The Merry Month of May in Lucena
by Toni de Villa

Festivities keep sprouting every May in most provinces of the Philippines. Lucena City, Quezon Province’s capital, boasts of its own celebration patterned after the colorful and wild feasts of costumes and floats in the West called mardi gras.

Mardi gras in this city is a collaboration of the local government and private sector to boost tourism. It started in 1987 when two great men of this city, Euclides Abcede and Aguinaldo Abcede, breathed the yearly festival. Its primary objective then was to reform the connotation that the area is NPA-infested. Since then, it has not only become a project but a tradition.

The three-day celebration usually starts on May 27 and ends on May 30, in time for the celebration of our patron saint St. Ferdinand. Lucenahins and even those from neighboring towns enjoy the festive moment of mardi gras. The main street of Lucena, Quezon Avenue is closed on these dates and Lucenahins, even those from neighboring towns flock together for the “tyangge” which can be found in the entire stretch of the main street. Live performances of local and famous bands come together at night and who says beer floods in October? Men and women enjoy not just beer but mostly food in every minor street you’ll see. Fashion keeps its spirit alive as the Quezon Designers’ Assiociation of the Philippines (QDAP) partake in its yearly showcase of their best of the best collection for the “sagala.”

But, the most awaited time happens on May 28 or 29. Floats of participating companies and organizations start to build up in front of Quezon Memorial Hospital and parade from this point to Perez Park (endpoint). Each float features a variety of the culture in Quezon Province. Prominent is the production of coconut and other local materials but most particularly one can’t miss to notice their creativity. Not only this, an annual competition of floats makes this festival a sure-fire for all the participants. Cash prizes are given away.

More than the glitz and glamour of Mardi Gras in Lucena is the true essence of culture, camaraderie and harmony in the locality. So, keep checking this website for more information on “Mardi Gras sa Lucena 2004!”

Lucena City is believed to have gotten its name to pay tribute to a Spanish friar Mariano Ganja who used to live in Lucena Andalucia, Spain. In the olden times, Lucena’s first names were Buenavista, Oroquieta and Cotta. But on November 5, 1879 under the authority of “Orden Real Super Civil,” the name Lucena was proclaimed. And due to its continuous growth and development, it has become a city on August 6, 1961 through the assistance of then, Senator Lorenzo Tañada and the presentation of proposed law by Representative Manuel S. Enverga. Under Republic Act. No. 3271, it was approved by President Carlos P. Garcia.

Lucban’s Pride: Pahiyas Fesitval
by Toni de Villa

The colorful Pahiyas festival that we have known for years dated as far back in the 16th century when Catholicism is on the rise in Quezon province. As many have told, it started as a way of thanksgiving for a good harvest. And the bountiful offers were given to the Franciscan missionaries who brought Catholicism in the 1500s.

Since then, it already begun as a tradition among the Lucbanins until 1595 when the construction of the wooden church paved the way for the locals to bring their harvest to the church. It was believed that this rite must be done by the farmers in order to avoid bad luck, drought and famine. But this is actually done to celebrate the feast of San Isidro, patron saint of farmers. Through the years, they were showered with many blessings and harvest continued to be in uprising. Such time came when people have thought of displaying their harvest in front of their houses where the priest would come and bless them. Each year, the route of the priest blessing the harvest, vary for everyone to get a chance to participate.

So, get ready with your sneakers and rubber shoes as you trek the old streets of Lucban during this season. First thing one would notice is the “kiping.” This is a wafer made of rice and shaped into a tree leaf. It comes in colors of pink, green and yellow matched with richness of their harvested fruits that are then lined-up as decoration in front of a participating house. Another thing that can be made out of “kiping” is a chandelier that is also placed in each house. But what keeps you looking back at these creations is not just the color but the ingenuity and creativity of the people who keep reinventing concepts year after year.

Next best thing are the floats that are also seen in other towns of Quezon in celebration of San Isidro Festival. Fresh fruits and vegetables are everywhere and it has been a tradition that people pick them once they pass along your area.

Presently, the Pahiyas Festival has become the pride not only of Lucbanins but all Quezonians for consistently keeping the culture and religion alive. The bright colors of “kiping” transcend the beauty if this town, not to mention the friendly smiles and greetings you get to receive from one street to another.

Lucban is one of the most-visited places in Quezon Province especially during summer. It has continued to be the undeniable Summer Capital in Southen Tagalog for its inviting and cold weather. It was told in the myth that five men found Lucban Quezon during the 16th century in the persons of Marcos Tigla, Lucas Guimba, Lucas Galandang, Lucas Nanawa and Antonio Manduman. And it was in fact, Marcos Tigla who became the first “kapitan.” A year later, people flocked in this town not only because of its weather but also its places. One particular site is its church. It was built in 1630 by the order of Kapitan Lucas Martin. But in 1732, a huge fire hit this Roman Catholic church and none was left except for the convent. But years later, it was rebuilt and has remained to be sure spot for tourist until now for its nostalgic façade.