What to Eat in Quezon Province particularly in Lucban town

Quezon Province is only 3-4 hours from Manila. This place reminds me of my hometown in Bicol where the main source of living is agriculture. I am definitely recommending this to anyone who wants to get out for a while from the stressful sight of Manila and experience a quaint living in a province. I love seeing the vast rice fields, roads without traffic and when the whole town seems to sleep as early as 9pm! 

Whenever I am in a new place, the first thing I always discover are the local dishes. These native food are not just designed to fill our stomach but also to give us the glimpse of the history of Quezon province particularly what plant, fruit or vegetable is the most abundant that they always use them for cooking.  You don't go to Lucban or any other part then eat at Mc Donalds or Jollibee right? That's crap!

I would like to share five must - try snacks in Quezon Province. In case you decide to go for an impromptu road trip there. I hope this can give you suggestions and bring some back home. Your family and friends will be delighted!

The Kiping in Pahiyas Festival, Lucban Quezon

The "kiping" decoration in the houses during Pahiyas Festival makes the Lucban, Quezon's fiesta uniquely famous around the country. I mean sure there are good - looking plants, flowers, vegetables, fruits and other ornaments that make up the whole beauty of the house's facade but it is the kiping that symbolizes the artistry of the locals. A skill that is passed from generation to generation only found in this town. 

Imagine the Pahiyas Festival being celebrated on the 15th of May every year without it.  I think it will look just the same as the rest of what we all see in a fiesta somewhere.  

I am dedicating this post solely  about keeping because this is one of the many traditions that we make the Philippines rich in culture and heritage. Also I heard of a few people wanting to commercialize the use of artificial kiping. 

The Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon

The Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon is one of the best fiestas in the Philippines. Instead of street dances as the highlight of the celebration like those seen among other known local festivals in the country, the main attraction here are the facades of the houses decorated by "kiping", an edible leaf - shaped rice wafer usually formed into beautiful multi - colored chandeliers locally known as "aranya". 

The of the facade is decorated by the house owner's biggest and good - looking harvested fruits, vegetables, plants and sometimes livestock like fish and chicken!

This is celebrated every 15th of May and I am so thankful to be there personally to join the people of Lucban, Quezon as the day of honoring San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of the farmers but actually he is not their town's patron saint. I am really amazed to see the long lines of houses colorfully and artistically decorated in all sorts of shapes, sizes and styles.