Christmas road trip in Luzon

With the traffic gridlock in most parts of the metropolis, a road trip to the countryside has become so tempting, particularly with the Christmas displays in the provinces which celebrate the spirit of the season and the artistry of the Filipino.

Every public plaza would have their own Belen, Christmas tree or parol, but there are certain destinations that really stand out, and worthy of a road trip with family or friends. Step on the gas pedal and let us drive through the best Christmas displays in Luzon to rediscover our Filipino soul and help boost domestic tourism.

Pit Stop 1: Pampanga. A must-see and a hands-down winner when it comes to dazzling kumukuti-kutitap (sparkling light) displays of perhaps the most popular icon of the Paskong Pinoy. The capital city of San Fernando recently held the Giant Lantern Festival Competition with hundreds of kaleidoscopic giant parols which lured tens of thousands of visitors.

Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga. GLENN SALAZAR

The lanterns, which inspired the Miss Universe costume of Catriona Gray, will be on display at the plaza until New Year which will give you ample time to admire them up close, hopefully minus the madding crowd.

If you do your “Googling” diligently, you will find out that the neighboring towns have exciting traditions to share and intriguing stuff to discover (like “we make antiques while you wait”). Known for its mouth-watering culinary heritage, the province is a foodie place with the omni-present sizzling sisig, palabok, halo-halo, and a host of specialties cooked in the typical Pampango flair.

Pit Stop 2: Bataan. There is another compelling reason to swing by Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac town, aside from travelling back in time in its Instagrammable heritage-themed resort. It is now host to the province-wide “tree-cycle competition” where the municipalities build Christmas trees out of recycled materials to encourage a green way of life, while showcasing the creative spirit of the people of Bataan.

Bataan’s Las Casas Filipinas DIVINE RECIO

And while you’re there, you might as well pass by the historic World War II spots on the road and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.

Pit Stop 3: Pangasinan. Go globe-trotting in minutes at the Paskuan ed Kapitolyo in Lingayen, Pangasinan as government buildings in the sprawling Provincial Capitol Complex are transformed into the world’s iconic cities. There are also occasional evening concerts and entertainment shows and food stalls by the cozy Lingayen Gulf boulevard for the good old inexpensive night life, probinsyano-style.

Paskuan ed Kapitolyo in Pangasinan. MALU ELDUAYAN

A must-visit is the stately Capitol building, inaugurated in 1918, and is perhaps the grandest of its kind in the country. There is also the Sison Auditorium and Urduja House which date back to the American colonial era, and the Veterans Memorial Park which marks the landing spot of Allied Forces during WWII led by Gen. Douglas McArthur in 1945.

Pit Stop 4: Quirino. This is off the main grid of Maharlika Highway, but is definitely worth the trip if only for the Paskuhan sa Quirino. Now on its eighth edition, it is the country’s only festivity which highlights the role of indigenous peoples along the theme of “Christmas among the tribes”.

Held in the capital town of Cabarroguis, the municipal showcases include the Tinguian and Itneg tribes of Diffun, Ifugao of Cabarroguis, Igorot from Aglipay, Agta from Maddela, Ilocano from Saguday, and Bugkalot from Nagtipunan.

Paskuhan sa Quirino. BERNARD SUPETRAN

The month-long display of ethnic-themed exhibits is held to highlight the cultural diversity and harmony of the people of the province, despite their different backgrounds. It is also a great opportunity to sample local delicacies, join the tribal dances, and shop for souvenirs.

And while you’re there, you might as well swing by the “Christmas villages” in neighboring Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela provinces.

Pit Stop 5: Antipolo. Closer to home, this mountain resort city successfully created a December version of their age-old popular May time fiesta and pilgrimage with its “Christmas Fiesta,” in keeping with its “Tayo na sa Antipolo” slogan.

A sought-after celebration in the Calabarzon region, it includes a grand parade, drum and lyre, marching band contests, choral competitions, a pageant, earth-friendly parol and belen contest, Globe Tugtugan sa Plaza with rock bands, sporting events, and the 144th edition of Juan Sumulong Day.

Boso Boso Church in Antipolo. BERNARD SUPETRAN

Religious events are the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the visit of the Black Nazarene, and the 15th anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. For traditional Simbang Gabi, Boso-Boso Church, the original settlement of Antipolo, is an ideal place of worship with its solemn and rustic environs.

Get a taste of the city’s unique night life with the acoustic and musical performances at the Eugenio Lopez Center, Le Blanc Hotel, Boso-Boso Highlands, and Café Lupe, as you feast on succulent Pinoy favorites and gaze at the mesmerizing metropolitan nightscape.