Tayabas Heritage Road Trip

May 17, 2015;  Another road trip to the heritage town of Tayabas.  It is only a 30 minute drive from Lucban.  We dropped by the Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel.  This is the largest Roman Catholic church in the entire province of Quezon.  Known to the locals as susi ng Tayabas, due to its key shaped building blue print, this church houses a replica of the Black Nazarene.  The church is famous for its long isle, its century old church bells and church clock found atop its belfry.  Installed in the 18th hundred, it is one of the oldest of its kind in Asia.

We also visited the Casa Communidad, a centuries-old building where Hermano Pule was sentenced to death in 1841.  Hermano Pule led a major revolt against the Spaniards for religious freedom and independence.

Tayabas is also home to numerous Spanish-era bridges.  Declared as a national treasure, Malagonlong bridge is a five span long stone arch bridge built during the Spanish-era.  It is also the longest of its kind built in the country.  The bridge also has 6 balconies where pedestrians can rest.

Prior to the 2nd World War, the structures in Tayabas can rival the Spanish-era structures of Vigan in Ilocos Sur.

The trip to Tayabas will not be complete without buying their famous yema cake and budin.  It was a another stress reliever road trip for the family.

Pahiyas De Lucban Festival

May 17, 2015; Finally, we were able to visit Lucban in Quezon during one of its famous festivals, The Pahiyas Festival.  Pahiyas is how the farmers thank their patron saint, San Isidro de Labrador for a bountiful harvest.  During the festival, farmers decorate their houses with their harvest of fruits, vegetables and the colorful kipings.  Kiping is made from ground rice flour, shaped using kabal leaves or any other leaves and colored in bright red, yellow, green and other bright colors.

As a side trip, we also dropped by Kamay ni Jesus shrine to thank our Creator for the blessing He has continued to shower our family.

We were truly blessed to be able to see this wonderful festival.