Paete: Ang bayang Masining

Here’s another town that is famous in Laguna, it is known for making fine wood crafts and beautiful craftsmanship. The town of “Paete”, which is normally pronounced by us southerners, those living near the said town as “payte”, but it is pronounced as “Pa-e- te”, for it to have a meaning, because it is derive from “Paet”, wherein it means the act of carving, “nag pa paet”.

Paete town as viewed at the Tatlong Krus viewing deck

Since they are famous for wood carving, they have a festival in line with it, the Paet- taka festival which is held in September if I’m not mistaken.

What’s good with Paete?

Paete is one bus away from Manila and a jeepney ride from Santa Cruz.

It is relatively a small town, and could tour the whole town less than a day. Let me start with the church, it is dedicated to Saint James the Great Apostle, but before that, the town’s patron is Saint Christopher.

There are two paintings of this saint located near the entrance, an original version of it, which depicts Saint Christopher with Jesus in a coconut tree, and the other one is the Filipino version, which shows Saint Christopher crossing the river together with Jesus sitting at his shoulder, (photos of the painting were taken from google).

Paete Church (credits to: google)

For the times I’ve been to Paete church, for me it still looks like the other churches that was built during the Spanish era, but what makes it different is the eerie feeling that I feel, because according to history, the church served as a dungeon for HUKBALAHAPS during the Japanese occupation, it is where countless executions were done, that explains the different aura of the church, nevertheless, it the church could bring you back to time.

The town follows thew Spanish grid system wherein the town hall, plaza and the church is at the center of the poblacion.

As for the paintings of Saint Christopher, the townspeople covered it with something, in order for it not to be destroyed by the Japanese.

The church is relatively small, but it could house a lot of carrozas during Holy week because of their tradition of having an exit at the main portal of the church, before proceeding procession.

The altar mayor of Paete Church, this was taken last Holy Thursday 2016, as you can see it is a tradition among churches to cover the images in their altar with violet cloth to signify their sorrow. Located in the center niche of the altar mayor is San Santiago Mayor Apostol, the image is being clothed with embroidered vestments, sorry if I do not have picture of their patron saint.

He is somehow not depicted riding a horse, instead he is holding a stick and a bible.

As for other tourists spots, one can hike Mount Humarap. The mountain is also famous for another name, which is Tatlong Krus. Well, this site will once again be flocked by pilgrims to have some penitence for the upcoming Holy week.

Tatlong Krus ng Paete

To start with, Tatlong Krus, is a long hike, it is not that steep because of the staircases that were put up, for pilgrims to have easier access up to the mountain, but it surely will make you tired. It’s a long hike, but you can stop once in a while.

Here are the photos on our way up, at the peak of the mountain, and going down from the mountain:

Highschool barkada 

Well, once you reach the peak, you will be able to see the small town of Paete, and you may somehow imagine, that the town may be small but it is rich with culture. Despite the issues it faced in the past regarding illegal logging for their wood carvings.

Pictures of us on the way down. 

You will also cross a stream wherein you will walk over bamboo stalks, this stream is part of the Talon Falls somewhere at the middle part of the mountain.

What makes me sad is that their religion isn’t only one, the town is also influenced by the religion Aglipay. Nevethless, both dominant relgion promotes faith to God. 

One may also eat at Femma's pizza house, their famous food is pizza- spaghetti, or explore the small town itself, I suggest that you go visit the town during holy week.

photos used are all mine, except for the picture of the Saint Christopher painting, and the facade of Paete church.