Sariaya, Quezon is a first class, partly urban community of about 138,894 people (2010 est.) some 124 kms. Southeast of Metro Manila via the SLEX, the third town along the Maharlika Highway from the Laguna-Quezon boundary. This only Mount Banahaw town with a sea coast gently slopes fan – shaped southwards to the therapeutic fine black sands of Tayabas Bay … the “Beach Playground of Quezon Province”, with DOT – accredited attractions such as Dalampasigan, Paraiso, and Villa del Prado beach resorts, as well as the ship simulator New SIM Training Academy near the beautiful Montevista Beach Resort, not to mention a mangrove and a turtle hatchling release area. The land is fertile, especially in the cool, scenic, northerly Mount Banahaw foothills of Barangay Mamala that yield high – grade produce, where some organic farming is actively advocated and practiced. Old Sariaya is synonymous with the 1743 St. Francis of Assisi Church, the “miraculous” 18th century icon “Santo Cristo de Burgos”, opulent ancestral houses wherein three have been declared National Historical Institute Heritage Houses with markers, the Art Deco style Municipio designed by National Artist Juan Arellano, the Gabaldon style public school building, other graceful edifices, and even old curious ruins. These time – honored souvenirs never fail to charm particularly when embellished with time – honored heirloom stories or “Kuwentong Bayan”, old customs, local folklore and religious traditions, dished out with its inherent brand of Tagalog … an altercation between the old “Tayabense” lilt of Quezon and the harsh tones of Batangas. Warm and whole - hearted Sariayahin hospitality is best experienced during the “Happy Pandemonium” of the Agawan Festival on May 15th , and the lavish town fiesta of September 14th, with a taste of its “Puwersado sa Recado” traditional cuisine. The very dynamic Sariaya Tourism Council has institutionalized the Lenten “Dulaang Lansangan” and the colorful Yuletide-inspired “Belen Festival” in December. Yet, a visit or a heritage tour of Sariaya is never complete without trooping to its bakeries for “Pinagong”, “Broas”, “Apaz”, and “Pianono” among others, as well as its “Pasalubong” stores for that steamed rice-based specialty called “Tamales” and creamy, home-made “Pastillas” candies in various flavors. Experience Sariaya … a town like no other. You’ll never tire of returning again, again and again . . .
Posted on: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 22:55:31 +0000
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