Sariaya, Quezon: A Must-Visit – Maria Chianle Manicad
Considered one of the biggest municipalities in Quezon Province, Sariaya is best known for Mount Banahaw and a sea coast area famous for its pristine beach resorts. The area is blessed by nature and rich with cultural properties and ancestral houses mostly built in Art Deco architecture within the municipality which is why it's also considered the Heritage Town of Quezon and the Art Deco Capital of Southern Luzon.
This heritage town has been branded by various cultural experts as a ‘cultural gem worthy of a UNESCO designation.’ The local government of the municipality with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines were designated to work for the heritage town’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The following places are must-sees in Sariaya Quezon:
- Mount Banahaw
It is considered a Holy Mountain by the residents and is popular not only with pilgrims but also among mountain climbers. Myths and stories of visions and miracles have sprung forth from Banahaw for many years, ever since a local man proclaimed to have heard "holy voices" that led him to numerous natural springs. These sites are unique natural features composed not only of springs, but also caves, streams, and boulders; with names with biblical allusions, and shrines erected in, on, or around them. (Source: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mount-banahaw)
- Sariaya Church
Also known as St. Francis of Assisi Church is one of the oldest structures built in Sariaya by the Spanish Franciscan Friar in 1748. It is rich in cultural properties and religious beliefs. The Marian image in the foreground of the church was once featured in a magazine TV show as miraculous after a mysterious change in the appearance of its eyes. Pilgrims from all over the world also visit the Sariaya Church for the image of Sto. Cristo de Burgos because it is also believed to be miraculous.
Sariaya is also known for its ornate and imposing American-era mansions built by illustrados (landed gentry) like the Cabunags, Enriquez, Gala, Luna, Obordos, Ramas, and Rodriguez clans, all coconut planters who once grew rich from 1919 to 1930 from the once profitable coconut industry
(Source: http://benjielayug.com/1999/04/the-ancestral-houses-of-sariaya-quezon.html)
- Natalio Marquez Mansion/ Enriquez Mansion
An ancestral house that was designed by Juan Luna's son, Andres Luna San Pedro. An impressive castle-looking house in American style has a red-tiled roof and Spanish-Moorish-inspired arches and twin turrets previously owned by Natalio Marquez, Quezon's former governor, later on, sold to Bienvenido Marquez which is overlooking and next to the National Highway Road.
- Juanito Alvarez House
(Former Sariaya Museum)The former location of the Sariaya Museum has an extremely rich historical background which is also why it became the first-ever town museum of Sariaya. Before it was inaugurated as the Sariaya Museum, the old building was once the basement of Juanito Alvarez's house at the Rizal corner of Valderas streets of Sariaya. It is said that the roots of the house are considered older than the Sariaya Church itself, which is why it's only fitting that it became the Sariaya Museum. The old museum features well-preserved artifacts and collections depicting the rich culture and history of Sariaya.
You shouldn't pass by the town without seeing one of these wonderful ancestral houses rich with the history of Sariaya.
Sariaya is also home to many beach resorts which made it a popular summer destination.
One of its most popular resorts is the Monte Vista Resort. It is best known for its giant ark replica. People who went to the resort were amazed at how big and realistic this attraction is called Newsim or New Simulator Center of the Philippines for maritime students and seafarers. The resort also offers team-building facilities good for team activities. Family and friend outings. Plus, it has a big playground for the kids to play around. So, if you want to enjoy the beach and the pool, this resort is one of the best spots for you. Another is Dalampasigan Beach and Pool Resort, a 3-star hotel featuring Sariaya's beaches' astonishing beauty. The resort was founded way back in 1990 and covers a massive area of 10 hectares that is completely furnished with nature-inspired accommodation facilities. With stunning landscapes and premium facilities such as swimming pools, cafes, restaurants, and cottages, the Dalampasigan Beach and Pool Resort are perfect for any type of gathering and celebration.
Sariaya Festival
Attend the famous Agawan Festival every 15th of May. This grand agricultural festival is celebrated in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farm animals. Tourists and visitors from different parts of the country flock to Sariaya to experience this joyful gathering. Everyone is enticed to participate in the traditional "Agawan,"where you can snatch any kind of goodies or produce hanging on the houses as you pass by. This also helps promote the culture and tradition of Sariaya which mainly focuses on its prosperous agriculture industry.
Golden Haven Sariaya, Quezon
Golden Haven is a member of the Villar Group of Companies and a subsidiary of Golden MV Holdings, Inc. The company continues to develop the most beautiful memorial parks in the country and is now the largest chain of memorial parks in the Philippines.The largest and most beautiful chain of memorial parks in the Philippines with over 30 locations nationwide. Golden Haven Memorial Parks envisions to have a beautiful memorial park in every hometown. It is also the FIRST & ONLY death care company listed under the Philippine Stocks Exchange (HVN).
This piece of Haven is now in the Art Deco Capital of Southern Luzon, Sariaya, Quezon also! Golden Haven Memorial Park - Sariaya is one of the first memorial parks from the country's largest developer of a memorial park to be established in Quezon.