Fiesta sa Pinas, Iba!

Last week, my friend and I had a short vacation in Quezon Province in anticipation of the Feast of San Isidro Labrador or more popularly known as the Pahiyas Festival. From Cubao we boarded Lucena Lines in the morning of May 13. For almost four hour straight, my friend and I were just talking non-stop making up for lost time. And besides, it was our first time to travel together outside Metro Manila. We arrived in Lucena City at exactly 11 am and went straight to the house of my cousin. After having a quick lunch, we were set to our first destination - Kamay ni Hesus, a very huge statue of Christ on top of a hill with His hands wide open. Though my third time to trail the sanctifying 300+ stairways, the experience has always been spectacular. After a literally breathtaking trek, we immersed ourselves in the cold fresh water of Batis Aramin, a resort located just across the street. With P120 entrance fee, we surely enjoyed the relaxing views, the fresh water as cold as ice and a number of photo session. We left the resort at five o’clock with a fairly smoother skin (I think). Then, we had a short visit to a few relatives in Lucena before returning home. Exhausted and starving, we had rice, fried chicken, barbeque and chami (similar to miki bihon) for dinner. And slept right after.

 Kamay ni Hesus

A pool in Batis Aramin

The next day, May 14, we went to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan where we were supposed to have a small meal but ended up just taking snapshots and nothing else. After the short tour, we took the jeepney going to the town proper of Lucban, the very reason why we were on vacation. As soon as we arrived, the majestic whiff of the Pahiyas Festival was already overwhelming. We were very sure that we were going to have a good time. Our first stop was an old Catholic Church where the statue of Lucban’s patron saint was decorated with various real crops. Miniatures of the colorful houses were also displayed inside the church. Then my cousin brought us to Mustiola, the best carinderia I’ve seen in my entire life, and had a sumptuous lunch at relatively affordable price.  Armed with full tummy, we were geared up for an arduous but extravagant walking experience.  Contrary to rumors, the facades of some houses were already creatively decorated with vegetables, fruits, kipings and various natural pieces. We were also lucky to have witnessed a short parade exhibiting their very colorful custom with some Higantes generously giving some entertainment. Of course, a feast wouldn’t be complete without food specially pansit habhab partnered with barbeque, a slice of puto and a cold bottle of Coca-Cola. We had yema cake in Rodillas, where we also bought Buding (cassava cake) and other foodstuff as pasalubong to our loved ones. To complete our Pop Talk experience, we went to Abcede to buy Lucban longganisa.  Unfortunately, we had to leave the same day. It was heartbreaking when the actual merriment was just starting to heat up. But it was a fun, fun, fun trip nonetheless. And definitely, I would love to experience it every year.

Photos during the Bisperas of the Pahiyas Festival  

The street to Tiyangge

Sample House

Getting Ready for tomorrow's event

Higantes @ the parade

Food in the street

Oh yes, it's more fun in the Philippines. :)