Region IV-A (CALABARZON) vegetables, fruits, root crops, coffee, coconut and
sugarcane. It is endowed with rich offshore and
Area and Location
The total land area of CALABARZON is
1,657,626 ha. The region is located in south-western
part of Luzon, just south and east of Metro Manila,
on the east by the Philippine Sea and Bicol Region,
on the south by Verde Island Passage, and on the
west by Luzon Sea. It is practically accessible via all
types of land transportation.
Geographic Profile
CALABARZON has varied land forms. It
consists partly of coastal areas and mostly upland
interior areas of slightly moderate rolling or
undulating plains and hills, and mountains. Almost
sixty percent of the region’s land area has a slope
ranging from 0-18 percent.
People
Region IV-A had a population of 14,414,774.
Tagalog serves as the predominant dialect in most of
the provinces, but the working population can read
and speak Filipino and English.
Political Profile
CALABARZON is consisting of five (5)
provinces, twenty-four (24) congressional districts,
nineteen (19) cities, one hundred twenty-four (124)
municipalities, and four thousand eleven (4,011)
barangays.
CAVITE
Capital: Trece Martires City
Geography
It lies along the southern shore of Manila
Bay, bounded on the north by Manila Bay and Metro
Manila, on the east by Laguna, on the west by the
West Philippine Sea and on the south by Batangas. It
has a land area of 128,755 hectares. It is comprised
of six (6) cities and seventeen (17) municipalities.
Topography
The portion of the province bordering Manila
bay consist of lowlands or flat-lying areas. The
central portions are characterized by rolling and
undulating lands while the rest are upland or hilly
and mountainous areas. It has two pronounced
seasons: relatively dry from November to April and
wet from May to October. It is predominantly an
agriculture province and its major crops include rice,
coastal fishing grounds and fishing is a major source
of livelihood in the coastal towns.
Brief History
There are several names attributed to present-
day Cavite City. Its early settlers, who were
Tagalogs, called it "Tangway," meaning peninsula.
The name "Cavite" evolved from the word Kawit or
Cauit meaning "hook" as people from other places
refer to it, referring to the hook-shaped land along the
coast of Bacoor Bay.
How to get there
The province is easily accessible from
Manila. One can board buses at Vito Cruz cor.
Harrison St. in Manila that go straight to Cavite.
There are also FX taxis parked near Harrison Plaza
that take passengers to Cavite. These public utility
vehicles take the Coastal Road. Minibuses bound for
Tagaytay via the Paranaque-Las Pinas route are also
found in Baclaran.
Tourist attractions
 Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum (Kawit)
- Built in 1849, this is the house where
General Emilio Aguinaldo was born. It was also
from its window that the Philippine flag was first
raised to proclaim Philippine Independence on
June 12, 1898.
 Gen. Trias Catholic Church (Poblacion, Gen.
Trias)
- Built more than 300 years ago during the
Spanish era, the church is elaborately decorated
with carved statues of Catholic saints lined up on
a multitier wooden platform.
 House of Gen. Riego de Dios (Poblacion 2,
Maragondon)
- Considered one of the oldest building in the
province, this house is made of wood and
features an old architectural style.
 Imus Historical Marker (Town Plaza, Imus)
- The marker is placed near two vintage
artillery pieces in the well-known plaza.
 Maytinis (Kawit)
- This festival, held on Christmas Eve,
features a reenactment of St. Joseph and Mary’s
search for place to stay in Bethlehem. The event
is highlighted with songs.
 People’s Park (Palace in the Sky)- Tagaytay City
- This mansion was originally built for state
visit of US President Reagan. It was never
completed though, for the former US president
cancelled his trip. It is now maintained by the city
government and, because it is located at the city’s
highest point, is being used as a communication
station.
 Tagaytay City
- Situated on a ridge 1,700 feet above sea
level, Tagaytay City is considered the country’s
second summer capital. The place boasts of cool
breezes and a magnificent view of the famous
Taal Volcano and Lake.
