Do you know of a town that welcomes you with a shot of the town’s most famous spirit? If you don’t, let me welcome you to the beautiful Quezon Province.
Spearheaded by the tourism of Quezon, they came up with a unique welcome to tourists visiting their province. Each visitor is welcomed with a shot of lambanog, a drink made of distilled coconut nectars more popularly and is one of the main produce of Tayabas, Quezon, from the tanggero. Once received, the visitor will say Na’ay po! (Here’s the drink!) to which the fellow drinkers will answer Pakinabangan po! (Make good use of it!) in unison. The cheering and clapping shows the appreciation and the warm hospitality of the locals of Quezon.
The practice or tradition of drinking by tagayan has always been a part of Filipino culture. A common glass is used which shows camaraderie among friends having a good time. Each tagay or shot is then cheered and passed on to every drinker by the tanggero. These gatherings or umpukan are
Filipinos love to have a good time! And the people of Quezon definitely showed us how this fun tradition is properly, and enthusiastically done.
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.
Photos from: nakakasawangpilipinas.blogspot.com
