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United States
I've been coming to the Philippines for many years and thought I knew the country, but I had so much more to learn. My stay was cut short by family obligations, but I learned a lot and had so much fun. Arvyn hosted a lechon (pig roast) and it was fascinating to witness the extensive preparations involved in a traditional lechon with no part of the pig going to waste. The swimming pool was a great way to beat the heat! I never ate such fresh delicious food in all my life: banana flowers, escargot, kalamansi all picked from the farm. The work level was moderate and they party at night!!
3 months ago
United States
I had a truly memorable time at the farm. The hosts Arvin & Ronad are special caring people who took great care of me & gave me many opportunities to meet locals & experience Philippine culture away from the city. The interns working at the farm were super friendly & always made sure that I was OK & had everything I needed. The work was not difficult, ( less than I had anticipated.l It is a very hot region but I had plenty of clean water to drink, and shade to keep coolish in. The pool is a godsend and lots of fun. Food was really good & unlike anything I had eaten before.I RECCOMEND!
4 months ago
Australia
Experience of a lifetime! If you want to be immersed in the culture of the Philippines with caring and thoughtful hosts, the farm is the perfect place to visit! You will have amazing opportunities to get involved in the community lifestyle. This includes tasting the local cuisine, visiting the beautiful surrounding sights and municipalities, and (of course) participating in farming activities. Arvin and Rona are providing a truly unique experience for everyone who visits the farm. They care deeply about people and I always felt safe and well looked after. Thank you the farm!!! ❤️
8 months ago
Thank you, Riley, for your thoughtful review. It was a pleasure having you at ARVYK Eco-Farm, and we truly appreciate the positivity, openness, and hard work you brought during your stay. We’re committed to providing a safe and meaningful environment where volunteers can experience farm life, community, and sustainable agriculture. We’re glad your time here was memorable. You are always welcome back. Wishing you many more wonderful adventures ahead. ❤️
Lithuania
The farm was my first volunteer experience through Worldpackers and it exceeded all expectations. I'm drawn to discomfort, remote places, and new experiences, so a small village in northern Luzon felt like the perfect fit. From the beginning, it felt right and it truly was. The warmth and hospitality here have been unforgettable. Living daily life like the locals is something I'll always remember. For everyone that is considering this volunteer - take it!!! Thank you, the farm, friends, students and of course, Ginebra San Miguel. Best wishes!
9 months ago
Thank you, Gustas! We’re honored that ARVYK Eco-Farm was your first Worldpackers experience. Your energy, openness, and respect for our community made you a joy to have here. Wishing you more meaningful journeys ahead our doors will always be open to you.
Italy
After spending two weeks at ARVIK the farm, I can wholeheartedly recommend this experience. If you are looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, learn new eco-farming skills, and eat delicious traditional food—but above all, if you want to surround yourself with welcoming and kind-hearted people—this is the place to be. The tasks are simple yet practical, and I learned so much thanks to Arvin, Rona, and Cocoi... they were always available for anything! The accommodation, the food, and the people are all fantastic. I would do this all over again a hundred times. Thank you so much!
9 months ago
Thank you so much, Bea 💛
Your words mean the world to us. Having you at ARVYK Eco-Farm was truly special , you are part of our farm family.
We’re so grateful for everything you shared with us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back one day
United States
I left the farm with a full heart and a full belly. I learned more about organic farming while being immersed in local Filipino culture. Arvin, Rona, and Cocoy were extremely welcoming, helpful, and supportive. My favorite tasks were preparing vermicompost, propagating bamboo, and taking care of the farm animals. The food was fantastic; I tried so many new things. They took us to local sights and on an excursion to Pozo Robo beach up north in Santa Ana. I had the opportunity to work alongside high school students who were partaking in an immersion activity required to graduate.
9 months ago
China
There are nice moments. However, I left early for safety issues based on following experience: 4 am, 19 Feb, male cook Kokoy knocked my door and called my name. I woke up and recgnized his voice but didn't responsed. Next morning, I reported it to the host Rona who later tried to talk to Kokoy. Rona told me that this never happened before and Kokoy said he never did it. There is no camera at farm. But I decided to leave. Grab is not working. Arvin was too busy to drive me. I have to seek help from my Aribnb host to leave the place. Kokoy is friend of hosts and still works there after I left.
8 months ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback. The concern was reported around midday, and we immediately spoke with those present at the farm. Our accommodations are close to each other with other participants nearby, and no disturbance was reported that early morning. Chang also mentioned health concerns and chose to leave early, which we supported. We have hosted female volunteers who stayed for weeks without safety concerns. We remain committed to a safe and respectful environment for volunteers.
United States
I really enjoyed my stay at the farm! The hosts were lovely and made me feel welcome. I Also learned a lot about sustainable farming in such a short amount of time, and meanwhile I got the opportunity to apply everything that I was learning. Some of the tasks around the farm included feeding the animals, preparing the compost, picking fruit, planting trees, and more. I would recommend staying here!
11 months ago
Thank you so much, MJ!
We're truly happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay at ARVYK Eco-Farm. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we appreciate the heart and enthusiasm you brought to every task from feeding the animals to planting trees.
We're glad you learned a lot about sustainable farming and were able to apply those learnings hands-on during your stay. Thank you for recommending us and for being such a wonderful volunteer.
Hoping our paths cross again in the future!
Argentina
If you're looking for a truly immersive experience, the farm is very friendly, the tasks are simple, and we were always accompanied by Rolly and Tek, who help out on the farm. The people of Tuguegarao are very hospitable and kind. During my stay, I had the opportunity to attend two birthday parties with the locals, and every Sunday, the farm's friends would gather to share the afternoon and evening, eating and laughing. If you like karaoke, Filipinas is your place. The farm has a private cabin, Wi-Fi, and a wood-burning stove.
about 1 year ago
Colombia
Our experience was extremely immersive; these are simple tasks that require a lot of effort. Tuguegarao is a northern province, so you'll have a real experience with Filipino culture, cuisine, festivals, and local markets. We thank our hosts for their hospitality.
over 1 year ago
Thank you so much, Nallive, for being part of our little corner of the world! We're so glad you embraced the immersive experience and took on each task with heart. It means a lot to us that you appreciated the culture, the food, and local life here in the north. Hosting you and Nicolas was truly a pleasure. We're grateful for the moments shared and wish you both wonderful adventures ahead. You're always welcome back to our farm family!