 Sky Ranch
- One of the most popular tourist spots in
Cavite is Sky Ranch, which is a leisure park that
is located in the province. There is a giant Ferris
wheel inside the park that offers you a
spectacular view of the Taal Volcano. There is
also a zip line that you can enjoy as well as plenty
of other rides for a family to enjoy, especially if
you have little ones with you on your vacation.
 Mount Pico de Loro
- Mount Pico de Loro is a dormant volcano
that is located in the middle of the Cavite
province. This is not an easy trek; in fact, it will
take more than two hours for an experienced
hiker to reach the summit. Once you arrive, the
view overlooking the island is breathtaking.
When you are there, take the time to climb
Parrots Beak, which is the highest point in
Cavite.
Traditions and Cultures
Sanghiyang/Sayaw sa Apoy- a pre-colonial
ritual celebrated by firewalkers of Indang and
Alfonso. It is a fusion of the elements of folk religion,
magic, and Christian faith. It is done to give thanks
to Bathala for the blessings given to the people.
Festivals
Maragondon Kawayan festival
- Held on every 7th day of September in
Maragondon, Cavite wherein group of street dancers
parade indigenous materials. An exhibit of Bamboo
products likewise done in the town plaza. The
agricultural-tourism affair was spearheaded by the
local government and participated by the locals who
showcased their creativity in contests like the
Arch/Kubo and Kawayan Parol Making.
Best Buys
 Special Tamales
 Buco tart
 Ube jam
Accommodations
Corregidor Inn
- Overnighters stay at the rustic inn, a creaky
but atmospheric little place with polished wooden
floors, thirty a/c, ageing rooms and small pool. The
ferry and island tour is extra. The hotel can also
arrange camping on the island for just 50 per person,
as well as kayaks (500/hr.) and bangkas.
Trivia
The provincial capital of Cavite and It is
known as the banking capital of the entire province
was Imus. President Ferdinand Marcos transferred
the provincial capital of Cavite from Trece Martires
City to Imus in June 1977. This was done by
Presidential Decree No. 1163. The nickname of the
Cavite Province was Historical Capital of the
Philippines. Cavite is the birthplace of Philippine
Independence. Cavite is bordered by Laguna, Metro
Manila, and Batangas.
LAGUNA
Capital: Sta. Cruz
Geography
It is located some 30 kilometers south of
Manila. It is bounded on the north by Rizal, on the
east and south by Quezon and on the west by Cavite
and Batangas. It has a land area of 17,597 square
kilometers with a population of 1,500,000. It is
comprised of one city and 29 municipalities.
Topography
Narrow plains can be found along the shores
of Laguna de Bay but mountainous towards Sierra
Madre in the east, Mt. Makiling in the west and Mt.
Banahaw in the south. It has no distinct seasons. Its
climate varies in different areas, cool in the
mountainous parts while the plains are somewhat
warmer. Agriculture and fishery are the main
industries that contribute a great part of the
provincial economy. The crops produced are rice,
sugarcane and fruits, specifically citrus and lanzones.
It is the second largest producer of coconut in the
country.
Brief History
The Province of Laguna, which was formerly
called La Laguna and La Provincia de la Laguna de
Bay, was named after Laguna de Bay, the body of
water that forms its northern boundary. Laguna de
Bay, in turn, was named after the town of Bay, the
first provincial capital. Captain Juan de Salcedo with
a band of one hundred Spanish-Mexican soldiers
conquered the province and its surrounding regions
for Spain in 1571. The province of La Laguna
comprised the modern province of Laguna, as well
as parts of what is now known as Rizal and Quezon.
How to get there
There are two main points of entry to Laguna
from Manila. One is via the South Expressway taking
either the San Pedro exit, the Binan exit or the
Calamba exit. The other is via the Northern route
passing through the towns of Antipolo or Tanay,
Rizal. Major Bus companies ply the Laguna route
daily via developed and well-maintained roads from
Manila.
Tourist attractions
 Lake Caliraya (Lumban)
- One of the most prominent man-made
attractions in the province, this lake is actually a
water reservoir built in 1943 to supply water to
the Caliraya Hydroelectric Plant. The waters of
the lake measure about 50 meters at their deepest.
 Mabitac Church (Gen. Luna St., Mabitac)
- The church stands high atop 126 stone steps.
