A day in Liliw

The Municipality of Liliw, Laguna, founded in 1571, is one of our favorite places primarily because of its cool weather throughout the year. When asked to explain the phenomena, residents tell us that Liliw sprawls astride a volcano that instead of spewing lava, contains water. Another reason we are a constant visitor is, of course, to purchase our regular set of tsinelas which is the municipality’s principal product. And still another is the fact that everyone from Mayor Ericson Sulubit to the ordinary man on the street is quickly reachable at a moment’s notice.

Liliw sits at the foot of Mt. Banahaw that assures farmers of a good crop. At the same time, it offers a scenic view to visitors in the midst of long and winding roads. According to locals, Liliw got its name from a bird when Gat Tayaw decided to name the town after the bird that would first land on top of a pole. A crow was the first bird to alight on the pole. But crows were considered a bad omen so Gat Tayaw had his men erect another bamboo pole. A beautiful bird alighted on the pole and sang, “Liw, Liw, Liw.” Thus, the town became Liliw.

We have made many friends in Liliw simply out of being there so often. There is Lydia Lugada whom we visit each time we are in town to purchase the various crafts out of bamboo that her shop carries. We especially like the animals ranging from dogs, crocodiles to cows.

Something new for us on our last visit was a trip to the sprawling Costales Nature Farm located in Brgy. Gagalot, Majayjay, Laguna. The farm has already won recognition as The Outstanding Philippines Organic Agriculturist in 2011; Most Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farmer of Region IV-A for 2012; and is the First Agritourism destination in the Philippines accredited by the Department of Tourism.

A guide welcomed us and toured us around the farm which, she explains, utilizes ecological and balanced farming techniques, that in the long run will create awareness of the ill effects of chemical inputs in food production, answered as the importance of natural farming.

We didn’t forget to visit the Saint John the Baptist Church, founded in 1605. Adjacent to the church is a museum, which showcases various images of the saints and other religious ornaments and artifacts. Next stop was Balay Celina, home to different flora and fauna. The garden is well-landscaped and available as a venue for special occasions. 

For lunch, we went to Chef Mao and were served their best sellers of fried tilapia, tofu and barbecue. Best of all was the setting that utilized local bamboo and whose façade resembled the heritage houses of old.

We were running late and we still had other places to visit. There was the Taytay Falls in Majayjay that has one of the clearest flowing water in the country. These waters flow from the storied Mt. Banahaw. Laguna seems to be truly sanctified with all these blessings.

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