4 Must See Attractiions in Lucena City, Quezon Province: A City That's Close to My Heart!

City of Lucena, the capital of the province is the first town on my list to visit in Quezon Province.  Not much to see here, but still, it’s one of the places I wanted to explore ever since I can't remember when.  How can I not be interested in this city when we always pass by here every time we go home to Marinduque?  Here is where the port, Talao-Talao Port in Dalahican going to Marinduque is located.

Before it’s called Lucena City, it was once called Oroquieta, Cotta & Buenavista. The latter is actually the same as the name of my hometown. 

Church along the road (Don't know the name, just saw it from the bus)

The center of all transportation in Quezon, the Grand Central Terminal is located in Lucena.  Most of the jeepneys & tricycles going to your point of destinations are located here.  Some jeepneys pass along the highway so you can also take one going to your desired destination.

Filipinos are known to celebrate fiestas and festivals; Lucena City is one of them. They celebrate Pasayahan sa Lucena every May, their own version of Mardi Gras with colorful costumes and symbolic floats.  I never had the chance to see this, but then again, I have another reason to come back.  

The town is also known for its best tasting chami (special noodle dish.). It’s so special that they included a festivity during the Pasahayan sa Lucena, the Chami Festival.  This has become one of the highlights during the annual event.  I wasn’t able to eat chami while I’m there so I can’t tell the difference from the ones I had tasted before. Another reason to come back to Lucena!

WHAT TO SEE IN LUCENA CITY:

If ever you are around the town proper of Lucena City, make sure to check these interesting places.

1. Quezon Provincial Capitol

Formerly known as Tayabas Provincial Capitol (still has this name on the building) is located at the very center of Lucena City.  It’s not easy to miss because it has a big sign at the corner of Perez Park.  The Lucenahin call it Kapitolyo (Capitol)...read more>>

2. Perez Park

The park is located just in front of the provincial capitol.  Based on how many people were there when I visited, it must be a favorite place for family picnic, dating, playing or just reminiscing...read more>>

3. President Manuel L. Quezon's Memorial Park

Located just beside the capitol and the park is the monument of the former President Manuel L. Quezon.  There are lots of dried flowers in his monument when I went there, an evidence of people paying respect on his birthday...read more>>

4. St. Ferdinand Cathedral

It’s located along the road going to the capitol.  I only had a glimpse of it from the jeepney and planned on visiting after the capitol.  However, I never had a chance because it’s already closed when I’m finished.  Another reason to come back!

How to Get to Lucena City from Manila:
There are lots of bus companies that operate from Manila to Lucena.  It just depends on where in Lucena you are going. There are buses that go as far as Dalahican Port via Lucena Grand Central Terminal and others go directly to Lucena City only.

• Take a taxi, jeepney or bus going to the designated bus terminals for Jac Liner, Jam Liner or Lucena Lines. I always ride Jac Liner bus because they are new, the seats are comfortable and I feel safe with them.  Not to mention there’s a free wi-fi on board. Regular fare from Buendia to Lucena is Php209.50.  
• At the bus terminal, look for the bus with a signboard Lucena “Lucena City/Grand Central” or “Lucena/Dalahican”.  Tell the conductor where you want to be dropped off and then prepare yourself for a 3 to 4 hours travel. The road in Quezon was under construction when I visited so the usual 3 hours trip took 4 hours instead. 
• My destination is Quezon Premier Hotel and it’s along the highway so I just asked the conductor to drop me off there.  However, if you are going to any other places in Quezon, you can just ask the conductor to drop you off at the Lucena Grand Central Terminal. 
• From Grand Central Terminal, you can take a jeepney or bus bound to your desired destination.  The terminal is home to most of the transportation lines going to other places in Quezon or any neighboring towns and cities. 

Tips: During holiday season, it's best to go to the designated terminals to make sure you get a set. There’s a tendency that the bus is already full when it passes along EDSA.

These are the two major bus companies that operates from and to Lucena Grand Central Terminal/Dalahican.
 
JAC LINER
Buendia Terminal
Donada St. corner Buendia, Pasay City
(632)404-2073
Regular Trips: 2 am to 10 pm
Midnight Trips: 11 pm & 12 am

Kamias (Cubao) Terminal
2 Mapagmahal St. Bgy. Pinyahan, cor Edsa, QC
928-6140
Regular Trips: 2 am to 10 pm
Midnight Trips: 11 pm & 12 am
(24 Hours Operation)
Visit their website for more details, www.jacliner.com.

JAM LINER 

Buendia Terminal
2124 Taft Avenue,
Pasay City
Tel. 831-8264/831-0465
Mobile No. 0915-231-5443

Kamias (Cubao) Terminal

831 EDSA, Kamuning,

Brgy. Sacred Heart,
Quezon City
Tel. 990-1289
Mobile No. 0906-894-4758 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/jamliner

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/JamLinerInc 

Visit their website for more details: http://www.jam.com.ph/