Terra Manna: A Discovery And Self-Discovery

CEBU, Philippines - When can you say that you’re a truly a Cebuano? Just because you live here or speak the language doesn’t exactly amount to being one. I have come to this conclusion when I visited recently the town of Badian. I have been to this rustic countryside so many times before that I thought I knew every square inch of the place. But I was humbled. I found myself a stranger in my very own province. After all this time, I still have a lot of knowing to do about this island from whence I come.   

Badian is known for her effervescent Kawasan Falls as if it is almost her synonym. But have you heard about “Terra Manna”? Well, you haven’t — that I know for sure. Only a few people have come to this place and if I may say so, are lucky to have been among the earliest to have gone there — me included. It is the newest resort in town but the “uniquest” if I were to invent a word for it.

Located in Barangay Lambug, Terra Manna Camping and Resort emerges as one of the most promising resorts not only in Badian but of the province. Unlike the usual resort that you can find, Terra Manna is designed with little artificial structures – no fancy waterslides, no ornate pools or opulent buildings. Its come-on strength rests on its simplicity. 

Its owner, Rhodora “Rhoda” Rasmussen, wants to make sure that it lives up to what it is named for. “Terra” means earth or a piece of land in Latin while “manna” means bread or a gift from heaven in Hebrew. “Having said that, our goal is to give at least a little piece of heaven the best way we can by offering a different resort experience to our guests.”

Indeed, the moment we entered the place, we found ourselves as if we could touch the clouds. The four-hectare resort sits on a hilly region which gradually descends to its jagged shorelines. It overlooks the TanÞon Strait on the west and the blue-ridge heights on the east. The luxury of space and the natural landscape make the whole place a sight to behold in 360 degrees! Sunset at Terra Manna reveals a one-of-a-kind panorama where the sun rests beneath the bosom of Negros’ imposing mountains. 

Rhoda wants the place to be remembered as the land that time forgot. “The essence of being at Terra Manna is to forget your cares. We have special dens for everyone, whether for the solitary or the adventurous. We want people to spend quality time by themselves or with their families by providing the space to be alone or to hold their activities.”

I swear it took me just less than a day to finish a 250-page book while I was there. The rest of the time, in our two-day stay, was spent swimming and snorkeling with the family, story-telling, stargazing and roasting marshmallows by the campfire at night. Most interesting of it all was learning flower management with the kids from Rhoda herself who, is by the way, is an accomplished florist and a farmer back in Denmark.

“My husband, Soren, is a farmer. My interest in flower arrangement and gardening came about because we both enjoy working with soils. In fact, this is also the reason why we named the resort Terra Manna because we believe that the bounty of the land is heaven or God-sent.” says Rhoda. Peculiar to the place is an organic farm where campers can pick fruits or vegetables while helping them get to know the basics of natural farming and to understand its impact on health and the environment.

The bold will find the rugged topography ideal for obstacle courses and for other highly physical activities. There are an array of nooks for the meditative. Poets, writers, painters, composers and shutterbugs will definitely be inspired by its quaint and picturesque vistas. 

The sprawling patch of green accented by the mottled display of floral diversity makes this corner of the world a most romantic haven. Northwards are the themed gardens and a bridal walkway leading to the heart of the resort called “Lantaw,” a lush viewing canopy where the groom awaits his bride and where both are to be wed with the sleepy sea, the golden skies and the trees as backdrops. 

“‘Next to a fairy tale’ is how we want the experience to be when couples want to tie the knot at Terra Manna. Nowadays, couples are looking for unique venues to hold their dream weddings. This is where we come in. The natural beauty here makes any imagined wedding come to life. Our themed gardens allow couples to choose the eastern or western motif or may choose to marry both styles. It all depends on the couple,” Rhoda pointed out. 

“Eventually, we want to be a major player in the bridal industry. Our rates are not only affordable but we are also flexible to discuss their budget. As for the food, we are ready to serve European, American and Asian cuisines.” she adds.

The heart of Terra Manna belongs to the people of Badian. “If you look around, you will notice or read names of persons. For example, the wishing well is dedicated to “Raszhel” for the simple reason that he built it with his bare hands.” These attributions indicate that this place is made possible not by its owners but by the people who have helped the Rasmussen couple with Terra Manna. We want the Badianons to know that our presence here is for the sheer love of the place and the recognition of the industry of her people,” Rhoda concludes.

As for me, having gone to the place was not only an opportunity but a discovery altogether – a discovery of oneself, never ceasing to explore life that unfolds in Cebu each passing moment.

To get to know about Terra Manna contact 272-3682; 321-3640 or you may visit their website at http://www.terramannaresort.ph/ ?