Its façade is definitely in the old Spanish style but
the interior is quite modern. Like most old
churches, it has a belfry connected to the main
church. Its patroness is Our Lady of Candelaria.
 Mt. Makiling (Los Baños)
- The mystical Mt. Makiling is an inactive
volcano rising about 1,109 meters above sea
level. It is home to approximately 2,048 different
species of plants and is ideal for nature tripping,
trekking, and bird and butterfly watching. The
University of the Philippines campus and the hot
springs and resorts at the foot of the mountain
also serve as major tourist draw.
 Pagsanjan Falls and Rapids (Pagsanjan and
Cavinti)
- The actual name of the falls is Magdapio
Falls because it is actually located in the town of
Magdapio. However, it is popularly known as
Pagsanjan falls because to get to the falls, one has
to “shoot the rapids” from Pagsanjan.
 Rizal Shrine (Calamba)
- This two-story, red-tile-roof Spanish
vintage house contains all kinds of Rizalian
memorabilia ranging from pictures of the late
hero and of the women in his life to laminated
excerpts of some of his written works.
 San Santiago Apostol Church (Paete)
-Although built by the Spaniards during the
early Spanish period, all the religious images in
this church were carved and or painted by the
residents of Paete. The intricate baroque altar is a
monument to their skill in wood carving and the
walls boast their intricate murals.
 Seven Lakes (San Pablo City)
- Each nestled in a depression created long
ago by volcanic activity, the seven lakes are:
Sampaloc, Mojicap, Palakpakin, Calibato,
Pandin, Yambo, and Bunot.
 St. Gregory Church (Majayjay)
- This is reputed to be one of the oldest
churches in the country. It was built in 1575 using
forced labor. It preserves antique relief statues
brought by the Spaniards.
 Underground Cemetery (Nagcarlan)
- Built in the 18th century by the Franciscan
missionaries, this underground cemetery has a
circular wall in which the tombstones are
embedded. The Katipuneros are said to have used
the crypt as a meeting place where they plotted
against the Spanish colonizers.
 Splash Island in Biñan
- Laguna is the largest water park in the
Philippines. It has large water slides and rides for
everybody's fun and amusement. Be prepared for
an exciting day as you explore the park's various
slides in various sizes and angles.
 Enchanted Kingdom
- Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa, Laguna
is the country's first and only world-class theme
park. Enchanted Kingdom was recently cited by
the government of Laguna for generating the
biggest tourist arrivals in 2008. That's no wonder
since kids and adults alike are especially thrilled
to ride the various attractions that the park and
recreation center has to offer.
Traditions and Cultures
In Magdalena, Laguna, there is a wedding
custom called Galahan. It is a wedding practice for
newlywed couples where it is mandatory for them to
dance in front of the relatives. What sets this custom
apart from the norm is that they must carry a plate
where a glass of wine and a bottle are placed. After
the dancing and the drinking, the relatives of both
parties must place any amount which would help the
couple in starting their married life.
Festivals
Anilag Festival
- It is a weeklong celebration that usually
happens during the month of March. The Anilag
Festival is held to give thanks to the all the blessings
that the people of the province had in the previous
year. Anilag Festival is celebrated through beauty
pageants, dance showdowns, food contests, and
woodcarving competition s. The Anilag Festival is
also a way for the government of Laguna to
showcase it marvelous sceneries, sumptuous local
delicacies, and of course, the talent of its locals.
During this festival, hundreds of Filipino tourists
from different places as well as foreigners gather to
witness this grandiose annual celebration.
Best Buys
 Buko Pie
 Espasol
 Cassava Cake
Accommodations
Seda Nuvali
- The hotel is an integral part of the Nuvali
eco-city development which is envisioned to be the
growth center of the CALABARZON area. Set on a
strategic location, Seda affords stunning views of the
lake and overlooking structures that blend perfectly
with natural landscapes evoking a serene, resort-like
environment.
Trivia
Calamba (the birthplace of Jose Rizal) came
from the word “calambanga” which means “clay
jar”. Displayed at the heart of Calamba is a big clay
pot which was once considered “The World’s
Largest Clay pot”.
