The Pahiyas Festival Experience: Lucban Town Tour Plus Sidetrip in Lake Caliraya

Pahiyas Festival in Lucban

The panoramic view of Lucban

A sleepy town in the foothills of a mystic mountain where the people wear their big smiles and greet with one another. You can visit this town with its lively festival which catches the attention of thousand tourists who flock every year because of colorful and decorated houses as well with their sumptuous and unique local delicacies. These are the popular descriptions that people can remember about Lucban, Quezon.

It is the first town in Quezon if you came from the towns of Luisiana and Majayjay in Laguna where it is situated in the foothills of Mount Banahaw. It is also known as "The Summer Capital of Quezon Province"  because the town is situated in the highlands. The town got its name from "lucban" or pomelo tree. There is a story where three hunters from the neighboring town of Majayjay lost their way following the trail of wild animals in the foot of volcanic Mt. Banahaw. The hunters took a rest under the pomelo tree where they saw a crow (uwak in Tagalog) which is a sign of bad omen. However, they were attracted with the kingfishers (salacsac) which they believed as a sign of good fortune. The superstitious hunters settled in this place and they named the place Lucban.

A house made up of fan and mats with a flower made up of kiping.

In addition, Lucban is known for Pahiyas Festival, a festival in honor of patron saint of the farmers San Isidro de Labrador (Saint Isidore the Laborer). The festival displays decorated and colorful houses which are adorned with fruits, vegetables, root crops, grains, handicrafts and kiping. Pahiyas Festival came from the vernacular word in Lucban, "payas" meaning decorations. During the early Christianization of the natives of Lucban (which is known as "Maluban" or "Columban") they commemorated a feast of thanksgiving to anitos for the good harvest of farm products such as fruits and vegetables.

I decided to visit the town of Lucban in order to witness the Pahiyas Festival along with my friends. We left Cavite at 4:00 a.m. We decided to take the National Road from South Luzon Expressway, passing the towns of Los Banos to Pagsanjan. Then we made it to the town proper of Pagsanjan, the road was closed during that time due to road construction. So we took the highway going to Lumban and Caliraya Lake which leads to a one-hour travel leading passing the towns of Cavinti and Luisiana going to Lucban. It was such a hard travel because we passed the zigzag road and the mountainous terrain. However, the route we chose offered a spectacular view of the Caliraya Lake during sunrise plus the panoramic view of Laguna Lake and its lakeshore towns in the foothills of Sierra Madre.

After three hours of traveling, we made it to Lucban. The first attraction that I noticed is the mystic Mount Banahaw. It was always covered with clouds at seven o'clock in the morning that teemed with the sparkling sunlight and blue skies. As the day goes by, we saw the stunning view of Mount Banahaw filled with lush vegetation and verdant forests.

Then, we proceed to our first stop, Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center (Read the full article entitled A Healing Journey in Kamay ni Hesus). There are tourists especially the religious devotees came here every year to commemorate the Stations of the Cross as well with the Healing Mass and prayers for hopes and healing. The main attraction in this site is the hilltop shrine which composed of approximately 300 steps to the Ascending Christ statue where you can pass different religious images depicted from the events in the Bible as well with the Last Supper, Stations of the Cross and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ .

Mount Banahaw was covered with thick clouds at 7:00 a.m.

The verdant and stunning Mount Banahaw , 9:00 a.m.

The Kamay ni Hesus Hill

After the visit in Kamay ni Hesus, we went to Lucban town proper to witness the colorful Pahiyas Festival. The houses are beautiful because of colorful decorations such as fruits, vegetables, agricultural products, handicrafts and kiping as I roamed around the town. Every year, Pahiyas Festival held its contest to the most beautiful and creative house filled with decorations. The houses had different themes and concepts in putting their ornaments. Some examples including fences and walls made up of grasses and leaves; chandeliers, flowers and lanterns made up of kiping; different vegetables which turn into animals such as butterflies and insects; and different fruits and vegetables combined in one huge basket to symbolize a bountiful harvest. That is why, Lucbanins gave their 100% best effort in putting decorations in their home as well with their creativity and hardwork in putting agricultural ornaments. We took pictures of different houses as well with experiencing to visit the houses. We felt the hospitality of the residents as we enter the house, that is why I considered the Lucbanins as one of the most friendly Pinoy groups in our country.

A house made up of leaves, grains and kiping.

Children are looking from the vegetable balcony.

Green house

A ginger house

Kiping can be decorated as sunflowers and butterflies. 

House filled with colors using art materials.

Fruits and vegetables as a sign of good harvest.

An aquarium filled with gold fish and carp surrounded by agricultural products and grains.

Kiping as chandeliers

Flying insects.

A gourd with a spicy smile.

The tourists enjoy a pose while taking pictures at decorated houses. 

A cart made up of wheat, vegetables, kiping and grains which contained pansit habhab.

