For many Filipinos, Baguio is the go-to destination for flower gardens and strawberry picking. But for those pressed for time or looking for a more accessible alternative, a three-hectare farm in Cavite is quietly redefining countryside leisure.

Perlas ng Silang, located just over an hour from Metro Manila, brings a fresh twist to local tourism. Established in 2022 by the Banigan family, the farm was originally developed during the post-pandemic recovery period when outdoor, open-air spaces were in high demand.

Owner Boyet Banigan said they envisioned a hybrid space—a garden-themed restaurant that offers visual relief and physical distancing. From that concept grew a full-fledged flower park, now home to over 500 species of flowers, grasses, and ornamental shrubs. The blooms change every two months, ensuring that repeat visitors experience new scenery with each return.

Affordable getaway with floral charm

Entry to the farm is priced at P120, a modest fee compared to similar attractions in major tourist areas. Guests can walk through manicured paths lined with sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, and other seasonal varieties. Seating areas are scattered throughout the property, allowing visitors to rest, take photos, or simply enjoy the cooler breeze that Silang’s elevation offers.

Though the climate is not quite the same as Baguio, the setting offers enough greenery and cool air to replicate that tranquil ambiance. At Café Botanika, guests can sample garden-to-table dishes and enjoy fruit shakes made from freshly harvested produce—including strawberries.

The strawberries grown on-site are the same cultivars found in Baguio, allowing visitors to pick their own during harvest seasons. At P600 per kilo, the strawberry picking activity draws families and tourists alike, especially those curious to experience a northern tradition in the south.

Accessibility and ease of visit

Silang is reachable by private vehicle or public transport via major highways such as CALAX and Aguinaldo Highway. No special permits or reservations are needed for day visits, and the farm is open daily from morning until early evening. This ease of access has made Perlas ng Silang a popular choice for weekend travelers from Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The venue also adheres to basic environmental practices, using recycled materials for planters and composting organic waste on-site. Staff are primarily locals, many of whom found work at the farm after losing jobs during the pandemic. This tourism-driven employment has helped provide income and skills training in the community, according to Banigan.

Supporting regional tourism growth

While Perlas ng Silang is not alone in its efforts—other budget-friendly destinations like Imelda’s Garden in Batangas, Cely Farm and Ipo Dam Viewdeck in Bulacan, and Casa Peregrine in Rizal offer similarly affordable nature-based experiences—it contributes to a broader trend in domestic tourism.

DOT Region IV-A has noted a steady rise in Cavite’s local tourism numbers since 2023, attributed to the growth of agri-tourism and open-air leisure spaces. Farms like Perlas are now seen not just as places to visit, but as part of regional recovery and resilience strategies.

As more Filipinos seek stress relief and mental well-being through travel, destinations like Perlas ng Silang provide both escape and renewal, without the burden of long-distance planning or high expenses. And as long as the flowers keep blooming, the visitors will keep coming.

By Jaja Agpalo