Living the provincial life in Quezon: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary
Quezon is one of Manila’s gateway provinces. Just a two- to three-hour drive from Manila, it’s a place where you’ll be immersed in a peaceful and colorful provincial life rooted in rich Catholic culture.
Quick facts:
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Quezon province was named after former President Manuel L. Quezon who was born in Baler, a town which was then part of Tayabas.
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Quezon is famous for coconut-based cuisines, lambanog, longganisang Lucban, and pansit habhab.
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The quiet provincial life of Quezon comes alive during Pahiyas festival, celebrated in Lucban every 15th of May. Houses are decorated with fruits, vegetables, and the famous kiping - colorful leaf-shaped rice wafers strung together - as a way of giving thanks to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers.
How to go there:
The road trip to Quezon can take about two to three hours if you're coming from Manila via private vehicle or public transportation (several bus liners travel to Quezon).
If you're taking the bus, get off at Lucena Grand Terminal Station. A bus ticket costs about P225/way from Manila. You can reach the neighboring towns via jeep, which costs around P8 to P30, depending on the town you’re headed to. Travel time from each town would take about 30 minutes to an hour.
What to see
Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel
The Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Tayabas, Quezon was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Historical Institute. Locals refer to the church as the “Susi ng Tayabas” because of its key-shaped structure.
Apart from its grand Baroque-influenced architectural design, the basilica is also famous for being the longest Spanish Colonial church in the Philippines, with its length of 103 meters.What to do
Mainit Hot SpringTake a dip in the natural warm waters of Mainit Hot Spring in Brgy. Silangang, Palale in Tayabas, Quezon. For just an entrance fee of P90, you can sit back, relax and let the the warm water from the bukal soothe your muscles. No need to worry about getting sunburned too. Some of the pools in the resort have roofs.
Kamay ni HesusKamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon is home to one of the country’s famous healing priests Fr. Joseph “Joey” Ayala Faller. Tourists and locals alike flock to the Kamay Hesus Chapel for healing masses presided over by Fr. Joey every Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.
The shrine is also popular for housing a 50-foot statue of Jesus Christ that stands on top of a small hill. To get there, you have to climb 310 steps, and to exit requires going down another 287 steps. It is believed that pilgrims climb the steps to pray for miracles and thank for blessings.
Climbing and going down the grotto is quite difficult, especially if done under the scorching heat of the sun – so better bring an umbrella and a bottle of water.
Where to eat
MJD Urban EscapeGo healthy while in Quezon. MJD Urban Escape is equal parts farm, restaurant and recreational space. Applying a farm-to-table system, MJD serves veggies and fruits that are freshly plucked from their garden and greenhouses.
For salads, you can actually request for your preferred vegetables and fruits. Pair your greens with hearty meals like MJD’s herbed calamares (P299), Mom’s baked penne (P279) and spring rolls (P252). For refreshment, make sure to try the organic papayamansi (P55) and organic cucumber with melon (P65).
While waiting for your food, shop for a handful of cheap, organic vegetables and fruits. A kilo of assorted lettuce at MJD costs only P270.
MJD Urban Escape Farm is located at Brgy. Bocohan, Lucena City, Quezon.
Kamayan sa PalaisdaanFloat on a balsa and feast on traditional seafood fare at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan. Recommended dishes from Kamayan are their ginataan meals: sinugno (P305, good for 3-4 people), or inihaw na tilapia sa gata; and ginataang suso with pako (P150, good for 3-4 people).
Guisseppe RestaurantChami is a native delicacy in Lucena made from stir-fried flat miki noodles and sauteed meat and vegetables. If you want chami with a twist, head on over to Guisseppe Restaurant, which serves ensaladang chami and pako, and chami rolls.
Center Miki FactoryIt’s not a food trip in Quezon if you don’t try the classic pansit habhab. a traditional pansit dish in Lucena eaten directly, without the help of utensils, from banana leaves. For a no-frills version of this traditional delicacy, visit Center Miki Factory. This restaurant has been serving their tried and tested habhab to locals and tourists since 1937.
Check out Center Miki Factory at 85 San Luis St., Lucban, Quezon.
Where to stay
Nawawalang Paraiso
If you want a relaxed atmosphere, better stay at Nawawalang Paraiso. The hotel grounds is spacious; here, you can go around for a jog in the morning with Mt. Banahaw as your backdrop.
Nawawalang Paraiso has been around since 1985, but the rooms and furniture are still well-maintained. Prices for hotel rooms (overnight stay) are as follows:\-
P2800 for 2-4 pax
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P4800 (dormitory type) for 12 pax
For your gadget needs, rooms have enough sockets for charging your phones, tablets or laptop. There’s no wi-fi though, so better bring a dongle if you need to be online.
Nawawalang Paraiso is located at Brgy. Camaysa, Tayabas, Quezon.
Quezon Premier Hotel
Quezon Premier Hotel is a boutique hotel with a touch of Zen-minimalist interiors. For a room good for 2-3 pax, the price is P1600 (overnight stay), a pretty good price considering how spacious and clean the rooms are.
For gadgets, some rooms have only two sockets. Wi-fi is available but the connection often fluctuates.
Quezon Premier Hotel is located at Brgy. Candelaria, Lucena, Quezon.
What to buy for pasalubong
Longganisang LucbanA trip to Quezon isn’t complete if you don’t bring home longganisang Lucban for pasalubong. These garlicky sausages cost P70/dozen (small) and P140/dozen (big) at Eker and Ely's located at 114 A., Racelis Ave., Lucban, Quezon.
LambanogBring home lambanog, or coconut wine, perfect for cold nights in the city. A 750 ml bottle of flavored lambanog (liputi, bubblegum, prunes) costs P210, while a 750 ml bottle of original lambanog costs P130 at Capistrano Distillery.
— Bernice Sibucao/CM, GMA News-
Thanks