The church at the top of the hill

Going back to my blog’s main theme which is travelling with a touch of history, I will now focus on the source of history of almost all the places here in the Philippines.

Welcome arch of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur

It is very common among the churches in the province of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, that their belfry is situated apart from the main church itself. So far the farthest distance that a belfry is situated far from the church is the sinking bell tower of Laoag.

The 86- stairway steps

This church located in the province of Ilocos Sur, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage List of churches here in our country.

Santa Maria Church's facade

The church of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, is one of the four baroque churches here in the Philippines, together with the San Agustin church of Intramuros, Manila, Paoay Church of Ilocos Norte, Miag- ao Church of Iloilo.












Baroque style churches were considered special because there are only a few churches here in our country that was designed in that style. Baroque styles among churches are also considered as earthquake baroque.

What makes the church different from the other churches is that this one is situated atop a hill. One can also see how the locals preserved the Spanish vibe of the church.

Before Santa Maria church became a parish it served as a chapel for the church of Narvacan, it was built in the year 1769. The church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Assumption.

A mural on the first buttress, that can be seen once
 you reach the top. The mural is based on how the locals,
saw their patron perched on a branch of a guava tree.

The locals call their patron as “Apo Baket”, and believed to be miraculous. Locals say that they often saw the Virgin perched on one of the branches of a guava tree. This guava tree is situated atop the hill where the church is presently located.







The image face and hands, are made of ivory, and is always wearing embroidered vestments.

Buttresses that supports the church

As for the church’s structure, the facade is very simple, composed of bricks and window, there are no detailed designs and intricate carvings. To support the church’s structure, big buttresses were attached to the walls of the church.

The pagoda- like structure
 of the church's belfry

The belfry situated distant from the church, was built when the church was renovated in the year 1810, due to constant renovation, the currently imposing structure of the belfry somehow caused it to lean gradually. Attached on the belfry was a big clock, the design for the bell tower is simple as well, yet it follows the motif of the church itself. One must climb an 85- step stairway to reach the church.

To top it all, the church is simple and beautiful when it comes to how it represents the culture of the Philippines. For me, this church is the one that still have the Spanish vibe, from the facade, nave and altar.

Altar of Santa Maria church

Retablo Mayor of Santa Maria church
A "pahalikan" is situated at the back of the altar
(look at the back drop of the niche of Our Lady of Assumption)

Church's pulpit

The church's nave

The location of the church is also suitable for their patron, which is Our Lady of Assumption, because, it is located atop a hill overlooking the town, as if saying that the Virgin Mary is the one protecting the town.

view from the side of the church

So, I mainly explained the church of Santa Maria, as for other details about the town, the other tourists destinations are Pinsal falls, and beaches that are located among coastal barangays. You may also want to walk on the old Spanish bridge located in town (which I got to have the chance to walk on to, but didn’t got to take picture of it). It is built of orange bricks, and can support ten wheeler trucks and buses. As for food, the province of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, is famous for empanada, there are food stalls located at the foot of the hill wherein you can go eat and taste some of the town’s delicacies.

They say it is a pathway that connects the convent
to the church, but I don't see any portal at the upper
part of the church.
Well, this is one of its unique features. 

Well, I’m sorry for focusing too much on the church, because it really caught my attention on how beautiful it is, and it really deserves to be in the UNESCO World Heritage List, plus it is a Marian church.

Photos used are all mine. 

Pagsanjan

If you have been reading my previous blogs, this one is somehow connected with Lumban. Pagsanjan is a barrio of Lumban, but due to uprisings of the people living in barrio Pagsanjan, a gubenatorial decree was released for Pagsanjan to become a town. 

Pagsanjan is a small town, and a second class municipality. The town also served as the second capital of the province of Laguna before it was transferred to Santa Cruz.

One will easily distinguish that you are in the center of the town,once you passed by the iconic and historical Pagsanjan three way arch. Legends say that the reason why the arch was built there is because the patroness of the town; Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared in the site where the arch was erected, according to the story, a man saw a beautiful woman on a cold night, holding a sword and warding of tulisans in invading the town, the lady then drew a straight line and ordered them not to dare loot the town. The man then reported this to the mayor of the town and they really saw a straight line on where the lady appeared, that is one of the reasons why the arch was erected there. The road where the arch was erected is now known as "Calle Arco".

Pagsanjan Arch/ Calle Arco

Pagsanjan is known as the tourist capital of Laguna because of the famous Pagsanjan falls. If we are talking about geography, the said falls is really not located in Pagsanjan, it is located in Cavinti, Laguna. It was called Pagsanjan falls because a native from Pagsanjan is the one who found it. Until now, even if pacts were made, it still remains a big issue for both towns, I don't want to dwell in this issue, moving on, the fare towards the falls is divided into three towns, namely, Pagsanjan, Cavinti, and Lumban, this somehow explains why the fare is very expensive.

