St. John the Baptist Parish Church (The Red Church of Liliw)

Overview

Liliw is a 4th class municipality in the province of Laguna. It is one of the highland towns forming the southern extremity of the province. Liliw has a total land area of 88.5 sq. miles. It is bound on the northwest by Sta. Cruz; on the northeast by Magdalena; on the east by Majayjay; on the west by Nagcarlan; and on the south by Dolores, Quezon.

The small town of Liliw is nestled in one of the foothills of Mt Banahaw in the 4th district of Laguna. The town is quaint and dotted with well-preserved homes and well-ordered communities that reflect the spirit of Liliwenos, who have adapted to the changing needs of time. Traditionally a rich agricultural area, the townsfolk has added improved ways in livelihood with the enhancement of traditional footwear-making craft. They have opened boutiques and stores specializing in modern-day footwear, handbags, accessories, and food stalls selling delicacies that Laguna is famous for. The main street in the poblacion is dotted with fascinating stores that have attracted shoppers all year round.

Liliw Town is perhaps best known for its cold water spring resorts, native homemade sweets, and a sizeable shoe industry that rivals that of Marikina City.

History

According to a story, Liliw got its name from a bird. It was said that Gat Tayaw and his followers decided to erect a bamboo pole and to name the town after the bird that would first alight at the top of the pole within four days. A crow, however, was the first bird to alight on the pole. A crow was considered bad and so Gat Tayaw and his men moved south and erected another bamboo pole. A beautiful bird alighted on the pole and sang, "Liw, Liw, Liw". Thus the town became Liliw.

Throughout the Spanish regime, the name Liliw was used. When the Americans came, it became Lilio since the Americans found it easier to pronounce it than Liliw. However, on June 11, 1965, the municipal council passed Resolution No. 38-S-65 which declared Liliw as the official name and the spelling of the town. This was to avoid confusion in pronouncing and spelling the name of the town.

Attractions

• Liliw Gat Tayaw Tsinelas Festival (Tsinelas Festival)

April 26 - May 1

This is a colorful event that highlights the parade of floats featuring the agricultural and industrial products of Liliw and a parade of bird mascots reminding the people of the origin of the name “Liliw”.  Katutubong Palaro, Gabi ng Harana, musical arts and painting contests, and the Gawad Parangal for outstanding Liliweños for their exemplary service to the community are among the activities of the festival.

• St. John the Baptist Parish Church (The Red Church of Liliw)

The 400-year-old church built by the Franciscan Missionaries is a popular landmark in Liliw. Its architectural features date back to the late 18th century and has been beautifully restored through the efforts of its parishioners and the community.

Accommodations

• El Cielito Inn Sta Rosa 

Location : Sta Rosa Tagaytay Road, Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines

• Paseo Premiere Hotel 

Location : Sta. Rosa Business Park, Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines

• The Green Glass Boutique Hotel 

Location : Crossing Calamba City, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines

• Tahanan Ni Aling Meding Hotel 

Location : Dagatan Boulevard, Sampaloc Lake, San Pablo, Laguna, Philippines

• Rockpoint Hotspring Resort Hotel & Spa 

Location : Maria Makiling Hot Springs Village, Purok Uno, Brgy Pansol Calamba City, Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines 4017

How to get there

Here is the list of terminals where you can spot buses that have a trip going to Laguna.

• Kamias Quezon city near Cubao
• Buendia corner on Taft Ave. Manila

Ride a bus from the stations stated above going to Sta. Cruz. Drop off at Sta. Cruz bus station at Laguna. From there, you can ride a jeep going to Liliw.