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| Pahiyas Festival in Lucban Quezon Philippines |
Lucban is considered a third class municipality in the province of Quezon, the Philippines. This town is made popular and associated with Pahiyas Festival. It is situated at the foot of Mount Banahaw de Lucban and approximately 26 kilometers from Lucena City and 160 kilometers from Manila via this city.
People of Lucban
They call themselves Lucbanin. They are warm, friendly, and with simple life. Most
of them are religious and have been visiting the old church that was built since the
1700s. I have a friend who hails from
Lucban and I had the chance to work
with him in a drug company in Mandaluyong
City for a couple of
years. He is a cool person, no doubt about it.
My latest visit in Lucban became memorable not only because of the festival, the food, and the like, but because of the warm reception of a family whom we met for the first time. Their gestures are full of sincerity. The family has a huge house, yet, simple and humble.
If your travelling includes meeting local people, Lucban is the place for you and Lucbanins are the people you have to meet.
They call themselves Lucbanin. They are warm, friendly, and with simple life. Most
of them are religious and have been visiting the old church that was built since the
1700s. I have a friend who hails from
 |
| People of Lucban |
My latest visit in Lucban became memorable not only because of the festival, the food, and the like, but because of the warm reception of a family whom we met for the first time. Their gestures are full of sincerity. The family has a huge house, yet, simple and humble.
If your travelling includes meeting local people, Lucban is the place for you and Lucbanins are the people you have to meet.
The Old Church
of Lucban
You will see here a couple of photos of the church
of Lucban. No matter how many
pictures I take, all of them have a trace of its old age. It is interesting to
note that this is the third church after it was rebuilt.
In the Year 1595, the first church was built but was ruined in the Year 1629. The following year, the second church was constructed in a span of ten years. The church was destroyed by a fire in the Year 1733. The third church was not built until after five years.
I posted here some photos of the bell tower which catches my attention. Take a close look and notice its uniqueness. It was built in the year 1738.
I am also showing here a picture taken inside the old church of Lucban. It reminds me of the other few old churches in the Philippines which is equally interesting.
You can see the image at the altar although it is a bit dark. I also took a picture of the float that is decorated and used during the procession. There are more to see inside the church but I will let you discover them yourself when you visit this unique church of Lucban.
Address: Lucban, Quezon
Directions: You won't miss the church. You can see from the distance
Come see this old church. It is worth a visit!
Address: Lucban, Quezon
Directions: You won't miss it. You will be able to see it from a distance.
Tower of Lucban Church
Pahiyas
Festival
I was so excited when I finally made it to the Pahiyas Festival. It was a wonderful experience. The festival was held on May 15 and celebrated every year as a thanksgiving to San Isidro Labrador, the Patron Saint of the Farmers, for the agricultural harvests. This is done by displaying artworks in houses of selected streets for the year. A bountiful display of fruits, vegetables, and all kinds of farm produce not to mention the famous kiping, rice cakes, rice grains, native lanterns, beautiful flowers and ferns. Early morning is the best time to watch the Pahiyas decoration as there are very few people watching and roaming the Pahiyas route and you can see the houses and take pictures in full view.
This festivities is held for a week which attracted local and foreign tourists. The popularity of Pahiyas festival has contributed to the progressive tourism industry of Lucban, Quezon.
I highly recommend a visit to the festival. You still have more than a month from today to plan for this festivities. Stay in Lucban for a day or two to fully enjoy the celebration. To give you an idea on how the festival looks like, I am posting pictures that I was able to take. It is truly amazing!
Experience the colours, sights and food at the San Isidro Labrador ~ Pahiyas Festival.
Address: Lucban, Quezon, Philippines
Website: http://www.pahiyasfestival.com
Date of Festivities: May 15, 2013
Hands of Jesus - Kamay ni Hesus
Local and foreign tourist have started
visiting the site. The huge statue of Jesus Christ is on top of the hill. You
will be climbing 292 steps to be able to reach the statue that can be seen many
miles away.
Before reaching the top, you will be passing (while climbing) the statues of the 14 Stations of the Cross. You will also be delighted with the life-size carving of the Last Supper. Before you decide to go up the steep mountain, you may want to visit the church right at the foot of the hill. There is a healing mass that is held on Mondays and Saturdays.
Enjoy the
View from the Top. If you are on top of the hill beside the statue of Jesus, you will have a
chance to see the view of the town of Lucban
and its green landscape. It is a refreshing feeling.
