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.