Higantes Festival in Lucban.

There are many tourists who crowded in the town during the Pahiyas Festival.

 During the town tour, I decided to take different local delicacies which is originated from Lucban. I tried to chum the savory Pansit Habhab in rectangular banana plate, taste the grilled Lucban Longganisa dipped with vinegar and chewing over colorful kiping or fried leaf-shaped rice crispies. (Read the article The Pahiyas Festival Experience: Food Hopping in the Streets of Lucban).

Lucban's delicacies: pansit habhab, Lucban longganisa, kiping and budin.

After food hopping, we proceeded to Saint Louis Bishop of Toulouse Church to attend the mass and to give our prayers. The first church was built in 1595 and the present church was completed in 1738. It is one of the Baroque churches in Quezon Province which was built during the Spanish era.

Lucban Church

People are gathering around the church in order to attend the mass.

After that, I decided to go on shopping and buy their local delicacies in order to have a pasalubong to my parents just to taste the local delicacies of Lucban and taking a glimpse of the decorated houses in the town.

We decided to go home but before that, we made a stop over in Lake Caliraya. The lake was built in 1939 in order to supply hydroelectric energy in the province. We felt the fresh air of the mountains and the lake and the serene ambiance which is refreshing from the busy scenario of the festival. As we passed the roads going to Caliraya Lake, there are beautiful sceneries including lush forests, verdant and towering mountain chains, and calm lakes that offer a spectacular view during sunrise or sunset that reflected the sunlight.

Lake Caliraya

Verdant and lush forests plus the towering mountain range.

Laguna de Bay and the lakeshore towns from the top of Sierra Madre mountains.

Therefore, this experience in Pahiyas Festival is one of the best travels I've ever had because of the colorful culture of Lucban from natural wonders, lively festivals and delicious delicacies. I want to come back next time in Lucban to discover more of its culture. Truly, It's More Fun in Lucban. "Yanung Rikit, Baling Ganda."

How to Get There:
From South Luzon Expressway, you can take the National Highway via Calamba Exit going to Santa Cruz. From there, you will pass the towns of Pagsanjan, Cavinti and Luisiana then you will make it to Lucban, Quezon. In addition, you can take the route passing the towns of Magdalena, Liliw and Majayjay then it will lead you to the town proper.

Other alternative route is from South Luzon Expressway going to Lucena City, passing the towns of San Pablo City, Tiaong, and Lucena. From Lucena, you can pass the town of Tayabas going to Lucban.

However, the road was closed in Pagsanjan during that time so we took the Lumban-Lake Caliraya route which leads to Cavinti and Luisiana going to Lucban, Quezon.

Check their website: http://www.pahiyasfestival.com

Date of Travel: May 15, 2013

Visita Iglesia: Baroque Churches of Laguna Loop

There are different traditions in commemorating the Lent season. One of the common Filipino customs during Holy Week is the Visita Iglesia. It is the custom of visiting seven to fourteen churches where people pray the Stations of the Cross with the stations are divided among the churches. According to Wikipedia, Visita Iglesia is customarily observed during Maundy Thursday but today, it is commonly practiced in any day of the Holy Week.

The historical province of Laguna is also popular because of the ancient Baroque churches. These churches were built during the Spanish era and it was located in various towns and cities in the province. Therefore, Laguna is an ideal venue to conduct a visitation to seven churches or Visita Iglesia because of the majestic architecture and the serene ambiance of the province that teemed with the captivating landscapes and the abundance of nature in the province.

Shrine of Saint Anthony de Padua
Pila, Laguna

Located in the town of heritage houses, the Shrine of Saint Anthony de Padua is the first Antonine house of worship in the Philippines. It was built in 1618 but the town was transferred from Pagalangan to its present site in 1800 in order to avoid frequent floods. The church was completed in 1849. In addition, the first printing press was established under Tomas Pinpin and Domingo Loag. The church was located in the town plaza, adjacent to the town hall and museum.

Immaculate Conception Church
Santa Cruz, Laguna

Within a five to ten minute travel from Pila, you can reach the busy and progressive provincial capital of Santa Cruz. In this town you can visit the Immaculate Conception Church. It was originally constructed of stone in 1608 and enlarged in 1672. It was destroyed by fire in 1945 during the Liberation and reconstructed in 1948. It is located in the town center of Santa Cruz.

Saint Mary Magdalene Church
Magdalena, Laguna

Nestled in the lush and verdant foothills of Banahaw, you can visit the peaceful and historical town of Magdalena. Within ten minutes from Santa Cruz, you can reach the town plaza of Magdalena and you can visit the St. Mary Magdalene Church. It was completed in 1829. It plays a significant role in the Philippine Revolution of 1896 where Emilio Jacinto sought refuge in the church after he was shot and wounded near the Maimpis River.

