Pagbilao, Quezon Province

Quezon is a province of the Philippines in the CALABARZON region of Luzon. The province was named after Manuel L. Quezon, the second President of the Philippines, and its capital is Lucena City.

Quezon is located southeast of Metro Manila and bordered by the provinces of Aurora to the north, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Batangas to the west and the Camarines provinces to the east. Part of Quezon lies on an isthmus connecting the Bicol Peninsula to the main part of Luzon island. The province also includes the Polillo Islands in the Philippine Sea.

A major tourism draw to the province is Mt. Banahaw. The mountain is surrounded by spiritual mysticism with many cults and religious organizations staying on the mountain. Numerous pilgrims visit the mountain especially during Holy Week.

History

Originally, what now forms Quezon was divided among the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, and Nueva Ecija. The area was first explored by Juan de Salcedo in 1571-1572, during his expedition from Laguna to Camarines provinces.

In 1591, the province was created and called Kaliraya or Kalilayan, after the capital town which later became Unisan. In about the middle of the 18th century, the capital was transferred to the town of Tayabas, from which the province got its new name.

Depredation and plunder by the Moros were rampant during the Spanish regime, because they opposed the colonizers, especially in their efforts to spread Christianity. The destruction of Kalilayan in 1604 by a big fleet of moro pirates caused the inhabitants to transfer to Palsabangon (Pagbilao).

However, even the colonized people grew discontented with the Spaniards over the centuries. The most important event in the history of the province was the Confradia Revolt in 1841, which was led by the famous Lucbano, Apolinario dela Cruz, popularly known as Hermano Pule. The province, under Gen. Miguel Malvar, was also among the earliest to join the Philippine Revolution. The Revolutionary Government took control over the province on August 15, 1898.

The Americans then came and annexed the Philippines. A civil government was established in the province on March 2, 1901, with Lucena as its capital.

Japanese occupation of the province during World War II began on December 23, 1941, when the Japanese Imperial Army landed in Atimonan. The occupation witnessed the brutal murders of prominent sons of Tayabas. April 4, 1945 was the day the province was liberated as the combined Filipino and American army forces reached Lucena.

After the war, on September 7, 1946, Republic Act No. 14 changed the name Tayabas to Quezon, in honor of Manuel L. Quezon, the Commonwealth president who hailed from Baler, which was one of the province's towns.

Tourism

Quezon is a province that is gifted with natural wonders. It is one of the most scenic provinces in the Philippines that is rich not only in culture and traditions but also in natural attractions.  This is why the province is particularly popular and is flocked by vacationers during the summer or on holidays. It is absolutely one of the provinces that anyone should visit.  Its attractions fails to disappoint.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Pagbilao Grande, Tayabas Bay, near the coast of Pagbilao

• It is a group of islands located on the Tayabas Bay area where there are white sand beaches and rich fishing grounds. This is also the site of Tulay Buhangin where sand dunes connect the islets of Padre Burgos during low tide.

Tikub Lake, Tiaong, Quezon

• About two kilometers in diameter and 75 meters deep, Tikub Lake lies on the crater of an extinct volcano. Thick foliage surrounds the lake.

Puting Buhangin Beach, Pagbilao Grande, Pagbilao, Quezon

• Located in the Pagbilao Grande area, this pure white sand beach, with crystal-clear and calm water, is a favorite place in Pagbilao during the summer months. The white sand beach is about 70 meters long and 10 meters wide. A small cave is found at one end of the beach.

Mamala, Barangay Mamala I, Sariaya, Quezon

• Mamala is a small barangay, which is located in the heart of Mt. Banahaw. The area enjoys a cool temperature of about 17.2 degrees Celsius. About 400 meters from the end of the concrete road is the “jungle,” as the locals refer to. Within the jungle are lush vegetation and a river, which supplies the irrigation system of the area. Exotic flora, tropical plants and giant ferns, some growing to a height of more than 10 feet, abound.

Tayabas Bay, Sariaya, Quezon

• The area of Tayabas Bay in Sariaya is well-developed for tourism due to the wide coastline and the presence of several fine beach resorts. There is a stretch of gray sand dotted with resorts that make it an ideal place for families and beach holiday makers.

Mt. Banahaw, Quezon Province

• This 7,382 foot majestic but extinct volcano is famous for its mystical attributes, varied flora and fauna and breathtaking views of its environs. Unique religious rites are held every Holy Week by pilgrims who believe that Christ walked on this mountain.

