Chasing Daylight

At the foot of the mountain. Shown above is the ever picturesque view of the Lucban Church frontiered by the majestic Mount Banahaw. This picture was taken straight from the roofdeck of our own house.

Lucban, Quezon is a quiet landlocked town situated at the foot of Mount Banahaw. It covers 505 square kilometers and is 1400 feet above sea level. It consists of 32 barangays, 10 of which composes the town proper. The town is bordered by Majayjay and Luisiana (towns of Laguna) in the North; Tayabas in the south; Sampaloc in the east, and Mount Banahaw in the west. Lucban is 24 kilometers away from province capital Lucena City and is 132 kilometers away from Manila via Pagsanjan route (162 kms if via San Pablo). The town got its name when the three hunters who have discovered the place found a large tree bearing the fruit Lukban (sometimes called Suha).

Mount Banahaw de Lucban. Lucban is the gateway to this majestic yet mysterious mountain.

The Lucban Municipal Hall. Office of Lucban's town officials. Currently administrating the town is Mayor Bonbon Villaseñor of Kampi.

Rizal Park. Just across the Municipal Hall is the spacious Rizal Park. This is where events (i.e. concerts, pageants, etc.) are usually held.

The Church of Lucban. This is the parish of Saint Louis, Bishop of Tolouse. This church was first constructed in 1595 but was ruined by fires in different occasions. The present church was completed in 1738.

Andres Bonifacio Park. This park marks a greenery highlighted by the Bonifacio monument, a fountain with a stone mermaid sculpture, and clean flowing water from a side canal. This park turns into a lively foodcourt in the afternoons.

Lucban Academy. Lucban's private high school and the alma mater of my mom, my relatives, and Anne. I really admire the beauty of Lucban Academy's school uniform.

Buddy's. Originally called Buddy Burger, Buddy's is Lucban's top restaurant offering Lucban's finest dishes. Buddy's have branched out in Lucena (SM City) and in Makati City (Market! Market! and Kalayaan Avenue).

The La Doña Ana. Looks like a fortress or old house of some sort? Nah, this structure here houses Lucban's largest bakery and supermarket. Ü

The Kamay Ni Hesus Healing Church. A few kilometers away from the town center is the Kamay Ni Hesus Church & Grotto. Many pilgrims travel here to attend the healing masses of renowned healing priest Rev. Fr. Joey Faller.

Pahiyas Festival. This is what Lucban is most famous for. Held every 15th of May, the Pahiyas Festival is a celebration of the Lucban townsfolk in thanksgiving to San Isidro Labrador, patron of good harvest. Us Lucbanins decorate our homes with colorful kipings and other ornaments.


I remember in 2006 when my manager went here with me for the Pahiyas festivities. He commented, "Going to Lucban is like doing time travel; going a few good years back. It's like seeing a town in the Philippines at a time when things are a lot more simpler and nicer."

Really, Lucban in itself is an escape and I always look forward to going home when I get those long weekends and vacation leaves. There a lot of things to see and to do in Lucban as much as there are many ways to reach the town.

I recommend two quick routes if you're commuting:

1. Take the Sta. Cruz-headed buses either in Buendia or Cubao and get off at Pagsawitan, Pagsanjan. There you will find a huge jeepney bound for Lucban. This will usually last 2-3 hours but will pass through winding, zigzag roads. Not for those with travel sickness.

2. Or take the Lucena-headed buses also found either in Buendia or Cubao. Get off at the Grand Central Terminal in Lucena and ride a jeep to Lucban. This route passes better roads but will last for 3-4 hours in average.


So if you have the time and looking for a beautiful place to go to in the Philippines, do some time travel and "see Philippines at a time when things are more simpler and nicer". Come and visit Lucban. Ü

Special thanks to Flickr member batingaw and my friend Brix Aquino for some of the photos used in this entry.

Labels: Discover Philippines, Travel