Whenever Filipinos travel, one thing is definite: We have to bring pasalubongs (gifts) for our family and friends back home. This has been a beautiful tradition and a well known trait of Filipinos thus, wherever you go in the country, there are sure to be pasalubong stores all around.
Quezon Province, a historic town south of Manila, is popular for their food and spirituality but most especially for their numerous pasalubongs. A visit to this province is not complete without a take home for the tourist’s loved ones.
From various KALAMAY (Rice cakes) to a variety of delicacies like BROAS, LADY FINGERS (camachile), PASTILLAS, CASSAVA CAKES and BOAT TARTS, there is never a shortage of selection for someone with the sweet tooth.
Quezon is also very popular for its LONGANISANG LUCBAN. A favorite for breakfast, visitors buy this by the dozen because this authentic variety cannot be found easily in the Metro. The price ranges from 70php ($1.7) per dozen for the small variety to 140php ($3.4) per dozen for the larger variety.
COCONUT or NIYOG is one of the main produce of the province. With the people’s ingenuity, they can make anything out of it. One of their most popular product is the LAMBANOG or our very own coconut vodka. With a selection of flavors, lambanog is an expected pasalubong of tourists coming from Quezon.
Indigenous materials are also abundant in the area. A showcase of the Quezonian’s creativity can be seen on BULI weaved materials,RAFFIA hand weaved products, POTTERY, COCONUT made handicrafts and various NATIVE home decors.
To get there:
By Bus/public transportation
From Manila, take the Lucena, Quezon bound bus.
Regular commercial buses ply the three-hour Manila-Lucena route. Bus terminals are located along EDSA-Kamuning in Quezon City, Araneta Center in Cubao, Buendia-Taft Avenues and EDSA in Pasay City.
On Private Car
via South Luzon Expressway
From Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and take the Calamba exit. Pass through the towns of Calamba, Los Baños, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta Cruz, Pagsanjan, Cavinti, Luisiana and then to the Province of Quezon.
Special thanks to the Department of Tourism for inviting us on this Culinary and Heritage trip to Quezon Province.
