Slipper Sanctuary of the South

If Marikina City is the shoe capital of the Philippines, therefore consider Liliw as the “Slipper Sanctuary” in the Southern Luzon area. Liliw is one of the municipalities in the province of Laguna. This humble place is known for their slippers and sandals. According to old stories, Liliw got its name from a bird. The said founder of the town, Gat Tayaw as well as his followers decided to name it by posting a bamboo pole on the land. The very first bird to align at the top of the pole would be the name of the town. It probably took four days since a bird came at the top of the pole. But unfortunately, it was a crow and Gat Tayaw considered it as a bad omen. He changed the direction of the pole to the south and a beautiful bird came on the pole and sang “Liw, Liw, Liw”. So, from then on they called the town Liliw.

It was in the year 1931, when the production of slippers in Liliw accidentally begins. Cassiano Pisueňa a farmer worries about how the “tistis”, an excess material from a coconut tree will be more productive instead of throwing it. He notices the sturdiness of the material and from the creativeness of his mind. He thought of another practical use of it and that is a material for slippers. From a simple thought, his business starts to progress and even reached the area of Quiapo Manila. After a couple of decades the rest of the town become hooked up with the slipper industry and Don Cassiano Pisueňa, became knownm as the Father of Tistis Slipper.

Due to the popularity of their slippers, a festival was established to acknowledge the successful progression of the slipper industry in their town. The said Slipper Festival is celebrated every April. It was during summer when the people came to but slippers in their place. The natural materials that they used in each designs like abaca and tistis is very much associated with the Filipino culture. Even foreigners are now captivated with the colorful slippers that they offer. Besides, the cost is a lot cheaper and the quality is very durable.

Since Liliw is located at the foot of Mt.Banahaw, the gentle breeze of the cold air will surely refresh anyone. Aside from the fascinating slippers, Liliw could also offer there visitors a captivating sceneries of the entire town and delightful homemade delicacies. So, take a look at your slippers maybe its time for them to have a changed. Don’t they?

Images courtesy of Flickr.com