Last May 14, we were so fortunate to be part of a post-birthday treat of a friend of 19 years. Yes, 19 solid years - it's not that I'm now too old, it just so happened that he had been a classmate since first grade and a friend since I could remember. During our 19 years of friendship, it was the first time he treated us for his birthday. He only invited a limited number of people though, just a van's worth - because he opted to hold his post-birthday treat in his hometown, Lucban, Quezon (also just in time for Pahiyas).
We met early in the morning and spent four hours traveling in the van from LRT's Gil Puyat station to reach my friend's place. Upon reaching Lucban, the first very important reminder that our friend told us was
"Bawal ang plastik". Prohibition of the use of plastic bags was the Lucban local government's simple contribution to environmental conservation efforts. Hence, in Lucban, the traditional
bayong and paper bags are used when packing your shopped items. So if you plan on dropping by Lucban, it would be helpful to bring your own eco-friendly shopping bag (just so you could save some money from purchasing
bayong there).
 |
| our group photo on the eve of Pahiyas - we carried paper bags because sa Lucban, bawal ang plastic |
Since it was just the eve of Pahiyas, the only items in our itinerary for the day was to feast on the food prepared by my friend's grandmother, and the trip to Kamay ni Hesus Shrine. Feasting was so timely because we arrived just in time for lunch.
Among all the places where I've been to, Lucban was my favorite in terms of food. Aside from the fact that it's all free (c/o my friend), my friend made the experience memorable by allowing us to taste the best of Lucban's native delicacies -
pansit hab-hab,
longganisang Lucban, and
hardinera, among the other food that he asked his grandmother to prepare for us
.
 |
| my friend's post birthday treat - Lucban's native delicacies! Yum! |
 |
| Lucban's hardinera. Embutido is it's closest resemblance. Hardinera will definitely make you crave for Lucban. |
 |
| Longganisang Lucban, very cute! |
After having lunch, we rested for awhile and proceeded to Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, via tricycle. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is a staple part of itineraries to Lucban, Quezon, specially for religious ones. Fr. Joey Faller, the presiding priest in the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, is believed to have healing powers. This was the reason for the huge wave of pilgrims' interest in Kamay ni Hesus Shrine. More than that, the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, built at the foot of the mystical Mt. Banahaw in 2002, had been purposely designed to be a tourist attraction. The highlight of the place was the "stairway to heaven" - a 300-steps stairway leading to a 50-foot statue of resurrected Christ with arms wide open on a hilltop. These are not mere steps, but actually an enlightening journey towards Christ's resurrection as it features sequential statues from the stations of the cross on your way to the top.
 |
| group photo with the Kamay ni Hesus grotto on the background |
 |
| one of the Stations of the Cross depiction that you will encounter along the way |
 |
| view at the top of the hill |
 |
| at the top of the 300-steps hill - Kamay ni Hesus, wide open |
In recent years, there had been additions to the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, among which is the Noah's Ark - a two-story prayer house exclusively for groups of guests in retreat, and the Holy Rosary Hill which featured statues that depicted the mysteries of the holy rosary (parts of which were still under construction during the time we were there).
 |
| with Noah's Ark on the background |
 |
| playing with the elephant - part of Noah's Ark |
 |
| part of the Holy Rosary Hill that was still under construction |
Tip for a trip to Kamay ni Hesus Shrine:
Girls shouldn't wear revealing outfits as this would prohibit them to enter the shrine. Bring an umbrella or anything that could protect you from the sun. Also bring water with you.
Another tourist destination in Lucban is Batis Aramin Resort, just across the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine. Batis Aramin offers numerous outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, biking, wall climb and zipline. Since we had a budget and at a time constraint, we did not go there and just proceeded back to our friend's house after a tiring time at Kamay ni Hesus Shrine.
Upon getting back, we had
Salud's halo-halo to refresh us from the draining moment we just experienced. The packaging for
Salud's halo-halo was quite interesting, as it is contained in the emptied milk can used in preparing it. We also had
yema cake from
Rodillas, another food that I only encountered in Lucban. We loved the
yema cake and it was instantly decided that we each buy a box as
pasalubong. My friend's grandmother was really accommodating and dealt with the shop, because she told us that it won't be available come Pahiyas the next morning.
 |
| the unique packaging of Salud's halo-halo |
 |
| yema cake from Rodillas, must try! |
After eating, we proceeded to take a walk trip around town. We checked out the houses being readied for Pahiyas, as well as possible
pasalubong items. I was amazed to find various hat vendors, and because I'm a person fascinated with hats, I'm glad to have bought a cowboy hat for P 110. I used it for the Pahiyas the next morning.
 |
| The house owners just start preparing for Pahiyas the afternoon before. This is to keep the vegetable displays fresh and still in their natural, lively color come Pahiyas Festival. |
 |
| another house owners preparing for Pahiyas |
 |
| souvenirs from souvenir shops along the road |
 |
| pansit hab-hab magnets as souvenirs |
 |
| Hats! This is where I bought my cowboy hat! |
 |
| bulk processing of Longganisang Lucban to cater to the peak demand |
 |
| store selling Lucban's native vinegar |
We also paid a visit to the 400 year old Church of St. Louis of Toulouse, more commonly known as Lucban Church. Lucban Church was also prepared for the Pahiyas Festival.
 |
| yours truly with the facade of Lucban Church (can't find the chance for a solo photo given the vast number of tourists for the festivities) |
 |
| Lucban Church's participation for Pahiyas Festival |
IMPORTANT NOTE:
While Lucban's native food are mouthwatering and must-try, I could only say the opposite regarding the drinking water. The
Lukbanin are accustomed to drinking water from the tap, which comes from a spring. While the locals are used to this water and can drink it without experiencing any discomforts, visitors might undergo stomach upsets due to this. Believe me, this is based from experience. Having said that, it is best to buy bottled water from the convenience stores around town.