BATANGAS
Capital: Batangas City
Geography
It is located southwest of Luzon, flanked on
the north by Cavite, on the south by the Verde Island
Passage which separates the province from the
northern tip of Mindoro. It has a land area of 3,165.8
square kilometers and a population of 1,700,000. It
is comprised of three cities and 32 municipalities.
Coordinates: 13 degrees, 45 minutes and 25.96
seconds north latitude and 121 degrees, 3 minutes
and 29.2 seconds east longitude.
Topography
About half of the province’s terrain is
generally rolling, while the rest is mountainous and
hilly. The irregular coastline is dotted with coves,
peninsulas and bays. It has two distinct seasons: dry
from November to April and wet the rest of the year.
Agriculture is the main economic activity and the
major crops are palay, sugarcane, coconut and
coffee. Its forest area is 113,526 hectares with
35.86% considered productive. Its total forest
reserve is 1,998 hectares, the largest of which is
found in Mt. Malarayat. Metallic and non-metallic
deposit such as limestone, gypsum, clay, bauxite,
copper and gold are also considerably abundant here.
It is a major supplier of cattle to Metro Manila and
the main sources of fish for the province are Taal
Lake and the nearby coast.
Brief History
Spanish missionaries first set foot in
Batangas City in 1572. The settlement was founded
in 1581 and named “Batangan” because of the
numerous big logs that abounded the Calumpang
River. Batangas High School was established which
is now known as the Batangas National High School.
How to get there
The province of Batangas is accessible by
land from Manila and from the neighboring
provinces of Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon. It can also
be reached via ferryboat or ship from Mindoro and
other nearby Islands.
Tourist attractions
 Anilao (Calumpang Peninsula)- Mabini
- This place is a favorite destination of many
Manila-based diving enthusiasts because of its
proximity to the National Capital Region, the
quality of its dive sites and its numerous diving
facilities and resorts.
 Basilica of St. Martin de Tours (Taal)
- Said to be the biggest church in the whole
of East Asia, this baroque structure stands on top
of an elevated portion in the middle of the
poblacion. It houses the image of St. Martin de
 Tours, as well as replica of the Virgin of
Caysasay.
 Hacienda Looc (Nasugbu)
- Hacienda Looc is one of the fast-growing
vacation sites in Southern Tagalog. Aside from
the numerous tourist establishments, there are
now also a growing number of vacation houses
in the area.
 Laiya (San Juan)
- Because of its long stretches of white sand
beaches, this has become a major resort area in
the province.
 Mabini Shrine (Talaga, Tanauan)
- This shrine houses the tomb of the
revolutionary hero, as well as a replica of the
house he was born in and some of his personal
belongings.
 Matabungkay Beach (Matabungkay, Lian)
- This is a two-kilometer white-sand beach
ideal foe water sports like swimming, boating,
yachting, fishing, and skin diving. Numerous
backyard tourist facilities and a couple of first
class resorts are located in the area.
 Parada ng mga Lechon (Balayan)
- Parada ng mga Lechon is one of the most
celebrated events in province of Batangas, during
which lechons are dressed like celebrities and
paraded down the street.
 Punta de Santiago Lighthouse (Calatagan)
- Built in 1890, this is one of the oldest
functioning lighthouse in the country. It offers
dramatic vistas of the coastlines of Calatagan.
There are now a number of upscale private and
vacation resorts in the area.
 Taal Lake and Volcano (Taal and six other
municipalities surrounding the lake)
- Taal Lake is one of the most prominent
bodies of water in Luzon Island. Along with Taal
Volcano, it is also one of the more famous tourist
attractions in the province. Taal Lake is actually
located at the crater of Taal Volcano. At its center
is a large island known as Volcano Island, Taal is
considered one of the smallest active volcanoes
in the world.
 Fortune Island
- Closer to the mainland now in Nasugbu is
the mysterious and haunting Fortune Island.
Originally developed in the nineties as an uber
luxury, the absence of any viable freshwater
source forced the development to a halt in 2006.
What is left is a surreal collection of abandoned
spaces and buildings, most notable of which are
the pillars of a Parthenon-inspired structure along
a narrow strip of land that would give any tourist
a taste of the Athenian ruins.
