San Pablo City has always been defined by its 7 prominent lakes. But on the first-ever Yakap Lawa Music and Art Festival, the city didn’t just “show” its natural beauty. It performed it.
Held by the shores of Sampaloc Lake (the largest among the 7 lakes in San Pablo), the inaugural Yakap Lawa Festival felt like a rare moment where San Pablenyo culture, lake ecology, local food, music, and local pride all landed in the same place at the same time. It wasn’t staged to impress outsiders or city guests. The festival was staged to remind locals what they already have – the beautiful lake ecosystem, the local creative community and the food scene.
The name Yakap Lawa literally translates to “embrace the lake,” and I felt that intention during my visit. From birding talks, live creative performances to floating lanterns, the entire event pushed one message: this lake is not a backdrop. It’s a living heritage, a breathing being.
Here are the 9 most unforgettable experiences from my personal day at the very first Yakap Lawa made possible by the Department of Tourism CALABARZON Office.
1. Learning birding the fun way with Sir Agerico de Villa (UP Diliman)
One of the best surprises of Yakap Lawa was how it blended fun with learning.
The birding edutainment session led by Sir Agerico de Villa of UP Diliman didn’t feel like a stiff lecture. It felt like being gently pulled into a hidden layer of Sampaloc Lake that most visitors ignore. Get to know the hidden coos and caws we hear as you peer through their binoculars and dedicated telescopes. It’s like “National Geographic” right in front of my eyes. After, you would really realize that the lake isn’t just water and reflections or income generation. It’s a living habitat. A breathing system.
2. Taste the best of the city at Casa San Pablo
Already at my 4th time visit at Casa San Pablo, I never neglect to taste their version of Kulawo. I can always say this is my top version of the dish. They served also sisig, without the mayo (but with egg, sad Kapampangan face) – but they got the flavor.
Suggestion, they have the safe space. Walk around after a hearty meal to keep those blood glucose levels low.
3. Meeting San Pableño music masters like Sir Mar Dizon
Festivals are usually about headliners. Yakap Lawa felt different. Here, the spotlight wasn’t only on performers. It was also on the people who shaped San Pablo’s music culture long before festivals became trendy.
Meeting Sir Mar Dizon (in white shirt and cap), one of San Pablo’s respected music masters, felt like meeting a living archive. You don’t just listen to music at Yakap Lawa. You meet the people who carried it for decades. We were given an opportunity to join a drum circle, where Sir Mar and Sir Rob would lead the group in an engaging lessons using every percussion instrument available like from traditional bamboo to modern tambourines.
4. Finding art at The Lakehouse Art Gallery and Suites
If you’re attending Yakap Lawa, staying lakeside is part of the experience. The Lakehouse offered amazing views of the Sampaloc Lake with large jalousie windows allowing natural light and air. We saw these elements during a brief tour.
Art installations were placed right inside the property, so even downtime felt curated. You don’t leave the festival when you return to your room. The art follows you.
5. Seeing live song and dance performances that made the lake feel ceremonial
Music was expected. But the live dance performances hit differently, add when Maestro Ryan Cayabyab is one of the audience.
Against the lake’s backdrop, the dancers didn’t feel like entertainment. They felt like part of a ritual. Their movements looked like they belonged to the shoreline performing nature-inspired music of the early 90s. It was soooo nostalgic!
It gave the festival a deeper emotional layer. Like the city wasn’t only celebrating. It was honoring those decades – the years of my youth.
6. Harana sa Balsa: paddling the lake with serenaders
This was one of Yakap Lawa’s most cinematic experiences. I hopped onto a floating raft and paddled around Sampaloc Lake during Harana sa Balsa, complete with good-looking serenaders delivering live songs as the water moved under us. I wish this to continue even without the festival. Imagine mellow and gentle acoustics partnered with impressive view of Mt. San Cristobal, maybe sips of light beverage.
It felt surreal, like a romantic scene staged for a movie, except it was real and happening in San Pablo City. And for a moment, the lake was a stage for folk music.
7. Eating my way through Honeyball Cafe’s “healthy but aesthetic” menu
Food was everywhere during Yakap Lawa. The festival clearly understood that people don’t stay long without good eating options. One standout for me was Honeyball Cafe, which served organic and healthy food without losing the modern obsession with quality nutrition and presentation.
What I tried:
- Dirty Chili Con Carne with Cheese
- Pad Thai
- Fresh Vietnamese Spring Roll
- Truffle Pizza
- Meat Lover Pizza
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Turmeric Shot (Turmeric Latte)
The turmeric drink was the surprise finisher. It felt like a wellness shot disguised as something trendy.
8. Walking the lake boulevard that felt built for people, not cars
This was one of the strongest impressions of the entire day. The Sampaloc Lake boulevard felt dominated by footsteps, not engines. I could barely smell smoke. People walked freely. Families lingered. Couples stopped to watch performances. Even fur personalities dominated the boulevard with their flimsy yet cute tippity taps.
For a city festival, that’s rare. And it’s exactly what tourism should feel like. Breathe!
9. Ending the night with indie music, floating lanterns, and fireworks
The opening ceremony set the tone with live bands and indie music, but the night finale was the emotional peak.
