RAC Pakil Baybay Premier

“Where the Fun and Adventure Starts in Northeastern Laguna”

The identity of Pakil, Laguna, is a beautiful paradox—where centuries-old traditions seamlessly blend with the vibrant, forward-looking energy of its youth. On one hand, the town’s storied heritage is anchored in the Turumba Festival, an extraordinary seven-month-long marathon of devotion dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows). This religious phenomenon is not merely a date on a calendar but a living, breathing ritual defined by the rhythmic “hop-dance” of pilgrims who fill the streets with chants and the splashing of “miracle” spring water.

This deep spiritual foundation is mirrored in the town’s artistic and musical legacy. Pakil is the birthplace of the legendary composer Marcelo Adonay, the “Palestrina of the Philippines,” and remains home to the delicate whittling art of Kayas. Unlike the heavy carvings of neighboring towns, Kayas involves shaving wood into paper-thin, lace-like curls that form intricate birds and fans, reflecting a refined and patient Pakileño spirit.

The St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church, a majestic structure of stone and history, serves as the silent guardian of these traditions, housing the faith of the community within its Baroque walls since the 18th century.

Bridging this rich history with the present day is the Rotaract Club of Pakil Baybay Premier, an organization that breathes new life into the town’s identity. The club serves as a bridge between Pakil’s solemn past and its high-energy present, proving that the town’s local identity is as much about the thrill of discovery as it is about the preservation of culture.

A testament to this commitment to local talent is the club’s collaboration with its mother club, the Rotary Club of Pakil, as key proponents of the 1st Laguna Jazz Festival. This landmark event serves as a grand tribute to the musical soul of the town, featuring intensive workshops and soul-stirring concerts designed to honor local musicians and ensure that Pakil’s prestigious musical lineage continues to flourish in a modern, global context.

During the Lagalag: Lakbay Gala sa Laguna tour in Rotary Year 2024–2025, the club, in partnership with the Rotaract Club of Cavinti, further demonstrated this adventure-first mindset. They offered visiting Rotaractors from District 3820 and visiting clubs the rare and exhilarating privilege of climbing to the very roof of the St. Peter of Alcantara Church, providing a breathtaking perspective of the town’s red-tiled roofs and the shimmering expanse of Laguna de Bay.

This was followed by a communal immersion in the Bañadero, or the Turumba Spring Resort, where the freezing, crystal-clear mountain water provided both literal and metaphorical refreshment for weary travelers.

The club’s signature FellowRAC activity further cements Pakil’s reputation as a premier destination for fellowship and sensory delights. These curated tours transform the town into a physical and culinary playground, starting with the rewarding trek up the steps of Mount Ping-as. At the summit, under the shadow of the giant white cross, visitors find a sense of peace and a panoramic view that rivals any in the province.

However, the adventure doesn’t end on the mountain—it continues through the aromatic streets of the town center. The Pakil experience is rounded out by a deep dive into local flavors, ranging from traditional favorites such as smoky, street-side ihaw-ihaw and the chewy, toasted-flour sweetness of authentic espasol, to modern culinary landmarks like Benito’s Café. Their signature garlic shrimp and all-meat pizzas have become legendary among visiting clubs, often serving as the delicious finale to a day of exploration.

Through the efforts of its youth and the strength of its traditions, Pakil stands as a testament to the idea that heritage is not a static relic of the past but a vibrant, flowing journey—where every chant, every wood shaving, and every shared meal tells a story of a town that knows how to celebrate both its sorrows and its boundless joy.

---

Experience Pakil: A Fun and Adventure Checklist

To truly experience the “Fun and Adventure” of Pakil, here is a checklist categorized by interest. This list combines the historic practices and culture of the town with the signature Lagalag and FellowRAC experiences of the Rotaract Club of Pakil Baybay Premier.

🏛️ Cultural & Historical Landmarks

• St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church: Visit the home of the Lady of Turumba. Don’t just stay in the pews—look up at the intricately painted ceilings.
  
• The Rooftop View (as experienced in Lagalag): If given the chance, see the town from the church’s unique vantage point.
  
• Pakil Church Historical Marker: Learn about the town’s founding and its musical heritage as home of the “Palestrina of the Philippines.”
  
• Marcelo Adonay Monument: Pay respects to the town’s musical icon near the town plaza.
  

⛰️ Adventure & Nature

• Mount Ping-as: Hike up the 500+ steps to reach the giant white cross. The panoramic view of Laguna de Bay is the ultimate reward.
  
• Bañadero (Turumba Spring Resort): Take a dip in the natural, free-flowing mountain spring water—local legend says it has healing properties.
  

🎨 Art & Tradition

• Kayas Workshop: Seek out local artisans whittling softwood into delicate “birds of paradise” or filigreed fans.
  
• Turumba Festival (Lupi): If you visit between April and September, participate in one of the seven Lupi fiestas and join the hop-dance.
  

🍴 The FellowRAC Food Crawl

• Benito’s Café: Order the garlic shrimp and all-meat pizza with their signature spicy honey.
  
• Local Espasol: Look for the freshest, softest rice cakes dusted in toasted flour—a Pakil staple.
  
• Ihaw-Ihaw at the Plaza: Experience the evening vibe of the town by sampling various grilled street foods.
  
• Ibuli Fruit (Seasonal): If you visit during harvest season, try this rare, spiky fruit that tastes like a sweet chestnut.

🎒 Pro Tips for Your Visit

• Attire: Wear comfortable shoes (especially for Mt. Ping-as) and bring an extra set of clothes if you plan to swim at the Bañadero.
  
• Respect: When visiting the church, remember that it is a pilgrimage site; silence and modest clothing are appreciated.
  
• Connectivity: Reach out to the Rotaract Club of Pakil Baybay Premier via social media—they are the experts on where the adventure starts!