The transformative Journey of Angel Reyes – from balance sheets to bountiful harvests
In a world where corporate careers often overshadow traditional living, one man and journey proves that the unconventional path can lead to profound fulfillment and unexpected success. Meet Angel, a trailblazing farmer and the proud owner of Granja La Verde Farm in Batan, Aklan, Philippines. This story features resilience, passion, and the determination to turn challenges into triumphs.
In 2015, before Granja La Verde became a thriving organic farm, the land where it now flourishes lay dormant and unproductive. At a time when the Philippine economy was booming with opportunities in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, many young professionals were flocking to urban offices, leaving behind the roots of agriculture. Farming was increasingly viewed as a laborious, unattractive job that few would ever consider. Even parents, once proud tillers of the land, began steering their children towards alternate careers, hoping to spare them from the hardships they had faced.
At 30, Angel found himself standing at a crossroads. After years as corporate accountant, he felt unfulfilled in his 8-to-5 job. The thrill of numbers had faded, and he yearned for something more meaningful. That was until an article about his father’s high school friend’s success in organic sustainable farming reignited a spark within him.
Different varieties of lettuce as healthy products of Granja La Verde
With renewed purpose, Angel sought guidance from Pat Acosta, the owner of The Master’s Garden in La Trinidad, Benguet. Pat welcomed him to his farm for a month-long on-the-job training experience, where Angel began discovering the wonders of organic agriculture. The joy of working the land from dawn until dusk—and the stunning views—replaced the sterile office walls that had confined him for so long. At that moment, Angel knew he was on the right path.
After completing his training, Angel, who grew up most of his life in the city, moved to Batan, his mother’s hometown in the province of Aklan, armed with knowledge, supplies, and a dream. His family, particularly his mother, did not share his enthusiasm. “You’re throwing away your corporate career!” she exclaimed, baffled by his decision. Despite her concerns and the doubts of neighbors who relegated farming to a lower status, Angel remained steadfast in his belief that he could merge his accounting skills with a booming agricultural venture.
With each passing day, however, he discovered the harsh realities of farming. Hiring labor was challenging, other than many young people prefer other jobs, dissuaded by negative perceptions of agriculture, most have relied heavily on government handouts. Also, community support was sparse due to political issues and distrust among local farmers. Yet, instead of being deterred, Angel saw these obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning.
As a first-generation farmer in his family, he began researching rigorously everything to know about organic agriculture both from local and foreign sources. He was also eager and enthusiastic in attending trainings and seminars organized by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). His unwavering belief that sustainability in organic farming is achievable and this made him ardent in improving the operating system for his farm. Even after almost 10 years of experience, he is still learning the ropes, and this acquired knowledge and wisdom is eventually reflected in the prolificity of his production. These experiences gave him the confidence to reach out to local communities, advocating for farming benefits, and demonstrating that hard work can yield fruitful results beyond the traditional office environment. Through perseverance and commitment, he turned Granja La Verde into a thriving organic farm, harvesting everything from fresh vegetables to herbs—proving that agriculture can be profitable.
Today, Angel is not just a farmer; but a beacon of inspiration for those who dare to follow their passions, regardless of societal expectations. He has transformed views on farming in his community, showing that the road less traveled can lead to unexpected rewards. Granja La Verde Farm as a testament to Angel's resilience and flourishing business that has created jobs and revitalized interest in local agriculture.
The happy face of Angel after finding his real purpose in life
Angel’s story reminds us that pursuing your dreams is never too late, even if it means stepping away from the conventional path. His journey from balance sheets to bountiful harvests illustrates that fulfillment is often found in the most unexpected places. His success is a powerful reminder that anyone can rewrite their story and inspire others to do the same with passion, determination, and willingness to face challenges head- on.
So, remember Angel the next time you find yourself at a crossroads. As he has shown, the soil can nourish crops and dreams—if only you dare to dig deep and sow the seeds of change. As he has shown, the soil can nourish not only crops but also dreams—if only you dare to dig deep and sow the seeds of change.
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