, Bukidnon. 

This lawyer loves to farm. (Henrylito Tacio)

The pandemic happened just a few months later. He was concerned for the safety of his wife and two children. As their movement in Davao City was limited, he brought his whole family to the newly-bought land. 

Farm development

In February 2020, Basti started developing his farm. “Initially, we just wanted to plant vegetables and strawberries,” he recalled. “But when the pandemic struck, we decided to build a home where the kids can roam around, free from any fear of virus transmission." 

The house, which serves as the rest house of the family, is located at the upper portion of the farm. (Henrylito Tacio)

Aside from building a home for his family, he also started developing the farm. “Farming takes away your stress,” he said. “We also want our kids to engage so they may know the value in growing your own food.”

As the farm was being developed, an idea came into fruition. He talked with his wife, Destreza C. Luzon, about it. When she learned about the plan, she fully supported him. “We wanted to share (our farm) with friends and family members so that they and their kids can also enjoy the cold breeze and picturesque view of the place,” he said.

Most people really give a lot of time thinking about what they would call their farm – something that will stick to people when they hear the name. Basti had no problem creating such a name, thanks to his two children.

Happy Farm

“Our kids chose the name,” he said. “When we asked why, they answered that they are so happy whenever they stay on the farm.”

Two years later, The Happy Farm at Lorega has already been transformed into a new haven. But it was easier said than done. “When we started, the road couldn’t accommodate trucks for the construction,” he recalled. “The pandemic also limited our mobility. Luckily, we were able to hurdle these obstacles.”

Happy Farm is located at barangay Lorega in Kitaotao, Bukidnon. (Henrylito Tacio)

It was his brother-in-law who helped build the cottages. All these cottages have their own kitchen, so that occupants can cook their own meals. Kitchen utensils are provided, including stoves. 

“My brother-in law-helped us (in making these cottages),” he said. “We pooled-in ideas and since the family are in the construction field, they realized it. My father-in-law, Juanito, took charge of our water system.”

The good thing about The Happy Farm is that families who stay in one of the cottages can harvest some of the crops being planted. Among the vegetables grown in the farm include tomatoes, eggplants, lettuce, bokchoy, alugbati, tinangkong, and sweet pepper. 

This is one of the crops grown in Happy Farm. (Henrylito Tacio)

“Right now, we have various crops so guests can do vegetable picking with their kids and bring it home,” he said. Of course, they have to pay for what they harvested but it’s the bonding while harvesting that matters the most.

Guests who may opt not to cook their meals can always order food from Hungry Huntley’s Restaurant, which is just below the House in the Hill. The name came from the names of the two children: Edwald Hunter and Elda Huntley.

“As you have observed, our paintings are aimed to please the kids,” Basti said.

On the far end, there is a coffee shop-cum-bar, where parents can hang out and have some coffee or drink some wine and beers. 

Basti said he wants to add 5 more cottages to the 4.5-hectare area. “We want to promote what Lorega can offer to people who come to this place,” he said. “We also want to promote tourism in the place because we have grown to love it.”

The farmer is a lawyer

To think, Basti is not a farmer but rather a lawyer. After graduating from high school at the Assumption School of Davao, he went to Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) and took philosophy.

After graduation, he decided to take up law. “Back then,” he said, “all I wanted was to help my family’s business but as it turned out, there are so many laws that you have to follow and comply with. That made me interested in hopefully becoming a lawyer someday.”

Another reason why he decided to become a lawyer was his “own curiosity in the intricacies and beauty of the profession.”

From his first to third year, he studied at his alma mater, the ADDU. In his fourth year, he transferred to Cor Jesu College in Digos City. He graduated in 2005, took the bar in the same year – and passed!

When asked for his advice to those who want to pursue the law profession, he replied: “Study the law by heart but most importantly, make it a fun and enjoyable one.”

He loves farming

Most lawyers turn into farming when they get old. But Basti is different; even at a young age now, he already starts farming. Thanks to his father, Dodie, who educated him about farming when he was still a little boy.

The lawyer does his own harvesting. (Henrylito Tacio)

The Legaspina family has a farm in Bantol, Marilog District in Calinan, Davao City. He remembered that whenever his father went to the farm, he usually accompanied him.  He had to walk for about two hours just to reach the destination. He was then eight years old.

Even if he had to wake up early in the morning, he didn’t mind it as long as he was able to go to the farm. “I was always excited to go to the farm,” he said. He remembered liking the smell of the burning leaves.

The farm was planted to mango, banana, guyabano, lanzones – mostly fruit trees. When he was in high school, he invited some of his friends to accompany him to the farm. There, they sort of camped at the farm. When his friends went home, they brought with them some fruits harvested from the farm.

