Lucena, Philippines
Region: Quezon
Geographic Coordinates: 13.933300, 121.617000
Temperature Range: 23.0°C to 33.0°C (73°F to 91°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with two seasons: dry and wet.
Population: 278924
Language: Tagalog
Lucena is a highly urbanized city located in the province of Quezon, Philippines. It is considered as the commercial, Educational and transportation hub of the Southern Tagalog Region. The city has a population of over 266, 000 people according to the latest census and covers an area of approximately 80 square kilometers. The city’s name was derived from Lucban and Tayabas, Which were two towns that used to be part of Quezon Province. Lucena City was established in 1961 after President Carlos P. Garcia signed Republic Act No. 3271 that separated it from Tayabas Province.
Lucena City boasts a rich cultural heritage with its numerous historical landmarks such as the St. Ferdinand Cathedral, Perez Park and Quezon Convention Center – all testaments to its colorful past. The St Ferdinand Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lucena City due to its stunning architecture and intricate design details. Aside from its historical landmarks, Lucena City also offers several natural attractions such as Mount Banahaw – an active volcano that attracts hikers and nature enthusiasts alike who want to experience breathtaking views at its summit.
The city’s economy largely relies on agriculture with rice being one of their main crops followed by coconut palms, Bananas, Mangoes and other fruits. In recent years however, There has been an increase in industrialization with more businesses setting up shop within the area thanks to favorable government policies aimed at promoting economic growth. Lucena City also has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars and clubs catering to both locals and tourists alike who want to unwind after a long day exploring what this beautiful city has to offer.
it is worth mentioning that Lucena City is known for having some of the friendliest people you will ever meet anywhere in the world! Visitors are always welcomed with open arms by locals who are proud of their culture and eager to share it with others – making this destination a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Filipino experience.
- Saint Ferdinand Cathedral
- Quezon Provincial Capitol
- Perez Park and Monument
- Lucena Grand Central Terminal
- Enchanted Kingdom Laguna (located nearby)
- Kamay ni Hesus Shrine and Healing Center (located nearby)
- Diversion Road Sports Complex
- Lucena City Museum
- Graceland Estates and Country Club (located nearby)
- Agriculture – Lucena is known for its agricultural products such as rice, coconut, and fruits.
- Manufacturing – The city has several manufacturing companies that produce food products, garments, furniture, and construction materials.
- Retail – There are many retail businesses in Lucena including supermarkets, malls, and small shops.
- Services – The city also has a growing service industry with banks, hotels, restaurants and other service-oriented businesses.
- Education – There are several universities and colleges in the city that provide education to students from different parts of the country.
- Health Care – Lucena has a number of hospitals and medical centers that offer health care services to residents of the city and neighboring areas.
- Tourism – The city is home to several tourist destinations including beaches, parks,and historical sites which attract both local and foreign visitors.
- The establishment of the town in 1571 by Spanish conquistadores led by Juan de Salcedo.
- The town was named after a Spanish governor-general, Simón de Anda y Salazar’s wife, Lucia.
- During World War II, Lucena was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945.
- In 1951, Lucena was declared a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 327 signed by President Elpidio Quirino.
- Notable people from Lucena include former Philippine presidents Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña Sr., who both played crucial roles in the country’s struggle for independence against colonial rule.
- Other notable individuals include Filipino actor Fernando Poe Jr., singer-actress Nora Aunor, and basketball player Mark Caguioa.
- The city is also known for its annual Pasayahan sa Lucena festival held every May in honor of its patron saint San Isidro Labrador and showcasing local culture through street dancing competitions and food fairs.
- Lucena Cathedral – a historic Catholic church built in 1881.
- Quezon Memorial Park – a public park dedicated to the first Philippine president, Manuel L. Quezon.
- Perez Park – a scenic park with a playground, walking paths, and picnic areas.
- Museo de La Salle – a museum showcasing the history of De La Salle University and its founder St. John Baptist de La Salle.
- Casa de Segunda – an ancestral house turned museum that showcases the lifestyle of wealthy Filipinos during the Spanish colonial period.
