A Street-ful of Surprises as Liliw Celebrates 9th Liliw Gat Tayaw Tsinelas Festival

Liliw is one of the towns in Laguna province and it is famous for its footwear industry.  Most of its products can be seen on display at large department stores in malls in big cities such as Metro Manila (but with a different price tag, naturally).   These products have really been a big help to the townsfolk since they bring in lots of income and attract many visitors who come to buy their footwear at cheaper prices compared to the shelves of department stores.  So beginning April 27, 2010 (which was two days ago) the Liliwenos are celebrating the 9th Liliw Gat Tayaw Tsinelas Festival and it will continue until May 1.   The shoe makers of the town will showcase the products that they are very proud of.   I hope you'll all come, see and celebrate these important dates with them.  I took some impressive and fun looking photos like this big pair of soft clogs, aka bakya.

  

The Tsinelas Festival is named after Gat Tayaw, the founder of the town.  Each store in the main road, which is located near the church of Liliw, is attractively decorated to invite visitors, and camera lenses too.  They are just too pretty to ignore. 

 

Here's the Schedule of Activities in case you want to come and see the festivities:

April 27, 2010

1:00 p.m. Opening Mass

    2:00 p.m. Opening Parade 

  7:00 p.m. Barangay Night

                       Fireworks Display

 

April 28

7:00 p.m. Liliwenos in Concert

April 29

   7:00 p.m. Search for Little Mutya

         Awarding for Most Decorated Store

April 30

4:30 p.m. Media Coverage

                                  7:00 p.m. Dep Ed Night (A Cultural Presentation)

May 1

3:00 p.m. Street Dancing

7:00 p.m. Street Party     

If you are crazy about footwear, just like yours truly, you just have to come to this festival and check out the slippers, clogs, spadrielles, leather shoes, name it, they've got it.  You'll find all them here and buy them, some are even for as low as 3 pcs per P100.    

Liliw is also an attractive little town, it's located along the foot of Mt. Banahaw, the mountain that is considered 'holy and sacred' by pilgrims during Holy Week in the Philippines.  The coconut lined winding road going up the town is characteristic of rural settings in the country and the sight from the top is something to behold.  It's also one of the cleanest towns I have ever seen.  

How to get to Liliw, Laguna (The Filipino Way) :  If you don't have a ride, take any bus that goes to Sta. Cruz, Laguna, it costs roughly P150.  Inform the driver or the conductor of the bus to drop you where the jeepneys bound for Liliw are parked or stationed.  Get on the jeep and inform the driver to drop you at the church of Liliw and just walk around the area, you'll not miss those beautifully decorated shops. Happy shopping!!!