Quezon National Park, Western municipalities of Atimonan, Pagbilao and Padre Burgos

• Quezon National Park has an area of about 9,830,765 hectares. It has an intricate system of caves, waterfalls, springs, creeks, gorges, and ravines against a quaint backdrop of lush greenery. Local folks say that the park is full of flora and fauna from butterflies to birds and monkeys tugging along their young, while crossing the street.

Kinabuhayan, Barangay Kinabuhayan, Dolores, Quezon

• This is the site where members of religious sects of Mt. Banahaw believe Christ spent His Calvary. Thousands of pilgrims, the number of which may reach 30,000 come to this area to fulfill their vows or be healed of their afflictions. What can be found here are the rocks where Christ was believed to have been tied (Pinaggapusan). His footprints are embedded on a rock, and a cold and damp rock at the entrance of a cave is said to have curative powers.

Cristalino Falls, Mt. Banahaw, Dolores, Quezon

• It is a few meters south of Santos Collegio where crystal clear water can soothe one’s thirst after climbing a few slopes up.

Durungawan, Mt. Banahaw, Dolores, Quezon

• Having the strength of going up higher at Mt. Banahaw, one can see for himself the crowning glory of the holy mountain’s peak called “Durungawan” – a window place on the mountain’s top where one can gaze at the valleys, towns, and city surrounding the sacred mountain. It is from there that one can feel the ultimate satisfaction of having gone up the mountain.

Malusak Cave, Barangay Malusak, Atimonan, Quezon

• It is probably the longest cave in Atimonan with a clearance of more or less 2 feet in height.

Talabaan Islands, Off the coast of Padre Burgos

• The Talabaan Islands are two islands located off the shore of Padre Burgos town. The bigger of the two, Malaking Talabaan, is a favorite jump-off point to the beaches of Padre Burgos and the neighboring town of Pagbilao. The smaller island, Maliit na Talabaan, is a rock formation jutting out of the sea. What makes the island unique is that the rocks seem to have been curiously arranged and piled.

Mag-asawang Bato, Off the coast of Padre Burgos

• The Mag-asawang Bato are two pieces of big boulders jutting out of the sea. During low tide, the land where the stones stand are exposed so that people can walk over them.

Pulong Niugan, Barangay Hondagua, Lopez, Quezon

• It is the biggest of the three islands near the shore of the municipality of Lopez and the neighboring towns of Calauag and Gumaca. The beach area is gradually sloping and the water is clear. Its best assets are the nearby colonies of corals about 50 meters from the islands.

Tulay Buhangin Island, Padre Burgos, Quezon

• The island is one of the favorite areas of vacationers who to go to Padre Burgos. Although one beachfront has been damaged, other parts of the island are still good for swimming.

Pamplona Beach, General Nakar, Quezon

• The beach is about three kilometers long and 40 meters wide. Parts of the area have the gray sand, smooth pebbles, and rocks. Rocks with curious formations are also present at one end of the beach. A spring with cold water can be found near these rock formations.

Balabag Falls, Barangay Mapalad, Real, Quezon

• Balabag Falls is the biggest of the three falls located in barangay Mapalad in Real. It has about 100 feet of cascading water.

Coccoc Island, Polillo, Quezon

• Coccoc is a small island which looks like an umbrella from afar. White sand beaches surround the island. Although quite far from the town proper of Polillo, this particular island is also a favorite picnic area of many locals.

Binombonan Island, Burdeos, Quezon

• The island has an area of one hectare and is still uninhabited. It is circular in shape and ringed by fine white sand. The sand level gradually slopes and the water is very clear. The land is densed forested. Not far from the island is a good spot for snorkeling and diving.

Anilon Cave, Anilon, Burdeos, Quezon

• It is a small islet or a large rock, which also looks like a land bridge with a small cave where swimmers can pass through from one end to the other.

Puting Bato, Barangay Puting Bato, Burdeos, Quezon

• The major attractions of Puting Bato are its cliff walls, which look like limestone cliffs of North Palawan. Aside from the walls, there are small caves. Small isolated beaches, which are good for swimming, can also be found. Rock formations, which look like umbrellas, abound in the area.

Maria Cristina Park, Maharlika Highway, Atimonan, Quezon

• Maria Cristina Park is a promenade park with an area of 200 square meters, built along the Lamon Bay area in Atimonan.

Perez Park, Capitol Compound, Lucena City, Quezon

• Perez Park consists of seven hectares of fully developed and well-maintained area located at the heart of Lucena City, the provincial capital. It features a children’s playground, a beautifully landscaped garden, a man-made cave, and a large area for outdoor dancing.

