Holy Week is a widely celebrated event in the Philippines. People living in the capital, Manila, would leave town and go to different provinces to reflect on the Catholic tradition of the passion and death of Christ. For some, they take the long work break off to hit the beaches while others observe the tradition by doing a pilgrimage to known Holy Week destinations.
One of the favorite pilgrim location is the province of Quezon, named after the late Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, which is just a few hours drive from Manila. Quezon boasts of the mystique mountain of Banahaw which is home to many local sects and hermits. Superstitious and adventurous people go to Mt. Banahaw to see how the local sects observe Holy Week. But Catholic followers go to nearby Lucena City, the capital of Quezon Province, and Lucban City to visit the old cathedrals and to do the way of the cross at the Via Dolorosa Grotto of Healing Way of Purification.
City dwellers also frequent Quezon during the month of May to celebrate their colorful Pahiyas Festival which is a dedication to the rich harvest of farmers. Visitors and tourists never miss the famous Kamayan sa Palaisdaan which is a unique restaurant within a fishing pond.
Quezon also has a rich history because during the time of colonizers, it was a favorite hideout of local heroes from Spanish and American guards. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal has a large following in this province wherein Rizalistas, as they are called, believe that Rizal is a reincarnation of Jesus Christ.
But more than that, Quezon Province is rich of natural resources. The main means of living of the locals are farming and fishing. Lucena City is also emerging as a growing city with the advent of malls and commercial establishments.
Quick Tips:
Holy Week is the time of the year in Manila when people flock to various pilgrim sites and vacation spots. It is best to check out traffic advisories and accommodation availabilities ahead of time.
Travel light and wear your most comfortable clothes. It is usually hot during this season, so light clothes are recommended. Don’t forget to bring a cap or umbrella, sunglasses and sun block. If you are going here for a pilgrimage, be sure to bring religious pamphlets as your guide or you may buy them in churches.
Street foods are relatively safe but if you want to be sure of the food you eat, opt for the clean restaurants or the modern fast food chains. Always bring water and food with you along the way to avoid exhaustion and dehydration.
Best Way To Get Around:
From the international airport, you may take a bus from nearby Pasay City or you may borrow or rent a car. Travel during the dawn when there is less traffic and when it is not yet hot. Take the south expressway and exit to Canlubang. There are signages going to Lucena but to avoid getting lost, always ask a traffic enforcer or a local.
Better if you have a car to take you around Lucena especially during Holy Week and festivals. Parking may be a problem but whenever a crowd is gathered in this small city, there are ready pay parking areas available.