I was a bit nervous because the weather here in Manila was acting like crazy for the past few days. Pat and I were the only ones that enlisted in that tour from our group of friends. We tried informing a number of people but most of them also have other appointments for the same day. Oh well, so the search for the meeting place was the next task pat and ian had to accomplish.

I was already awake several  minutes before my mobile phone rang. I think i have this biological alarm clock embedded inside me. Whenever I need to wake-up for a certain time I just tell it to my self several times before I sleep and voila! I was in the MRT North Edsa Station earlier than expected a little before 6am. pat arrived a bit late than expected at around 6:25am. We arrived in Ayala Station almost 7am. Good thing Miss Elvie (of the Museum Foundation) was just pushing us to hasten our pace in going to the parking lot of the San Antonio Church in Makati.

The bus left and after everyone settled Ms. Tina Decal gave us an overview of what to expect for the tour. The way she explains and narrates stories was enjoyable and very informative. At that moment pat and I was chatting also of several things under the sun.

Yep! After the more than five hour journey (Our driver must have been extra careful we arrived in Tayabas, Quezon at past 12 in the afternoon... Instead of proceeding with the walking tour of Tayabas our tour guide Mr. Ryan Palad from Tayabas suggested we eat our lunch first then proceed with the itinerary afterwards (We're late though)...

Mi Casa en Tayabas is a 3-storey house that has preserved much of its old world charm. This bed and breakfast serves as an ideal weekend retreat from bustling city life. Fee free to roam around the compound and to visit their charming rooms

What's on the Menu: Pinais, Delino, Pansit habhab, hipon gata with pako, Mi Casa seafood version kare kare, rice, buko juice, and santol gelatin.

(I didn't enjoy the exotic food too much- knowing that I have developed a taste for Filipino food that are usually home cooked by either my mom and dad -who are by the way the best in our town. The food tasted exquisitely Filipino. The flavors are new and it is delectably pleasurable according to the other people I'm with. I loved the deserts though and the fresh buko juice!)

Right after we proceeded with the tour in this manner: (pls click to see the albums with the corresponding photos)

Mr. Ryan (our tour guide in Tayabas) started walking and we did these stuff:

:: A visit to Mallari Distillery of export-quality Lambanog.
:: Visit Casa de Comunidad
:: A walk along the Historical Malagonlong Bridge

The places reminded me of Ilocos in a way.

We visited the local church...

:: Pray at the Basilica de San Miguel Archangel and take a climb up the bell tower
:: Browse through the Diocesan Museum

And of course I made my wishes there... hehehe. We boarded the bus right after the quick walking tour with Mr. Ryan. We proceeded to Sariaya right after. It's about 20-25minutes ride from the stone bridge in Tayabas.

Sariaya Church and Convent: It's my first time in the church and I never forget to make my three wishes after thankin God for everything... I loved this church! The retablo and ambiance of the place is truly calming and worth more than a thousand words...

The next part of the tour was visiting three ancestral houses and witnessing a welcoming ritual of people from Quezon in one of the said house. And my most awaited merienda and shopping of course. We went to these ancestral houses:

We are privilege to see and take some pictures of Ancestral houses in Sariaya Quezon. In this album would be: Marquez Mansion y Petra Obispo Ancestral House. The former had a magnificent facade and an impressive art deco ceiling with colored glass accent. My favorite part on the later house was the painted walls and ceilings that reminds you of houses in abroad. The sweet buko juice that was also served was truly delicious. We arrived at the highlight of the ancestral houses tour.The Carmen Rodriguez Arguelles Ancestral House designed by Juan Nakpil was truly a work of art on it's own. The colors schemes on every room and the well-maintained pieces of furniture were a feast for the eyes. After roaming around for several minutes and taking pictures of the last spot for the tour Ms. Decal guided us out of the house and straight to the restaurant in the back of the house. The food was very tasty. I loved the pancit (I just can't remember if it was Machi) and the delectable taste of their cassava cake... A long day has passed and I arrived home at around 11:15pm. Where would I go next?

PS: I was in the Pahiyas Festival last year with family too.