Traditions and Cultures
Batangas wedding tradition make a beautiful
and exciting feast. Batangueños has high regard for
the sanctity of marriage making the event a lengthy
and grand occasion.
Festivals
Tapusan Festival in Alitagtag
- The Tapusan honors the holy cross, and is
celebrated May 31 every year. The parade is one of a
kind. Floats garlanded with flowers including the
image of the Virgin Mary, parade the streets of the
town.
Best Buys
 Peanut Patties
 Lambanog
 Kapeng Barako
 Balisong
Accommodations
Luks Lofts Hotel & Residences
Featuring a spa centre and an indoor pool,
Luks Lofts Hotel & Residences offers accommo-
dation in Batangas, 42 km from Tagaytay. Guests can
enjoy the on-site bar. Free private parking is
available on site. Each room at this hotel is air
conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. Certain
units include a seating area for your convenience.
You will find a kettle in the room. Each room is fitted
with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will
find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
Trivia
The commonality between Taal and Vigan
- Taal and the city of Vigan, both recognized
historical sites in the present day, in fact share
something in common. Both were first explored by
Captain Juan de Salcedo, grandson of the
conquistador Miguel López de Legaspi. In the 1570
expedition to explore Luzon, Salcedo broke away
from the main party under Martin de Goite to sail into
Lake Bombon and, presumably, what in the present
day is the Taal area. He almost got himself killed
after he got hit by a poisoned arrow. Two years later
in 1572, he was ordered by the new Governor-
General Guido de Lavezaris to bring an
expeditionary force to explore Vigan and later found
a settlement which would be called Villa Fernandina
de Vigan, from which the modern city would arise.
RIZAL
Capital: Antipolo City
Geography
It lies immediately east of Metro Manila. It is
bounded on the north by Bulacan, on the east by
Laguna and Batangas and on the south by Laguna de
Bay. It has a total land area of 1,303.8 square
kilometers and a population of 975,850. It is
comprised of 15 municipalities.
Topography
Its topography is characterized by a
combination. The flat low-lying areas are located on
the western while the gently rolling hills and a few
rugged ridges in the eastern portion. It has two
pronounced seasons: relatively dry wet during the
rest of the year. The mountainous portion has evenly
distributed rainfall throughout the year. It has a
highly industrialized economy and there were 187
industries as of 1990. The top industry garment
production, followed by trading and service-oriented
businesses. Agriculture is less intense compared with
other provinces in the region. The major crops are
rice and fruit trees, specifically mango, citrus, coffee,
cacao and cashew. Eight towns lie along the northern
coast of Laguna de Bay and depend on the lake for
livelihood, including tilapia- and duck-raising.
Brief History
Antipolo City was named after tipolo
(breadfruit) tree, which was in abundance in the area.
It was the Franciscan missionaries who first build the
church in the area, in 1578. However, they were
replaced by the Jesuits. These new missionaries were
the one who helped organized the village into a
parish. By 1601, the Christian population of Antipolo
increased to 3,000 due to the people of Dumagat who
came and lived in the area.
How to get there
Rizal is the metro’s most proximate eastern
province; hence, mobility poses no problem.
Jeepneys bound for the different towns of Rizal are
available near Farmer’s Market in Cubao (Quezon
City), EDSA Crossing in Mandaluyong, or the G-
Liner buses that goes all the way to Manila and pass
through Ortigas St.
Tourist attractions
 Angono Artist Village (Angono)
- Many artist and musicians make their home
in Rizal, particularly in Angono.
 Daranak and Batlag Falls (Brgy. Tandang,
Kutyo, Tanay)
- The magnificent 14-meter Daranak Falls is
situated amidst lush greeneries that have been
converted into a park/ resort. The place is ideal
for picnicking and swimming. A short walk over
a bamboo bridge to the top of Daranak are
smaller cascades. Still a bit further on is the
equally majestic Batlag falls, set in more natural
surroundings that one can explore on foot.
