Majayjay

Majayjay
Municipality
Bayan ng Majayjay
From Clockwise from top: Taytay Falls, Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church, & Chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria, also known as Ermita.
Flag of Majayjay Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  Town of Rivers and Waterfalls
Map of Laguna showing the location of Majayjay
Majayjay Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 14°08′47″N 121°28′22″E
Country	Philippines
Region	CALABARZON (Region IV-A)
Province	Laguna
District	4th district of Laguna
Founded	October 2, 1571
Barangays	40
Government
• Mayor	Carlo Invinzor B. Clado
• Vice Mayor	Eulogio Wilson Amorado
• Representative	Benjamin C. Agarao, Jr.
• Sangguniang Bayan	Councilors Edison S. Reyes Efren Bituin Juancho Andaya, Jr. Edgardo S. Zornosa Norman Celestino O. Sotto Maria Thess Melendez Valeriano Vito, Jr. Pia Ceria ABC President Margarito Gripo SB Secretary Gregoria Mercolisa SK Federation President (SK has been suspended since 2013)
Area
• Total	69.58 km2 (26.86 sq mi)
Highest elevation	836 m (2,743 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	27,893
• Density	400/km2 (1,000/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	4005
IDD : area code	+63 (0)49
Income class	4th

Majayjay (Filipino: Bayan ng Majayjay) is a 4th class municipality in the province of Laguna, Philippines. It is located at the foot of Mount Banahaw, and stands 1,000 feet above sea level. One hundred twenty kilometers south of Manila, it is bounded by the municipality of Magdalena on the north-west, by Lucban in Quezon province on the southeast, by Luisiana on the north-east, and by Liliw on the west. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 27,893 people.

Majayjay has the Taytay Falls, also called the Majayjay Falls or Imelda Falls, because ex-First Lady Imelda Marcos financed the promotion of tourism in this place. It is a two-storey high falls located in a remote scenery where the forestry is abundant. To reach Taytay Falls, one has to go down the stone steps leading to a kilometer-long trail. Constructed in 2008, during the past, reaching Taytay Falls is a very hard task, as there were no marked trails during that time. Recently, the World Bank has sponsored the promotion of tourism in Taytay Falls.

History

Indigenous residents use to call it Malay Barangay. The Spanish colonial government made it a town in 1578.

During this period, Malay Barangay was one of the most populated settlements in the newly founded province. It competed with Bay and Pagsanjan during the selection of the province’s capital.

The popularity of this new town grew instantly during the Spanish period. Its location at the foot of the mountain gave it an abundant supply of fresh mountain spring water. Four rivers flowed through the town. They were Initian, Oobi and Ula, from the towering mountain, and Balanac from the falls of Botocan where all the three rivers meet.

Botocan Falls and the town’s scenery were uniquely famous. Europeans and wealthy natives from Manila frequently visited the town. However, the road to Malay Barangay was tough. Guests have to be ferried from Manila through the Pasig River to Laguna de Bay. Land travel began by mounting on horses through a path in the forest, and then borne by natives in hammocks on the way up to Malay Barangay.

As to how Malay Barangay got its name Majayjay, residents assume that Spaniards found it difficult to pronounce Malay Barangay. Early colonizers may have shortened it to Malay-ay, until it became Majayjay. Legends, however say that it was the difficult journey to Majayjay, which gave the town its name. Tired travelers sighed, “Hay!” after scaling a cliff, “Hay!” after ascending a hill, and “Hay!” after crossing a raging river. Thus, guests referred to the place “Mahayhay,” meaning, many sighs. Spaniards spelled it “Majayjay.”

Immediately after the conversion of the natives of Malay Barangay, a makeshift church was built near May-it River. Fire destroyed it in 1578. Believers built a new church made of bamboo and cogon thatch to refurbish the former. However, fire again razed it to the ground. This time, the faithful built a stone church, but it again smoldered to ashes. The residents wondered. In spite of the repeated incidents of fire, the image of their Patron Saint, San Gregorio Papa Magno remained miraculously unscathed.

Through the efforts of Padre José de Puertollano, contributions enforced from parishioners, and forced labor of the natives, a new elegant church rose in Majayjay. It took nineteen years, incalculable donations and countless lash marks that scarred the backs of languid natives to finish the church. The church’s completion in 1730 put it in the list of the most elegant churches in the province.