As darkness crawled closer to the lake, trails of lights began glimmering like pearls from afar. The crowd thickened until it felt like you couldn’t drop a needle without it hitting someone’s shoe.
Then came the parade of gigantic luminous fish along the promenade. It was loud, chaotic, joyful. The kind of crowd energy that makes you forget your phone.
Indie music blared at the main stage. Performances stacked one after another. And then the ritual began.
The floating lantern release by the local fisherfolks was beautiful and symbolic, a gesture of peace and unity with nature. Even if the lanterns looked almost small against the vastness of Sampaloc Lake, the meaning landed hard.
And just when the lake seemed to quiet down, the fireworks erupted.
It was spectacle, yes. But it was also closure.
A full-circle ending.
Why Yakap Lawa mattered beyond entertainment
It drew power from San Pablo’s lake heritage, local identity, and folklore. The city’s lakes are not just tourist attractions. They are tied to memory, culture, and community pride.
The festival also aligned with San Pablo’s growing effort to promote its creative scene through initiatives like the local art movement, proving that the city is more than an eco-tourism stop.
And the economic impact was visible even without official numbers. Food parks were packed. Restaurants were full. Vendors were moving nonstop. It felt like the city collectively benefited from a single day of art and music.
The Lake remains, and hopefully so does the promise
By the end of the night, I felt it clearly.
Yakap Lawa was a success.
Music and art dominated San Pablo City, even if only for a day. But the bigger win was what it reminded everyone: Sampaloc Lake is not something you pass by. It’s something you protect.
So to Yakap Lawa Festival and the people behind it, you made it happen. Not just for human settlers, but for the invisible treasures that demand preservation and respect.
Another day passed. The crowd went home.
But Sampaloc Lake stayed.
Still a cradle of life. Still holding every form of energy the city depends on.
And now, it has a festival that finally speaks its language.
Travel Guide: How to Get to San Pablo City, Laguna from Metro Manila
San Pablo City is one of the easiest out-of-town escapes from Metro Manila, especially if you’re heading to Sampaloc Lake for Yakap Lawa Festival or a quick food-and-nature weekend.
Below are the best routes via public transportation and private vehicle.
Option 1: Public Transportation (Bus)
Route A: Bus from Buendia (Pasay) to San Pablo City
This is the most straightforward route for commuters.
- Go to DLTB or JAM Liner terminals in Buendia, Pasay.
- Ride a bus bound for:
- San Pablo City
- Lucena
- Tiaong
- Tayabas
- Tell the conductor you’re getting off at San Pablo City proper (or “San Pablo Bayan”). Do not alight at the bus terminal, it is a bit far from the city center or downtown area.
Travel time: around 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic
Once you arrive in San Pablo, take a tricycle to:
- Sampaloc Lake / Lake Boulevard
- City hall area
- hotels and inns like The Lakehouse Art Gallery and Suites
Route B: Bus from Cubao to San Pablo City
If you’re coming from QC or North Metro Manila:
- Go to bus terminals in Cubao.
- Ride a bus bound for Lucena or Bicol routes that pass through San Pablo.
- Get off at San Pablo City.
Travel time: around 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Route C: PITX (Parañaque) to San Pablo / Lucena
If PITX is your easiest jump-off point:
- Go to PITX.
- Look for buses going to Lucena or nearby Quezon routes.
- Confirm if they pass through San Pablo City.
- Get off at San Pablo terminal or highway drop-off point.
Tip: Always ask if the bus takes SLEX (faster) or the old highway route (slower).
Getting Around San Pablo City
Once in the city proper, transport is easy.
Best ways to move:
- Tricycle (most convenient for tourists)
- Jeepneys (cheaper but less direct)
- Walking around Sampaloc Lake boulevard (recommended)
Fare tip: Tricycle fares vary. Agree on price if it feels like a special trip.
Option 3: Private Vehicle (Driving Directions)
Driving to San Pablo City is easy and mostly expressway.
Route A: Via SLEX (Fastest and most common)
- Enter SLEX (South Luzon Expressway).
- Drive south until Calamba exit or continue further.
- Follow signs going toward:
- Sto. Tomas
- San Pablo
- Lucena
From SLEX, connect to STAR Tollway (if coming from Metro Manila southbound).
Recommended Exit Points
- Sto. Tomas Exit (common route to San Pablo)
- Continue via AH26 / Maharlika Highway toward San Pablo
Then follow highway signs to San Pablo City proper.
Travel time: around 1.5 to 3 hours depending on Metro Manila traffic
Tolls: prepare for SLEX + STAR Tollway fees
Route B: Via CALAX (If coming from Cavite side)
If you’re coming from Cavite or nearby:
- Enter CALAX.
- Connect toward SLEX.
- Continue south, then follow the Sto. Tomas to San Pablo route.
This can save time if you’re coming from Imus, Dasma, or Silang.
Best Navigation Pin for Drivers
Use this as your destination for easiest access:
- Sampaloc Lake Park / Lake Boulevard San Pablo
- or San Pablo City Hall
From there, it’s a short drive to most hotels and festival venues.
Quick Summary
Fastest public commute: Buendia bus to San Pablo
Most convenient private route: SLEX + STAR Tollway + Sto. Tomas route
Best drop-off point: San Pablo City proper, then tricycle to Sampaloc Lake