Values from farming

During his college days, he still went to the farm to oversee the harvesting of fruits. Some areas of the farm were also planted with vegetables, which his father brought home. “We usually have some fresh vegetables on our table,” he said.

“My father didn’t push me to become a farmer. I was in love with farming,” he pointed out. He cited the case of bananas as a case in point. He said he loved watching it bearing flowers, which later developed into banana hands. He was equally excited when the bunch was cut, and the fruits were taken.

When his father decided to retire from farming and returned to his birthplace in Escalante City in Negros Occidental, Basti decided to buy the farm. His two sisters didn’t object; after all, they were not interested in farming.

“I love farming because I love to touch soil,” Basti admitted. “I love how a plant grows. I am amazed with those.”

He added, “I found out that there are some values in farming that we can apply in real life. I also wish to impart those values to my kids.” 

Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

 

PRESS RELEASE

November 24, 2023

Championing the Cause of Overseas Filipino Workers: Enhancing Protections and Support

The recent Red Sea hostage-taking incident involving 17 Filipino seafarers once again sheds light on the risks faced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Driven by a desire to support their families and contribute to the Philippine economy, they  often encounter unforeseen dangers as they brave global challenges.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano consistently champions their cause by emphasizing the need for stronger diplomatic protection, thorough pre-departure orientation, and a robust reintegration program. 

In a 2016 speech, Cayetano said, "Our overseas Filipino workers are our modern-day heroes. They sacrifice so much to provide for their families and contribute to our national economy. We owe it to them to ensure that they are protected and well-cared for."

He has also made proposals for a 24/7 hotline and increased labor attaches — steps that have taken greater significance in the backdrop of the hostage-taking incident.

Educating OFWs about potential risks is also crucial. Senator Cayetano's push for orientation seminars and the creation of a blacklist database of employers are aimed at empowering overseas workers to make informed decisions to protect themselves against exploitation. A comprehensive reintegration program is also vital, as highlighted by Cayetano's advocacy for financial assistance, job placement, and psychological counseling for returning OFWs.

Often called the "unsung heroes" of the Philippine economy, OFWs often find themselves on the frontlines of global conflicts. Senator Cayetano's unwavering support signifies a commitment to their well-being, recognizing their sacrifices as integral to the nation's growth. In the aftermath of this recent incident, the nation must address broader challenges faced by OFWs, with Cayetano's leadership serving as a reminder of our collective responsibility to honor their sacrifices.###

Do Germans still address people as Herr and Frau, or is that a past habit?

Jobst von Steinsdorff

European

To address a common mistake of Americans learning German: You cannot address someone in German with Herr or Frau on their own as you can use Mister or Madam in English. 

(Addition since many comments point out that it is impolite to do that in English, in English it may be bad form but it still is linguistically correct, in German it is already wrong linguistically.) 

Neither in the past nor in the present. You could say „mein Herr“ or „meine Dame“ but that indeed is a bit old fashioned and depending on context people may suspect that it is said in irony. What you can do is use it in third person: „Die Dame ist vor mir dran!“ (The lady is ahead of me (in the queue))

Using Herr and Frau in combination with the surname, as calling someone „Herr Meier“ or „Frau Schmidt“ is, however, perfectly normal.

Philippinische Märchen (IV) - Philippine Fairy Tales (IV)

 

WIE DIE MENSCHEN DEN REIS ENTDECKTEN...

HOW PEOPLE DISCOVERED THE RICE...

In alten Zeiten gab es genügend Nahrung, und die Menschen mussten nicht auf dem Felde arbeiten. Wenn sie hungrig waren, sammelten sie essbare Wurzeln und pflückten Obst von den Bäumen. Die Flüsse waren voll von Krebsen, Schnecken und Fischen.

Im westlichen Teil der Visayas-Gruppe lebte damals ein Mann, Siginhon, mit seiner Frau Tiginlan. Viele Jahre hatten sie keine Kinder, so zogen sie umher über Huegel und über Berge.

Schliesslich erwartete Tiginlan ein Kind, was sie hinderte, weiter zu wandern. Siginhon fasste den Entschluss, sich an einem geeigneten Ort für immer niederzulassen.

Die Dürre hielt einige Monate an. Die Flüsse verwandelten sich in seichte Bäche und die Quellen versiegten. Viele Pflanzen starben aus. Es gab immer weniger essbare Wurzeln und Früchte. 

Als Tinginlan ihr Kind zur Welt brachte, war es sehr schwer, Nahrung zu finden. Und eine stillende Mutter benötigt mehr Nahrung, denn sie nährt nicht nur sich, sondern auch ihr Kind. Siginhon ging daher auf Nahrungssuche. Er erklomm Berge, durchsuchte Wälder und Flusstäler. doch er konnte keine Nahrung finden.

