Makipiyesta sa Pahiyas Festival

Almost three years ago, 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" (May 15). From Cubao we boarded Lucena Lines in the morning of May 13. For almost four hours straight, my friend and I were just talking non-stop making up for lost time. And why not? 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 Resort & Hotel, 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

Noah's Ark in 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 San Luis Obispo Parish Church, it's an old Catholic Church where the statue of Lucban’s patron saint was decorated with various crops. Miniatures of the colorful houses were also displayed inside the church. Then my cousin brought us to Mustiola's (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 again full blast.

Photos during the Bisperas of the Pahiyas Festival  

The street to Tiyangge

Sample House

Getting Ready for tomorrow's event

Higantes @ the parade

Inside Mustiola's 

Food Trip in the street

SUMMARY:

Destination: Cubao, Lucena and Lucban

Places Visited:

Kamay ni Hesus

Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan

San Luis Obispo Parish Church

Mustiola's 

Rodillas

Abcede

SM City Lucena

Various streets in Lucban town proper with decorated houses 

Travel Budget: P2,000 (I lost the detailed expenses during our trip but that amount would be more than enough for a 2D/1N tour if accommodation is free)

If you are planning to stay in Lucban during the Pahiyas Festival or simply want to have a short vacation with or without special event, here is a short list of hotel and resorts that are located within Tayabas and Lucban, Quezon. 

Batis Aramin Hotel and Resort

Photo Credit: aramin.ph

Address: Brgy. Malupak, Lucban (just right across Kamay ni Hesus) 
Contact Nos.: (42) 540 7320; (42) 540 4401 (Landline) 

0917 595 4145 (Globe); 0939 903 6935 (Smart)
Website: aramin.ph
FB: facebook.com/batisaramin
E-mail: info@aramin.ph
Rates: 

Day Tour P150 (Adult) / P120 (Children)
Overnight P200 (Adult) / P160 (Children)
Picnic Cottage: P250- P2,000
Overnight Tour: P250 (Adult) / P150 (Children)
Rooms: P1,800 – P15,000 (Check-in 3pm/Check-out 12pm)
Function Hall: P6,000 – P45,000
Detailed Room Rates: Click here.

Natagpuang Paraiso 

Photo Credit: Natagpuang Paraiso FB Page

Address: Brgy. Malupak, Lucban
Contact Nos.: (42) 540 9877
FB: facebook.com/NatagpuangParaiso
Rates: N/A

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan Hotel & Resort

Photo Credit: Kamayan sa Palaisdaan FB Page

Address: Brgy. Dapdap, Tayabas
Contact Nos.: (42) 793 0088 (Landline) / 0917 680 1819 (Globe); 0920 978 6450 (Smart)
Website: kamayansapalaisdaan.com.ph
FB: facebook.com/kamayansapalaisdaanII
E-mail: kamayan_barhotelresort@yahoo.com.ph
Rates: 
Resthouse P7,000
Kubo (for Picnic) P300
Garden Hall P 7,000
Poolside Hall P 5,000
Room Rates N/A
Location map: Click here.

Nawawalang Paraiso Resort and Hotel

Photo Credit: Nawawalang Paraiso FB Page

Address: Brgy. Camaysa, Tayabas, Quezon
Contact Nos.: (42) 793 3437; (42) 793 2050 (Landline) / (42) 793 3829 (Telefax)
Website: nawawalangparaiso.com
FB: facebook.com/NPRH.Tayabas
E-mail: nawawalangparaiso@ymail.com; nawawalangparaisohotel@yahoo.com
Rates:
Phase 1 
Day Tour P75
Night Tour P90
Full Rate P130
Table P350 – P1,800 (Day Tour) / P470 – 2,000 (Night Tour)

Phase 2
Day Tour P95
Night Tour P110
Full Rate P160
Table/Pavilion P450 – P1,500 (Day Tour) / P600 – 10,000 (Night Tour)

Phase 1 & 2 
Day Tour (6am – 6pm) P130
Night Swimming (6pm -6am) P160
Full Rate (24 hours) P270
Rooms: P1,800 –P4,900
Detailed Room Rates: Click here.
Location map: Click here.

For foodies: Read Must try in Lucban

How to go to Lucban town proper: At Kamuning-Kamias-EDSA Bus Terminal/Pasay Bus Terminal ride a bus (JAC/JAM/Lucena Lines/BLTBC) going to Lucena, Quezon. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Diversion Road going to Lucban. Ride a jeepney at the terminal just beside Jollibee. 

*Click the website/FB Page for detailed rates, photos and other information.
**Details may change without prior notice.

***I was not commissioned to promote any hotel & resorts. The information listed is based on my own online research. Due diligence is necessary.