Chasing Pahiyas Festival | Lucban, Quezon
Ever since my Philippine Hot Air Balloon experience last February, it became a dream of mine to explore Philippine's festivals nationwide and tick off all of them in my #ChasingFestivals list. ❤️
About a month ago, I was fortunate to squeeze in a day to explore Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon Province. I've never visited the province before which explains the giddy me while touring around this place.
Here are some of my expectations before embarking on a day trip with some blogger friends:
* check out colorful decorated houses around town
* taste the famous Pancit Habhab for the first time
* festive vibe in the streets
Given these expectations, here's what went down on my day trip in Lucban, Quezon for Pahiyas Festival! :)
THE WELL-DESIGNED LOCAL HOUSES DIDN'T FAIL
In case you didn't know, the local government of Lucban looked for the best Pahiyas festival house design and decors. Just by looking at the number in the decorated houses, there were more than 400+ participants who joined the annual anticipated contest.
The burst of creativity in each local's houses were impressive. I can't imagine how much time, money and effort they exerted to make their homes look these unique and extravagant.
The only thing that annoyed me as I go around the houses were the electric cables blocking the beauty of the creative home installations. It's so hard to take a perfect shot of the houses without capturing these pesky cables. :(
I also noticed that not all the houses in town joined in creating beautiful designs out of their agricultural harvest. I can't blame them if their funds didn't permit them to participate.
EVERYONE'S HYPED!
It was a great sight to see both the locals and tourists dancing in the streets of Lucban. Everyone looks carefree while dancing to the band's tunes. I've actually missed listening to a homegrown band playing their hearts out. 😊
Just saying, the festival vibe isn't consistent when I heard the other streets playing western songs instead of the typical fiesta songs. This makes me realize how deeply influenced we are as Filipinos in terms of music preferences.
SAYING A LITTLE PRAYER AT LUCBAN CHURCH
This festival is also celebrated in honor of San Isidro Labrador. According to legend, he magically plowed the field whenever he went out of church. The baroque style of San Luis de Tolosa Parish Church was completed during 1738.
TRYING OUT LUCBAN'S DELICACIES
Of course the Pancit Habhab, Lucban Longganisa and local ice candies are a must try when visiting Quezon province.
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| Pancit Habhab sold in the streets of Lucban |
I never thought that adding vinegar to my pancit will suit my taste. And for 10 pesos, one serving of Pancit Habhab already made me full which made me pumped up for more walking around town.
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| Lucban Longganisa |
The sun was scorching hot when we came to Lucban that's why these ice candies were our ultimate saviors when we felt like we're in the point of dehydration.
My friends and I also took a pit stop to Aling Taleng's Halo-Halo located in Pagsanjan, Quezon. Their Halo-Halo is reminiscent to Razon's but with an added ube halaya and barquillos on each serving. This halo-halo is nothing short of amazing for every bite because of the generous serving of the ingredients. :)
The streets of Lucban were truly a feast for the eyes because of the colorful displays in every home. Add to that the cultural immersion through their renowned food and people in festival mood. I'm at awe! 😍
Here's some few notes to take when you want to plan to check out Pahiyas Festival next year:
Check out my short video diary of my summer at Pahiyas Festival 2017:
PS. Thank you Blogapalooza and San Mig Food Ave for taking me to Lucban, Quezon Province. The experience is priceless and truly memorable. 😌
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