TravSeek - Manilenio » Quezon

Lucban Philippines Pahiyas Festival

admin — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 02:33:27 +0000

Pahiyas Festival is a feast held during the “summer” or dry months in the Philippines. It is celebrated every 15th of May by the townsfolk of Lucban, Quezon Province in the Philippines. The feast is conducted in honor of the town’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador, to thank him for the harvest through a flamboyant display of colorful leaves fashioned out of ground rice, and actual fruits and vegetables that are tacked onto the facades of every house in Lucban.

The festival’s name, “Pahiyas,” is derived from Tagalog words “hiyas” which means “gems/jewels for offering.” During the 16th century, as the Spaniards spread Christianity throughout the Philippine archipelago, friars tell the legend of the statue of San Isidro disappearing from the church altar to plow the fields, ensuring a good harvest. As the legend gained acceptance among the farmers, the local people prepare a feast in honor of the patron saint of farmers every year.

Every year, in preparation for the feast, locals decorate their homes with colorful rice wafer chandeliers (called “Aranya”), handicrafts and other farm produce in artistic patterns.

Aside from the annual recognition of the most exquisitely decorated home, the feast includes a centuries-old tradition wherein statues of San Isidro and his wife, Santa Maria de la Cabeza, are paraded in town in a solemn procession. The statue of Santa Maria de la Cabeza holds a basket of biscuits, which would later be given away to eager children.

The feast has gained attention from local tourists as well as foreigners not only because of the colorful display but also because of the local delicacies prepared inside each home.

Image courtesy of Wiki Pilipinas.

Cagbalete Island at Quezon

admin — Fri, 06 May 2011 00:30:36 +0000

A few hours of bus ride from Manila is Cagbalete Island at Mauban Quezon. It rivals Zambales with its fine sand beaches that gently slope towards the sea. Getting to Cagbalete Island is easy, from the capital city Manila one can ride a bus bound for Lucena. From Lucena, a bus ride to Mauban will take you near the port that has boats that traverse the sea to Cagbalete Island.

Accommodations are available at Villa Cleofas when you reach the island. It is important to book early, since rooms can be unavailable especially during the peak months of summer.

Villa Cleofas Contact Information:
Mobile: (+63) 917-8140496 /(+63) 917-8143475
Phone: (+632) 928-7934

Look for Tonet/Tess Reyeg

Photo by allanbaredo

Patio Rizal Hotel

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:54:11 +0000

A retro-designed hotel named after the country’s hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Rooms are clean and comfrable. It has a small caf?verlooking a plaza.

Telephone: 540 2107

House of Halina Hotel

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:54:11 +0000

Midrange hotel with friendly staff.

Telephone: 710 2902

Fresh Air Hotel and Resort

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:54:11 +0000

A conference hotel that also houses a popular restaurant.

Telephone: 710 2424

Polillo Island

admin — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:11:20 +0000

Polillo Island is located in the Northeastern side of the Philippines, in the Pacific. It is a part of Quezon Province. Several resorts are based in the municipalities of the island like the Balesin Island Resort which has a 20 cottages, tennis courts, a 6-hole golf course and a volleyball area. The resort also has its own airstrip.

[Photo by Jansen]

Technorati Tags: Polillo, Pacific, Quezon, Balesin Island Resort

TravSeek - Manilenio » Quezon

Lucban Philippines Pahiyas Festival

Related Posts

Cagbalete Island at Quezon

Related Posts

Patio Rizal Hotel

Related Posts

House of Halina Hotel

Related Posts

Fresh Air Hotel and Resort

Related Posts

Polillo Island

Related Posts