Issue One: The Hitchhiker's Guide to Pakil Laguna

by Mira Celemin

Far out in the murky waters of the Laguna de bay, lies a small unregarded little town known as Pakil. This 'sleepy town' as it is called by city people is situated in the coordinates of 14* 22' 39 N & 121* 29' 8" E in the Sol star system of earth.

Now, I could give you all the facts and history of this little town but that task would be tremendous enough in this little space and far more quite appropriate for Wikipedia, Google maps and travel bloggers. But what I have here, as you are currently reading this, is a guide - a truly remarkable guide for those who wants to get to know Pakil in a locals' perspective entitled The Hitchhiker's Guide to Pakil, Laguna.

What you have to know about this gem of a guide is that its brilliant story starts simply, it starts with you.

THE CHURCH

If you found yourself in Pakil, Laguna stuck for a day with enough resources to go by then I suggest you start sight seeing. And where to start your conquest of sight seeing? Well, the church of course!

Right in the heart of Pakil, towering in its great magnificence stands proud the 18th century structure built by the town folks of Pakil. St. Peter of Alcantara parish has been destroyed and reconstructed altogether in the past years yet it still stops people from their tracks to marvel at its beauty. Make sure to enter the front doors of the church as it leads directly to the altar. The painting of Jose Dans' Judicium Finale will welcome you hauntingly along the right side of the church. Also, notice the crucified Jesus on the right of the entrance, as it is has a mighty role in Pakil. Being the Senor during the Holy Week, its hands could be detached and the image could be taken down from its position.

Other areas worthy to have a look are the choir loft, church bell tower, the second floor of the convent to which,the dresses of Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Turumba are displayed. And the Capilla de Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Turumba. Heading back to the church's grounds, the left side of the walls heading to the altar, is a visual record of the Church of St. Peter of Alcantara, its activities and milestones are on display for tourists and locals to see.

Outside the church courtyard, you will see stations of the cross portrayed through almost human-sized stone models. Then there's the newly constructed candle stand, where people can buy candles and again, pray for their intentions. Right beside it is the Pahalikan, where people could go up and touch and pray Our Lady of Turumba. It is directly behind the altar  so it is just climbing a few steps so you could reach it.

But before leaving, be sure to stop by the little shop on the way out of the convent, a little something to remind you of Pakil would be very nice indeed. I suggest you buy a "Damit ng Birhen" of Our Lady of Turumba, as it guarantees safety and Oil to cure for illness.

The church is opens daily. Peak seasons are mostly during the month of April for the 'Pistang Lupi' or 'Biatiko' and September for the Grand Turumba Festival. Tours are mostly serviced by Ka Efren.

THE PLAZA

Fancy taking a walk? Right after you come out of the church, you will immediately see the plaza. It is located right in front of the church to which the Spanish town designs were mostly constructed. (See all adjacent town in Laguna with the same structure) Now there isn't much to see in the plaza on a regular basis unless you want to meet some of our local heroes' monuments like Jose Rizal and Marcelo Adonay. But during the Months of April, May and October, the plaza is packed with Sideras and vendors of all shapes and sizes. And during September, the town is jam-packed with locals and devotees for Our lady of Turumba as it is the month of the Grand Turumba Festival. The basketball-laden plaza turns to a loud and heated dance floor due to fancy-dress wearing young Pakilenyos who celebrate Street Dancing Competitions. The plaza is the heart of Pakil whereby social and religious activities combine to celebrate the uniqueness and pride of Pakilenyos. So be sure to be here during September, this is an order.

DAN DALENA'S ART MUSEUM

If you think you like sipping black coffee, vintage houses and going to museums, then probably this is more of your taste. Located behind Plaza Rizal, Dan Dalena's Art Museum is a gold mine overflowing of artistic creativity. On its walls, are the numerous paintings by Danilo Dalena, a primed artisan in the field of painting in the Philippines. He was famous for his Jai Alai series and had been recognized by numerous art organizations for his bold and unique style that chronicled the times he lived in Pakil and his early life. The museum is open for public viewing for tourists and locals alike. Though Mr. Dan Dalena currently lives in Manila, make sure to check his displayed caricature and cross collection. Also, don't forget to be amazed at his vintage jukebox and old barber's chair, try a spin. Two little notes I would like to point out, the backyard is little odd place to have a no-where staircase and that Dan Dalena's signature in his paintings are more of like numbers. *wink*

MT. PING-AS

For the more adventurous taste, we got something up our sleeve, hiking~! To have your adrenaline pumping and fats burning, a hike up to Mt. Ping-as is best for you. Heading up the mountains isn't just a walk in the park - literally. It is also a spiritual journey, because as you head up atop the mountains, you would pass by stations of the cross, which are a favourite for pilgrims because they could overcome their spiritual journey and have some sight seeing and picnics while they are at it.

Also, when you found yourself visiting Pakil during the last Saturday of May, don't be shocked to learn that there aren't many people in town, because during this time, the people of Pakil are up in Mt. Ping-as celebrating the 'Pistang Pagpanaog' or the annual 'Ahunan sa Ping-as', whereby many activities are lined-up for  the whole-day.

SWIMMING POOL

 A relax and chill person, perhaps? We have something for you! Relax and take a dip at the Turumba Swimming Pool, its cold refreshing waters will calm your nerves and soothe your skin for a rejuvenating feeling - that or people could jump, run or trip on you on this public pool. This place is one of the bragging rights of Pakil for having a public pool and because it generates a lot of income for the town due to the Our Lady of Turumba devotees who frequent this place to attend the Turumba Festival during  April. Note: for that rejuvenating feeling that I'm talking about? It is best to avoid the month of April. May is usually a good time, but that's the time where the water gets really cold. Make sure you have your medical insurance for pneumonia or hypothermia. And no bathing at this place during Good Friday, because people say you are gonna turn into stone. When you visit, make sure to look at the protruding rock atop the tiled area. Okay? You'll be surprised.

WHITTLINGS

Thinking about taking something home? Well, I bet you would love our Pakil-made unique souvenirs. One of the pride of our little town is the 'Whittling' that we call. It's a very special delicate wood shaving technique exclusively made here in Pakil. Usually they are shaped in the form of a peacocks, birds, butterflies and fans through the uses of different knives with different thickness and young freshly cut solid branches. The prime place to get these whittlings is from E&R Handicrafts managed by Rudel San Gasper located at the outskirts of the town. They kept this long-standing tradition among Pakilenyos to keep it specifically unique to our town. Demos of these intricate whittlings crafts have been renowned worldwide and local demos are shared with tourists who wants to know more how these master carvers  create such a unique work of art.