Ode to Lucban!

1

In Quezon Province there's a town

Of beauty and of high renown,

Faith, Hope and Love, it rests upon -

The Capital of Arts - Lucban!

2

Well started by two friars now,

With sixteen hundred Christians’ vow!

Banahaw - its protecting tower,

Kamay ni Hesus' inner power!

3

Three hunters looked for better signs

And found, like Shakespeare’s famous lines,

“The nightingale and not the lark…”,

Here: salacsác – and not uwák!

4

So, under a pomelo tree,

They chose the name Lucbán, you see!

In fifteen, seventy and eight:

Lucban was founded, small but great…

5

Pahiyas and the Holy Week,

Look: millions find Lucban unique!

With Mayor Olivier Dator

Lucban does flourish more and more…

6

In Quezon Province there's a town

Of beauty and of high renown,

Faith, Hope and Love, it rests upon -

The Capital of Arts - Lucban!

Hilmar Alquiros, May 17^th 2020 ❤

Our Banahaw! (Photo by Lilian Alquiros)

History of Lucban

After some research I was lucky to rediscover a special book about the history of the town (1550-1900!) -

mostly lost shortly after publication in a fire in the Municipal Hall - forgotten by most people I asked, even teachers!  

Later I could find and buy two extremely rare copies in the USA and donate them to this wonderful town,

now in Museum and Library of Lucban.

© by Dr. Hilmar Alquiros, The Philippines  Impressum   Datenschutzerklärung