The Good Harvest: Urban Farmers PH Celebrates Milestone Third Anniversary

Food security, maximizing unused land, uniting communities particularly local farmers, create jobs for displaced workers, finding creative solutions for food and material waste and establishing a mindset that gives forward, each concern became even more relevant and all too real during the long days of the pandemic. Three years down the road, Urban Farmers PH celebrates a milestone moment staying true to its vision and mission. 

Located at the "The Flats" between 5th and 34th Streets at the heart of BGC, Urban Farmers PH is an oasis in the busting commercial and business district. Think of it as a living and breathing green zone in a maze of concrete, asphalt and steel. And a much needed and welcome change of pace. 

The brainchild of Louie Guitierrez, the Farmer in Chief of Urban Farmers Sustainable Concepts Organization Inc., Urban Farmers PH was an idea driven by the need to provide safe and healthy food for the family during the long days of the quarantine experience. Spotting an unused lot in the neighborhood sparked a eureka moment, and the seeds for a viable community farm soon became the catalyst for an emerging movement. Urban Farmers Sustainable Concepts Organization Inc. is a social enterprise registered as a non-stock, non-profit organization that "nurtures unused public spaces inviting people to discover that farming is enjoyable, doable and transferrable."

After completing a course in Social Enterprise at the Copenhagen Business School, Louie's transition to being a farmer in the city was now complete. In addition to the BGC Community Farm, Urban Farmers PH has several ongoing projects and locations in Bel-Air Park Farm, NLEX Farm, a composting facility at Nepa Q-Mart and partnerships for Public School Vegetable Gardens in Taguig and Makati. All this, within a short span of three years. That just goes to show when a timely idea resonates and gains traction, blossoming into a concept for the times (for more on Urban Farmers PH, see my previous post Oasis in the City: The BGC Community Farm by Urban Farmers from early last year).

At the BGC Community Farm location, guests can simply walk in and feel the sudden change in both mood and vibe with just a few steps... 

...with the monochromatic grey tones of the city replaced by lush and verdant greens. There's new life flourishing out of the concrete and asphalt landscape, and you'll find it right here at the BGC Community Farm by Urban Farmers PH.

The sudden change in scenery is both unexpected and surprising, even more so in a highly urbanized commercial district like BGC. And that's exactly what Urban Farmers PH set out to do, perfectly demonstrating just how doable, enjoyable and transferrable the urban farming concept can be offering infinite possibilities. 

The spirit of collaboration with partner companies, groups, corporate sponsors and volunteers sharing the same advocacy remains one of the key features of the business model, and the results can be seen in the fertile patches blooming with fresh sprouts of greens. There's just something so fascinating and even magical seeing the seedlings transform and witness first-hand the cycle of how nourishing the land in turn yields fresh produce for the table.

Throughout the farm, a wide and diverse medley of vegetables and ornamental plants in different stages of growth fill each suitable space in the corner lot... 

...supplemented by regular harvests from their network of local farmers and communities. The support for local farmers is one of the pillars of Urban Farmers PH, and this network is growing through the efforts of partner companies and its team of hard-working and dedicated volunteers.

Drop by The Farm Store and find everything you need to start your own backyard project, the staff of volunteers will be more than happy to assist you. But on this special day, the staff was focused on the preparations at one of the BGC Community Farm's main structures...

...at The Greenhouse. Teams of chefs arrived early to prepare the sumptuous feast for the festive anniversary celebration...

...using many of the ingredients harvested directly from the farm. The elegant space is an ideal spot for private events surrounded lush greens and produce for a unique and one-of-a-kind experience right at the heart of BGC.

With three long wooden dining tables lining the interiors of The Greenhouse as well as multiple outdoor seating areas and configurations, the BGC Community Farm by Urban Farmers PH may just be the venue you need for your next event or function.

 

A tent outside The Greenhouse is set up with a bar complete with all the herb garnishes for the evening's cocktails...

...while another tent nearby served fresh-brewed infused teas as more guests arrived.

Meanwhile, the pace at the outdoor bar picks up... 