Santos Collegio, Dolores, Quezon

• About 100 meters from Kinabuhayan spring, it is a place where one can bathe from sprinkles of tiny droplets of water from mountain springs, as fresh as dewdrops pouring down from the mountain slides.

Sta. Lucia Falls, Dolores, Quezon

• Before going directly to the falls, an adventurous tourist can detour to a winding footpath leading to “Ina ng Awa” a place of religious worship where many members of religious sects pray for guidance from the Virgin Mary. 267 steps going down to Sta. Lucia falls, one can hear the murmur of the cascading water as it quietly settles into a tranquil basin, truly nature at its best.

Lumiliay River Waterfalls, Barangay Caridad, Atimonan, Quezon

• It is approximately 114 kms. away from the barangay proper with fresh, clean water.

Magsaysay Waterfalls, Barangay Malinao, Atimonan, Quezon

• It has clean and fresh water. It abounds in tall trees and is ideal for picnicking.

Manlalayes Lakes and Gunao Lake, Dolores, Quezon

• These lakes are the main sources of fresh fish like “tilapia, hito and dalag”. Visitors can buy fresh fish at reasonable prices.

Patayan Island, Pagbilao Grande, Pagbilao, Quezon

• Part of the Pagbilao Grande Islands, this is where the Tulay Buhangin (Sand Bridge) is located. People say that Patayan Island was named from the site where the young men of the town were killed by pirates during the olden times. This is the island to which one end of the Tulay Buhangin is connected. The island has a beach known for its smooth stones.

Pulong Niugan, Barangay Hondagua, Lopez, Quezon

• It is the biggest of the three islands near the shore of the municipality of Lopez and the neighboring towns of Calauag and Gumaca. The beach area is gradually sloping. The water is clear. Its best asset is the nearby colonies of corals about 50 meters from the island.

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Manuel L. Quezon Museum (Giintong Yaman ng Quezon Museum), Former Provincial Health Building, Provincial Capitol Compound, Lucena City

• The museum houses a collection of the memorabilia of the former President Manuel L. Quezon, former Senator Lorenzo Tañada and former Congressman Manuel S. Enverga. A large section of the museum houses the memorabilia of some of the prominent citizens of the province.

Duamagat Settlement, Sitio Malatunglan, General Nakar, Quezon

• There are four (4) settlements namely: Dinigman Settlement at Barangay Canaway, Lamutan Settlement at Barangay Lamutan, Tamala Settlement at Barangay San Marcelino and Cynthia Village of Barangay Umiray. These settlements are under the administration and supervision of the Local Government, Office for Southern Cultural Communities (OSCC) of Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Malatunglan Dumagat Settlement, Sitio Malatunglan, General Nakar, Quezon

• It is an established Dumagat Settlement under the auspices of the Catholic Church and the local government of General Nakar. There are about 22 families in the area. Trained instructors educate the Dumagat people in a school building nearby.

MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS

Zigzag Road (also referred to as Bitukang Manoko or Eme Road), Quezon National Park

• Located in the middle of the Quezon National Park, its curves are so tight and the road so steep that vehicles have to literally inch their way up. Around the roadsides are lush vegetation and the forest growth of the Quezon National Park.

Sirena, Maharlika Highway, Atimonan, Quezon

• Located along the main highway, sculpture of Sirena is an interesting sight for the motorists. The Sirena (Mermaid) is a copy of the sculpture of Little Mermaid in Denmark. Like the one in Denmark, it also sits on top of a big boulder. It is located along the beach of Lamon Bay.

Japanese Tunnel, Barangay Matinik, Lopez, Quezon

• The tunnel is located right along the tracks before reaching Hondagua.

Lucban Town, Lucban, Quezon

• The town of Lucban, celebrates one of the country’s biggest, and most colorful harvest festivals every May 15, along with the towns of Tayabas, Sariaya, Gumaca, Tiaong, and Lucena City, the festivities are the Philippines best known harvest festivals to honor San Isidro Labrador, the patron of farmers. Known as “Pahiyas” , the festival is deeply rooted in the traditional celebration of the townsfolk in thanksgiving for bountiful harvest. Decorations called “Kiping”, leaf-shaped and multi-colored rice paste wafers which are used to decorate the facades of the homes along with the fruits and flowers from nature. The visual and culinary feast has gained national and international renown. The Lucban town center is a permanent facility for merchandising crafts and delicacies including special events that showcases the lifestyle of its environs.

