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Meet Dan Lyster Vallejo, a former fitness professional and office worker from the Philippines who has found his calling in the beekeeping fields of Canada. Transitioning from a desk-bound career, Dan now enjoys the freedom and connection to nature that beekeeping affords. “Beekeeping has offered me a refreshing change, allowing me to escape the confines of an office and immerse myself in nature,” says Dan.

Dan’s beekeeping journey began unexpectedly when a cousin working in the U.S. mentioned the opportunities in beekeeping abroad. With no prior interest in the field, the possibility of working internationally piqued his curiosity. “I thought to myself, ‘why not give it a shot?’ So, I enrolled in a beekeeping training right away at Loyola Bee Farm,” Dan recalls. His adventure started with training programs in Tagum, Philippines, setting the foundation for his new career path.

Describing his daily routine, Dan shares that beekeeping in Canada involves a variety of tasks from sunrise to sunset. “A typical day in spring starts with preparing the hives for the summer,” he explains. Each day ends with ensuring that the hives are secure from local wildlife, particularly bears—a new challenge he did not face back home.

For Dan, beekeeping is rewarding both personally and professionally. It has provided him a means to comfortably support his family while indulging in his passion for nature. “It is certainly a labor-intensive profession, but it aligns with my interests,” he notes. Professionally, the opportunity to meet and learn from beekeepers globally enriches his experience and broadens his perspective on beekeeping techniques.

In Canada, Dan enjoys a unique position as the first foreign worker employed by a company with over 40 years of history. He treasures learning from the founders, gaining insights into both traditional and modern beekeeping methods. “It’s like time travel,” Dan says, appreciating the blend of old and new beekeeping practices he learns from his employers.

Dan views beekeepers as vital players in environmental conservation. “Each beekeeper plays a crucial role not just maintaining their hives but also in educating others about the importance of bees for environmental conservation and biodiversity,” he asserts. His approach involves community engagement and spreading awareness about the critical role bees play in our ecosystem.

One of Dan’s most cherished experiences was his first honey harvest in Bukidnon with Sir Bhoi Loyola and other beekeepers. The experience solidified his passion for beekeeping, as he recalls, “Being outside, basking in the sun, breathing the fresh air—it felt like time slowed down a bit.”

When it comes to educating others about bees, Dan emphasizes the importance of understanding both theory and application. His teaching approach is progressive, ensuring that learners grasp the significance of bees before delving into practical beekeeping tasks.

For those interested in beekeeping, Dan advises, “TAKE IT SLOW. Enjoy every bit of learning there is in beekeeping.” He believes in savoring the journey and accumulating knowledge at a comfortable pace.

Looking forward, Dan is hopeful about the future of beekeeping. He aims to continue raising awareness about the importance of bees and aspires to contribute to a bee-friendly world through ongoing initiatives and community engagement.

Dan’s story is a testament to the diverse paths that life can take us on and the universal importance of following one’s passion. From the tropical climes of the Philippines to the crisp air of Canada, his journey highlights the crucial role beekeepers play in promoting global environmental stewardship and supporting the agricultural economy.