Quezon Province, Philippines

My hometown!

Quezon is an agricultural province southeast of Manila, bounded by Aurora province in the north, Bicol region in the south, and Pacific Ocean in the east and other provinces of the Southern Tagalog Region (CALABARZON) in the west. Fishing and palay and coconut farming are the main industries, thus customs and traditions in this area revolve around activities related to fishing and farming. How to get there: Take the JAC/Lucena Line buses from Manila (Cubao or Buendia/Pasay) to Lucena City. www.jacliner.com

Some Interesting Places to Visit:

VILLA ESCUDERO – relaxed hacienda living in a vast estate! Enjoy a carabao ride while serenaded by a sweet Filipina and her guitarist. Visit the two-tiered church-looking museum filled with curious things collected by the Escudero family. Take a leisurely bicycle ride around the village and observe friendly hacienda workers in their laid back country life. Wade in the swimming pool or board a romantic raft ride for two and paddle around the river (see photo). And satisfy your cravings in a sumptuous buffet lunch while soaking your feet in a friendly little brook that runs under the lunch picnic tables. You want more? Overnight accommodations are available. Visit their website: www.villaescudero.com

UGU BIGYAN’s Pottery Workshop in Tiaong, Quezon is just a few minutes’ drive from Villa Escudero. Commuting?

Take a tricycle to Ugu’s house from the highway (Lusacan National High School). Lunch may be arranged for a group of 10 or more, with prior reservation. Send me a message so I can give you his mobile number.

KAMAYAN SA PALAISDAAN – Lick your lunch of freshly caught Tilapia and crisp vegetables, right off your fingers “kamayan style”, while enjoying the cool breeze and the beautiful countryside inside your exclusive floating lunch huts! You’ll find this famous restaurant between the towns of Tayabas and Lucban, just a short jeepney ride from Lucena City.

TAYTAY FALLS (also known as Imelda Falls) is not actually in Quezon province but in Brgy. Taytay, Majayjay Laguna; it is, however, accessible by a jeepney or tricycle ride from Lucban town proper. An easy 10-minute hike on a concrete foot path atop a ravine beside a stream of crystal-clear waters provides the perfect teaser for a refreshing dip in the falls basin and an overnight camping experience. There are tents for rent, but it is better to bring your own. There are comfort rooms with running water in the campsite. A day trip is also good.

PAHIYAS FESTIVAL is held every 15^th of May in the town of Lucban, in honor of San Isidro Labrador and the pagan gods of nature and harvest, featuring a fusion of Catholic and pagan beliefs. Pahiyas means decoration. During this festival, houses are decorated with farm harvest.

KAMAY NI HESUS, where special healing Catholic masses are held, is another interesting place, just in the town’s outskirts. They offer accommodations now, inside Noah’s Ark!

MT.BANAHAW – A majestic mountain popular among mountain climbers and religious pilgrims. Visit the center of the religious sect who reveres the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal or enjoy the surrounding nature either in an easy hike or a more adventurous spelunking / mountain climbing activity. Don’t forget to have refreshments at Kinabuhayan Café. (Jump off point from Dolores Town, Quezon Province)

PINAGBANDERAHAN Hike Trail is in the middle of the Quezon National Forest Park (also known as Old Zigzag) in the town of Atimonan. Pinagbanderahan means “where the flag was hoisted” (during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines). This place boasts of a 360^o view of the province and a cliff perfect for rock-climbing.

GUISGUIS (BEACH) SARIAYA – ideal for company outings www.villadelpradoresort.com