This has been the longest time that our country, the Philippines, is in lockdown. It's actually close to a year already come March 2021 and with this, all I can say is... CABIN FEVER IS REAL huhuhu.
My family and I are are starting to feel the need for some fresh air, new environment, and in dire need of some greeneries and nature around us. As much as possible we only go out when needed and if we do, we avoid crowded places especially when we're with the kids and our parents who are senior citizens because they are more at risk. If ever we want to have a quick getaway, we consider the following when planning:
Exclusivity of the place or area (preferably, we can rent the place or number of people are being controlled)
With outdoor area
Kid, preggy, and senior citizen friendly
No airfare needed
While researching online, I came across Yoki's Farm. It's an animal farm petting area, orchidarium, hydroponics farm, and antique museum where all ages are welcomed in this sanctuary (as of January 2021*).
Yoki's Farm is just located in Mendez, Cavite which is around 2 hour drive from Manila. We visited last December 29, 2020 and went on a Tuesday morning to avoid the weekend traffic and crowd. However, since it was nearing a holiday, there were plenty families already lining up the ticket booth. It's a good thing that Yoki's Farm is a 10 hectare farm (but only 4 hectare is open to the public, I believe) and they practice social distancing so we were not bothered by over crowding. You're required to get a tour guide because they will be the one to manage the traffic flow of the group. If there's a crowded area, tour guides will re-route your group to a safer and less crowded place.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Yoki's Farm does not require swabbing, blood tests, and prior slot reservations. You may come as a walk-in guest. No minimum number of guests per group as well. They can accommodate your group even if you're solo or with your family and close friends.
RATES: Our family bought the Php 300.00 per person ticket and upgraded 2 tickets to an animal encounter package which costs Php 800.00 each because my toddler and his cousin wanted to feed the animals for experience. We added Php 100 for a tour guide as well.
Photo from: Yoki's Farm Facebook Page
There are so many things to do and see in Yoki's Farm. Everyone including the adults were so excited and happy feeding the giant tortoise, feeding the rabbits, birds, zebras, ostrich, and miniature horse. I was glad that my son was well-rested that day and was game to feed the animals. It's a learning opportunity for him as he can actually see and identify the animals and plants he usually would see in his book.
I also love that the tour guide was very patient and would explain everything clearly. He tries to keep the group engaged too by asking us questions or encouraging each member to try feed or touch the animals.
The antique museum is the owner's personal collection from their family's travel around the world. Very impressive, I must say! Most items are trinkets, brass figurines, jars, kitchen items, crystals, and Asian treasures.
There's an area where you can purchase plants, herbs, and flowers. The plantita in me is very very happy! I was busy admiring all the plants being sold and wanted to buy the giant variegated Alocasia but it's not for sale.
The lettuce hydroponic area is so huge as well. You can pick your own greens for a fee and take it home with you. I was inspired to build my own hydroponic system at home too because it's more efficient and I wanted to have my unlimited greens in my backyard haha.
The birds area is where you can touch and feed three different Cockatoos. They're so gentle and game to have a photo op!
One of the highlight of the trip was petting and feeding the zebras and miniature horse. We felt like we were in a safari and was transported to South Africa for a day. The animals were very calm and gentle. They allowed us to pet them but be very careful not to position behind the animals' back because they might kick!
We also visited the snake area, the farm chickens, the koi pond, and the playground for kids. Unfortunately, I was too exhausted to take photos because of my big baby bump plus the intense heat that day.
Mommy Tips when visiting Yoki's Farm:
Go to the farm preferably on a weekday and first thing in the morning. They're open as early as 7 or 8am.
Check the weather and wear appropriate clothes. My son and I wore long sleeves thinking that it will be breezy that day (since, it's near Tagaytay?! haha) but it was scourging hot! Heat can drain your energy. Bring umbrella in case it rains or use it to protect you from the sun.
Prepare your kids for the trip. Bring their essentials, give them proper rest--in fact, encourage them to sleep in the car so they will have the energy and right mood when they get to Yoki's Farm. Brief your child/children on what they will do or see in the farm. This is also the best time to teach them the different farm animals so they can connect their learning to their actual experience.
Bring water bottles and snacks. Yoki's Farm has a farm-to-table resto inside their area however, since the start of the lockdown, they also closed it temporarily. You can however bring your own food (no corkage fee) and eat it inside their food center which is a covered food court. There's only 1 snack bar open selling light snacks, water, juices, etc. I also encourage you to pack your own meals because Tagaytay City does not allow kids, preggy mommas, and senior citizen to enter ANY establishments especially restos. If you're planning to eat in Tagaytay, you will have to order food take-outs and eat inside your own car.
Don't forget the sunscreen AND bug spray!
Always bring your "new essential kits" with you...you know the drill--face mask, face shield, alcohol, soap, etc. By this time, as a responsible parent and citizen, we must be very mindful of our hygiene, health, and follow protocols like social distancing.
Strollers are allowed inside the farm but personally, I won't recommend it since it's such a hassle to push the stroller around. I recommend using baby carriers in case you want to bring your babies with you. That way, they can also have "extra protection" by not touching anything around them.
If your place is very far from Mendez, Cavite, your family can stay overnight (or two!) in Yoki's Farm. They have accommodations available and they have a swimming pool too!
Overall, I am happy my family and I had a very quick and fun day at Yoki's Farm. We spent around 2 hours exploring the farm. After the trip, I realized that being inside the house day in and day out for months is no joke. Sometimes it's taking a toll in our mental health already so trips like this one once in a while is a breath of fresh air. Although our family is still very cautious to go out, it is important that when you do, your family is well prepared and you have done your research regarding the health protocols, policies, and research also how the establishment ensures safety of its guests. In Yoki's Farm, I'm glad that my family and I felt safe (NOT sponsored!).
Address: Tabluan Road, 1, Mendez, Cavite
Contact Number: 0999 994 96 03 | (046) 409 75 27
Email: yoki_farm@yahoo.com
*NOTE: Prices, schedules, and policies of Yoki's Farm may vary without prior notice. Please always check and call Yoki's Farm for the updated news/ announcements.
**As of February 16, 2021, the farm will temporarily not allow person below 15 y.o., above 65 y.o., with immunodeficiency and other health risks, and pregnant women.
***As of January 19, 2021, the farm will be closed every TUESDAY of the week for a scheduled, cleaning, and maintenance of the entire area. Please still do check their Facebook page for new updates.
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