Pahiyas Festival – The Most Colorful Festival in the Philippines
More formally known as “Lucban San Isidro Pahiyas Festival,” Pahiyas is one of the more known festivals in the Philippines. Celebrated every May 15, this festival honors San Isidro Labrador, the Patron Saint of Farmers.
Read also: Exploring Farm Ridge in Nueva Ecija
What to see and do in Lucban Pahiyas
As it is my first time in Lucban, Quezon, I have not set expectations for this trip as I am going to attend one of the most colorful festivals in the Philippines – Pahiyas 2023! Immediately coming from Baguio, this more or less 5-hour trip from Manila is an adventure that you have to experience, too. Not to mention its quite erratic weather, here are some of the main attractions and things to do in Lucban, Quezon.
Celebrate Mass in Lucban Church (St. Louis Bishop Parish Church)
This is considered to be the main church in the town of Lucban that celebrates Pahiyas Festival. In honor of St. Isidore the Laborer (San Isidro Labrador), the Patron Saint of Farmers, a procession is being held every 15th of May to celebrate his Feast Day, in conjunction with the Pahiyas festivities.
Lucban Town Hall
Located at the heart of Lucban is the Lucban Town Hall where all main activities of Pahiyas happens. The town hall will eventually move to a bigger, wider location a few kilometers from its original site.
Plaza de Revolucion / Patio Rizal Park
Just in front of the Town Hall is the Lucban Plaza (Plaza de Revolucion) where you can also see a monument for Jose Rizal. This has also been a sight of many historical events that shaped Lucban’s history.
Kamay ni Hesus
More locally known as the “grotto,” Kamay ni Hesus is also one of the main tourist attractions in Lucban. Its famous Stations of the Cross can be reached by traversing its 300+ steps where you can see a tall statue of Jesus on top of the hill – offering a view of nearby Lucban Town proper.
Places you can visit, too! (Since I haven’t visited them yet)
- Batis Aramin
- Bukid Amara
Bukid Amara
Batis Aramis Resort and Hotel
How to go to Lucban, Quezon
By Bus
There are several bus lines along CUBAO and BUENDIA (JAC Liner, Superlines) that are bound for Lucena Grand Terminal. As of writing, bus fare going to Lucena is around ₱ 230 – 310 (regular fare) and travel time is around 4 hours.
Lucena Grand Terminal
From Lucena, take a jeep going to Lucban. The jeepneys are found on the provincial side of the Lucena Terminal (left side) with signage of “Lucban.” The fare going to Lucban is around ₱ 56 (regular fare) and the travel time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
When best to experience Pahiyas Festival
Lucban San Isidro Pahiyas Festival is celebrated every May 15 and is the celebration of the Feast Day of St. Isidore the Laborer. With that, there are also activities for the 2-week festival.
Where to Stay and Eat in Lucban
As Pahiyas is one of the major Festivals in Quezon Province, I suggest that you book your accommodations ahead of time as there are limited options in Lucban town proper. Here are some of the accommodations you might want to consider when visiting Lucban, Quezon:
- Patio Rizal
- Kalesa Inn
- Casa Villaseñor
- Zurea Hotel
- Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel
Since Lucban, Quezon is also considered the Culinary Capital of Quezon Province, here are some of the restaurants that are popular in town.
- Buddy’s Restaurant
Buddy’s Restaurant is a home-grown Lucban Restaurant that is famous for its Filipino interiors and of course, its native cuisine as well. When we ate at Buddy’s, we did not miss the chance to try their Pancit Lucban and their famous “Hardinera” – a hearty meat dish cooked in a llanera.
- Palaisdaan
- Le Maison de Yelo Lane
Of course, Pahiyas Festival and Lucban, Quezon is not such if not for their food! During my stay here, I also tried their never-say-die PANCIT HABHAB, a dish that you can eat without using utensils and eat straight from a banana leaf!
I also tried for the first time the dish HARDINERA, or the Lucban Meatloaf placed in a llanera. A homegrown dish that made Lucban known in the culinary scene.
Broas
This famous Quezon dessert is one not to be missed when visiting the province. This finger-like cookie is best paired with a warm cup of coffee or chocolate!
Kiping
This local delicacy is typically seen on display during Pahiyas Festival. Made from crushed glutinous rice and molded on big leaves, Kiping is best served grilled or fried!
Lucban Longganisa
Lucban Longganisa is also one of the more popular food/delicacies in Lucban. These small sausages give a distinct tangy flavor and can be found almost in every corner of Lucban.
Lambanog
This popular Filipino drink is made from fermented coconut sap derived from tuba that is aged typically for 48 hours or more. It is also found widely in Lucban.
Sample Itinerary and Expenses
Day 1
| Manila – Lucena City | Bus (4 hours) | ₱ 230.00 – 310.00 |
| Lucena City – Lucban | Modern Jeep (45 minutes – 1 hour) | ₱ 56.00 |
| Walk / Tricycle to Lucban Church | 10 – 30 minutes | ₱ 18.00 (tricycle) |
| Hear Mass at Lucban Church | 1 hour | |
| Lunch (Pancit Habhab) | Lucban Town Proper | ₱ 10.00 – 15.00 |
| Check-in | Accommodation of Choice | |
| Picture-taking at Participating Houses / Walking Tour | Lucban Town Proper (1 – 2 hours) | |
| Souvenir-buying / Walking Tour Town Center | Lucban Town Proper (1 – 2 hours) | |
| Watch Street Parade Lucban Church to Town Proper | Lucban Town Proper (1 – 2 hours) | |
| Dinner | Lucban Town Proper | ₱ 50.00 – 100.00 |
| Nightlife / Walking Tour | Lucban Town Proper |
Day 2
| Breakfast (Pancit Habhab / anything) | Lucban Town Proper (1 hour) | ₱ 10.00 – 15.00 |
| Kamay Ni Hesus | Walk (30 minutes) / Tricycle (10 minutes) | ₱ 18.00 (tricycle) |
| Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel half day 150-200 (adults), 120-170 (children) | Half Day | ₱ 150.00 – 200.00 (adults), ₱ 120.00 – 170.00 (children) |
| Bukid Amara | 2 hours | ₱ 80.00 – 100.00 |
| Lunch (Buddy’s Restaurant) | 2 hours | ₱ 200.00 – 300.00 |
| Walking Tour / Pasalubong-buying | 1 – 2 hours | |
| Snacks (Broas / Lucban Longganisa) | 1 hour | |
| Check-out | ||
| Lucban – Lucena City | Modern Jeep (45 minutes – 1 hour) | ₱ 56.00 |
| Lucena City – Manila | Bus (4 hours) | ₱ 230.00 – 310.00 |
Other Photos
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About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
