Nestled in the heart of Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Mariah Cali Farm Resort has quickly become a favorite for locals and travelers looking for a place to relax, celebrate, or simply enjoy a day in the water. But behind its growing popularity is a story rooted in family, community, and a bit of creative naming.
Owners Marilou and Ricardo Domingo share that their dream of opening a resort started as a simple family wish. Marilou admits she was hesitant at first, thinking she would be the one cleaning everything, but it turned out they would have a team to help. When the pandemic hit, with their construction business on pause, the family and their workers found themselves at the property with time on their hands. That’s when they built their first swimming pool—just for family use. One of their children suggested adding a second pool for kids, and another thought a hotel would be a great addition. What started as a single pool and cottage in 2020 grew into a bustling public resort, especially when nearby barangays began visiting once restrictions eased.
The name "Mariah Cali" has its own story. The couple’s son, Richard Deryl, is a huge Mariah Carey fan and named his dog Mariah. His sibling then named their own dog Cali. The names stuck, and the dogs became beloved family members and, as the family jokes, the first “grandchildren.” When it came time to name the resort, Mariah and Cali felt like lucky charms, and the name "Mariah Cali" was born.
What makes Mariah Cali stand out is the experience. Guests enjoy the feel of a private resort, but at public resort prices. For an entrance fee of 100 pesos, visitors get access to clean facilities and amenities that rival private resorts. There are swimming pools, pedal boats, koi feeding, and even a friendly dinosaur named Raptor for kids to enjoy. The family, who are also in construction and architecture, designed the resort themselves, adding buildings and features as inspiration struck.
Running a public resort comes with daily challenges, especially when it comes to maintenance. Marilou is hands-on, starting her days at the resort with a cup of coffee and staying until staff finish cleaning at night. For her, seeing guests enjoy themselves is the most rewarding part of owning the place.
Looking ahead, the Domingo family plans to create more private spaces for events and build areas for sports like pickleball, basketball, and volleyball. They also want to keep supporting their community by hiring locals and using vegetables and rice grown on their own land.
Inside the resort, guests will find Bro’s Inasal, a fast-growing Filipino restaurant franchise known for Bacolod-style chicken inasal and modern café drinks. Anyone can dine at Bro’s Inasal, even without booking a room or swimming at the resort. The rice they serve is fresh from Nueva Ecija’s fields, a nod to the province’s reputation as the country’s rice granary.
The family takes pride in how Mariah Cali has helped put their small barangay, Cabubulaonan, on the map. They hire almost exclusively from the area, providing jobs and opportunities for their neighbors. Guests come from as far as Baguio, Manila, Bulacan, and Pampanga to experience what the resort has to offer.
If there’s one thing the family never plans to change, it’s the name Mariah Cali. For them, it carries the good fortune and happy memories that started it all.
Mariah Cali Farm Resort—Events, Hotel & Restaurant is perfect for relaxing getaways and unforgettable celebrations. With affordable entrance and cottage fees, fun amenities, and a warm, family-run atmosphere, it’s no wonder this spot has become Talavera’s top resort destination.
