ARVYK Eco-Farm RLACI

Meet Our New International Volunteer — Jan

From the United States to the hills of Isabela, we are happy to welcome Jan to ARVYK Eco-Farm!

Jan chose to retire early, not to slow down, but to experience more of life while he is still healthy and strong enough to enjoy it. And what a journey it has been.

Jan has traveled to over 40 countries and has already completed 24 adventures, volunteering in farms and communities across the world from Costa Rica to Portugal, Panama, Uruguay, and beyond.

But Jan is more than just a traveler.

He has worn many hats in life— farmer, restaurant worker, aircraft maintenance personnel in the U.S. Air Force, supervisor, manager, and eventually an international program manager. A true problem solver with a heart for people.

What we love most about Jan is his mindset.

He says he doesn’t volunteer because he needs to, he volunteers because he wants to help. His goal is simple but powerful:

"I want to leave you better off than before I arrived.”

That really struck us.

Jan is passionate about organic farming, sustainability, and learning how eco-farming works in hot, tropical climates like the Philippines. He enjoys working with animals, getting his hands dirty, and even handyman tasks that leave something meaningful behind.

He also says he’s easygoing, open-minded, fun, and definitely “not your typical American gringo.” 😄

Here at ARVYK, we believe learning goes both ways. While Jan will learn from our farm, culture, and community, we know we’ll learn a lot from him too.

Welcome to the ARVYK family, Jan!
We’re excited for the stories, lessons, laughter, and memories ahead.

Please help us give Jan a warm Filipino welcome!

Sa farm, walang “ako lang.” Lahat, team effort.

Kung may tamad, ramdam ng lahat. Kung may masipag, nahihila ang iba. That’s why teamwork is everything. Real life doesn’t reward individual effort alone, it rewards people who know how to work with others.

“Hindi ka tamad… wala ka lang direction.”

“Your future grows where you plant your effort.”
Hindi instant ang farming. Ganyan din ang buhay.
Kung gusto mo ng ani, magsimula ka magtanim ng skills, disiplina, at pangarap.

"Most people think volunteering is about helping others.

What if it's actually the thing that changes you?"

A few weeks ago, Riley arrived at ARVYK Eco-Farm from Sydney, Australia.

Like many volunteers, he came expecting to learn about farming, nature, and rural life.

What he didn't expect was how much the experience would change him.

From feeding animals and helping around the farm, to sharing meals, singing karaoke, attending local celebrations, and spending time with our trainees, every day became a lesson that couldn't be learned in a classroom.

He arrived as a visitor.

He left with new friendships, new perspectives, and memories that will stay with him for a lifetime.

One thing Riley shared that touched us deeply was how the people he met here helped shape the way he sees the world.

Sometimes, the most valuable part of travel isn't the places you visit.

It's the people who welcome you into their lives.

At ARVYK Eco-Farm, volunteering is more than farm work.

It's waking up surrounded by nature.

It's learning where food comes from.

It's sharing stories with people from different backgrounds.

It's slowing down, reconnecting, and discovering parts of yourself you didn't know were there.

Thank you, Riley, for becoming part of our ARVYK family. We are grateful that our paths crossed. Your words remind us why we continue opening our farm to learners, trainees, interns, and volunteers from around the world.

If you've ever wanted to experience life beyond the usual tourist destinations, to learn, serve, connect, and grow alongside a local farming community, ARVYK Eco-Farm may be waiting for you too.

Come with an open mind.

Leave with a story you'll never forget.

International volunteers are always welcome.

👉 “Walang aangat kung kanya-kanya.”

May mga araw sa bukid na pagod ang katawan, mabagal ang usad, at parang ang daming kailangang gawin.

Pero isang bagay ang paulit-ulit na nagpapatunay ng totoo:

Mas magaan ang trabaho kapag may nagtutulungan.

Hindi lang tungkol sa pagtatanim ang farming—tungkol din ito sa tiwala, pakikipagkapwa, at pag-abot ng iisang layunin.

Minsan, ang pinakamahalagang aral ay hindi kung paano palaguin ang pananim, kundi kung paano lumago kasama ang iba.

At doon nagsisimula ang tunay na pag-unlad.