✨ First Impressions Matter — And Lucena’s “Kapitolyo” Left One
I wasn't really expecting much when we passed through Lucena. I was just tagging along to explore nearby provinces—but when we turned the corner near Perez Park and I saw the grand facade of the Quezon Provincial Capitol, I asked the jeepney driver to stop right away. Even from inside the vehicle, you can’t miss the bold architecture, whitewashed pillars, and the statue of Filemon Perez out front.
This wasn’t just a government building—it was a true heritage structure with a story to tell.
🏛️ Tayabas Provincial Capitol – “Ang Kapitolyo” ng Lucena
Right at the heart of Lucena City, you’ll find the stunning Provincial Capitol — or as locals simply call it, "Kapitolyo." Although the building now serves the entire province of Quezon, the old name “Tayabas Provincial Capitol” is still etched on its façade — a tribute to the past.
🕰️ Built in 1908, this iconic neoclassical structure stands on land donated by then-Governor Filemon Perez, whose statue now watches over the grounds just in front of the flagpole.
🎖️ It was officially declared a National Historical Landmark in 2010. After years of wear, the building underwent a government-funded restoration the following year.
✨ One of its most unique
features?
🏗️
Twenty-four statues on the rooftop representing the province’s key
livelihoods — a striking, symbolic tribute to the Quezonians.
💡 Travel Tip:
If you hear a loud siren while walking nearby — don’t worry. It’s not an
emergency! It’s a daily time signal for residents, heard at 7:00 AM,
12:00 NN, and 5:00 PM.
📍Nearby:
- Provincial Governor’s Office
- Social Service Office
- Quezon Convention Center (right behind)
🗺️ Perez Park – Lucena's Urban Oasis
Adjacent to the Capitol is the lively Perez Park, one of the most active public parks I’ve seen in a provincial capital. Locals just call it "the park." 🎡🌳
Here's what I witnessed:
- 👨👩👧 Families having picnics under the trees
- 🛹 Teens skateboarding and biking
- 💃 A group practicing their dance routine
- 💕 Couples on benches, just enjoying the breeze
- 🎶 Music playing on speakers—probably provided by the city government
What caught my attention most? 🪨 A large stone sculpture in the center of the park—a carved stone map of Quezon Province with the face of Dr. Jose Rizal. That’s not something you see every day!
👤 Manuel L. Quezon Monument – A Presidential Surprise
Just a short walk from the Capitol is the Manuel L. Quezon Monument — which I didn’t even know existed until I stumbled upon it. There he was, carved in marble and stone, towering with purpose.
🇵🇭 Quezon, the "Father of the National Language", was born in August, which explained the dried flower tributes left behind during my visit.
💬 “I lingered there for a while, reading the inscriptions behind his statue. It's one thing to read about history — it’s another to stand in front of it.” 👉 [Read it here>>]
If you're a fan of quiet memorials and meaningful reflection, this spot is worth a few minutes of your time.
📍 Quick Guide
| 📝 What to See | 📍 Details |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Quezon Provincial Capitol | Built in 1908, declared historical landmark in 2010 |
| 🗿 Filemon Perez Statue | Stands in front of the capitol building |
| 👨🌾 24 Roof Statues | Represents local livelihoods |
| 🛝 Perez Park | Family-friendly park with stone map of Quezon & Rizal image |
| 🗽 Manuel Quezon Monument | Monument and biography in nearby park area |
| 🔊 Siren Alarms | Rings daily at 7AM, 12NN, and 5PM—don’t be alarmed! |
🧭 How to Get There
🚖 By Public Transport:
Ride a jeepney heading to Lucena town proper. Watch out for Perez Park—you’ll
see a big "KAPITOLYO" sign at the corner. Ask the driver to
drop you there.
💰
Fare: ₱8.00 per person
🕓
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon or early morning to avoid heat and enjoy
soft lighting for photos.
💡 Visitor Tips
🔍 Don’t skip the monument
nearby—it’s easy to miss but worth visiting.
📷
Bring a wide-angle lens if you love taking architectural shots.
⏰
The sirens aren’t
emergencies—they’re daily city time
signals!
🧺
Bring snacks if you plan to hang out in the park for a while.
📌 Lucena surprised me in the best way. The Quezon Provincial Capitol is one of the most beautiful and symbolic capitol buildings I’ve ever visited. And the adjacent Perez Park, with its liveliness and charm, made me feel the heartbeat of the city.
Even if you’re just passing through Lucena, make time to stop here—you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Quezon’s history and heritage.
💬 Have you visited Lucena’s Capitol or Perez Park?
💬 Share your experience or drop your tips in the comments!
📌 Planning a trip to Quezon Province? Let me help you map it out—comment below or share this blog to a friend who might need it!
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