 Higantes Festival (Angono)
- San Clemente is the patron saint of
fisherman, highly revered by the people of a
Angono, since this coastal town is mainly
inhabited by fisher folk. The townspeople
celebrate his feast day with a two-day festival
(November 22 and 23) in which they parade and
dance down the streets inside gigantic papier-
mache. On the actual feast day, the image of San
Clemente is carried on a barge across Laguna
Lake.
 Hinulugang Taktak (Taktak Road, Antipolo)
- The town of Antipolo has been known for
this falls even before World War II. This
mountain resort has picnic cottages, a swimming
pool and of course the falls itself, which is
currently being restored to its former glory.
During the month of May, cultural concerts and
plays are held in the area.
 Our Lady of Antipolo Shrine (Taktak Road,
Antipolo)
- Antipolo is known to be the home of Our
Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. History says
that this miraculous icon traveled back and forth
between Manila and Acapulco eight times, and
saved her galleon from destruction several times
by warning the people about an impending
disaster.
 San Isidro/Carabao (Angono)
- The people of Angono celebrate the feast
day of San Isidro Labrador, patron saint of
farmers, by leading their gaily decorated
Carabaos in procession and having them kneel in
front of the church, in respect and thanksgiving
to the saint. The event is held every May 15.
 Wawa (Rodriguez, formerly Montalban)
- Wawa is one of the few rock-climbing sites
in the Philippines. The rock walls vary in height
between 80 to 160 feet and provide different
levels of difficulty for the climbers.
 Masungi Georeserve
- Its name from the word masungki which
means “spiked” which describes the rock
formation surrounding it. Whether you’re a
regular hiker or not, you're sure to enjoy a three-
to-four-hour trek (that you can shorten or
prolong) going through bridges, high peaks and
the rest of the terrain guided by a park ranger to
tell you more about the place.
Traditions and Cultures
Every Palm Sunday, parishioners, priests and
laymen of Angono re-enact the entering of Jesus to
Jerusalem with the use of palaspas or palm leaves.
One more example is Latag banig, it is when men
spread mats while women spread linen on the mats
on the street where the procession will pass. This
tradition is based on the bible when Jesus entered
Jerusalem, and the people layed their robes and mats
for Jesus to pass on and they also used palm leaves
and waved them to welcome Jesus. They also have
the senakulo or the re-enactment of Jesus’ suffering,
death and resurrection. The portrayal is done every
night during the week at the plaza.
Festivals
Parada ng Kakanin
- It is a yearly event in San Mateo Rizal that
is celebrated every 9th day of September. Since Rizal
is surrounded by rice fields which are their main
industry and source of income, cooking rice cakes
has been part of Rizalenos life. Bibingka and Suman
are their specialties when it comes to kakanin.
Best Buys
 Bibingka
 Suman
 Cashew Nuts
Accommodations
The City Walk Suites Apartment
- The City Walk Suites Apartment in
Antipolo provides accommodation with a garden and
a terrace. The property is around 2.7 km from Pinto
Art Museum and 2.8 km from Casa Santa Museum.
The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk as
well as free Wi-Fi. All rooms in the hotel are fitted
with a kettle. Each room includes air conditioning,
and certain units at The City Walk Suites Apartment
have a balcony. All units will provide guests with a
fridge.
Trivia
Rizal Province is one of the first provinces
that were able to seek independence from Spain and
were placed under martial law by the Spaniards at the
start of the Philippine Revolution in 1896.
QUEZON PROVINCE
Capital: Lucena City
Geography
It is the second largest in size in Southern
Tagalog and the sixth largest province in the
Philippines. It has boundaries extending as far as
Aurora in the north and Camarines Sur in the south.
It is bounded on the north by Aurora, on the west by
Laguna and Rizal, southwest by Batangas and
southeast by Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. It
has a land area of 870,660 hectares. It is comprised
of 40 municipalities which is divided into four
political districts and one urbanized city. It has 1,242
barangays with Lopez having the most number of
barangays at 95 and Patnanungan with only six.
Topography
The Sierra Madre runs along the entire length
of the province with Mount Banahaw, an active
volcano, which is about 7,382 feet above sea level as
the most prominent peak of the range. It has three
types of climate. The eastern portion of the Sierra
Madre has no dry season and a very pronounced rain
period from November to January. The southern part
is relatively dry from November to April and wet the
rest of the year. The rest of the province has more or
less evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. It
is the country’s leading coconut producer. Other
major crops are rice, corn, banana and coffee.
