By Bianca Marie France E. Viadan
The Municipality of Lucban in the Province of Quezon is where one of the most colorful and biggest harvest festivals was held known as the Pahiyas which means bejeweled offering or to adorn. This annual celebration on the 15th of May is to give honor to the Patron Saint of farmers San Isidro Labrador.
The name Lucban was derived from the lukbán or pomelo tree. This is a superstition that it is a good sign of good fortune among the hunters who witness the rhythmic chirps from the birds known as kingfishers that shelter in the tree.
During the Second World War, the municipality was once invaded and occupied by the Japanese Forces, where they built a military garrison and Japanese Army Stations. In line of defense, the Filipino and American troops won Barrio Piis, which made the Japanese forces shift to the Bataan Peninsula. From 1942 to 1945, the attacks started by the Philippine Commonwealth Army, with both local guerrilla and local troops, continued.
Lucban in the present is regarded as one of the best places to visit, not only because of its history but also for its colorful festivity known as the Pahiyas Festival. The celebration starts by decorating the houses with different kinds of local produce, from vegetables, fruits, and even flowers, including longganisa, which are considered part of the decorations. But what gives and adds more color to their decorations of bountiful harvests are the Kipings, a leaf-shaped thin wafer made from rice paper.
Many activities are organized by the local government for everyone to enjoy, like the Pahiyas Art Fair, Mutya ng Lucban, Pahiyas Musikahan, Arko Rikit Pahiyas, Pahiyas Parade, Cultural Performances, Agricultural Competitions, Holy Mass and Procession, Street Dance Competition, Lucban Delicacies, and more. Apart from surprises and enjoyment during the celebration, the highlight of the festival is the Kalas procession where people gather to grab as much produce as they can from the decorated houses. This certainly brings joyful and unforgettable experiences not only to the locals of Quezon but also to the tourists.
Pahiyas is only one of the many festivities we have in our country. We may celebrate different Patrons, have different cultures, dialects, places with unique histories, and even different religions and beliefs, but we will always have the same reason to celebrate these differences. These diverse celebrations are to give thanks for the blessings and what we believe in for giving us food, shelter, clothes, and life to be shared and enjoyed with the people who matter to us.
We may be strangers to others’ cultures and beliefs, but the festivals we celebrate make us understand, love, and enjoy the things that are significant in other people’s lives. Let us learn to respect each other’s differences so the world will be a better place to live in. Life is too short to compete with everyone else. Let’s celebrate life, and that will make each day worth living.
"The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest." Psalm 85:12
References: Wikipedia Lucban, Wikipedia Pahiyas Festival, Wanderlust Official Website, Pahiyas Festival Facebook Tourist Information Center and Local Travel Website, Lakbay Pinas Website, Teal PH, Spot PH, Green Peace Org., and Bible Gateway Official Website
Bianca Marie France E. Viadan , Operations Management. Born on the 2nd day of October year 1990, eldest daughter of 2 and currently residing in Tarlac City. Graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology. A Philippine ARMY reservist graduated in Advance ROTC. Traffic Control Room Specialist at SCTEX base. Fond of writing poems, short stories, reading, photography, singing, and playing the guitar. Ambivert loves to travel and discover nature. Forgiving and friendly in nature.
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