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Lucban, 2 1/2 hours south of Manila, is host to one of the country's most colorful festivals the Pahiyas. Held on the second week of May to honor San Isidro Labrador (the patron saint of the Filipino farmer), the Pahiyas is a riot of colors in the summer heat. Its symbol is the kiping; delicate rice water brilliantly colored and shaped to resemble large leaves. During the Pahiyas, walls, halls and windows of houses are decked with kipings arranged in floral motifs or chandelier like patterns. The kiping arrangements are displayed side by side with freshly harvested fruits and vegetables to welcome the procession held in thanksgiving to San Isidro. Families invite visitors to partake of lavish feasts which never fail to include the distilled coconut wine, lambanog. The Pahiyas is a chance to experience the traditional Filipino fiesta spirit.

Suggestions:

Theme Party:
* Pahiyas

Venues:
* Coconut Palace
* Nayong Pilipino's Tagalog Region
* Selected hotels and resorts can recreate the Pahiyas theme in their ballroom, function rooms.

Entertainment:
* Brass band and Majorettes
* Singing and on-the-spot painting contests

Gifts:
* Lucban hats gaily decorated with kipings or flowers
* Kiping leaves as souvenirs
* Lambanog wine in a silver basket or native container
* Native handbags and slippers