March 1, 2013 Surigao to Manila
I flew out of Surigao to manila via a AirPhil flight. Upon arrival in Manila, I checked in on a hotel in Pasay. I could have stayed in a friend's unit in Pasig but I might travel the following day early. Prior to my flight I did not tell my friend that I was already boarding the plane bound to Manila. She later found out when I sent her a text that I just landed in NAIA. We later had coffee near her workplace.
March 2, 2013 Pasay to Laguna to Quezon
I woke up early to catch a bus bound to Sta. Rosa from Magallanes. It was my first time though to ride on a bus with free wi-fi. I met my friend Jomel in Balibago, Sta. Rosa. From there, we rode a van bound to Quezon. It took 4 hours from Sta. Rosa to Lucena, Quezon via SLEX. It was already near sundown when we arrived at the Lucena Grand Central Terminal. A jeepney took us to Tayabas proper from the terminal.
We dropped by Buddy's to taste Quezon's famous pancit lucban and longganisa. Prices there are affordable. Food was tasty. The pancit lucban looks ordinary to me with large slices of pork. It is also called pancit habhab since the noodles are served in a banana leaf. One is supposed to eat it without the fork. i thought the vinegar given by the waiter was for the longganisa but it is for the pancit for added flavor. Must try when you get to visit Quezon.
Walking a few meters north of Buddy's is the Tayabas Provincial Capitol. Tayabas is the old name of Quezon. Beside the capitol building were parks and playgrounds. We took a quick stroll at the park before riding a jeepney towards diversion road.
At the diversion road, we dropped by First Quezon Premier Hotel where we checked in. Price was affordable and they even had a discount on us due to a corporate account from Jomel's work. The hotels got a pool and a karaoke bar as part of their amenities. A convenience store in fornt of the hotel is also open 24hours to cater to the basic needs. We checked also the night life in Lucena vis Upgraded Bar. The bar has live bands showcasing local talents. The place is good so far.
March 3, 2013 Lucban trip
From Lucena, we rode a jeepney going to Lucban the following day. We just asked for questions where the jeepney terminal was. Then it started to drizzle trying to ruin our day. It stopped after sometime. We told the driver to drop us at Kamay ni Hesus. Good thing there was also a passenger bound to the area.
Kamay ni Hesus is a healing center in Lucban Quezon. It is considered as one of pilgrimage sites during the lenten season. Since it was a Sunday, there were lots of visitors to attend the church mass. Others climb the hill with the 13 stations of the cross. On top of the hill is a huge sculpture of Jesus's ascension. I may not have attended the mass but I did climb the hill. It was tiring though with lots of stops. I did have a long stop on a covered shelter since it rained. After the rain, I continued my climb together with other visitors. A retreat house is also built below the hill. The building was designed to look like Noah's Ark.
Kamay ni Hesus is a healing center in Lucban Quezon. It is considered as one of pilgrimage sites during the lenten season. Since it was a Sunday, there were lots of visitors to attend the church mass. Others climb the hill with the 13 stations of the cross. On top of the hill is a huge sculpture of Jesus's ascension. I may not have attended the mass but I did climb the hill. It was tiring though with lots of stops. I did have a long stop on a covered shelter since it rained. After the rain, I continued my climb together with other visitors. A retreat house is also built below the hill. The building was designed to look like Noah's Ark.
Colored candles can be bought for PhP25/pack (5 pieces). There is a dedicated area for lighting candles. I lighted my candles and said my silent prayers. There are also several souvenir shops and snack stores at the back of the church.
From Kamay ni Hesus, we rode the jeepney going to the town proper. There we saw colonial houses that where still preserved. Some of which where part establishments already.
Not so far from the town plaza was Cafe San Luis where we had our lunch. Cafe San Luis is built on a garden beside an old house. I did not try their coffee. I went for an iced tea since it was a hot afternoon although it rained. I ordered a chicken curry for my lunch. This one from their menu, I asked what makes it special. They told me that they put special herbs. I was like a judge for Masterchef when the food arrived. Yummy! For pizza and pasta lovers, there's the Ground Zero store where Italian food are served. We ate there too. A Buddy's branch can also be found in Lucban.
Along the street in Cafe San Luis, a walk straight back further passing by the plaza will lead to the Lucban church. The church is also one of the oldest in the country.
Quezon has lots of coconut plantations. Lambanog is commonly produced here. Flavored ones are also sold in markets. Kampai!
You get educated by traveling. - Solange Knowles