Schliesslich gelangte er auf den höchsten Berggipfel und dort erblickte er hohe Gräser. Er kannte sie nicht, nie hatte er sie bisher gesehen. Und als er in ihre Nähe kam, stellte er fest, dass sie viele Ähren trugen. Er berührte die Ähren mit den Fingern, da sprach die Pflanze zu ihm:

"Nimm uns mit nach Hause. Entferne die Hülsen, koche die Körner und iss diese!"

Der junge Mann tat, was ihm die Pflanze gesagt hatte.

Als er heimkam, erzählte er Tiginlan alles. Gemeinsam lasen sie die Ähren von den Hülsen. Auf einem Stein zerstiessen sie die Ähren um die Hülsen zu entfernen. Dann kochten sie die gereinigten Körner. Es war eine schmackhafte und sättigende Speise. Als sie nach dem Mahl ruhten, sprach Siginhon zu seiner Frau: "Vielleicht wäre es besser, wenn wir mehr Körner sammeln und sie hier aussähen würden!"

Seine Frau hielt das für eine gute Idee. So rüsteten sich beide zur Reise. Sie wollten eben aufbrechen, als die Körner zu ihnen sprachen:

"Sobald ihr unser viele habt, rodet einen Berghang vor der Saat!"

Siginhon und Tiginlan versprachen, einen Berghang zu roden, und den Lauf eines Gewässers abzuleiten. Dann gingen sie, um möglichst viele Ähren einzusammeln, die sie droschen. Sie rodeten einen Berghang und säten die Körner aus.

Ihr Kind konnte damals schon laufen, es lernte sprechen. Eines Tages, als Tiginlan und Siginhon das Mittagessen bereiteten, kam das Kind in die Küche und plapperte:

"Pa-ay, pa-ay!"

Bis dahin hatten Tiginlan und Siginhon den Koernern keinen Namen gegeben. Sie nannten sie jetzt "Paray" - nach den plapperden Worten ihres Kindes.

So wird bis zum heutigen Tag der Reis in dieser Gegend der Visayas Gruppe bezeichnet.

(Nacherzaehlt von Jozef Genzor, aus dem Slowakischen uebersetzt von Dr. Anna Fialova und herausgegeben in der CSSR, deutsche Ausgabe: Verlag Werner Dausien, Hanau/Main, 1978). 

In ancient times there was enough food and people did not have to work in the fields. When they were hungry, they gathered edible roots and picked fruit from the trees. The rivers were full of crabs, snails and fish.

In the western part of the Visayas group at that time lived a man, Siginhon, with his wife Tiginlan. They had no children for many years, so they wandered over hills and mountains.

Finally, Tiginlan was expecting a child, which prevented them from traveling further. Siginhon made the decision to settle permanently in a suitable place.

A drought lasted a few months. The rivers turned into shallow streams and the springs dried up. Many plants died out. There were fewer and fewer edible roots and fruits.

When Tinginlan gave birth to her child, it was very difficult to find food. And a nursing mother needs more food, because she feeds not only herself, but also her child. Siginhon therefore went in search of food. He climbed mountains, searched forests and river valleys. but he couldn't find food.

Finally he reached the highest mountain peak and there he saw tall grasses. He didn't know her, he had never seen her before. And when he came near them, he found that they were bearing many ears of grain. He touched the ears of grain with his fingers, and the plant said to him:

"Take us home. Remove the husks, cook the seeds and eat them!"

The young man did what the plant told him.

When he got home, he told Tiginlan everything. Together they picked the ears from the husks. They crushed the ears on a stone to remove the husks. Then they boiled the cleaned grains. It was a tasty and filling dish. As they rested after the meal, Siginhon said to his wife: "Perhaps it would be better if we collected more grain and sowed it here!"

His wife thought it was a good idea. So they both prepared for the journey. They were just about to set off when the Kornians said to them:

"As soon as you have our many, clear a mountainside before the seed!"

Siginhon and Tiginlan promised to clear a mountainside and divert the course of a stream. Then they went to collect as many ears of grain as possible, which they threshed. They cleared a mountainside and sowed the seeds.

Back then, your child could already walk and learned to speak. One day, while Tiginlan and Siginhon were preparing dinner, the child came into the kitchen and babbled:

"Pa-ay, pa-ay!"

Until then, Tiginlan and Siginhon had not given the Kornians a name. They now called her "Paray" - after the babbling words of their child.

This is how rice is called to this day in this area of ​​the Visayas group.