I haven't been to the falls, so I just gave a background about it, so just you wanna know.

Pagsanjan Church taken last December 12, 2015

The town is the home of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The church of Pagsanjan is one of the most beautiful churches during the Spanish era, built in the year 1690 made of adobe stones. But the church was destroyed due to carpet bombings during World War II.

The church was declared a diocesan shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe last 2013.


The church is home for two iconic images of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The second class tilma which also came from Mexico.

The altar image made by Maximo Vicente

The two images wherein one is installed at the altar is the one made by Maximo Vicente a famous sculptor. While the processional image is the one that came from Mexico together with it is a "tilma" which is displayed at the side chapel of the church.

The processional image which came from Mexico
The image is episcopally crowned.

Aside from the church if, you are looking for a place to eat, you may stroll along restaurants that is situated at Calle Arco. This fact saddens me, because they turned almost all the heritage  houses located at the main street into a restaurant.

The restaurant you should try the food are Calle Arco, which was featured for many times in newspapers and televisions. You may also try eating in Balai Ilocos as well and Emin and Mila's. If you are looking for a refreshing dessert you must try eating the famed Halo- halo of Aling Taleng's which is definitely good and is affordable as well.

Here are the images for the Calle Arco:

Garlic rice and Pancit canton (4.5/5)
Pancit Canton- 160 pesos
Garlic rice- 130 pesos

Sizzling porkchop with white sauce (4.5/5)
Sizzling porkchop- 270 pesos

Fixture in one of the walls of Calle Arco

Aling Taleng's Halo- halo (5/5)
As far as I can recall it is 75 pesos.

To get to Pagsanjan, ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz, then ride a jeep with a signage of Pagsanjan the jeepney fare is 10 pesos.

If you want to experience shooting the rapids, better go to Pagsanjan central boat terminal located near the church, or go to resorts located along Pagsanjan river, the fare going to the falls is 1,250 per person if I remember it correctly.

Additional photos:

Stone relic of Our Lady of Guadalupe 

The church's altar during the town fiesta of Dec. 12, 2015

Pagsanjan is a small town, I think if not for the falls, the town may not be rising economically, they also have the Bangkero festival which is always held every month of March.

All photos used are mine. 

Lupi sa Lumban

Viva! Viva! San Sebastian! This is what we Lumbenos usually shout towards our town patron. This chant of ours is being accompanied by the beating of the drums. The town fiesta of Lumban, is known as one of the festive and happiest celebration in Laguna.

Viva! Viva! San Sebastian!!!

Well, fiestas and festivals are still part of travelling let me introduce you to my favorite and most awaited event every January in Lumban.

Before I proceed with the main idea of the 2nd part of my blog regarding Lumban, I will tell you first all the basics that you need to know when it comes to this town.

Let's start with transportation, Lumban, is one bus and jeepney ride away, you will drop off by Sta. Cruz the fare is 117 if coming from LRT/ Buendia, then from Sta. Cruz, ride a jeepney with a signage of Siniloan, or much better if you will ride a jeepney with the signage of Lumban, because Lumban jeepney drivers, have issues with Siniloan jeepney drivers. The jeepney fare costs 13 pesos from the bus terminal.

Let me discuss with you more of the town's history, Lumban follows the Spanish grid housing system, with the church, municipal hall, and the plaza at the center of the town. It is in Lumban, where the first stone church was built outside the walls of Manila, in the year 1572 and the church was completed in the year 1600 with long years of labor and several tragedies, under the order of San Pedro Bautista, the first parish priest. The Lumban church is the first Franciscan building in the province.

The convent of the church still serves as a dormitory for seminarists of the Diocese of San Pablo. It is also here where the Holy Eucharist was first kept and held, and the first Eucharistic procession outside Manila was also held here, and up to now it still remains as a town tradition.

Lumban church until the year 2012.

The church's original facade before it was changed in the year 2013, you would also notice our town's patron saint situated at the top of the belfry, which can be seen by afar when you are passing by Lumban bridge. Sadly, it was removed when they renovated the church's facade. As of now, I don't know if we still hold the title for the first stone church built outside Manila. 

Lumban church as of now.

This is the current look of the church, good thing they spared the belfry and did not renovated it, but San Sebastian was removed from the top and was changed by a cross, well according to them, when the church was built, a cross was place at the top of the belfry. I think they just restored it.

More information about the church, the church structure is somehow different from some of the churches in the province because the belfry is octagonal in shape and it is situated at the right side of the church (if you are facing it). Just like the churches of Paete, Liliw, and Nagcarlan.

The church was first dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, but in the year 1800's, our town adopted San Sebastian the Martyr as the patron.

The reason behind why we adopted San Sebastian, stories says, (the story differs, and it may have a different version, this is the version I knew).