This is one of those experiences that I will never forget. I just hope you can make it to the top. Yes, you can do it, but just a piece of advice. Take it easy going up the steps especially during the hot or warm season. Take your time and bring drinking water.
During my latest visit, I have witnessed a couple of visitors who faint due to the hot weather and tiredness when they reached the top. The mountain steps are steep that you need rest at some point.
Take care of yourself. If you feel dizzy, stop and take a rest. You will find NO First Aid Kit.
Address: Lucban, Quezon Province
You will never feel hungry in Lucban especially during the Pahiyas festival. Aside from the abundance of local delicacies, there are small 'eateries' or 'resto' in and around the town. Some of them are:
Abordo's Resto:
"Native Dishes of Lucban" is a small
restaurant (resto) in town. Though it is small, they have a wide selection of local dishes. Expect typical Filipino food like Laing, Longganisa (Pork Sausage),
Barbeque, and many other recipe with beef and chicken prepared Pinoy (Filipino)
style with coconut milk. There are also mouth-watering desserts for
you to choose from.
The only dish I did not remember to order is the famous Pancit Habhab. This noodle is mixed with meat, seafood, and vegetable. The only difference with other pancit (noodle) is the way the local people eat it. Pancit is wrapped and rolled loosely in banana leaf, locked at one end and push to the other end and eat directly. No spoon and fork are used - not even a knife. If you want to experience this unusual way of eating Pancit Habhab, then come visit Lucban.
My Favorite Dish: The Longganisa is so tasty. The local people knows how to mix my favourite. It is best combined with Laing and Plain Rice.
Address: Lucban Quezon
Comparison: less expensive than average
Directions: You won't miss this Resto. Everyone knows this restaurant in the town proper.
Kamay2.kom Canteen: "Ambiance - That's all it takes
Ambiance is cool. This canteen or small restaurant is situated at the foot of the hill at the Hands of Jesus or Kamay ni Hesus pilgrimage.
Although I did not eat in this restaurant, I was able to check on their menu and dishes available for lunch. It is all native or local Filipino dishes. It looks fine and delicious but lack variety.
If you don't crave for a lot of dishes, this restaurant will be fine. They have a couple of cottages wherein about 6 customers can sit, eat, and enjoy the native feel and privacy.
Address: Lucban, Quezon
Comparison: least expensive
Directions: At the foot of the mountain where you can find the Hands of Jesus grotto.
Eker & Ely: "Pride of Lucban - Pasalubong (Food Gifts)
A well known native food (pasalubong) store in Lucban is Eker & Ely Pride of Lucban Pasalubong. They were able to build a good reputation since they first opened in 1958.
Buy Broas, Piaya, Peanut Brittle and many more delicacies that can be found
only in this town. But the one thing you should not forget is to buy their
special longganisa. The store sells by dozens.Try this store and have a taste of Lucban.
The Municipality
of Lucban
The Municipal building of Lucban is situated at the main road which is Quezon Boulevard. A busy street leading to the town proper. Most of the celebration and festivals, including the popular Pahiyas is being organized and coordinated with the municipality.
Streets of Lucban
Just like any other street in the Philippines, most streets of Lucban are narrow and congested. Bigger to small streets are full of jeepneys, tricycle, buses and private cars, not to mention the normal way of local people's travelling....by walking along the road.
You will enjoy walking though as you will have a glimpse of the houses and simple life of the Lucbanins.
Tricycle in Lucban
Although I did not use public transport when I last visited Lucban, I can see a lot of tricyle plying on the streets.
I am giving you an idea of how a tricyle looks like in Lucban. This transport is very common anywhere in the Philippines servicing small streets in towns, cities, and provinces. If you are a tourist from other country, I recommend that you take a tricycle for short distance trip. It is a safe vehicle provided you are travelling in small streets within the community.
Come along, let us take a tricyle and explore the beauty of this historical town.
Jeepney in
Lucban
Another safe means of public transport in Lucban is their very own Jeep. You will only see and experience Jeep in the Philippines, in its towns, cities, and provinces all over the country. If you are visiting Lucban, take a jeepney for long distances within the municipality and the neighboring towns. It is fast at times but safe considering the fact that I used its services half of my life.
Take a look at the picture of my Jeep in Lucban. This is a bigger version. The normal size of this is a 15-seater including the driver. The jeep in the picture would accommodate at least a little more than twenty passengers.
There is so much to say about Lucban some of which I have written in other websites.
Come visit Lucban. Enjoy the festival, the food, the pilgrimage, and the local people.
It's more fun in this part of the Philippines.
