A QUICKTRIP TO QUEZON!

Mayora Arlene of Bustos called me up and asked if I would like to go with them for a short trip, I quickly said, “Yes.”

At around five o’clock in the morning, Elene, her daughter was so prepared that the car rolled at about less than an hour reaching University of Santo Tomas. This is the alma mater of Elene and gladly knew that the Mayor of Bustos, so as Madam Arlene finished their studies at this same institution, the oldest Catholic school in Asia.  Having eaten my breakfast, hurriedly I took some pictures of the grandeur of the facade o the school.

Ten minutes passed and we were on the road again straight to Juliet’s home. She is the househelper of the family that longed to visit her own family for a three-day-vacation. The mayora intended to go with Juliet of course with Bella and I with Alex our driver on our way to Pagbilao, Quezon.  It was a 400 kilometers from Bustos and a four hour drive.

Mountains of greens, clean surroundings, breath taking views and cool breeze of the air filled our enthusiasm until we reached the place.

Juliet’s family hut is located by a half kilometer walk on a muddy, watery, slippery trek through the summit of a not so high mountain. Simple living, house made of nipa and bamboo, surrounded by mango trees, rambutan and even dragonfruit stems. With no source of electricity.

   

 

 We had a short talk with her family, their way of life with the mountains, had our suman sa ibos as  merienda and we bade goodbye.

It was barely 15 minutes late for lunch so we looked for a place to eat. We found FIESTA MEAL STOP in Silangang Mayo in Lucena where we were served with Tulingan wrap in banana leaf, dinuguan, sinigang na baka, and my choice ginataang pusit. Just before we left the place, the Mayora bought pasalubongs like longganisang Lucban, pastillas, kalamay or tikoy made from Lucena, broas and other sweet products. On our way we bought rambutan and lanzones.

We then stopped a while to a church and offered prayers to St. Francis of Assisi in Sariaya, Quezon

At around four o clock in the afternoon, we found ourselves dining in Guilbert’s Place in Tabang, Plaridel. We were served with Fresh Buko Juice. Our main course consisted of Fried Chicken wrapped in Pandan leaves, Pork Chop, and Sizzling Balot.

We headed home at about seven in the evening, bearing with me, another once in a lifetime experience on a Quicktrip from Pagbilao, Quezon!