The original image that was found
floating in Lumban river.

Lumbenos found him floating at the Lumban river after a storm passed by, believing that it also belongs to one of the locals, they put the patron at the altar, then a local from Pagsanjan, happened to pass by, seeing that their chapel's patron is at the altar, he then negotiated with the parish priest, and asked if he could get their patron back, after getting it back, another storm passes by, making the San Sebastian image float again from Pagsanjan going to Lumban, from here, the locals of Pagsanjan decided to give the image to Lumban already.





The Lumbenos knowing that San Sebastian wants to stay in Lumban, they made him as the town patron, making San Francisco as the secondary patron.

Since, our patron was found floating in the Lumban river, this gave birth to the "paligong poon" and "lupi", well this are two different events in the month of January.

To further discuss, the dates of Lumban town fiesta are January 19, 20 and the last Sunday of January.






January 19, this is what we call, "Bisperas", the "paligong poon" is held during this day, because according to some of the elders, "kailangan munang maligo ni San Sebastian sa ilog, bago siya ilagay sa kanyang andas at bago iprusisyon bukas (January 20).

011916- Paligong Poon (c) Abet Rana

The difference of this Paligong Poon with the celebration on the last Sunday of January is that the original image of San Sebastian is the only one being processioned in the river coming from the San Sebastian Chapel at Barangay Primera Parang then will pass by the church (since the church is facing the river).




It will stop by a few minutes to say a prayer and will continue the fluvial procession until it dock at Barangay Wawa, and will pass along the street of Rizal until it reach the San Sebastian Church.

San Sebastian last January 20, 2016.

The next day January 20, is the town's feast day, the day will start as soon as the church rang its bell at 4 in the morning. Lumban is known, because of the happenings and hospitality of Lumbenos when it comes to handaan. Musical bands perform along the streets and the day ends at a solemn procession at the evening.

At the eve of the Lupi celebration a "Kongzert" is being held near the chapel, this concert is sponsored by Congressman Benjie Agarao, a fellow Lumbeno. The one who sings in the said concert are known Filipino band and singers such as Aegis, Itchyworms and even Yeng herself had done a performance. I wonder who will sing this year.

The image being brought out of the
chapel (January 31, 2016)

For the last day of the festivity which is the last Sunday of January, this is probably the noisiest, happiest and wettest day in Lumban. It all starts with a mass at the San Sebastian Chapel in Barangay Primera Parang, the mass will end at around 10:30, the original image will then be brought out of the chapel going to the river wherein the devotees carries him in a shoulder borne andas, and together with the devotees they will ride a kaskito.

013116- A town fully
devoted to San Sebastian

This time it is not only the original that is being processioned, different images of the patron is joined by the different  Lupi organizations. The celebration is very much alike with the Paligong Poon that was held every January 19, but the difference is the route of the procession was changed and different performance acts done by the hired dancers of the different organizations are being presented all throughout the parade. This time the procession pass by the General Luna street then it will also pass through the national highway, and the procession will end at the San Sebastian chapel, the celebration lasts until 4 or 5 in the afternoon.


One of the miracles attributed to our patron, is right after the Lupi Celebration on the last Sunday of January, the temperature isn't that cold anymore, compared to the past days before the Lupi. This was supported by the saying of the elderly, "kapag na paliguan na si Anda Bastian, mawawala na yun lamig dito sa Lumban."

Here are additional photos:

Ang kaskito na sakay
ang orihinal na imahe ni San Sebastian.
(January 31, 2016)

013116- Ang pag- ahon ng orihinal na imahe
 sa daungan sa Barangay Wawa

013116- Ang pag prusisyon sa bayan. Paligong Poon

All in all, I explained the happenings during the month of January. Probably, this is everything you need to know about this different fiesta of ours, it may not be one of a kind, but our devotion to our patron is very much different and alive.

Additional information:

Retablo Mayor

It is said, that the altar of San Sebastian church was changed for several times. The current altar structure was derived from the first structure of the altar when the church was built.

San Sebastian Martyr, (original image)

Many suggests that a replica should be made in order for the original image to be preserved, but I think most people don't want a replica being processioned during the festivity.

The vestment that the image is wearing is his "regalia", made out of "pilak" and "pok-pok" (meaning engraved designs). The image is also repainted several times already. 

I suggest you guys, (those who read my blog) to come visit Lumban this upcoming January 19, 20 and 29, 2017. If you guys will go to Lumban on the 29th, make sure that you are prepared to get wet.

I would also want to add, that public utility jeepneys are being thrown with water especially if you pass by Lumban bridge, I suggest that never travel between the time of celebration. It is a tradition for us to throw water to passing vehicles especially jeepneys. So if people living in the towns from Kalayaan and beyond are going to Sta. Cruz, better not travel on the 29th.

You have been warned!

Well, I hope you enjoyed reading this informational/ travel related blog!

