LAGUNA DIARIES: Foodspotting during 2012 11th Bangkero Festival

Who does not love fiestas? I bet everyone does. Of course, it's a celebration! All the people are in a festive mood and ready to forget their worries even for just a while.

Apart from that, fiestas or festivals brings out all the culinary masterpieces, or even un-culinary, of their beloved town. That's why during Pagsanjan, Laguna's Bangkero Festival, I knew that there would be lots of street foods at the plaza. And it sure did not disappoint.

Here's a rundown of what I had, some repeatedly:

Japanese siomai from a food cart for only P25.00. I liked mine with lots of garlic and I super enjoyed this!

The woman in orange opened an AK savings account with us and she mentioned that she hoped that we could drop by her stall and she will give a good deal. So since we  had not lunch yet, we went and she added lots of fillings on our shawarma. Nice doing business with you, ma'am.

One of my absolute faves in street foods--Shredded corn with margarine, sugar and cheese! I got this 3x in 3 days, for P20.00, sure made my day. The weather was giving lots of rainshowers but we survived it. Thanks to these 'comforting' foods.

Kuya Bobby!

A revelation for me-- I always see this here in Manila but I don't give it a second glance. I just did not care. But I gave it a shot here and I became an instant fan! The coconut meat that is a key ingredient is so fresh and over all, the Buko Shake was so refreshing. Totally loved it. I tried the Manila version of this, and somehow, the taste is not quite the same. I had repeat orders of this one.

'Sinful' snacks =) They came in droves during the festival

Innards, intestines, chicken skin..they got it! Deep fried to perfection and seasoned just right. Always a sure hit with the masses because it tastes so good yet so bad for the health especially for those with health concerns related to high cholesterol and the like. Just saying =)

I got P10.00 worth of chicken skin and its so good! But a word of caution to those with health concerns, just get 1 or 2 then stop it, or else... Hehe! I know you probably know that already. By the way, this chicken skin is good to be eaten all by itself or with rice, just dip it in vinegar. Yum!

Kindly manang who got camera-shy. Thanks!

Of course, you cannot go home without pasalubong. The main roads all over the province is lined with places like the one shown above. Just take your pick. Me, I just got Uraro and Shingaling.

All in all, it was so fun. I love events like this! =)

LAGUNA DIARIES: Pagsanjan

Laguna is one of the most accessible provinces near Manila. Tourist spots are abundant and these places encompasses the rich culture and traditions of the province.

I got the opportunity to go to one of Laguna's greatest pride which is the town of Pagsanjan, for work, during the 11th Bangkero Festival. I was so ecstatic! The last time I went here was when I was still 7 years old, such a long time ago already. I'm in my late 20s now. Haha! I went here for 3 days in just a week, each time returning back to Manila then going back to this quaint town again. I loved the travel so I had fun.

Pagsanjan is 92kms south of Manila. Around 2-3hrs travel time depending on the traffic. Its nickname is the "Tourist Capital of Laguna". They have here the famed Pagsanjan Falls (old name was Magdapio Falls) and the century-old ancestral houses that line up along J.P. Rizal St. A trip here is like transporting to a different time, back to the era that is said to have vanished already.

Let me share what I did during my quick trip here:

The town's Puerta Real (stone town gate) which is so old and weathered already. This great location start marks the ancestral trip so much more because you feel the old vibe of the town. It really is charming. For me. this is what I appreciate in trips, a cultural significance. It was built in 1878-1880 by the town's locals and it was made from adobe, lime and carabao's milk. History states that in December 8, 1877, bandits came to loot the town  but it was said that they were stopped by an apparition of a beautiful lady holding aloft a shining sword. That's why this stone gate was created, to express gratitude for the intercession.   

I asked for permission from the group of policemen who were on duty at this old stone gate. There were vehicles of all sorts passing around and I would not like to be interfere in their regular jam.

The town's history

The ancestral houses along JP Rizal St.

True! Also, the people are so kind and welcoming. An easy smile is easily given to an asking tourist or passersby. The people also makes the place good or bad.

The Ejercito's has ruled the town for quite a long time now. This is what you will see at the town plaza. As long as they are doing a good job then I guess, that's alright. Everyone happy, right?

The town's municipal hall is also a historic site declared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Truly a town with historical relevance.

During the 11th Bangkero Festival, they held a painting contest. I took a peek at the entries and there was a lot of good ones. Shown above are the works of art that I just compiled in one frame.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish

Per Wikipilipinas, Our Lady of Gudalupe Church was made with nipa and wood by Fr. Agustin de la Magdalena in 1687, reconstructed in 1690 , improved in 1853, added transept in 1872 and damaged during World War II. It has a three-level early -Renaisssance facade with semicircular arched main entrance and choir loft window. The church houses the image of Our lady of Guadalupe, a gift from Mexico.

Silent as a tomb yet peaceful like day.

This is a unique chandelier for a church. The first one that I have seen and I have seen quite a number already. I liked it.

Inside the parish, there is a small entrance leading to the side chapel and this is the sight that you will see once you step inside it. It's like a feeling of discovering something important. I felt like , a la Indiana Jones. =)

This is the side chapel that I entered all by my lonesome, with only the cleaning guy doing his task near the entrance, so in short,  I was just alone. I felt a spooky feeling, maybe because the lighting was a bit poor inside, and my thoughts are running wild. Haha! But I liked the interior.

Sorry but I got a bot spooked by this image. It's not that saintly for me. =)

Old but well-kept. Simple yet rich.

Too bad I was not able to go to the falls because of lack of time since I went here for official reasons, but that's alright since if I go, I want to savor the experience. Next time, I sure hope so. I really want to go to the Devil's Cave which is behind the Pagsanjan Falls. Oohh, I can just imagine it now. =)