Geography

Majayjay is geographically a landlocked area situated in the southernmost part of the province of Laguna. It nestles at the foot of the mystical Mt. Banahaw, and due to its higher altitude at some 2,700+ ft above sea level, the town makes for a good vacation destination during summer season in the Philippines. It was once branded as the Summer Capital of the Philippines 300–400 years ago during Spanish era where most of the huge names in the Spanish colonial Philippines visited this humble place. Other sights along the streets are the remnants of the said era for Spanish-inspired houses still stand at random key locations mostly in the town square. Famous and affluent families then still have their ancestral houses maintained.

Climate

Majayjay has a tropical climate. There is significant rainfall in most months of the year. The short dry season has little effect on the overall climate. This location is classified as Am by Köppen and Geiger. The temperature here averages 25.8 °C. The average annual rainfall is 2571 mm. The warmest month of the year is May, with an average temperature of 27.4 °C. January has the lowest average temperature of the year. It is 24.2 °C. The difference in precipitation between the driest month and the wettest month is 332 mm. During the year, the average temperatures vary by 3.2 °C.

Climate data for Majayjay, Laguna
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	27.9 (82.2)	28.6 (83.5)	30.0 (86.0)	31.5 (88.7)	31.9 (89.4)	31.2 (88.2)	30.2 (86.4)	30.0 (86.0)	30.0 (86.0)	29.6 (85.3)	29.0 (84.2)	28.0 (82.4)	29.8 (85.7)
Daily mean °C (°F)	24.2 (75.6)	24.5 (76.1)	25.5 (77.9)	26.8 (80.2)	27.4 (81.3)	27.0 (80.6)	26.2 (79.2)	26.2 (79.2)	26.0 (78.8)	25.7 (78.3)	25.3 (77.5)	24.6 (76.3)	25.8 (78.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	20.5 (68.9)	20.4 (68.7)	21.1 (70.0)	22.2 (72.0)	22.9 (73.2)	22.8 (73.0)	22.3 (72.1)	22.4 (72.3)	22.1 (71.8)	21.9 (71.4)	21.7 (71.1)	21.2 (70.2)	21.8 (71.2)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	121 (4.8)	54 (2.1)	58 (2.3)	73 (2.9)	158 (6.2)	243 (9.6)	269 (10.6)	266 (10.5)	281 (11.1)	349 (13.7)	386 (15.2)	313 (12.3)	2,571 (101.3)
Source: Climate-Data.org (Temperature)

Barangays

Majayjay is politically subdivided into 40 barangays.

Barangay Name	Barangay Chairman	Philippine Standard Geographic Codes Code	Urban/Rural	Population (as of May 1, 2010)
Amonoy	Arsolacia, Eugenio Esquivel	43416001	Rural	408
Bakia	Rodillas, Alfredo Ciscar	43416002	Rural	584
Balanac	Gruezo, Julieta Nombrado	43416004	Rural	250
Balayong	Conejos, Ryan Emmanuel Codera	43416005	Rural	246
Banilad	Ordoñez, Herminigildo Leobrera	43416007	Rural	240
Banti	Palentinos, Matias Menor	43416008	Rural	410
Bitaoy	Ceripulo, Isidro Arquiza	43416010	Rural	232
Botocan	Vitasa, Darius Ronabio	43416011	Rural	1,083
Bukal	Brosas, Librado Urriza	43416003	Rural	521
Burgos	Esquillo, Edwin Rias	43416012	Rural	311
Burol	Argañosa, Ariel Miraber	43416013	Rural	351
Coralao	Sobreviñas, Glenn Peña	43416014	Rural	519
Gagalot	Mercurio, Crisostomo Uriza	43416015	Rural	590
Ibabang Banga	Oracion, Jomar Oates	43416016	Rural	636
Ibabang Bayucain	Patron, Virgilio Samonte	43416017	Rural	297
Ilayang Banga	Villarmil, Nestor Elises	43416018	Rural	1,090
Ilayang Bayucain	Expression, Alejandro Matienzo	43416019	Rural	224
Isabang	Arcenal, Deonisio	43416020	Rural	155
Malinao	Trovela, Beny Pontiveros	43416021	Rural	907
May-It	Bituin, Efren Tronera	43416022	Rural	350
Munting Kawayan	Tungohan, Teodoro Macandili	43416023	Rural	615
Olla	Arasa, Dindo Breganza	43416025	Rural	1,043
Oobi	Gripo, Margarito Poliquet	43416024	Rural	1,007
Origuel (Pob.)	Cabonce, Mariafe Bandillo	43416026	Urban	1,183
Panalaban	Robel, Joseph Gloria	43416027	Rural	199
Pangil	Granada, Getulio Zornosa	43416029	Rural	740
Panglan	Codera, Eladio Jaravata	43416028	Rural	467
Piit	Vito, Alejo Tuazon	43416030	Rural	518
Pook	Ordoñez, Fidel Conejos	43416031	Rural	434
Rizal	Borines, Juan Vito	43416032	Rural	292
San Francisco (Pob.)	Oates, Julie	43416033	Urban	2,322
San Isidro	Perez, Benvenido, Jr. Meraña	43416034	Rural	461
San Miguel (Pob.)	Garcia, Maila Solisa	43416035	Urban	2,576
San Roque	Garcia, Arthur Baldovino	43416036	Rural	299
Santa Catalina (Pob.)	Andaya, Onofre Gonzaga	43416037	Urban	1,322
Suba	Mondejar, Gaudencio Codera	43416038	Rural	1,690
Talortor	Merestela, Romeo Miga	43416041	Rural	952
Tanawan	Rubina, Julio Ordoñez	43416039	Rural	289
Taytay	Hernandez, Anastacio Urriza	43416040	Rural	506
Villa Nogales	De Villa, Bernaldo Ilao	43416042	Rural	228