More photos in Lucban, Quezon, the PHILIPPINES:
 |
| Bell Tower in Lucban Church |
In the Year 1595, the first church was built but was ruined in the Year 1629. The following year, the second church was constructed in a span of ten years. The church was destroyed by a fire in the Year 1733. The third church was not built until after five years.
 |
| Interior of the Old Lucban Church |
I am also showing here a picture taken inside the old church of Lucban. It reminds me of the other few old churches in the Philippines which is equally interesting.
You can see the image at the altar although it is a bit dark. I also took a picture of the float that is decorated and used during the procession. There are more to see inside the church but I will let you discover them yourself when you visit this unique church of Lucban.
Address: Lucban, Quezon
Directions: You won't miss the church. You can see from the distance
Come see this old church. It is worth a visit!
Address: Lucban, Quezon
Directions: You won't miss it. You will be able to see it from a distance.
Tower of Lucban Church
 |
| Farm produced in Lucban Pahiyas Festival |
I was so excited when I finally made it to the Pahiyas Festival. It was a wonderful experience. The festival was held on May 15 and celebrated every year as a thanksgiving to San Isidro Labrador, the Patron Saint of the Farmers, for the agricultural harvests. This is done by displaying artworks in houses of selected streets for the year. A bountiful display of fruits, vegetables, and all kinds of farm produce not to mention the famous kiping, rice cakes, rice grains, native lanterns, beautiful flowers and ferns. Early morning is the best time to watch the Pahiyas decoration as there are very few people watching and roaming the Pahiyas route and you can see the houses and take pictures in full view.
This festivities is held for a week which attracted local and foreign tourists. The popularity of Pahiyas festival has contributed to the progressive tourism industry of Lucban, Quezon.
 |
| Kiping decor in Lucban Pahiyas Festival |
I highly recommend a visit to the festival. You still have more than a month from today to plan for this festivities. Stay in Lucban for a day or two to fully enjoy the celebration. To give you an idea on how the festival looks like, I am posting pictures that I was able to take. It is truly amazing!
Experience the colours, sights and food at the San Isidro Labrador ~ Pahiyas Festival.
Address: Lucban, Quezon, Philippines
Website: http://www.pahiyasfestival.com
Date of Festivities: May 15, 2013
Hands of Jesus - Kamay ni Hesus
 |
| Hands of Jesus 'Kamay ni Hesus |
Before reaching the top, you will be passing (while climbing) the statues of the 14 Stations of the Cross. You will also be delighted with the life-size carving of the Last Supper. Before you decide to go up the steep mountain, you may want to visit the church right at the foot of the hill. There is a healing mass that is held on Mondays and Saturdays.
 |
| A View of the town of Lucban |
This is one of those experiences that I will never forget. I just hope you can make it to the top. Yes, you can do it, but just a piece of advice. Take it easy going up the steps especially during the hot or warm season. Take your time and bring drinking water.
During my latest visit, I have witnessed a couple of visitors who faint due to the hot weather and tiredness when they reached the top. The mountain steps are steep that you need rest at some point.
Take care of yourself. If you feel dizzy, stop and take a rest. You will find NO First Aid Kit.
Address: Lucban, Quezon Province
You will never feel hungry in Lucban especially during the Pahiyas festival. Aside from the abundance of local delicacies, there are small 'eateries' or 'resto' in and around the town. Some of them are:
 |
| Abordo's Restaurant in Lucban |
The only dish I did not remember to order is the famous Pancit Habhab. This noodle is mixed with meat, seafood, and vegetable. The only difference with other pancit (noodle) is the way the local people eat it. Pancit is wrapped and rolled loosely in banana leaf, locked at one end and push to the other end and eat directly. No spoon and fork are used - not even a knife. If you want to experience this unusual way of eating Pancit Habhab, then come visit Lucban.
My Favorite Dish: The Longganisa is so tasty. The local people knows how to mix my favourite. It is best combined with Laing and Plain Rice.
Address: Lucban Quezon
Comparison: less expensive than average
Directions: You won't miss this Resto. Everyone knows this restaurant in the town proper.
 |
| Kamay2.Kom Canteen in Lucban |
Kamay2.kom Canteen: "Ambiance - That's all it takes
Ambiance is cool. This canteen or small restaurant is situated at the foot of the hill at the Hands of Jesus or Kamay ni Hesus pilgrimage.
Although I did not eat in this restaurant, I was able to check on their menu and dishes available for lunch. It is all native or local Filipino dishes. It looks fine and delicious but lack variety.
