A New Summer Capital During summer, my family has a chance to have a break from our work and studies. We travel to a place to relax our mind and body. We go for outings like swimming and visiting beautiful places. With these in mind, We proceed to Lucban, Quezon, my mother’s hometown, where we find comfort, refreshment and enjoyments to spend here our summer. Yearly, every summer, I’ve got to taste delightful moments just there in my New Summer Capital, Lucban. Arriving to the town proper, Lucban never failed to fascinate us. From the scenery that welcomes us to its food that awaits, I can always say that packing for this trip and the three-hour drive is very worth it. First of all, Lucban is known for its heritage houses. It seems that time itself turns backward. It gives us the glimpse of the past. With this, I feel joyous that Philippines can preserve some of our ancestors’ inheritance. Second, we make sure to visit the famous Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, a religious place noted for its stations of the cross on a hill climbing 300 steps. After struggling to reach the top, the overlooking view of the town relieves my exhaustion. Being so close to the sky is just a superb feeling. Third is their delicious specialties we never skip to eat. Their very own longganisa fits my taste. It is less sweet and have a garlicly taste. Their Pancit Habhab is also included in the list. It’s taste is lasting to my mouth. Without the spoon nor the fork, we eat it by “habhab”. Lifting the banana leaf, a substitute of a plate, it is eaten close to the mouth sliding the tongue through the delicious saucy pancit. Moreover, we don’t eat and visit place only. We’ve got to witness the town’s effort of organizing these events. One is the Pahiyas Festival. My heart seems to celebrate with the feast of St. Isidore, their patron saint. With those ancient houses decorated, no words can describe how fascinating it is. Also, the January 9th in Quiapo happens there. With the teenage boys pulling the hardworkingly the float of the Señor with a rope like the devotees of Nazareno, I was astonished. These are the two events my family looks forward to every year, every summer. Brushed by the cold wind of Lucban like Tagaytay and Baguio, It always comes to mind that this is the new summer capital.
—KARIZ BAUTISTA