Demographics

Poblacion with town hall on right, public market on left, and St. Gregory church in the background.

Population census of Majayjay

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1990	15,875	—
1995	18,989	+3.41%
2000	22,159	+3.36%
2007	23,681	+0.92%
2010	26,547	+4.25%
2015	27,792	+0.88%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

In the 2020 census, the population of Majayjay was 27,893 people, with a density of 400 inhabitants per square kilometre or 1,000 inhabitants per square mile.

Economy

The town boasts line of shanties of budding small enterprises mostly selling indigenous farm crops along its main road.

Local government

2016 Philippine Local Election results

Position	Name	Nickname	Party Affiliation	Votes Obtained	Percent
Mayor	Carlo Invinzor Clado	JOJO	NPC	3,848	27.1%
Vice Mayor	Eulogio Wilson Amorado		LP	5,446	40.1%
Position	Name	Nickname	Party Affiliation	Votes Obtained	Rank
Councilor	Edison Reyes		NPC	4,698	1
	Efren Bituin		LP	4,471	2
	Juancho Andaya	JHUN	LP	4,273	3
	Gary Zornosa		NPC	3,986	4
	Celestino Norman Soto		UNA	3,965	5
	Maria Thess Melendez	THESS	LP	3,927	6
	Valeriano Jr. Vito	WOWIE	IND	3,816	7
	Pia Ceria		NPC	3,484	8

2013 Philippine local election results:

Position	Name	Nickname	Party Affiliation	Votes Obtained
Mayor	Rodillas, Victorino Cubelo	TINO	PDP	4170
Vice Mayor	Vito, Valeriano Jr. Orpiano	WOWIE	PDP	5384	(councilor votes)
Councilors	Clado, Carlo Invinzor Bantug	JOJO	NP	5325
	Estupigan, Godofredo Areja	CAPAL	PDP	4477
	Melendez, Maria Thess Abris	THESS	PDP	4114
	Armenta, Florencio Argete	POLLY	PDP	3866
	Andaya, Juancho Malinis	JHUN	NP	3511
	Mercolisa, Mario Jr. Ordo	MARIO	NP	3122
	Zornosa, Antonio Jr. Suazo	JUN	NP	3035
	vacant

Councilor Valeriano Vito, Jr. assumed the position of the Vice Mayor of Majayjay. Elected Vice Mayor Lauro Mentilla dismissed from service by The Ombudsman.

Tourist attractions

St Gregory the Great Parish Church

1.Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church

Majayjay is home to one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines, the Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church. It was built in 1575 through forced labor to the town folks. Inside the church are antique statues of saints brought by the Spaniards in the early era of propagating Christianity. It is somehow true to every church built in the country that it experienced arson (1576, 1606 and 1660) but later undergone reconstructions and rehabilitation works. Atop the roof of the church is seen the scenic view of Laguna de Bay.

Taytay Falls

2.Taytay Falls

Majayjay is also home to the Taytay Falls. Others call it the Majayjay Falls or even Imelda Falls, because ex-First Lady Imelda Marcos financed the promotion of tourism in this place. It is a two-storey high falls located in a remote scenery where the forestry is abundant. To reach Taytay Falls, one has to go down the stone steps leading to a kilometer-long trail. Recently, the World Bank has sponsored the promotion of tourism in Taytay Falls.

3.Dalitiwan Resort

Dalitiwan Resort is well known for being a running water-typed resort showcasing icy cold water flowing from Mount Banahaw springs. It is located in barangay Ilayang Banga. To get there, you'll have to ride a jeep or a trike for 3 minutes or so from the town proper going far down the area before ascending to the zigzag road.

