Lucena, Quezon Province

Lucena is always on my bucket list. That's why I'm so happy when my friend kaloy  invited us to Lucena. His post-bday celebration. highlights: island hopping and overnight camping @Kwebang Lampas. :)

There's just so many reasons why the place is on my bucketlist. One is to actually to devour on their Pancit and Longganisa! Ofcourse ive tasted pancit and longganisa for crying out loud, but not Lucena's style.

After the Island hopping and the beach camping at  pagbilao, the  birthday boy gave us a glimpse of the city. and yes, he let our taste bud  experience the taste of lucena.

Lucena was originally a barrio of Tayabas town then the capital of the Province of Tayabas. Geographically, The city proper is wedged between two rivers, Dumacaa River on the east and Iyam River on the west. Seven other rivers and six creeks serve as natural drainage for the city.Being the provincial capital, Lucena is host to most of the branches of governmental agencies, businesses, banks and service facilities in the southern tagalog region. source: wikipedia

from kaloy's place, we  walked going to one of the best resto in town, Buddy's Resto. Im so elated by the fact that i'll be visiting this resto, when  i was still working in a Lawfirm in Ortigas, Buddy's Pancit always top the list for our merienda. I just can't contain the feeling that i will be seeing the resto that is located in lucena.

*Buddy's ortigas branch is located  near tektite Tower*

As we traverse our way to Buddy's,this magnificent century-old house caught our attention. Superb! beautifu,bewitching, captivating, charming!

Love at first sight! :)

Anyway, the long walk is worth'it. Finally at Buddy's. Paki labas ang pancit! now na! :)

Buddy's seemed like the benchmark for delicious pancit and longganisa. It's a two-story resto, the ambiance is festive, the kiping or the rice crepe  that is famous in Lucban add colors to the place. we go upstairs but it was a bit crowded, so we opted to stay on the 1st floor. 

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We actually waited for a few minutes before our order was served, but doesn't matter anyway, for hungry LLantuagon's like us,we immediately dig in!

I always thought this is Embutido, ohh It's Hardinera

Look at those big chunks of Lechon!

It was my first time to eat at buddy's in lucena, although i have tasted their version of the pancit bought from their branch at Ortigas, surely nothing beats the original. :)

Eating is always fun when with friends! :)

*****

After the soumptous lunch at Buddy's, we went to Lucena Grand terminal to catch a bus bound to Manila.This terminal is one of the best bus terminals for me (same goes with Naga Grand Terminal). I don't know, but i  just love seeing those big buses with signs going to different part of Quezon and other nearby provinces. ohh plus the many pasalubong stalls around! 

                                                     

XoXo

Pagbilao,Quezon Province

March na, summer na, kaya mag beBeach kami! my friends are so mainstream noh?HAHA :) 

         LLantuagons!  taken @Patayan Island. 
                          

It was actually Kaloy's  birthday treat for us. BIG Three Zero-- 30! :)
So,early morning of March 9, together with my friends wawoy,ate belle and Aba, we meet up at Cubao area, took a bus going Lucena. I was told that we have to travel for about 5-6 hours to get there. good thing  we've got chowfan while onboard. :)

Pantawid Gutom :)

We arrived  @SM Lucena in time for lunch.

Finally! after almost 5hrs  Bus ride.

a quick  visit to the supermarket is  a must!

SugarBeets! :) 

we waited  for Thor (a certified LLantuagon too!) then we took a trike that will bring us to Dalahican Port. Ate belle and I was so excited about the boat ride, so upon hearing the word "port",  I was so delighted.

excited for the Boat ride!