The fiesta program for this year,
you are all invited to join us in this
celebration! (c) Myeko Paguio

Please do read this article related to this festivity of ours, written by Kimmy Baraoidan of Inquirer, thanks. HAHAHAHA!!! http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/865860/be-ready-to-get-wet-in-this-laguna-town-fest-in-honor-of-patron-saint-of-cops-soldiers

All photos used are mine except for the credited ones. 
I used a waterproof pouch in order to take photos of the last year celebration.

Binurdang Lumban

This blog of mine will be consisting of 2 entries. I will be writing about my hometown, Lumban.

Whenever I search about anything that is related to Lumban, there are only few sources about our town. 

To start with,  Lumban is the 4th largest municipality in the province of  Laguna. It is one of the oldest towns as well. The present towns of Sta. Cruz, Pagsanjan, Cavinti, and Kalayaan were once barrios of Lumban. But because due to certain problems that lead to uprisings of the said barrio, the barrios decided to became a town. The name of our town came from "Lumbang tree" which is very abundant during the Spanish days.

Lumban Bridge

embroidered panyolito

Well, Lumban is known as, "The Embroidery Capital of the Philippines". Hand embroidered Filipino National costumes are mostly made here. While the materials of the garment usually came from Aklan such as Pina and Jusi. Aside from national costumes we also make panyolito, table cloths and other garments as well.

This is an example of an embroidered panyolito which is commonly used on saints, its price ranges from 400- 1,000 pesos, because it depends on the material used and how intricate the design is. 

The process of embroidery undergoes a tedious process under the hands of skilled Lumbenos, from the burdaderos, to calladera and calado. The designs are embroidered by hand, after that the garment will be laundered and will let it dry under the sun thru the use of bastidor. Due to the rise of technology, machine embroideries are also getting known as well. 

Aside from this pride of Lumban, we also have gastronomic cravings such as ginataang hipon,  kesong puti of Nora's  and espasol.

Aside from this delicacies, there are also few small restaurants in the town itself, you may visit "La Parilla" which is situated near the church. You may also try buying Chicharon Baboy worth 50 pesos at the Lacbay's pansitan (So far, they have the best Chicharon Baboy I've ever eaten).

La Parilla serves burgers and rice meals such as Sisig and others. They also serve pizza, the price is somehow affordable and is reasonable as well.  

a colorful line of  hanging "bastidor" 

Since our town is known for embroidery, we then have the Burdang Lumban Festival which is held every 3rd week of September. The festival is held annually for many years already, (I'm not sure on how many years we have celebrated the festival). But its been celebrated for more than 10 years already.








Sadly, last year no such festival was held due to lack of budget, because according to the tourism manager, the former mayor of the town overspend it on Burdang Lumban Festival last 2015. On the good side, they will try to conduct the festival this year.

Lumban Municipal Hall

The aim of the festival is to prove that Lumban is really the home of  hand embroidery. Lumban made Filipino costumes are getting known already, believe it or not, the Filipino National costume that was worn by the different leaders in the APEC was made in Lumban. Other known personalities get their costumes done by Lumbenos.

This is an embroidered gown made by Mr. Berches (if I spelled it correctly), which was displayed at the Capitol grounds last AniLag 2016.













Here is a more closeup shot of the gown, wherein you could see the fine and intricate designs on it. I think it is still displayed at his shop along National Highway near Lumban Public Market.







If we are talking about tourist destinations, let's go to the famous largest man- made lake in the province and in the Philippines, Caliraya. To clarify, Cavinti and Lumban both have parts in the lake, the man- made lake was built atop Sierra Madre, in order to generate hydro electric power in most parts of Southern Luzon. Several resorts such as Caliraya Resort's club wherein the current famopus tourist attraction is Slide and Fly, and CaliRana were built near the lake, team buildings are also held here. Unfortunately, I haven't had any opportunities in entering one of them. But due to recent exposure in television, it helps boost our tourism as well.

Caliraya Spillway 

I really do not have any idea on what is its purpose, but it is mostly mistaken as a chapel or a watch tower. It serves as a place for photo shoots and for romantic dates as well. But I think it is built because of the Caliraya dam.

Lumban roadside marker at dawn

Going down, Lumban has another pride, which was unveiled last 2013, it is said that this is the possible tallest roadside marker in the Philippines. Standing 20 feet at Lumban- Kalayaan boundary, the marker became an instant tourist attraction due to a beautiful backdrop which commences every sunrise and sunset, aside from that, it is overlooking Laguna de Bay.

view of Laguna de Bay from the roadside marker

I would also want to add that a part of Laguna Copperplate Inscription was unearthed at the Lumban river through sand dredging, as of now, the LCI is currently on display in the National Museum.

Further information about the town will be given at the second part of this blog. Thanks!

All photos used are mine.