Quezon Province

The Quezon Province is home to two of the country’s popular tourist attractions, Sariaya Beach and Mount Banahaw. You can head to Sariaya Beach to have a tranquil beach getaway without the bulk of tourists ruining your vacation. If you are into mountain climbing, Mount Banahaw is a welcome retreat. Quezon is a mere three to four hours away east of Metro Manila that is why locals as well as foreigners target Quezon Province as their out of town destination.

Pahiyas Festival, Lucban 

This province is also a popular attraction during Holy Week since pilgrims tend to flock Mount Banahaw and visit the numerous old churches that dot the place like the Atimonan Church, Cathedral of San Diego de Alcala and Parich Church of Saint Francis de Assisi just to name a few. You can also find here numerous coconut plantations, which is the main crop produced in this area. Dry season is usually from March to May, then expect rain showers now and then for the rest of the year. The best time to go here is during the month of May when the sun is out and when the Pahiyas Festival is held.

Lucban Church 

History

The eight rays of the sun in the Philippine flag symbolize the first eight provinces that revolted against the Spanish rule in the country, one of which is for Quezon Province. Inhabitants of this place are mainly Tagalog and they are known for their bravery and nationalistic pride. Not only did they revolt against the Spaniards, they also fought against the colonialism of the Americans and the Japanese. The old name of the province was Tayabas. It was later on changed to Quezon in honor of the Philippine Commonwealth President, Manual L. Quezon who came from the town of Baler.

Festivals and Events

Undoubtedly, the most popular festival in Quezon is the San Isidro Pahiyas Festival held in Lucban every 15th of May. This is a very colorful celebration thanking the town’s patron saint, San Isidro de Labrador, for a bountiful harvest. 

For other festivities, see the list below.

• Sibidan and Carabao Festivals (Tagkawayan) — January
• Candle Festival (Candelaria) — February 2
• Taytsinoy Festival (Tayabas) — February 2-5
• Laguimanoc Festival (Padre Burgos) — February 17
• Sinampalukan Festival (Sampaloc) — April 25
• Pahiyas Festival (Lucban) — May 15
• Katang Festival (Calauag) — May 25
• Pasayahan (Lucena) — May 27-30
• Seafoods Festival (Guinayangan) — June 21
• Lubid-Lubid Festival (Tiaong) — June 24
• Lilay-Coco Festival (Unisan) — June 28-30
• Maubanog Festival (Mauban) — July 14
• Tagultol Festival (Atimonan) — August 1-2
• Kalilayan Festival (Lucena) — August 19
• Bilao Festival (Pagbilao) — August 29
• Malagkit Festival (San Antonio) — October 4
• Drum and Lyre Festival (Lopez) — October 6
• Fluvial Celebration (Real) — October 24

Tips

Kamay ni Jesus, Lucban 

Quezon Province is considered as a hidden treasure and an underrated tourist destination. If you happen to have the time to visit this province, do so without hesitation. You do not want to miss out on cheap gastronomic experience and rich cultural heritage, do you? Experiencing Quezon is mostly free. Just walk around the towns to marvel at the old houses. The churches will not charge a cent so do not miss this out as well. As for “pasalubong” or something to take home, make sure you get pancit habhab, Lucban longganisa and lambanog.

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