- Lucena Grand Central Terminal- A modern transport hub that connects travelers to different parts of Luzon.
- Kamay ni Hesus Shrine – A popular pilgrimage site featuring life-sized statues depicting scenes from Jesus Christ’s life.
- Pagbilao Power Station – One of the largest power plants in Luzon which offers tours to visitors.
- Lucban Church – A beautiful Baroque-style church located in nearby town Lucban.
- Tiaong Town Plaza- A charming plaza with Spanish-inspired architecture and is home to several historical landmarks such as Tiaong Heritage Houses and San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church.
- Pista ng San Isidro Labrador is a religious festival held every May 15th to honor the patron saint of farmers and agriculture.
- Pasayahan sa Lucena is a week-long celebration held every May that showcases the city’s culture, history, arts, and cuisine.
- Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is a religious festival held every February 11th to honor the Virgin Mary.
- Kawayan Festival is a celebration held every June that showcases bamboo products and crafts.
- Buhayani Festival is an annual commemoration held on September 27th that honors local heroes who showed heroism during World War II.
- Lucena City Foundation Day is an annual celebration on August 20th marking the founding anniversary of Lucena City as an independent city from Tayabas Province.
- Kaaldawan Iraya Festival celebrates indigenous culture in Quezon province through dance performances and traditional games usually taking place in Baranggay Ilayang Dupay in April or May depending on their calendar.
- Agawan Festival celebrates harvest season by showcasing bountiful harvests through street dancing competition usually happening on February 14th in Baranggay Cotta where farmers reside.
- Lucban San Isidro Pahiyas Festival highlights colorful decorations made out from vegetables like kiping (rice wafers) for houses to honor San Isidro Labrador who is also known as patron saint for farmers which happens nearby Lucena City but not within its borders on May 15th.
- 1. Pancit Habhab is a well-known noodle dish in Lucena that is served on a banana leaf and eaten without utensils.
- 2. Longganisang Lucban is a garlicky sausage made from pork, originating from nearby Lucban.
- 3. Kakanin includes various types of rice cakes such as bibingka, puto, and kutsinta that are popular in Lucena.
- 4. Buddy’s Restaurant is renowned for its pancit habhab and other traditional Filipino dishes.
- 5. Pacific Mall Food Court offers a variety of local food stalls serving dishes like sinigang, adobo, and lechon kawali.
- 6. Graceland Restaurant is famous for their crispy pata (deep-fried pork knuckles) and halo-halo (a dessert made with shaved ice, milk, fruits, and sweet beans).
- 7. Kamayan sa Palaisdaan located by the lake in Tayabas City (near Lucena), this restaurant serves fresh seafood dishes like grilled tilapia and shrimp sinigang.
- 8. A&A Native Delicacies offers various kakanin such as cassava cake, sapin-sapin, and suman sa ibos at affordable prices.
- Perez Park is a public park situated in the heart of Lucena City, providing visitors with a playground, jogging path, and picnic areas.
- Quezon Provincial Capitol Park is a vast park filled with lush greenery and benches for relaxation.
- Pacific Mall Lucena is a shopping mall that offers various recreational activities such as arcade games, bowling alleys, and movie theaters.
- Lucena Grand Central Terminal serves as a transportation hub that offers bus rides to different destinations across Luzon.
- Enchanted Kingdom Laguna is an amusement park located just an hour away from Lucena City that provides thrilling rides and attractions for all ages.
- Kamay ni Hesus Shrine & Healing Center serves as a religious site with beautiful gardens, statues of saints, and healing masses every Wednesday and Saturday.
- Villa Escudero Plantations & Resort serves as an eco-tourism destination located just 30 minutes away from Lucena City that provides various outdoor activities like bamboo rafting, bird watching, fishing, and cultural shows showcasing Filipino traditions.
- Mt Banahaw Trekking Trail is popular among nature enthusiasts who wish to explore the beauty of Banahaw Mountain Range which is considered one of the sacred mountains in the Philippines.