Although it has vast forest lands, timber and other
forest products are now only in very small quantities.
Fishing is a year-round activity because of rich
fishing grounds especially in the many bays.
Brief History
In 1591, Tayabas was created into a province
under the name of Kalilayan. Its capital was the
ancient town of Tayabas, now a barrio in the town of
Unisan where ancient tombs and artifacts can be
found. Marinduque was annexed to Tayabas on
November 10, 1902. On September 7, 1946, Tayabas
was renamed Quezon Province.
How to get there
From Manila, numerous buses ply direct
Lucena City. Travel time is about three to four hours.
Tourist attractions
 Church of St. Louis of Toulouse (Lucban)
- The church is surrounded by gardens and
grottos, fenced in by old stone walls known
locally as the “quince-quince.”
 Feast of San Isidro Labrador (Lucban, Sariaya,
Tayabas and Gumaca)
- Every May 15 in Lucban, people celebrate
the feast day of San Isidro Labrador, the patron
saint of farmers, which culminates in a religious
procession, by decorating their houses with
native Pahiyas usually made of kiping (hanging
decorations) and taking part in various festivities.
 Lamon Bay (Northern part of Quezon)
- A very rich fishing ground and home of
various living corals. Some parts of the bay, like
beaches in Gumaca and Plaridel, are ideal for
swimming.
 Mt. Banahaw (Western part of the province)
- This 7,382-foot extinct volcano is famous
for its mystical attributes. Unique religious’ rites
are held every Holy Week, participated by
pilgrims who believe that Christ walked on this
mountain.
 Quezon National Park (Atimonan, Pagbilao, and
Padre Burgos)
- The 983-hectare park is composed of an
intricate system of coves, waterfalls, springs,
creeks, gorges, and ravines against a quaint
backdrop of lush greenery.
 St. Michael Archangel Minor Basilica (Tayabas)
- Built in 1585, this church is one of the oldest
in the Philippines, as well as the longest Spanish
colonial church in the country, with a length of
103 meters.
 Villa Escudero (Tiaong)
- Originally a coconut plantation, Villa
Escudero is now a vast resort complete with its
own church, an interesting museum, and a unique
restaurant in the middle of a stream. It can be
explored either by foot or by riding Carabao-
pulled wagons.
 Padre Burgos Submarine Garden
- It is a shallow coral area which abounds
with starfish of several kinds, sea cucumber, sea
urchins, jellyfish and gorgonians. Good for
snorkeling.
 Burdeos Coral Reef
- The corals of Burdeos is one of the richest
marine areas in Quezon. The particular site near
the Kalotkot Island is one of the best-preserved
areas.
Traditions and Cultures
In Lucban, Quezon we always have a
tradition of “buhusan” which means during Easter
Sunday, people gets wet by running around town
with pales of water and bath every people on the
streets. Real fun!
Festivals
Taytsinoy Festival
- As a part of Chinese New Year the City of
Tayabas celebrated its Taytsinoy Festival last
February 2-5, which served as a connecting bridge
between the Chines and Tayabense people. The
festivity also aimed to heal discrimination between
the Tayabenses and Chinese folks.
Best Buys
 Broas (Lady Fingers)
 Logganisang Lucban
 Yema Cake
Accommodations
Hotel Rosita
Providing free Wi-Fi, Hotel Rosita is located
in Lucena. All rooms boast a flat-screen TV with
cable channels and a private bathroom. Each room is
equipped with a terrace with views of the garden. At
the hotel, every room includes a balcony. Certain
rooms are fitted with a kitchen with a fridge. An
Asian breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. Staff
at the 24-hour front desk can provide guidance on
what to do in the area.
Trivia
It is known as "The Coconut Capital of the
Philippines" because it produces more coconut than
any other place in the Philippines. Quezon province
was formerly called “Kaliraya” then “Tayabas”. It
was changed into “Quezon” province only in the year
1946.