Note: This was written by the author for a newsletter (?) back in 2001.

Pakil, Laguna is a small provincial town, in a small corner of the Philippines, which is a small island in a small corner of the world. The town is so small, quiet, and unobtrusive that it’d really be quite easy to miss if you’re just passing by on the highway. But to miss Pakil is to miss out on a gem. Besides being the very inspiration for the creation of Pakil East and the former home for so many of us, Pakil is the quintessential Philippine province. From its narrow streets, beautiful antique houses, its ancient church, and up to its lively plaza, Pakil exudes a sense of timelessness and grace. Even as houses change, children grow and people come and go, the small hometown essence of Pakil still remains the same. Continue Reading »

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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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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