This is Me: When Summer Ends… A Trip to Tayabas, Quezon

What a better way to end the summer but to take an out-of-town travel to nearby province of Luzon and take a splash on real cool spring water running on pool!

Wow! that is something to treasured about especially now that school is about to start.

It was supposed to be an ordinary travel. My husband’s cousin invited our family to join him fetch his family from their summer vacation in Tayabas, Quezon. Since it was weekend, we gamely agreed. Well, why not? This can be a good opportunity to OFFICIALLY end the summer for us and prepared for the next school year about to start in a week from now.

We left home Saturday night at around 9:30 PM. We would like to avoid the afternoon traffic so we decided to travel at night. But we were wrong. We were greeted at SLEX with horrendous traffic that we already expect we will reach our destination around midnight. And so it does. We reached our destination at 1:30 PM. When it should be a three hours drive in a normal no-traffic hassle. Well, what is Manila without traffic?!

Anyway, the long drive was worth it. Once, we reach our destination we were treated with a midnight meal of Miki cooked in sweet and spicy sauce flavor. It was not the same as the instant noodle we usually tasted. What was more appealing is that we ate them ala Pancit Lucban Habhab-style (noodles is placed in a banana leaf and eaten with no utensils just your mouth). My first time ever!

Since it was already midnight we did not waste so much time on storytelling. We hurriedly go to sleep to prepare us for the next morning activities.

At 6:30 AM we woke up for a morning cup of coffee. The coffee was match with Tamales, sticky rice with meat or egg inside.

After that light breakfast, we went straight ahead to some of Tayabas’ famous landmark. Going there it turn out would not put us an extra effort. It was a walking distance away. Down the street from the house we stayed is an old Spanish-styled house or what they called Bahay na Bato. It is a good a thing it is still occupied that it had maintained its beauty.

Turning left, we passed a church which I think is a new one. Adding to my curiosity since in a street corner away the town basilica can also be found. It only proves how religious the Filipinos are.

As I’ve said after a few walk, we already see the Minor Basilica San Miguel de Archangel. Built at the height of Spanish influence, it is the largest church in Quezon province and boost of its long aisle perfect for a dream wedding. It was next to the town’s public school. The church was built in 1585 but it was only in 1855 that a major change in the church edifice was done. The church as they said had been witness to the town’s history. Inside the basilica’s compound lies the convent and old structures depicting the basilica’s park. Oh, how I love seeing old churches! It feels like I was living in the past.

After visiting the basilica we head straight to the town’s municipal plaza. But before that, we passed through the famous Casa de Comunidad de Tayabas.

It is just so unfortunate that we were not able to roam the entire Casa as we were told that it now houses the different offices of the town’s municipal. In front of the Casa is a ruin of an old Bahay na Bato. It add mystic to the place because of large trees growing inside the ruin.

Next to the Bahay na Bato is the town’s Plaza, across it is the town’s Municipal Hall. It is a modest Municipal office quite different from the neighboring counterpart.

The plaza is not really that big but it impressed me of how they were able to showcase the town’s beauty.

New business establishment already conquer this town. But I am happy for this as the town’s folk can have a glimpse of old and new life. I also make sure to see the town’s public market. My, in just 30 minutes you can visit almost all important places of the town. How lucky the people living in here! They have easy access to both public and private establishments.

After the short tour, we returned to our hosts’ house. Breakfast was readily prepared. I thought we already had one! On the table we had steam tilapia, Miki, hotdog, for the kids of course and a menu I am not familiar with. It was a chicken that was cooked similar to Tinola. Only that, it was cooked whole with Bihon or Vermicelli stuff inside and some seasoning. I’ve seen no herbs used. Very plain-looking but don’t be deceived by the picture. My, it tastes really good! I was wondering what ingredients were added to get a savory taste like this? The old man from the house told me that young native chicken is used to come out with a good taste. Such a simple dish with an excellent taste! They called the dish Chicken Deliente.

While having rest after that sumptuous brunch meal, the idea of cooling it off in a nearby resort comes into light. Of course, with the too much prodding from the kids! We did not waste time since we were supposed to go back to Manila at 2:00 PM. We head-off to Nawawalang Paraiso Resort andHotel as soon as we can. Again, it was a short drive from our host’s home. So by 10:30 AM we are already enjoying the real oh-so real cool spring water running in the pool.

Our gracious host, were good enough to provide us again with food to share for lunch/merienda. This time they prepared the well-known Pancit Habhab of Lucban. Again, I ate it habhab-style with vinegar to add some flavor. We were also treated to a Tortang Pako(fern) and our breakfast leftover and now my favorite, Chicken Deliente. To add sweetness to the menu we were also served Biko and Leche Flan. Another member of the family later joined us and brought us the famous Rodilla’s Yema Cake.

For the boys, of course who would want to miss a shot of another Quezon’s famous product? What else but Lambanog! A distilled coconut wine fermented from coconut sap. Today, Lambanog producers had become creative enough to come out with different flavors like bubble gum, grape and langka.

Our supposed 2 PM scheduled trip back home did not materialize as everybody were still enjoying the water. We left our host home at around 4 PM. On our way, we saw the now famous plane- restaurant, Air Summit Gourmet. We decided to drop by not to eat but take some photos. Oh, we do not want to lose the opportunity for IG sake! Near the Air Summit Gourmet is the Kamayan sa Palaisdaan, a floating restaurant.

Truly, Tabayas is a travel and tour destination you cannot resist! Rich in history and tradition while boosting of world class establishments. Next time you travel, include it in your travel bucket list. It's a place you can't resist!

As for me and my family, well we really had a good time and a good summer to remember. Now we can say, we OFFICIALLY ends summer here…