If you don't crave for a lot of dishes, this restaurant will be fine. They have a couple of cottages wherein about 6 customers can sit, eat, and enjoy the native feel and privacy.
Address: Lucban, Quezon
Comparison: least expensive
Directions: At the foot of the mountain where you can find the Hands of Jesus grotto.
Eker & Ely: "Pride of Lucban - Pasalubong (Food Gifts)
A well known native food (pasalubong) store in Lucban is Eker & Ely Pride of Lucban Pasalubong. They were able to build a good reputation since they first opened in 1958.
 |
| Eker & Ely Food Pasalubong (Gift) Store |
What to
buy: Special
Longganisa
Address: 114 A Racelis Avenue, Lucban, Quezon
Directions: At the back of Old Lucban Church
Address: 114 A Racelis Avenue, Lucban, Quezon
Directions: At the back of Old Lucban Church
 |
| Street leading to Lucban town proper |
 |
| Tricycle in Lucban |
The Municipal building of Lucban is situated at the main road which is Quezon Boulevard. A busy street leading to the town proper. Most of the celebration and festivals, including the popular Pahiyas is being organized and coordinated with the municipality.
Streets of Lucban
Just like any other street in the Philippines, most streets of Lucban are narrow and congested. Bigger to small streets are full of jeepneys, tricycle, buses and private cars, not to mention the normal way of local people's travelling....by walking along the road.
You will enjoy walking though as you will have a glimpse of the houses and simple life of the Lucbanins.
Tricycle in Lucban
Although I did not use public transport when I last visited Lucban, I can see a lot of tricyle plying on the streets.
I am giving you an idea of how a tricyle looks like in Lucban. This transport is very common anywhere in the Philippines servicing small streets in towns, cities, and provinces. If you are a tourist from other country, I recommend that you take a tricycle for short distance trip. It is a safe vehicle provided you are travelling in small streets within the community.
Come along, let us take a tricyle and explore the beauty of this historical town.
 |
| Jeep in Lucban |
Another safe means of public transport in Lucban is their very own Jeep. You will only see and experience Jeep in the Philippines, in its towns, cities, and provinces all over the country. If you are visiting Lucban, take a jeepney for long distances within the municipality and the neighboring towns. It is fast at times but safe considering the fact that I used its services half of my life.
Take a look at the picture of my Jeep in Lucban. This is a bigger version. The normal size of this is a 15-seater including the driver. The jeep in the picture would accommodate at least a little more than twenty passengers.
There is so much to say about Lucban some of which I have written in other websites.
Come visit Lucban. Enjoy the festival, the food, the pilgrimage, and the local people.
It's more fun in this part of the Philippines.
More photos in Lucban, Quezon, the PHILIPPINES:
 |
| Vendor local gems |
 |
| Vendor local t-shirt |
 |
| Vendor local dishes |
 |
| Vendor local handicraft |
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| Simple life of Lucbanins |
 |
| Farm harvests display |
 | ||
| Farm harvests display |
 |
| Farm harvest display |
 |
| View of Lucban Municipal Building |
 |
| Church at the foot of Hands of Jesus |
Great post.
ReplyDeleteI remember years ago I was hesitant about using computers and digital cameras :)
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A well written post, I liked it !
Now it seems I'm addicted to your blog posts :)
Hi Sonal,
DeleteNice to hear from you. Your comment encourages me to keep on blogging. Stay connected.
this is such a nice blog remembering all the tourism place for expending our holidays..........
ReplyDeleteplz visit
http://www.buyautoparts.com/part/replacement-turbocharger/
Thanks John for your comment. It's a pleasure!
DeleteWow ! Thanks for sharing this about Pahiyas event ! This is one of Festivities to attend to this coming May ! I am about to look for "how to" going to Pahiyas Lucban Quezon. wow ! Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy blessed day ! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Myrnz for reading my blog about Pahiyas and for finding time to comment. This is an event that most of us, Filipinos, should not miss visiting. I enjoyed my whole day celebrating this festivities.
DeleteThank you for this wonderful review of the Pahiyas Festival. May I just ask you about the condition of public transportation during the parade day? I'm worried about going home since I will not be staying there. Thanks in advance! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome. Hope it helps when you decide to witness this festivities on May 15. During the parade, most streets are closed especially the chosen or participating street with decor. You will be doing a lot of walking. You will enjoy it though. Nevertheless, you will find the transport condition here:
Deletehttp://www.pahiyasfestival.com/home/travel-info/transportation.html
Don't miss this event, it is worth seeing. Looking forward to receiving your feedback after the festival.