Pahiyas sa Lucban

Held every 15th of May, the feast of San Isidro de Labrador (patron of the farmers) is celebrated on many parts of the country, particularly the farming towns in Laguna, Quezon and Nueva Ecija. Different festivals from different towns, but the Pahiyas of Lucban stands tall above the rest. Lucban, Quezon was again the center of tourism in the Philippines last May 15. 

San Isidro de Labrador, patron of the farmers.

Getting There

The day before the famed fiesta (May 14), friends who were at Lucban already told me that multitude of tourists were already flocking the town of Lucban. I know this is synonymous to heavy traffic.

The usual route (Manila-Lucena-Lucban)

From Cubao/Buendia/Alabang, anyone may take a bus bound to Lucena City. Click here. Tell the bus conductor to drop you at Lucena Grand Central Terminal where you can take a jeep bound to Lucban.

However, on the day of Pahiyas, this route will take you forever to reach Lucban, Quezon so I advise everyone to take the Backdoor Route.

The backdoor route (Manila-Pagsanjan-Lucban)

From Cubao/Buendia/Alabang, take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. There's HM Bus line in Cubao and Greenstar Bus in Buendia. Tell the bus conductor to drop you at the terminal of jeep bound to Lucban.

The Tradition

The Pahiyas Festival has become synonymous to colors, harvests and tourists. It's the people of Lucban's way of giving thanks for their bountiful harvest. The facade of each house is decorated with their harvests (rice, pineapple, tomatoes, etc), colorful kiping (a leaf-shaped rice wafer), banig (weaved palms), coconut husks and a lot more.

the Kiping

decorated houses in Lucban

tomato filled house

Lucban's Pride

another colorful houses

In the afternoon, tourists flock the streets of Lucban to watch the parade. Complete with marching band, majorette, beautiful ladies, decorated carabao-drawn carts, and celebrities.

the parade dancers

Mutya ng Pahiyas pageant contestant

creatively designed dress

another colorful dress

the carabaos

Higantes - not just in Rizal

There's also a place for the shopaholics. Not too far from the church is a tiangge (bazaar) where one can buy shirts, hats, accessories, food and souvenirs.

hats for sale

The Food Trip 

Taste the flavor of Lucban on Pahiyas Festival. Food is everywhere in town.

Longganisang Lucban - the garlicky sour taste of this variety of Philippine longganisa (chorizo) is a must taste in Lucban. This is also a perfect pasalubong for you love ones.

Lucban Longganisa

Pancit Habhab - aka Pancit Lucban, this local pancit on a banana leaf can fill everyone's growling stomach for only P7.00. Eat it the traditional way, habhab (no spoon or fork, eat directly from the banana leaf).

Pancit Habhab

Kiping - their decors are edible. Have a taste of this thin crispy rice wafer before you leave the town.
 

grilled kiping

What Else To See Lucban?


The Church of Lucban - this centuries-old church is worth visiting. Strike a pose on its exquisite stone facade.

the marker of Lucban Church

the Saint Louis Parish aka Church of Lucban

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - a sacred place just near the the town of Lucban. The life-sized statues of its Via Dolorosa (Staions of the Cross) attracts a lot of pilgrims from all over the country. The entrance is free though sleeveless shirts and shorts for women is not allowed.

Via Dolorosa on a hill

Mt. Banahaw de Lucban - enjoy the great view of this mountain while walking from Kamay ni Hesus Shrine back to the town of Lucban.

Mt. Banahaw de Lucban

Read my Pahiyas 2011 experience here.


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