The Municipality of Mauban, is a first class municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 71,081 people. It lies 157 kilometers (98 mi) southeast of Manila and some 52 kilometers (32 mi) north of Lucena City, the provincial capital.

The origin of the name of Mauban came from a Dumagat (a subgroup of Aeta people in Luzon) leader named as Gat  Pagil, fondly called Gat Uban (“uban” a Tagalog term for white hair and believed to be  a sign of wisdom) As a mark of respect and honor for Gat Pagil, the locality was called Mauban.  Patterned after the common Spanish government structure throughout the Philippines, Mauban was founded as a municipality in 1583.

Ready to visit? Here are the 11 Things to do in Mauban, Quezon:

1. Visit Cagbalete Island 

The picturesque Cagbalete Island is accessible via a 45 minutes boat ride from the Mauban Port. Cagbalete has limited supply of electricity and if you are staying at Doña Choleng Island Resorts they only have electric supply from 6PM to 6AM. So make sure your phone have enough battery before heading to this island, or just bring a power bank! Also, Globe Telecom has spotty signal in Mauban and in Cagbalete Islands they only have phone signal near the beach. If you need to be connected while on the islands make sure to bring a Smart sim card. We did the island tours and some quick swimming while there's no electricity. 

2. Attend the Annual Maubanog Festival!

For this year, the theme for the festivities is: “Malauban: Kultura, Sining at Kasaysayan ay itanghal, Maubanin ay ikarangal, bayan ay nagpapasalamat sa Dakilang Maykapal.” Maubanog Festival is an action packed festivity of colors, indigenous products and fun filled activities. It is celebrated annually for seven days beginning July 9 to 15, a celebration that speaks of Maubanin’s fun-loving nature and its rich culture and heritage – an annual celebration that unravels Maubanin’s idiosyncrasies. A celebration of Maubanin’s artistry and ingenuity, a celebration that will feed one’s mind with valuable lessons of history and fuel one’s imagination with hopeful possibilities of the future.

Highlight of the festival includes Paligsahan ng Sayaw sa Festival 2023, Queen of Mauban, Pabonggahan ng Arko / Bihisan ng Saya, Almusalang Bayan, Karera ng Bangka, Lutong Mauban, Prusisyon ni San Buenaventura, Parada ng Bayan and more. 

3. Trek at the 1925 Rizal Hill Park Site

Built in 1925, this Rizal Monument is the tallest among 118+ statues scattered around the Philippines. Built on the town promontory (a high point of land or rock projecting into the sea or other water beyond the line of coast) called Calvario in 1925.

4. Pray at St. Bonaventure Parish Church

The Church of Mauban officially known as St. Bonaventure Parish Church is the only Catholic Church in Mauban, Quezon. The original church was built in 1647 and was demolished in 1769. Succeeding churches were built in 1773 and in 1845 but were damaged heavily by frequent earthquakes. The present church was built in 1891. 

5. Eat Local Seafoods

When we visited Doña Choleng Island Resort in Cagbalete Island some of our companions requested for seafoods, and we are surprised to have these humongous servings of king crabs and huge fried fishes.  

6. Watch the Streetdance Competition

Dubbed as Paligsahan ng Sayaw sa Festival 2023, I didn't know that I would enjoy watching a streetdancing competition this much. This is the first streetdance contest that I watch inside a gymnasium since its raining in Mauban and I'm on the front seat! Winner of the High School Category are from DMDPNHS — Dr. Maria D. Pastrana National High School. Watch their full performance below: