Pahiyas Festival 2011

Pahiyas Festival 

Pahiyas Festival is a colorful feast celebrated every May 15 in honor of the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador. According to some legend, San Isidro magically plowed the field whenever he went out of the church. Houses along the old streets of Lucban are adorned with  fruits, vegetables, flowers, and kiping. 

   Grilled Kiping

 

Kiping is a leaf-shaped decoration made up of rice and dyed with bright colors. The harvest are showcased in front of every houses is such a way that the priest could bless them during the procession. Each house try to outdo each others decorations for the annual competition.  After the winner has been declared, kipings are then given to the crowd as a free treat.  

 Tutubing Patola

We were able to visit the festival last year and overall it was an amazing experience because of the vivid and colorful decorations. It's a little bit tiring because you have to walk on narrow streets filled with tourist. Despite the long walk it was all worth it. If you're planning to go there this weekend here are some of my tips:

•  The best time to go Pahiyas is morning so that you can stroll Lucban and secure a hassle free parking. Before noontime  expect a flock of tourist roaming around Lucban. 

• Since the festival is celebrated during the summer time, make sure to bring sunglasses or better yet buy sombreros (straw hats) to protect yourself from the scorching summer heat.

•  A Pahiyas Festival experience wouldn't be complete without tasting Lucban's famous Pancit Habhab and Longanisang Lucban. Habhab is a sauteed miki noodles with pork,pechay and sayote. Nothing fancy there but what makes habhab unique is the way it is eaten, basically the habhab is put on a banana leaf then consumed straight onto the mouth. Make sure to put vinegar in the pancit to enhance the taste.

Pancit Habhab

•  Longanisa (pork sausage) is another famous product of Lucban, take one home for your pasalubong.

 The Making

 

The Hanging

• Watch the the grand procession which basically starts and ends in Lucban Church. The floats are decorated with different kinds of vegetables and agricultural products are showcased through the main streets of the town.

Church of Lucban

• If you want to experience a more authentic Pahiyas Festival  try visiting  Lucban's neighboring town notably Tayabas (Mayohan), Sariaya (Agawan Festival)  and Lucena (Pasayahan Festival).

 For a refreshing side trip, dip in the cold water of  Taytay Falls (also known as Imelda Falls) in Majayjay, Laguna. Taytay falls is around 20-30mins drive from Lucban. Entrance to the falls is around 20 pesos and trekking to the falls is an easy task since pathways are already cemented.

Taytay Falls

 Gentle Flow

 

• For gastronomical experience in Lucban aside from Buddy's Restaurant you might want to check these restaurants:

 The Dirty Kitchen

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan
Brgy. Dapdap Tayabas Quezon
Restaurant: (042) 793-3654 or (042) 793-3655
Hotel & Resort: (042) 793-0088 or (042) 793-0089
Cellphone: 0929 692 6772
 
Cafe San Luis
Regidor Street, Lucban, Quezon


Ground Zero House of Pizza

San Luis St., Lucban, Quezon

Lucena City, Quezon

(042) 540-9615

Dealo Coffee Klatch Bakeshop
La Doña Ana Bldg. 72 Quezon Avenue
(63)42 540-4220
 
Abcede's Lucban Longanisa
51 Quezon Ave., Lucban, Quezon
(042) 540-4246


Mustiola's
San Luis St. corner Regidor St.

It was fun exploring the small town of Lucban, gorging on pancit habhab, taking pictures of their house and of course enjoying a piece of Lucban's rich tradition. I've been thinking of going there again this weekend, hopefully it will push through. 

 

The Pahiyas Festival is scheduled on May 15, 2011 in Lucban, Quezon. It will take another five years before the festival is set to a weekend schedule again

Getting There:

 

By Car

The town is approximately 160 kilometers from Metro Manila via Lucena City and 133 kilometers from Metro Manila using the Sta. Cruz-Pagsanjan route in Laguna. The average travel time is three and a half hours. 

By Bus

From Cubao Quezon City, and in Pasay City (either Taft Avenue corner Buendia or at Pasay Rotonda), you can ride buses to Lucena City, fare is around P 300.00. 

LUCENA BOUND BUS: Jac Liner 0917-JACLINE 522-5463 #2 Mapagmahal St., Brgy. Pinyahan, Kamias Quezon City, Philippines

Philtranco  Pasay Terminal (Central Station) EDSA Corner Apello Cruz St.  Pasay City, Metro Manila Philippines 1301   Telephone: (632) 851-8078, (632) 851-8079 Fax: (632) 851-5812 E-Mail: reservation.philtranco@gmail.com JAM Transit  New York St., Quezon City Telephone: (632) 924-7712 2160 Taft Ave, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines Telephone: (632) 831-8264 BLTB Bus Lines Edsa, Pasay  (632) 833-5508-10

Upon arrival in Lucena Grand Central Terminal take a Lucban bound jeep or mini bus. It’s just a 45 minute ride from there.