Lechon, Maginhawa food finds: Your guide to these special Quezon City events

MANILA, Philippines – Quezon City, Metro Manila’s largest, is celebrating its 75th foundation day on October 12. As a result, all of QC’s 6 districts will be holding various Diamond Jubilee celebrations anyone can participate in. Here are just a few to look forward to: 

1. Light up the Quezon Memorial Circle (starts morning, October 11)

The festivities are collectively dubbed “The Grand Diamond Salubong,” and there will be a countdown in the 6 districts of QC, with the Quezon Memorial Circle in the middle of it all. 

Morning of October 11 will see the QC Diamond Jubilee Run, plus a sports exhibition, and a skateboarding competition and volleyball tournament. 

In the evening, there will be a rock concert held the same time as Martsa ng Musiko, Concert at the Park, and a QC Performing Arts Show. 

And of course, nearing midnight, attendees will enjoy a grand fireworks display. 

The release says that street parties will also be held here:  

• Roosevelt-Del Monte (District 1)
• Sandiganbayan (District 2)
• Araneta and Anonas (District 3)
• Maginhawa and Tomas Morato Streets (District 4)
• Quirino Highway (District 5)
• Mindanao-Tandang Sora Avenue (District 6)

The districts will all be having their own celebrations as well, including a “banchetto” style street party in District 6, a Beer Festival in Eton Centris, and events and fireworks at the major malls.   

2. A gigantic Zumba party (October 12, 4pm, Quezon Memorial Circle)

It really is more fun in the Philippines as Quezon City is attempting to set a Guiness World Record for Largest Zumba Party with a goal of about 9,000 participants all shaking to the same tune.

3. La Loma Lechon Festival (October 11, Saturday, 11 am)

The “lechon boodle fight” is the highlight of the La Loma lechon fest, where 75 different lechon (roasted pig with crispy, golden brown skin) will be laid out on a long table for the public. According to the press release, all 38 districts of QC’s district 1 will be participating. 

The feast starts October 11, 11 am, along Doña Manuela street, between Calavite and Mayon. 

The lechon industry is alive and roasting in this part of town, so head on over for a piece of the lechon action. 

4. QC Food Festival at Maginhawa Street (October 11, Saturday, 9 am onwards)

Among many of the thriving food streets in Metro Manila is Maginhawa Street, home to many small, quaint restaurants serving amazing food. The street will be hosting the first ever QC Food Fesitval also on October 11 starting 9 am. 

The best part? Entrance to the festival is free.

According to the press release, “the 2-kilometer stretchGift certificates equivalent to P150 plated meals will be given away and can be redeemed at participating Maginhawa restaurants.”

Additionally, attendees can expect: 

• Food samples from sponsors
• Cooking demos 
• Free Wi-Fi  

In the evening, there will be a concert sponsored by San Miguel. Here’s the lineup:  

 

Here’s a helpful guide to what’s happening at Maginhawa: 

 

WARNING: the street will be blocked off, so mind the traffic! 

5. Meaningful Sunday activities 

It’s all about fun, food – and faith at Quezon City, particularly on Sunday, October 12. There will be a grand mass at 8 am, the QC Grand Float Parade at 1pm, both at the Quezon Memorial Circle. 

And come 7pm, there will be the 2014 Gawad Parangal event which will honor 12 citizens (among them, superstar Nora C. Aunor, investigative journalist and Rappler editor-at-large Marites D. Vitug, and National Artist for Music Ramon P. Santos), and 5 institutions for their notable achievements, to be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Will you be making a stop? Even if you don’t live in the QC area, it may just be time to drop by for a taste, a stroll, a grand party. – Rappler.com

All photos courtesy of Moist Communicates