Pahiyas, Truly Payas!

Pahiyas coming from the root word "Payas" which means to decorate using fruits and vegetables, is how the people of Lucban celebrate the Pahiyas festival of harvest and blessings.

Colorful trinkets made of "kiping," edible fruit, rice (grain) and fresh vegetables (best choice from the harvest); adorn the windows, door, wall of the entire house in Lucban Quezon.  Oh and even sausages "Lucban longganisa" pierced together on a line (like a banner) to complete the meal :)

The streets are filled with food, hats of every form and shape, food again, some kids toys, "anik-anik", more food and refreshments to fight the scorching heat of the sun.  One can easily grab (though hard to choose) from the various selection of hats, caps, umbrella, fan convertible to vietnamese-like hat for a (way) markdown price.

And while you cover up from the sun, make sure you cover your mouth with "hab-hab," the local noodle or pansit which is eaten without fork (or spoon) and served with a plate called banana leaf.

Coconut-leaves-made-bag or what is popularly known as "bayong" highlights this festival as the province of Lucban implemented a no-plastic zone.

What more? Gowns of beauty pageant contestants were made of earth-friendly material too like peanut sack and some indigenous materials.  The ladies' smile show how wonderful they feel about doing Mother Earth good.

This year has proven that creativity wont outlast the Filipino heritage.  The people of Lucban continously amaze me, like it is always my first experience.  I and some friends of Nature Awareness Club (NACCI) have been going with busfull of guests year after year.  Same companions, same food, same destination, but a whole new experience!

Thank You Lucban for sharing the Pahiyas festival to the world! A living proof of the richness of Filipino culture. See you next year! Click Here to read more about Pahiyas  [Photos courtesy of NACCI founder Violet, Brianlex  &  Ric Stars]

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