Things to See & Do in Quezon Province?

If ever you want to explore Quezon Province, here are the interesting places you might want to check. These places, however, are just among the many beautiful attractions in Quezon Province. This province, like other provinces in the Philippines, also offers white-sand beaches and mysterious mountains you can explore when you have more time.

These places are listed based on a 2 Day and 1 Night stay in Quezon Province starting from the farthest to the nearest place to the Quezon Premier Hotel, where I stayed overnight.

LUCENA CITY

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. For the meantime, here are the attractions you can visit in Lucena City:

Quezon (Tayabas) Provincial Capitol & Perez Park

Formely known as Tayabas Provincial Capitol (still has this name on the building) is located at the very center of Lucena City and known to the Lucenahin as just the Kapitolyo. In front of the capitol is the Perez Park and on the other side is the .read more>>

While you are there, why not this Park that is a popular spot for the locals. I've seen a lot of people when I visited. It must really be the favorite place for family picnic, dating, playing and just reminiscing.  I saw teens with their skateboards and bikes, some asked me for a photograph...read more>>

Manuel L. Quezon Memorial Park

Before I visit the Capitol I never knew that there's a Monument of the former President Manuel L. Quezon near.  I just happen to pass by the building and found it. He’s known as the “Father of National Language”, celebrated every August, also his birth month. Considered by most Filipinos as the 2^nd Philippine President, he was the first senate president to be elected to the presidency.  Married to his first cousin, Aurora Quezon...read more>>

St. Ferdinand Cathedral

This cathedral is located along the road going to the capitol. I planned in going there after I visited the capitol but didn't expect that I'll be there until late. So i just saw this church from the jeepney.

LUCBAN

The next day, I woke up early as I have a long day ahead of me. My plan is to visit Lucban Church and other places nearby. Below are some of the interesting places to see in the three towns of Quezon Province:

Lucban Church (Church of Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse)

This church is one of the oldest churches in the country. Like many of the old churches this one also suffered a lot – from natural disasters to world wars. The first church was created in 1593 but ruined in 1629. It was constructed again between 1630 and 1640 but seriously damaged by fire in 1733. Reconstructed again in 1738 but partially destroyed during the World War II in 1945. The Philippine Historical Commission renovated it in 1966...read more>>

Lucban Municipal Hall

This is located just a few minutes walk from the church. I was just exploring the streets when I saw this building.  Not much to see but still worth visiting. You’ll never know, time might come and you need to do things here. In this building are the Mayor's Office, Municipal Treasurer's office, Municipal Administrator office, Planning office & Engineering office...read more>>

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine & Grotto (Via Dolorosa Grotto)

This is I think the number one tourist spot in the province.  This has become a popular place for families that want to feel and experience the presence of God. The main attraction is the 50-foot  statue of the ascending God from atop a hill. Kamay ni Hesus is a religious shrine located in Brgy. Tinamnam, Lucban, Quezon. Constructed in 2003 and completed in 2004, this place has been the venue for Senakulo, a catholic ritual during the Holy Week and other religious activities...read more>>;

Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church

Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church is located inside the vicinity of the Kamay ni Hesus and situated just before the hill where the Ascending Jesus statue is standing. The church is a very popular place for people with illness and has found nothing to cure them. Founder of the Kamay ni Hesus Ministry Foundation, Inc. (KHMFI), Reverend Father Joseph "Joey" Faller, a native of Lucban, performs a healing mass in this  church.  Father Joey perform a lot of healing miracles not only in the Philippines but also in other countries...read more>>;

Batis Aramin Resort & Hotel

Situated at the foot of Mount Banahaw across the Kamay ni Hesus is the Batis Aramin. A family owned property converted into a resort that offers accommodation and activities. I've heard about this resort from the old lady I've met at the bus going to Lucena.  She said I should check this out because it's beautiful.  And when found out that it's just across the Kamay ni Hesus, I decided on checking it out...read more>>

 

Native Products Stores

Located just behind the church are the stores for native products. You can see almost everything native here such as fan, baskets, bags, etc. They are selling souvenirs too, but they don’t have ones for Lucban. I always get ref magnets for the places I’ve been, but they don't have one.  Hopefully when I get back they already have stocks.

 

Eker and Ely Lukban Langgonisa and Pasalubong

This pasalubong store is located just after the native products stores. They offered lots of treats & sweets and they are well known for their longganisa (local version of chorizo).  When I asked some locals where to buy longganisa, they told me to go to Eker. Aside from longganisa, they also offered lots of treats & sweets...read more>>

A Glimpse

A glimpse of the first and original Buddy's Restaurant in Lucban and the famous the Puto Seko store.  My boss always bring this puto seko when she comes back from Quezon. I still prefer the small-round puto seko, though.

