also a thanksgiving feast for the bountiful harvest given to the farmers every year. Being an agricultural town, this is one of the most extravagant and well-attended festival of the town. The name means chandeliers (araña) and bastion or fort (baluarte). This festival is different from Pahiyas in Lucban – instead of houses being decorated with local produce, baluartes are decorated with various agricultural products like bananas, vegetables, buco, pineapple, and root crops; some are beautifully arranged in arañas. These crop decor are pulled out by the people after the patron saint has passed during the afternoon procession. The three most beautifully decorated baluartes are given prizes. At night, programs are held which includes a pageant aptly called "Mutya ng Araña't Baluarte", folk dances performed by students, teachers, and local townsfolk who would like to participate in the event. Cultural tour Quezon is a tapestry of old Spanish-style houses with Castilian architecture and character. Visit the old houses of Lucban, Tayabas, Sariaya, Gumaca, and Mauban while savoring the best of the yield from lanzones plantations. Or come during the San Isidro Festival in honor of the patron of farmers, San Isidro Labrador. Take home petered rice paste strung in garlands for a souvenir and celebrate with the people this feat of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Folk dances Two (2) of our Folk Dances have originated in the Municipality of Gumaca: Jota Gumaqueña and Jotabal Jota Gumaqueña was very popular among the well-to-do families of Gumaca,Tayabas (now Quezon). In formal social gatherings, the girls attired in richly embroidered Maria Clara costume and the boys in elegant Barong Tagalog, performed this dance with great dignity and elegance. According to information, the one who introduced this dance was a well-known musician of the place, a Señor Herminigildo Omaña. It became popular among the young people of the time and it has been handled down to generation. Mrs. Rosario Caparros Libranda and Mr. Ricardo Libranda who are the direct descendants of Mr.Omaña are responsible for the perpetuation of this beautiful dance. Jotabal is derived from the words 'Jota' and 'Valse'. Jota is a popular dance introduced in the Philippines by the Spaniards. Valse means waltz, a step or a dance in 3/4 time. This lively festival dance originated in Camohaguin, Gumaca, Quezon (formerly Tayabas). Government Mayor: Webster Letargo Municipal mayors From the discovery in 1574 and official foundation of Gumaca in 1582, Franciscan