Saint John the Baptist Church
Liliw, Laguna

You can visit the St. John the Baptist Church located in Liliw, the town which is popular for its slippers and footwear. The church was built in 1605 after the town was separated from Nagcarlan. The church is popular because of its elegant bricked facade as well with the solemn interior.

Saint Bartholomew the Apostle Church
Nagcarlan, Laguna

Few minutes away from Liliw, we have the St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church in Nagcarlan. The first church was built in 1583 made of light materials. The second church was built in 1752 which is made of stone. There also stories that there is a tunnel from the church to the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery which is the secret meeting place of the Katipuneros in the 1896 Revolution. In addition, this church is the setting of the defunct fantasy series "Kampanerang Kuba".

Saint Gregory the Great Church
Majayjay, Laguna

One of the tallest churches and a National Historical Treasure in the Philippines, the St. Gregory the Great Church was built in 1571 in the highland town of Majayjay. It was made up of nipa and bamboo and its church made of stone was completed in 1616 to 1649. This church is popular because of its stunning height and the Baroque architecture which was made during the Spanish era.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish
Luisiana, Laguna

This church is located after crossing the zigzag roads of Luisiana which is known as "The Little Baguio of Laguna". The town is located in the highlands of Sierra Madre and it is popular because of its cold climate and its town festival called "Pandan Festival" because of its products made of pandan. The church was built somewhere in 19th century and it looks like in a process of reconstruction when I visited the place because the facade looks newly construct.

Parish of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Chruch
Cavinti, Laguna

Located in the rugged terrain of the province, Cavinti is the home of famous Pagsanjan Falls. In the town center, there is the 400-year old Parish of the Transfiguration of Our Lord which is one of the old churches in Laguna. The church was built in 1621. It was destroyed by the Chinese uprising in 1639. The present structure was destroyed by an earthquake in 1824 and the tower collapsed in 1880. The walls were cracked in 1890 and 1937. Today, it is one of the Baroque churches in Laguna which is still standing after many centuries.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Pagsanjan, Laguna

Pagsanjan is known as the Tourist Capital of Laguna. In the town center located in the highway going to Lumban and Cavinti, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is located. It was named after their patron of the town which is the Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was originally made of bamboo and nipa when the church was founded in 1687. It was reconstructed in 1690 and improved in 1853. It was destroyed during the Second World War. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was a gift from Mexico in 1948.

San Sebastian Church
Lumban, Laguna

Lumban is one of the oldest towns in Laguna and it was a center for missionary activities in the province. The San Sebastian Church is located in the town center near the Pagsanjan River. Rev. Juan de Plasencia ministered here in 1578 and the original church was made of wood and thatch. The first stone church was built in 1600. *

Saint John the Baptist Church
Kalayaan, Laguna

This church is located in Longos, a small barrio in the lakeshore of Kalayaan. The church was built in 1669 by the Franciscan friars. Its bell was one of the oldest in the country which was cast in 1642.

Saint James the Apostle Church
Paete, Laguna

In the town of colorful woodcrafts and artistic woodcarvers, the Saint James the Apostle Church was located in the town center of Paete. The church also offers the view of Sierra Madre as a background. The town was founded in 1580 and the church was built in 1646. The church was also a gathering area of wood sculptures of images of Jesus Christ and the saints for the Procession in Holy Week.

Saint Peter of Alcantara Church
Pakil, Laguna

Pakil is a town which is famous for Turumba Festival, delicate woodcarvings and the old Saint Peter of Alcantara Church. The church was originally made of nipa and it was established in 1676. The stone church was completed in 1767 and the belfry was made in 1777.

Nuestra Senora de Candelaria Church
Mabitac, Laguna

The Nuestra Senora de Candelaria Church was located in the hilltop in the town of Mabitac. This church is unique because you need to take the one hundred twenty-six steps to the hilltop church. The church was built in 1613 under the Franciscan missionaries. It was destroyed by earthquakes and the belfry of the church was remained standing after many centuries. The church is also located near the Battle of Mabitac historical marker. In addition, you can see the panoramic view of Mabitac from the hilltop church. *

Saint Paul the Hermit Cathedral
San Pablo City

The Saint Paul the Hermit Cathedral was first established in 1586 and its present structure was completed in 1714. San Pablo City is the diocese in the province of Laguna where the cathedral was located. *

You can read my post in Perspectives in White Scratch Papers entitled Visita Iglesia: A Pilgrimage to the Baroque Churches of Laguna which tells about my personal experience in visiting the Spanish era churches in the province.

Date of Travel: April 5, 2012

* The churches of Lumban, Mabitac and San Pablo City are not included in Visita Iglesia tour last April 5, 2012. The visit to the first two churches is part of Laguna Loop Tour from October to December 2011 while the visit to San Pablo Cathedral was happened on February 2012