The first community of Pakil was organized and founded by Fr. Pedro Bautista (later canonized as a saint, San Pedro Bautista) in 1588 and he designated a place for the church and plaza in Pakil. Back then, Pakil was a visita of Paete until 1676 when Fr. Francisco de Barajas was assigned as permanent minister and helped establish the first church under the patronage of San Pedro de Alcantara. Continue Reading »
E & R Handicrafts
At the edge of the town heading towards the town of Pangil, you will find E&R Handicrafts which is famous for its wood filigree products . It is here where soft wood from the lanite, anlang and malapapaya trees, which are mere weeds in the forest are shaped, whittled and carved into miniature decor items. Continue Reading »
Awit ng Turumba
Turumba, Turumba Mariangga
Matuwa tayo’t magsaya
Sumayaw ng Tu-Turumba
Puri sa Birhen Maria, Sa Birhen!
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Who is General Cailles?
The General Cailles Memorial District Hospital in Tavera Street, Pakil is one of the first hospitals established in Laguna. It was built in 1957 under the watch of Dr. Jose Kamatoy who was at that time the head of the Laguna Provincial Hospital in Sta. Cruz. But who is General Cailles?
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Saint Peter of Alcantara
Peter was born in the town of Alcantara, province of Caceres in Spain in the year 1499. His father was the governor of Alcantara, while his mother was from the Sanabia family which was one of the noble families in Alcantara. Upon completing his course in grammar and philosophy in Alcantara, he went on to study at the University of Salamanca.
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Early Accounts of the Turumba
In the course of my research about the Turumba Festival in Pakil, I have come across a number of books documenting its history. One book that I came across was written by Alejandro Roces entitled, Fiestas in the Philippines. In his book Mr. Roces came across a book written in the 19th century entitled, Twenty Years in the Philippines Aventures d’un Gentilhomme Breton aux iles Philippines. Its author, Paul Proust Dela Gironiere was a French Naval surgeon lived in the town of Jala-Jala, in the province of Rizal during the 1830′s. In his book, he wrote one of the earliest descriptions of the Turumba Festival.
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Turumba Festival
During the months of April and May, the town of Pakil celebrates the Turumba Festival. The festival commemorates the seven sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is the reason why festivities are held 7 times between the months of April and May. The first is held on the Friday before Palm Sunday. Succeeding events are held with 9 day intervals between them. The last event falls on Pentecost Sunday.
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Panghulo (Turumba Springs)
Located in Barangay Baño, the Turumba Springs Resort or the Panghulo (formerly known as Nuestra Señora delos Dolores de Turumba Swimming Pool) has attracted people from neighboring towns to enjoy the clear water coming from the mountain tops of the Sierra Madre. Continue Reading »
Dalena House
Another attraction in Pakil is the house of National Artist Danilo Echavarria Dalena where his best paintings can be seen. His critically acclaimed series’ Jai Alai, Alibangbang can be viewed in his home. The house is located across the town plaza and facing the church. Before taking up painting, he worked as an illustrator and political cartoonist during the Marcos years.
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