There is a unique house in Bukidnon that we discover, in
the middle of lush forest and pineapple plantation, a century old Spanish house
is enjoying its new location in a destination called Kampo Juan Eco-Adventure
Farm in Manolo Fortich town.
Own by the wealthy Family Acosta who love art, antiques
and old historical memorabilia, and the family that first develop the best
tasting Pineapple for Del Monte, re-built an 1910 Castillo House from Rosales, Pangasinan,
at first they were offered only to buy the logs, roofs and its surroundings, they
realize how important the value of it now so they decided to tear it down from
Pangasinan, ship it all the way a thousand miles to Fortich in 2013.
On the way to this heritage house you will pass by to a
historical World War 2 Marker, the spot were Gen. Douglas MacArthur ride a
plane going back to Australia, and remarkably the area where he said the iconic
word “I Shall Return”.
So it’s a Park, they have Anicycle bikes hanging in the
air that you can try if you love extreme adventures, it is the longest and the
first in the Philippines but the certification for that is still on process,
they serve good food and have a wide function hall for any events such as
seminars, weddings or even a small conventions.
The Heritage house is also open for long stay or even a
short vacation, they only have 5 rooms that can accommodate few for now, but
what’s winner in this is the ambiance of the place, a feeling of inside the
forest that is so cold and most of the time it rains in the afternoon even in
summer.
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| The Collections |
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| Manobo Princess |
I am not going to detail the stories behind those
collections because it’s better to hear it personally once you visit them,
first is of the collection is the watercolor painting by National Artist
Fernando Amorsolo, it’s called the “Manobo Princess, second is the Chandelier
up in the staircase that holds a lot of legends, the third is the long wooden
table exceptionaly ornamented and was commission to Negros people to design, it
is believe to bring luck and fortune if you rub the poles of it.
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| Night Market by Anita Magsaysay-Ho |
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| Noli Me Tangere book in Tagalog original copy |
The last piece really blow us all away, this the book of
Noli Me Tangere in Filipino version and it’s the first translation written by
Poblete as commission by Dr. Jose Rizal sister, this is so rare and even in the
national museum you can’t find this copy.
There is no regular commute route in going to Kampo Juan,
if your flying to Cagayan De Oro you must take a an almost 3 hour ride to get
to Fortich, tricycles or motor (habal) can be rented in the town proper but I don’t
have the idea how much. Its better to have an arrange tour or have it included
in your travel package, I recommend you arrange it via tour agency or contact
my highly recommended tour guide friend Mr. Jon Robert Manuel at Globe (mobile)
+63 0915.256.9239.
Our visit in Kampo Juan is the start of our Bukidnon tour
organized by Tourism Promotions Board as part of product updates for Bukidnon,
I admit it is really worth it and amazed in every detail on how this house move
from Pangasinan in Luzon mainland, to here in Fortich plus all the things inside
it. For inquiries about Kampo Juan about their entrance fee, overnight stay and
for the food, you may contact Mercy 09266212192, 09107525015 or connect with them thru Facebook and Instagram @Kampojuan2010.
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