...with refreshing mocktails like the Calamansi Sour garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers greeting guests for the milestone anniversary celebration of Urban Farmers PH.

The shifting light of the late afternoon provides a much needed break from the heat, perfectly cooled down by another Calamansi Sour. The sharp yet refreshing notes of the Calamansi Sour opens up the palate for some savory treats...

...prepared fresh off the rotating vertical grill. The savory richness of the gyros with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and onions slathered with garlic and chili sauces are tempered by a soothing sip of the Calamansi Sour for that balanced finish. And you're ready for another bite.

The 3rd anniversary of Urban Farmers PH is also a celebration of partnerships and collaborations with different communities with the same shared advocacy, from local farming communities to the Food & Beverage and culinary education sectors. The presence of Disciples Escoffier founding chairman and CCA Culinary Director Philip John Golding reinforces the collaborative spirit with Urban Farmers PH at the milestone anniversary celebration.

Chef Philip John Golding set up his station inside The Greenhouse assisted by CCA student Francheska Chan to add to the anniversary feast...

...with a whole lot of fresh basil harvested from the BGC Community Farm giving you an idea of the dish.

The traditional jamonera is set up at the table...

...for the Jamon Serrano. Urban Farmers PH prepared a grand feast that evening, and a well deserved one at that. 

After all, an idea built around the right intentions deserves a feast like this. From that initial flicker of an idea to the successful operation of not just one community farm with many more soon to follow, an abundant spread on the table becomes a fitting celebration.

Now fully armed, Chef Philip John Golding starts the prep work...

...and soon, a fragrant aroma fills The Greenhouse.

Meanwhile, the Grazing Table is set up near the outdoor bar...

..with its impressive selection of fine gourmet cheeses, cold cuts, cured meats, charcuterie, fresh fruits, premium chocolates, nuts and crisp air-dried vegetables. 

Grazing by the lush gardens of the Bonifacio Community Farm by Urban Farmers PH take on a whole new meaning. And that calls for another round of Calamansi Sour. Or better yet, a classic G&T.

Back at the station of Chef Philip John Golding inside The Greenhouse, more chefs arrived. In a celebration like this, too many chefs in the kitchen is always a good thing.

A few steps down, the Paella Verdura takes shape...

...with a refreshing Calamansi Basil paired with the setting sun...

...as the fragrant aromas from the different stations sets the mood for the evening's grand feast. 

The Lechon or whole roast pig is unwrapped and laid on the table inside The Greenhouse...

...as Chef Philip presented his classic Penne Pasta with Pesto made with the fresh harvest of basil from the BGC Community Farm by Urban Farmers PH.

Seeing all the different chefs working together that evening perfectly captures the collaborative spirit set by Urban Farmers PH bringing different communities together united by a shared advocacy.

The carving of the Lechon signals the start of the festive feast at the BGC Community Farm by Urban Farmers PH... 

...and another round of Gin & Tonic right on cue.

The soft and moist Paella Verdura topped with a bountiful harvest of fresh vegetables was a hit...

...with lines of filled plates and happy smiles for a whole lot of good vibes that evening. 

An espresso machine filled cups with bold brews, providing the inspiration for an inventive idea...

...with the refreshing espresso-based cocktail blended with gin from the creative wizards at the outdoor bar. 

Donning the iconic red sash of of the Disciples Escoffier, Chef Philip John Golding highlighted the shared advocacy between the prestigious culinary society and Urban Farmers PH...

...building on the spirit of collaboration and partnerships for a common cause. The milestone third anniversary celebration goes beyond the successful operations of the growing network of pocket urban farms in the metro but the promise and potential of transformation in the way we perceive food as a living chain of communities.

Driving this vision in the next few years are the dedicated team of volunteers from Urban Farmers PH along with partner companies, groups and corporate sponsors.

And that deserves another toast...

As the modern commercial and business district of BGC is illuminated that evening...

...one tiny spot shines brightest between 5th and 34th Streets lit by the spark of an emerging movement.

Three years of successful operations in any business is no small feat. At Urban Farmers PH, it's proof that the right idea along with the right intention can work and bring communities together for a common cause.