02/12/2025
A NEW CHAPTER FOR MAPOLS FARM :TEMPORARY CLOSURE, OPEN TO FUTURE POSSIBILITIES
It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing the temporary closure of the COFFEE SHOP and the INSTAGRAMMABLE FARM, effective December 28.
We started this self-sustaining farm in 2010 with love, passion, and a commitment to beauty and tranquility and primarily as a hobby and a cherished gathering place for our family.
When we opened it to the public in 2017, it quickly became a haven for lovers of vintage and upcycled items, as well as for enthusiasts who enjoyed taking "selfies", earning us the title of the "First Instagrammable Farm in Panayβ Our peak years, 2018-2019, showcased the product of our artistry, innovation, and deep love for nature.
The global pandemic delivered a significant setback, preventing us from adapting swiftly to the new dynamics of tourism. As a self-sustaining farm, our operational philosophy means we strictly reinvest earnings back into the farm, a principle that became incredibly challenging during this time. Despite our best efforts, the severe impact of the pandemic meant we struggled to sustain the business effectively.
As a result, we have made the strategic, though difficult, decision to temporarily close our doors.
The challenges we're facing are not unique, as tourism in our country is still struggling, especially for small businesses like ours that need daily income to survive. The pandemic had a big impact, and we're still feeling the effects.
Our last day of operations will be on DECEMBER 28, Friday to Sunday, following our regular operating days.
The plants will continue to be taken care of, especially those planted by our ihados, ihadas, civic groups, and other private individuals. We are committed to preserving their growth and well-being. Over time, the farm will return to the flourishing state it was in 15 years ago, when we first started this journey.
To those who have donated their old items to us, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. We have used and upcycled many of them into something new, while others have been displayed to add to the vintage ambiance of our farm. Thank you for your generosity.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to our employees, many of whom were displaced during the pandemic, for their dedication. Thank you for your hard effort, your shared laughter, and for being an integral part of the fun yet tiring days we all shared.
We also wish to thank all the wonderful people we have met along the way, and to those who have chatted with us, shared their farm stories, the families who visited with their children, and the foreign tourists who offered their thoughts and ideas. Your presence and shared experiences have enriched us.
Let's stay positive and hope that things will turn around soon. Maybe we'll see aggressive and young leaders with doable tourism plans that can give us an immediate boost. We're hoping for small but sustainable programs that can make a real difference, especially at the grassroots level.
We hope that our advocacy for upcycling and appreciation for old things will be given another opportunity to shine in the future. MAPOLS Farm will always be a part of our family, and we look forward to reconnecting with you in the future.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
--Paolo & Mai Perez--
P.S. Casa Isabel will remain open for rent for events like birthdays, small wedding receptions, and other group activities. A separate post about Casa Isabel will be announced in the coming days.
Our delicious tableya tablets are still available for pre-order with a minimum 3-day lead time.
