Quezon: A true haven
MANILA, Philippines - Imagine a place where you hear the flapping wings of birds in the morning, feel the fresh mountain breeze like a soft blanket on your cheeks, hear the peaceful waves of beaches nearby and the warmth of sand under your feet. Alongside roads, tons of coconut trees offer shade. They all have tall graceful trunks crowned by long feathery leaves that bear fruits of life.
Quezon Province is simply a silent nirvana. To the north sits Aurora province and on either side are the provinces of Laguna and Rizal. On the south end is a long train of beaches along Tayabas Bay. In the middle is a quiet respite that will lull you like a newborn enjoying his swing under the shadows of coconut trees. The rugged terrain of Banahaw and the numerous mangrove swamps harnessing the beauty of wild floras and animals are just introductions to what is in store for the visitors of the province.
A haven of cool, sacred mountains and epic mystical wonders. Mt. Banahaw in Dolores, the coconut capital of the Philippines, is not just rich in coconut trees but also in mystical attributes. Once you set foot in one of its trails, a welcoming breath of fresh air instantly fills your lungs. The smell of mosses and clear water leads you to the silent ethereal echoes inside the Kweba ng Diyos Ama (Cave of God the Father). The same spiritual journey at the foot of Mt. Banahaw could also be experienced in the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, where o ne experiences inner joy, peace and warmth. It is an ideal destination for all not only during Holy Week and simbang gabi but also during the whole ecclesiastical year.
Quezon’s beaches like those in Sariaya are spots where you can play with the waves taunting your soles in timed symphony. The Fil-Am Garden and Resort at San Antonio is where the spring has flowed continuously for over a century. Next stop is the Villa Escudero in Tiaong, Quezon, where banana leaves and carabao rides all lead to a picnic with the waterfalls spraying your table. Just the sound of water cascading can make you sigh and utter, “Oh, what a heavenly place unfolding before my very eyes!”
Quezon’s finest offers more than just a place to stay in and to frolic. It also invites people to taste all of its best-known delicacies. Just by the alluring smell of the filling and saucy pansit hab-hab and longganisa from Lucban can fill your stomach. The delicious pinagong from Sariaya or the best cassava cakes topped with cheese from Tayabas can truly make your mouth water. Being popular for its heirloom recipes, dining in Kamayan sa Palaisdaan, Tayabas also brings a unique and wonderful experience. One has to experience eating in a nipa hut, at bamboo tables, with trees and a big fishpond around you while enjoying great food, natural breeze and eating with your bare hands. The smell of grilled seafood lingers on the tip of your nose and the comforting music from a playing band soothe your appetite. This resto is a must-visit and will surely give you an enjoyable dining experience.
Time to boost your energy, get ready to fiesta! From the colorful banderitas and attractive costumes of street performers, one can’t deny the fact that Quezon is genuinely rich in heritage. Among the most fun festivities in Quezon is the Pasayahan sa Lucena or the Chami Festival. It is a three-day celebration featuring outlandish costumes and symbolic floats, which parade along the main street of the city. The affair is highlighted by dancing, singing, and merry-making on the street a la Mardi Gras.
The most anticipated fiesta is the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, which is one of the country’s best known, biggest, and most colorful harvest festivals. It is held on May 15 in the towns of Tayabas, Sariaya, Gumaca, Tiaong, and Lucena City, to honor San Isidro Labrador, the patron of farmers. The decorations are called kiping, leaf-shaped and multi-colored rice paste wafers hanging like chandeliers on the facades of homes along with suman, rice cakes, fruits and vegetables. This visual and culinary feast has gained national and international renown.
Let the historical, mystical, and natural wonders of Quezon Province amaze you during your visit. Immerse in this rich cultural experience, go back to simplicity and taste this authentic, once-in-a-lifetime stress-free realm.
