News—SVD Farm exec director Fr. Sam Agcaracar, SVD, shares Farm’s ecospirituality in Team Payaman vlog feature
Tagaytay City—The SVD Laudato Si' Farm was introduced to many new people after being featured in a humorous video by popular content creator group, Team Payaman, founded by vlogger Lincoln "Cong" Velasquez, better known as Cong TV.
The video about the group's visit to the Farm featured an insightful interview with Rev. Fr. Samuel "Sam" Naceno-Agcaracar, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community.
The heartwarming video, which was uploaded on the Team Payaman YouTube channel last February 17, 2023, gained significant attention, with over 2.2 million views and 64 thousand likes at present. The widespread popularity of the video not only brought increased visitors to the Farm but also contributed to further public awareness of this unique sanctuary.
The visit to SVD Farm was led by Team Payaman members “Junnie Boy” and his father “Papa Shoutout,” Marlon Velasquez Sr., who are cousins of Fr. Sam. Prior to their visit, their family had donated a statue of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus to the Farm.
When the team arrived at the SVD Farm, they dined on a wood-fired oven pizza from the Pizzateria de Pugon of the Farm’s Oies Kitchen.
One of the highlights of the video was Fr. Sam's profound reflection which he shared with Team Payaman in front of the Hill of Transfiguration of the SVD Farm, beside a rock depicting the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Fr. Sam eloquently related the structure of the Farm to the spiritual journey of mankind, emphasizing the importance of embracing life's sorrows and trials to reach the Heart of Jesus.
“Bago ka makarating sa Puso ni Hesus, dadaan ka muna sa mga sorrows ng buhay. The way to the Heart of Jesus are the Sorrows of the Blessed Mother. ... So, if you embrace your own sorrows and trials in life, you will slowly be led to the Heart of Jesus, because the ultimate highest expression is the Heart of the Son,” said Fr. Sam. Fr. Sam also emphasized how SVD Farm inspires spiritual renewal among visitors naturally. "I do not impose the spirituality. I just allow (the visitors) to feel it, experience it," he said.
During the visit, Fr. Sam shared his vision for the Ecospirituality Retreat Center, which he envisioned to allow the Farm to accommodate overnight retreats and recollections. He also shared how the St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo, which was not yet completed at the time, would help visitors foster a deeper connection with nature and God.
When asked about other future plans for the Farm, Fr. Sam emphasized the importance of maintaining nature at the forefront instead of focusing on commercial developments.
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In the comments of the YouTube video, many expressed their desire to visit the Farm and experience its calming ambiance.
Commenters who have visited the SVD Farm shared their good experiences with others. One commenter remarked, "Ang ganda nga po diyan sa SVD Farm. Very calming and sobrang healing ng place.” Another shared, "Twice na ako nakapunta at sobrang na-enjoy ko yung kalmado at payapang ambiance. Feeling ko, mas napapalapit ako sa nature at kay God."
Fr. Sam's message, especially his authentic and heartfelt approach to spirituality resonated with the audience. "Fr. Sam's way of speaking is very healing. You'll feel like crying and all your worries vanish when you come here," shared another commenter.
Another commenter, who shared that their family goes to Mass at the Farm’s Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor, shared that the Farm is “very peaceful and not crowded.” The commenter also praised Fr. Sam's approachable and welcoming demeanor, as he engages in conversations with everyone, even outside of the scheduled Mass.
Fr. Sam's authentic approach to spirituality, allowing visitors to experience it without imposing it, resonated deeply with viewers. A commenter appreciated this approach, writing, "I liked how Father Sam mentioned that he doesn't force spirituality on anyone. He lets people experience and feel it. You can't force someone to change, but when they experience it, it's amazing because you know it's the Lord working and speaking to their hearts."
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The YouTube video, entitled "BOY MERON AKONG PINA-BLESS," may be viewed through the following link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycik_yvDbRs&ab_channel=JunnieBoy
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For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org.