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.

Taga- Bantay ng Vigan

Aside from Vigan there are other towns that is worth exploring in the province. Tourist might miss this place, because it is unnoticeable. We also didn't notice the town at first but, we did stop on it on our way home from Ilocos Norte going to Manila.

The belfry situated atop the hill.

Others might see an ordinary belfry but if you really have a look on it and feel its vibe, you will then realize that it is not any ordinary belfry you see in churches, it stands there for a reason. 

Before reaching Bantay, you will pass by the town of  Narvacan, it is not much, but you will see a grotto situated at the Abra River but few tourist stop by there, they only take pictures at it. Another sight to behold is the old truss bridge that connects the towns of Narvacan and Bantay. During our first visit to Vigan, we still got to pass this bridge, but now it is closed and not passable by cars anymore. When we are talking about infrastructures, it should be renovated in time, but  I really don't have any idea why they build another one. My opinion is they build a new bridge which is much stronger and sturdier in order for the old bridge to be a tourist attraction in their town. 

The old truss bridge of Narvacan

You might recognize the bridge from other films and this is the bridge where they shoot it, isn't it beautiful? 

The new Narvacan bridge

Well Bantay came from the word Bantaoay if I got it right, or it is derived from the word Bantay itseld, because the town acted as a guard and a shield during the Spanish era.

To explain further, a belfry was built atop the hill near the San Agustin Parish, in order for the belfry to also serve as a watchdog and not just a bell tower. Communication during those times whenever there are danger are done by ringing of bells. Because during those times, when your house is not built near the church, and you cannot hear the sound of ringing bells you are considered as a "tulisanes". In the case of the Bantay bell tower it plays a significant role towards the town of Vigan, as you can see, Vigan has preserved its heritage, and I think this is one of the factors that contribute in keeping that heritage alive.

Situated beside the Bantay bell tower is the San Agustin Parish church it is also the home of the miraculous canonically crowned image of Our Lady of Charity, also known locally as "Apo Caridad". 

Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of Bantay

The original and canonically crowned
 image of Our Lady of Charity of Bantay

The Our Lady of Charity of Bantay was canonically crowned for 60 years already this 2016, they consider the said Marian image as the Queen of Ilocandia and as the protector of crops and guardian of the fields. The virgin is also the oldest Marian image in the province of Ilocos Sur. Many miracles were also attributed to her such as healing and other unexplained miracles during the Spanish era and World War II. 

The chapel outside the church

You can see the well preserved church of Bantay, because it consists of a chapel outside and ruins at a certain part of the church. 

Bantay bell tower

Since the belltower is up the hill, you will climb a steep stairway, and sometimes you need to fall in line because only five people are allowed to stay for 5 minutes or so at the top floor of the belfry. If you don't want to go to the topmost floor you may go to the second floor and just look at the view. 

View from the second floor of the belfry, you can now see the town of Vigan. 

The reason why a belfry was built at that part so that the town of Vigan during the Spanish time will be alerted whenever there are approaching invaders coming from the other town such as "tulisans" and other uprisings during that time. The watcher will ring the bell depending on what kind of danger the town should face and for the people of Vigan to evacuate. 

By the little bit of history I said, you probably got the idea of why the town is named "Bantay", because the town served as an alarm for Vigan and other neighboring towns as well. The belfry is also one of the oldest bell towers in the province. 

So for others who are planning to go to Vigan, please do stop by this tourist attraction, because it is worth going to!

All the photos used are mine. 

Calle Crisologo sa Vigan

           Well, this may be too mainstream but, let me write something about Vigan. The city is famous for its cobblestone street and old houses, this doesn't make any differences to other Hispanic towns in the Philippines. But, what do you think, Vigan is so special that it captures tourists and be captivated by its beauty?

           In this blog of mine about Vigan, I will only focus on the town itself. To explain further, Vigan is a city, and it is the capital of Ilocos Sur province. With the two visits I made in Vigan from two different years, I may say a lot has changed. 

         I will advice that you should conduct your tour in Vigan during daytime, because if you do it at night, well its a mayhem. Vigan for me during my last visit has already lost its touch, because believe it or not the old houses fronting Calle Crisologo were already turned into establishments which somehow disappoints me.

             To give you an idea what else can be found in Vigan at the town itself, you may go to the Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral Parish, the house of Padre Burgos, the provincial capital, Plaza Salcedo, and the famous Calle Crisologo. 

             Famous Filipino personalities also hails from Vigan, they are Leona Florentino a female poet, whose house was turned into a cafe, another is Padre Burgos one of the three priests of GomBurZa whose house is now the Vigan Museum, Gabriela Silang and Diego Silang also hailed from Vigan and former President Elpidio Quirino came from Vigan as well, the late President's house is now a museum as well, it is called Syquia's mansion. 

             Aside from museums you may also visit Paburnayan wherein you can make your own clay jar. If you want to visit a zoo, you may go to Baluarte which is owned by Chavit Singson, anyway the zoo's entrance is free. 

         Furthermore, my experience in Vigan is somehow exhausting, in a way I don't know if I enjoyed it, because we arrive at Vigan at sunset and the town is clogged in traffic we immediately find transients or cheap hotels, unfortunately we didn't found one. Instead of wasting time we just decided to tour the town, but the famous Calle Crisologo are full of tourists and the shops are crowded, and we decided not to waste time finding our way through the crowd, instead we went to watch the dancing fountain in Plaza Salcedo.

        In addition to that all the transients and hotels are fully booked as well, even those in the neighboring towns near Vigan, I may advice that you should book everything ahead of time and not on the last minute especially if it is a peak season.

So, here are the pictures:

Vigan's Welcome Arch

After a long drive from the province of La Union, and few stops in different tourist spots in some of the towns in the province of Ilocos Sur, we then arrive at Vigan before sunset.

The famous street signage

You will immediately notice where Calle Crisologo is, you don't even need to find the signage, just go where the crowd leads you, and in no time you will walk on its cobblestone street.

We went to Vigan last 2014, well during that time Vigan is already famous, you should expect a lot of people in the city, especially at night. 

The 1st floor of Leona Florentino's house was turned into a cafe. I heard that the food there is good, I didn't had the chance to try it because it is crowded and you need to wait in long cue lines before you can be served. 

Saint Paul the first Hermit Metropolitan Cathedral

In all the churches I've visited in Ilocos Sur, almost all the belfry of the church are situated apart from the church itself. Up to now I still wonder why. 

Across the church is the Plaza Salcedo where the dancing fountain is located, well its dances along with the rhythm of the music being played, its a 30 minute show. 

Plaza Salcedo's dancing fountain

              Since we didn't enjoyed the first visit to Vigan because of too much crowd blocking the view, we decided to go back to it after we finish exploring Ilocos Norte. The result satisfied me, you will not be disappointed if you visit the city early at the morning, you don't need to make your way in a crowd in order to see every establishments and old houses. 

Calle Crisologo at daytime

              I really suggest that you go to Vigan as early as you can, you will see a lot of beautiful things that you may not see at night. An example of it is this kalesa.

            You must also have a budget whenever you will buy some souvenirs, because I'm telling you it is expensive, but nonetheless, because I can still use the souvenir I bought last 2014. 

           I also suggest to Vigan's tourist officials that they should add some sceneries at night in order for the famous street not to be crowded at night.

          As for the food, the city is famous for its Vigan longganisa,  it is really delicious if its partnered with the right mixture of vinegar, I also suggest not to dip Vigan empanada in vinegar, it is not a match, I'm telling you. 

         Well, I am looking forward to go back here and spend a day walking and exploring the city itself in the future. 

All the photos used are mine.