Sampaloc, Quezon can be ideal film location

MANILA, Philippines - This town in Quezon province may be mistaken for another place of the same name in the country, if not overshadowed by its more famous “neighbor” Lucban, but there are increased efforts to make Sampaloc stand out.

Sampaloc, which has a population of 15,000, is stepping up its celebration of the annual Bulihan Festival (now ongoing until Saturday, April 26) in the hopes of making tourists — especially those who are into off-the-beaten-path attractions — to sit up and take notice of this town nestling in a valley bounded by the mountain ranges of Sierra Madre.

According to Mayor Emmanuel Torres, it is only this year that Sampaloc has been emboldened to promote its well-kept tourism gems now that its Bulihan Festival enters its fourth year and is picking up. (The centerpiece of the festival is, of course, the buli — or buri palm tree — amply showcased in the events and products.)

“Now, we’re also starting to develop our tourist spots,” said Mayor Torres. Among these are the Maapon River in Kakati, which features the Lunesan ng Fiesta sa Ilog (a boat race and grand picnic by the river) on April 26.

There’s also the Hangga Falls, the Buho Falls and the Asedillo Falls, which was named after the patriotic-schoolteacher-turned-rebel Teodoro Asedillo during the time of the American occupation because it was where he went into hiding, Mayor Torres said.

The Asedillo Falls also served as the set location of the Asedillo biopic topbilled by Fernando Poe Jr., which had been described as the “quintessential” FPJ film that earned the late action king a Best Actor award.

Mayor Torres said that they’re very open to market Sampaloc sights as filming locations.

“There have been quite a number of actors who have come here to shoot already,” he said.

He also believes the town would be ideal for historical epics.

Sampaloc is also home to some history-laden structures like the Tower House at the corner of Quezon Ave. and Gagan St. in Barangay Isidro, which was a famous venue a long time ago for hosting visitors to Sampaloc. There’s also another old house in Barangay Isidro, which was used as a garrison by Japanese forces during World War II.

Meanwhile, the houses along the main road are dressed up in creative, colorful buri products and other indigenous materials for the Payas Contest, which has been a hit among visitors in past Bulihan editions.

Tomorrow, the Paradang Bayan will traverse the town center to be followed by the awarding of the Search for Natatanging Anak ng Sampaloc. A noted child of Sampaloc is the former solicitor general and DOJ chief Agnes Devanadera.     

Mayor Torres shared that when they started the Bulihan Festival, there were doubts as to what a small town like Sampaloc can possibly offer, and how it can be sustained. “But the show must go on,” he said and it’s been four years since.

“We aim to make our municipality a must-see tourist destination in the Philippines.”

(For details on tour packages, call the Municipal Planning and Development Office at [042]555-8342 BS [042]716-0011, or e-mail [email protected]. The LGU has also launched a homestay program wherein guests will be “adopted” by residents during their visit.)