4.Costales Nature Farm

Costales Nature Farm is well known for its unique way of cultivating agricultural and farm products. Through the organic farming that was first introduced in Majayjay it became a boom and a success. Many people who are after to doing the same technique usually visit the farm located in Brgy. Gagalot.

5.Coconut Arrack

Commonly called Lambanog. This lambanog is a liquor produced from the extracted Tuba, a sap that is gotten from the coconut tree. However, as you pass along the National Highways, you can probably see Mangangarit skillfully climbing the tree and gliding all the way from one tree to another by the use of two bamboo logs horizontally knotted. There are several stores selling this type of wine, for you to experience its taste just visit the town.

6.Puente de Capriccio

In Rizal's El Filibusterismo, he spoke of an old Spanish bridge made of stone in the year 1851. It was a one-arch bridge since it was not finished, early natives put bamboo footbridge to connect the opposite sides to make accessible. Puente de Capriccio was initiated by Father Del Moral. But the priest was a cruel one, anyone who do not labor in the construction would be later punish by whipping the buttocks. The bridge is still standing firm today crossing the Olla River. It is called Tulay ng Pige by the modern Majayjayenos.

7.Mount Banahaw

The town of Majayjay is located at the foot of this majestic mountain. In the early Spanish era, Mount Banahaw was called Monte de Majayjay, because it was the town the only way to travel to the mountain. Many European elites visited the town because of its fresh air and the scenic view of Mount Banahaw.

8.Carayan Resort

A resort right at the heart of Majayjay, Laguna, foothills near Mt. Banahaw situated in Barangay Panglan, Majayjay, Laguna - Philippines.

9.Scenic View Resort and Restaurant

Located in brgy. Ilayang Banga.

10.APA Farms

11.Hillarion's Heritage Farm

12.Bukal Falls

Popular to most tourists as the Enchanted Falls

13.Botocan Hydroelectric Power Plant and Dam

It is the first hydroelectric power plant ever constructed in the Philippines in the 20th century (1930). It is now owned by the CBK Power Company Limited.

14.Ermita Church

Then, a tribunal. This holy place houses the image of Nuestra Senora dela Porteria.

15.Our Lady of the Gate Grotto

Situated along the Olla riverbank is sacred place where masses at times are being held. It is a small tourist destination for religious excursionist.

Festivities

Majayjay Day is celebrated every year on October 2 as part of the celebration of the founding anniversary of the town. It brags off farm and agricultural products produced primarily from the 40 barangays composing it. This day has been given a new life and breathing in its new brand name as AniLinang Festival. The 1st AniLinang Festival was held on October 2, 2016 as an initiative of the local government to promote the town's laid-back, and peaceful way of life seen in its agricultural produce as well as in their indigenous cuisines.

SaGreMa Festival (San Gregorio Magno Majayjay), is a parochial festivity celebrated on September 3 and March 12, the dates when Saint Gregory, the town's patron saint became a pope and the day he died, respectively. In this time of the year, the Majayjayenos honor the saint for bountiful year it has been for the town.

Transportation

Visiting the town is very accessible and convenient in all its four (4) entry points: Magdalena-Majayajay road to the north, Liliw-Majayjay road to the west, Luisiana-Majayjay road to the east, and Lucban-Majayjay road to the south. Public utility vehicles are dispersed such as the local jeepneys, and tricycles ready to fetch when you get lost. There are no buses going around the streets except for random private ones so make sure to bring your maps, and channel your people-skill for you can ask directions as townsfolk are cool and hospitable.

Communication and Connectivity

The town of Majayjay possesses different communication lines including PLDT, and cellular communications such as Globe, and Smart. Any travelers would find this place very convenient in accessing the online, digital world during their vacation trip.

Education

Secondary schools:

1. Liceo de Majayjay (High School)
2. Sta Catalina National High School (Brgy. San Miguel, Main Campus and Brgy. Bakia, ext.)
3. Suba National High School (Brgy. San Isidro, Main Campus and Brgy. Gagalot, ext.)

Elementary schools:

1. Liceo de Majayjay (Elementary)
2. Majayjay Elementary School
3. Sta Catalina Elementary School
4. Bakia-Botocan Elementary School
5. Paaralang Elementarya ng Gagalot - Taytay
6. Majayjay Center for Education and Development Foundation Inc.
7. Suba Elementary School
8. Montessori School
9. Bucal Elementary School
10. Munting Kawayan Elementary School

External links

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Philippine Census Information
• Local Governance Performance Management System
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