Balagtas Sports Complex, Zone IV – Poblacion, Atimonan, Quezon

• It provides adequate space for recreational activities

Hunters ROTC Veterans Park, Barangay Tagbakin, Atimonan, Quezon

• It is a park located at the gateway of the Poblacion, built in memory of the brave Atimonan soldiers who fought during the Japanese war.

Leon Guinto Boulevard, Zone IV – Poblacion, Atimonan, Quezon

• It is a place for scenic viewing of Lamon Bay and Alabat Island.

The Mermaid Along Lamon Bay, Maharlika Highway, Atimonan, Quezon

• A well-known landmark along the coastal national road going to the Bicol region is supposed to signify the marine nature of the livelihood of the municipality. The place is also called Lamon Bay. The mermaid is a copy of the sculpture of the Little Mermaid in Denmark. Like the one in Denmark, it also sits on top of a big boulder. It is located along the beach of Lamon Bay.

Roman Catholic Park, Barangay Zone IV – Poblacion, Atimonan, Quezon

• It is a mini-park located in front of the Roman Catholic Church.

San Diego Park, Barangay Villa Bota, Gumaca, Quezon

• It is also known as the park outside the town because it is located 2 kilometers away from the Poblacion.

Gumaca Rizal Park, Barangay Rizal, Gumaca, Quezon

• Built in 1935 during the incumbency of Eriberto Caparros, By the year 1982, it was modernized, renovated and lighted.

Marcos Tigla Park, Lucban, Quezon

• Formerly known as Paseo Rizal, named after the legendary founder and first Governadorcillo of Lucban, the park is the site of fine monuments and other structures, including the Idyll of the Sea and the Fountain of Wisdom, which symbolize a mother transferring wisdom to her son.

Caprichosa Park, Lucban, Quezon

• Located at the eastern approach of the Poblacion, it affords visitors a panoramic view of the town. It is presently being developed as a potential tourist spot because of its ideal location and cozy environment. A monument called Bantayog ng mga Bayani was built in this place to commemorate the heroic struggle of the WWII veterans of Lucban.

Rizal Park, Lucban, Quezon

• Formerly known as Plaza Dela Revolution, it is one of the finest masterpieces of art in the country. The monument stands as a magnificent sculpture, made in perfect proportion as viewed from any angle. It illustrates the skillful talent of the famous Lucbanin artist, Ishmael Villaseñor, who was widely popular in international expositions during those days. Built in 1915, the park is still the favorite place for relaxation.

Manuel L. Quezon Monument, Perez Park, Lucena City, Quezon

• It was erected in memory of the First President of the Philippines Commonwealth, who is known as “Ama ng Wikang Filipino” in support to his full measure of devotion and service to the cause of Philippine independence from the United States.

Quezon Provincial Capitol, Lucena City

• This provincial government site of Quezon Province was built on a seven-hectare lot donated in 1908 by its former Governor, Don Felimon E. Perez.

Quezon Theme Park, Sampaloc, Quezon

• This municipality is being developed as the “Theme Park” of the province. Sampaloc is a typical model Filipino community because of its culture, especially with the bayanihan spirit still widely practiced by the people. It was also adjudged as the cleanest municipality in Quezon in the 90s.

Kalilayan Center, Lucena City

• Constructed at the back of the Governor’s Mansion, it is frequently used as venue for various Cultural and Tourism activities. The motif was designed by Ugu Bigyan, a well-known mural and pottery artist depicting Pahiyas festivals of Quezon Province.

Governor’s Mansion, Lucena City, Quezon

• This is the official residence of the past governors of the province and is now used as guesthouse for visitors. It is located in front of the Perez Park, overlooking the impressive plaza.

D & G Farms, Brgy. Masalakot I, Candelaria, Quezon

• The site is a family farm which breeds pigs, fighting cocks, orchids and fruit trees. A river near it is also being developed to become a natural swimming pool. Those who may want to visit the piggery will have to take a bath for quarantine reasons.

Accessibility of the province

• Southern route – South Expressway is the main artery, with exit at Calamba
• Eastern route – Ortigas Avenue through the towns of Rizal onward to Infanta, Quezon
• CALABARZON (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) route – The highway system and well-developed road network of this region links the neighboring provinces with ease and convenience for tourism, trade and commerce.
• Major bus companies such as Tritran, Jam, JAC Liner, Philtranco and Superlines ply the well-developed roads to and from Metro Manila and within CALABARZON on a regular basis. Bus terminals are located at Buendia and Taft Avenue, Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City and EDSA in Pasay City.
• Jeepneys, mini buses and tricycles are available at the Lucena City Grand Terminal to take passengers to various destinations in Quezon.
• Travel time is approximately three (3) hours from Manila.