Other Places of Interest:

Mt. Banahaw

Marcos Tigla Park

Kalbaryo Hill
Apolinario "Hermano Pule" Dela Crus Monument (Sitio Pandak)

 

 

TAYABAS

A home for the finest Lambanog (local alcoholic drink) in the country was a former capital of Quezon Province. The city is known for its sweet delicacies, heritage houses, historical landmarks and tourism resorts. It’s named City of Festivals because of its wonderful and colorful festivals.

The city is known for its tourist attractions in all kinds.  The city possessed the best lands, the oldest parishes and most active commercial centers.  Former Presidents Manuel Quezon described it as the richest and gayest places in the province.

Tayabas Basilica (Minor Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel)

This is considered one of the oldest and biggest churches in the country.  Renowned for the having the shape of a key, its aisle is considered the longest in the country. This church was originally established in 1578 and has a lot of renovations, reconstructions and expansions. The church as it stands now was completed in 1894. When I asked the old lady I met in the bus about the church, she asked me if I want to get married there.  Then explained that people always make a joke that some of the brides want to get married there so that they have enough time to change their mind...read more>>

Casa Comunidad de Tayabas

Not far from the church is this centuries-old building. I decided to walk from the church going to the market, hoping to see some of the old houses that are still standing when I saw this building.  At first, I thought it’s an old house so I started taking pictures. But when I saw the arc at the entrance that reads “Mayohan sa Tayabas”, I know then that it’s must be important part of the town’s history. Here is where Aplonario “Hermano Pule” Dela Cruz, a native of Lucban, tried and sentenced to death.  Used to be a one of the grand tribunal in the country, it now serves as a museum and national library of the province.  I went there to check the artifacts and other important items, but it’s closed. I contented myself looking at the print-out displayed at the ground floor.read more>>

Mi Casa en Tayabas

Just a few minutes walk from Casa Comunidad is the Mi Casa en Tayabas.  I've read a lot of good reviews about this hotel so I wanted to see it for myself.  I'm not sure if they have guests at the time I went there, but I didn't see anyone.  At the entrance, it's just a simple hotel I can't say the same with their lobby, though.  It's unique and as expected from the town that is rich in history and antiques, this hotel has few, displayed on the walls. The wall was painted in orange and I like the fiery accent that emphasize the antiques displayed…read more>>

 

Malagonlong Bridge

One of the reasons I will have to come back to Quezon, specifically Tayabas, is this old bridge.  I need to see the beauty of this treasure.

From Tayabas church, you might want to walk around to see the old houses. Quezon province, like other Southern Tagalog provinces also has a lot of old houses. Some of them were restored/renovated, others were left ruined. 

And if you are brave enough, try the Lambanog.  Don't worry, they have a lot of options for flavors.

And while you're at it, don't forget to buy the very tempting Yema Cake at Rodillas. I had a taste of it and it's really delicious!

 

Other Places of Interest in Tayabas: 

Nuestra Senora de Dolorosa

Santuario Delas Almas

Calle Budin

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan

Graceland Estates & Country Club

Nuestra Senora de Dolorosa

 

SARIAYA

Everytime I go home to Marinduque and we pass by Sariaya, I always see the old houses along the highway and wonder what's their story. I always wanted to explore this town and finally, when I had the chance I didn't miss walking down the streets to look and take pictures of the old houses.

Sariaya is known for it's bread "Pinagong" but I guess they are also known for the old houses. When you walk around the plaza, you will not only see the century-old church but also some of the  ancestral houses that witnesses all the important histories of the province. And they are the only witnesses that are still standing until now.

 

Sariaya Ancestral Houses

When you walk around the plaza, you will not only see the century-old church but also some of the  ancestral houses that witnesses all the important histories of the province. And they are the only witnesses that are still standing until now.

Sariaya Town Plaza and Municipal Hall

  

In front of the church is the town plaza that honors Jose Rizal, the country's national hero. His monument is standing facing the town's municipal hall. Sariaya Municipal Hall to me looks more like a chapel than a hall.

 

Sariaya Church (Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church)

A few steps from Natalio Enriquez Ancestral House stood the town's church, the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church. Same as the other churches in the Philippines, this one suffered a lot, from natural to man-made disasters.

 

Sariaya Bakeries and Street Shops

Everytime we go home to Marinduque, vendors always go inside the bus to sell the very known Sariaya Pinagong. To most people this is just a simple bread but to some it reminds them of the simple life. Just sitting outside the house with coffee on one hand and the pinagong on the other.

There are other places you can explore in Quezon Province, and probably there's always a new spots you have to see. But for now, these are the places you might want to check when you happen to visit the Quezon Province.