Camp Tipolo Adventureland, Antipolo

Whenever I want to break the monotony of daily grind, I take the 10 to 15 minute trek to Camp Tipolo Adventureland situated within the property of Loreland Farm Resort. It's a trek worth taking as the scenery going down is just relaxing. It's a different story going up but then again it's the experience that I count on. Going down the 250 step rip rap is an exercise not only for my body but for my mind and soul too. It's just a total break from the usual concrete and four corners of the office that I usually work on or most of us do.

trek to Camp Tipolo

So what do I see at Camp Tipolo? One, there's a ricefield. Frankly, I haven't tried planting rice. I wish I did. Will do it really, soon during planting season. I have planted trees and gardening plants but not rice. It's easy I think, just bend then plant. See, easy to say. 

Ricefield

Ricefield and Cabanas

Second, there's a fish pond full of tilapia and hito where guests can go fishing. You see, sometimes nature has its way of teaching us that  going back to basics and doing the most simple of things with your family and friends are indeed more memorable. During the early years of Loreland, I remember fishing for hito and tilapia then have it grilled for lunch. It's the freshness of the food that make it really appetizing. Eat it with your favorite sauce, itlog na maalat and atchara, then presto! Good food.

If Americans are fond of having barbecue parties  at their own backyard, is it safe to say that we Filipinos, with our 7,107 islands, are fond of fishing parties? I mean we've got coastal areas from north to south. I guess this is very true in the province but not in the city or suburb. Not quite. Unless you have your own fish pond.

Another reason why I want to hang out here is because of this Ulog House. This is an original from Banaue, Ifugao - a mountain range province located in Northern Philippines. It was transported from the Banaue to Antipolo in 2005. This is where I usually stay and pass time while lying on the hammock. Resting, listening to the birds and harp of the wind. Nature's sound is so energizing.

The Ulog is a traditional and heritage home. It should be preserved in generations to come because it is with our past that we learn and understand about the present and our future. 

Ulog House

During Loreland's anniversary in 2010, we brought the whole team for the first time to Camp Tipolo for them to experience outdoor teambuilding. Check out the video for a glimpse of our anniversary celebration.

I believe that not all meetings should be confined in the boardroom or a conference room. Sometimes it is much better to give employees a rare chance to experience fun in an outdoor setting. It is when they are outdoors that you see them loosen up and simply have fun. The obstacle courses can be quite  challenging but it's the learning and shared experiences that would really matter.

For more info about Camp Tipolo, check out website at Camp Tipolo