Dalahican Port is actually Port of Lucena, known as the gateway and melting port city of Southern Luzon. It is considered as one of the most important commercial and trading center of Southern Tagalog.  It has a rich fishing ground which supplies fishes and seafoods. source:pdosoluz.com.ph

Im euphoric this time upon seeing the boat that we errrr, that kaloy rented. (ok he's so mayaman that price not an issue.hehe) perks about renting a boat is that you own your time, you can island hop like there's no  tomorrow, and you can enjoy the rest of the trip without the hassle.ika  nga chill, like a boss! :)

Truth is, Im scared about small boats. No, not phobias or something,  It's just that im not used to it. Im used to Big boats like those traveling  from tabaco port  going to our province. anyway, armed with excitement and confidence, I braved the waves and just had fun with the boat ride together with my friends. :)

Our own version of Hummer :)

And off we go! Island Hopping :)

countless "ayyy!" and "ghaaad!"

Braving the waves!

we've checked  two Islands before heading to the ever elusive Kwebang Lampas.  

I was so amazed by the beautiful floating Island! I can equate the feeling of seeing an artista in flesh (hollywood actors ok?hehe)! It was low tide when we arrived in the island, so the small island was actually floating,  with fine white sand & crystal blue waters.

floating island

Beaming faces! :)

rak'en'roll :)

perfect for  Pre-Nup photoShoot :)

Trying so hard for a great jumpshot!

                                                                             

                         One of my most-loved pic! :)                 

Next island- Patayan Island.  na'wierdohan ako sa name ng Island.Creepy! But it was as good as the floating island. known for its revealing picturesque seascapes,  This strip of sand is about 300 to 400 meters, a nice place to jog if your not in the mood for swimming.

They call this as the sandbar or "Tulay-Buhangin". This is partly submerged during high tide.

Another most-loved pic.haha Jumpshot! :)

Under the heat of the Sun!
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Finally,after all the adrenaline rush 'coz of island hopping  off to our final destination-KWEBANG LAMPAS :)

untouched beauty and preserved nature.

A hidden paradise in Quezon. This private beach is available to the public.It is accessible by boat and by land. It boast white sand, pristine water, scenic views and beautiful limestone rock formations that form a unique cave, thus the Kwebang Lampas. I think  one of the reason why this place remains uncrowded and have preserved its beauty is 'coz of it's location. You have to travel for about 5-6 hours to get here(if coming from Manila). from bus to jeepney to tricycle to boat and a bit of trekking if you will take the pagbilao route.But a true Nature-lovers and adventure-seekers will love this place. Paraiso! ♪♫ :)

like most of the islands in Quezon, you can camp here as well. Ideal for camping, caving, swimming, stargazing, Perfect for bonding with family and friends! ohhh plus the trees serves as free sanctuary. but we opted to rent a cottage, beside it we pitched our tent.

Camping ground

Pretty belle with the kweba as the backdrop :)

Haven of campers :)

Paradise!

Preparing our dinner slash pulutan :)

Ihaw'ihaw din pag may time. haha :)

There's a lone sari-sari store in the area. They serve biscuits, soft drinks, junk foods, coffee  cigarettes,noodles and even liquor, but expect for a much higher price. If you want to take a bath you have to pay for the water per container.

we maximize our time, live life to the fullest ang peg ika nga :) 

off to the cave!

Playing with sea urchin!

Loving the sea water :)

Reminds me of the Catanduanes map. :)
******

Btw, kwebang Lampas is located in Barangay Isla Polo in Pagbilao, Quezon

We leave Kwebang lampas the next day. Im not a beach bum, pero marami na din akong beach escapades, yet this kwebang lampas summer escapade top my list.  :)

xoxo

How to get here:
If coming from Manila, you can take Buses bound to Lucena. From Lucena, you can   rent boats/banca  @ dalahican port that will bring you to the Island. (which include Island hopping).  There is also a pagbilao route,that include a bus-jeepney-trike transfer and little trekking. 

Manila-SMLucena Bus - P250

Lunch -  P150/pax

Groceries - P2,000

SMLucena-Dalahican port -  P10/pax

Rented Boat - P3,000? (don't know talaga the price,sagot ni kaloy.hehe)

cottage - P150                          

container of water - P50

extra expenses while at the beach - P250