Lucban Church - Quezon Province

Lucban Church in Quezon Province is another of the thousands of baroque churches in the Philippines.  This Church had undergone a test of time as it is said in it's incription : "The first church, built in 1595, was ruined in 1629. The second church was constructed between 1630 and 1640, but was seriously damaged by fire in 1733. The present church was completed in 1738 and the convent in 1743.

It still stands tall and proud in the town of Lucban til this date and is the center of the famous Pahiyas Festival that is celebrated every May 15 in honor of St. Isidore, the patron saint of all the farmers.  Pahiyas is celebrated by showcasing different agricultural products and the highlight of the festival is the so-called KIPING.  Kiping is a rice-made decoration that is shaped into leaf-like structures, it can be eaten afterwards.

Lucban is also famous for its longganisa.  Longganisa is very similar to sausages in other western countries.  The flavor of Lucan Longganisa is garlicky and a bit salty as opposed to the longganisa that is made in Cebu which are sweet.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Lucban can be accessed in two ways; the first route is via the SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) and the other route is via the Manila East Road.

Via SLEX - traverse the length of the SLEX and exit at Turbina.  Take the Pan Philippine Highway (AH26).  You will be passing through the towns and cities of Sto. Tomas, San Pablo, Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya and Lucena City.  Upon reaching Lucena, take the Tayabas-Lucena road and it is connecting to the Tayabas-Lucban Road.  It is a bit of an uphill climb.  Should there be no traffic, one can reach Lucban in a matter of 3 to 4 hours.  This route is shorter, simpler and faster since you will be traveling in the expressway.

Via Manila East Road - this is the other way opposite of SLEX.  You will be passing through the cities and towns of Rizal Province.  Passing through the towns and cities of Laguna - Mabitac, Siniloan, Pangil, Pagsanjan.  Upon reaching Pagsanjan, take the Pagsanjan-Cavinti Road.  Upon reaching a split in the road, head for Luisana's direction.  When you reach Luisina,  you have two options, take the Majayjay Route or take the Luisana route, either way it will lead you to Lucban.  Just look for the signs along the road that points you to the direction of Lucban.  Be careful when plying this route since it is longer and the roads are zig-zagged.  The good side is, you will be able to stop by the different historical and old churches in Laguna.  So if you have the luxury of time, I suggest take the road less traveled by which is this route. :)