Wild Wild West in the South
Published on: 19th December, 2009
Cowboys with Indian Chief.
While others flocked to the public plaza on the night before the Sinulog Festival, my friends and our families traveled two hours from Bacolod to spend a night at the place called “Apache Gamefarm” located in the outskirts of the City of Kabankalan.
Apache Gamefarm is a two-hectare farm in Barangay Orong surrounded by big mahogany trees and sugarcane fields planted in a gently sloping terrain, about five kilometers from the city proper. It is owned and managed by Brgy. Captain Jo-an Albayda and his sister, Babette Alcala.
The day was turning to dusk when we arrived at the farm to the delicious smell of grilled fish and oysters wafting in the air and the cool voice of Kenny Rogers in the background. Wooden tables and benches were set outdoors in front of the log cabin for al fresco dining with gas lamps glowing under every tree. For us, first timers, the place simply reeked of adventure and fun!
Apache Gamefarm is not just any ordinary farm. It is a themed farm; it is like walking into the scene of the wild wild west movies of yesteryears. Tito Jo-an, as we fondly call him, loves being a cowboy and has a penchant for collecting Indian costumes as well. He wears a cowboy hat and he has plenty to spare for his guests including other accessories like the rope (laso), holster with toy guns, Indian headdresses as well as bows and arrows.
A short tour to this one-bedroom cabin gives us a feeling of wanting to stay longer and enjoy the warmth and
Kai and Steph enjoy the ride with child-friendly Sunshine.
comfort offered in this place. It has a terrace that overlooks the ground fringed with trees and the spacious sala has mini-billiard table for children to play, and not surprisingly, in this place the bar is called a “saloon” and is fully furnished “cowboy style”, with swing doors and posters with a wanted sign adorning the wall.
We pitched tents for our children under the trees and when midnight came, we were awed by the breathtaking sight of fireflies sparkling and flying everywhere making the place aglow with their light.
That night we slept with a smile on our faces. The next day, we woke up at the sound of the crowing roosters and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
When Tito Jo-an suggested that we go horseback riding, everybody chorused ‘yes’ and ‘yehey’. He called the three sleek native horses by their first names, Sharon, Sunshine and Hero, who grazed and roamed around freely. To our amazement, the three celebrity horses ran to answer his call. So, we took turns riding them and they carried us around their backs at a very leisurely pace.
After the ride, some rested in the hammocks hanging under the trees, some took refreshing baths at the outdoor shower, some went fishing at the fishpond, others went to inspect the fighting cocks bred in the farm, while most of us simply sat on the bench and enjoyed the freshly picked coconut complete with a straw and paper umbrella.
Life is so much more fun here at Apache Gamefarm and for those who would like to experience a wholesome adventure with their friends and family, this is an ideal place for you. For inquiries, you may visit the Republic Mart and look for Babette Alcala or you may call her at 09064754001.*
By: Karen R. Dinsay