RISING FROM THE ASHES ...

BRIEF DESCRIPTION AND GEOGRAPHY
Pampanga is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Luzon region. Its capital is The City of San Fernando. Pampanga is bordered by the provinces of Bataan and Zambales to the west, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija to the north, and Bulacan to the southeast. Pampanga also lies on the northern shore of Manila Bay.

Pampanga was already the site of thriving settlements along river banks or "Pampang" before the Spaniards came. The inhabitants were refereed to as "Kapampagas" or the people by the river bank". Martin de Goiti explored Pampanga.

The province was established in 1571, comprised of most of what is now Central Luzon. In 1754, a strip from Dinalupihan to Orion, was ceded to Bataan. In 1848, the province lost five towns to Nueva Ecija, and San Miguel to Bulacan. By 1860, its northern district was made into a separate comandancia. The district was made a part of Pangasinan in 1874, and the towns of Mabalacat, Magalang, Porac and Floridablanca were returned to Pampanga.

Kapampangans number about 2,492,000. Kapampangans are descended from Austronesian-speaking immigrants to the Philippines during the Iron Age. Many Kapampangans are Mestizos due to the intermarriage of the Nahuatl soldiers during the Spanish Colonization with the people of the towns of Macabebe and Masantol, and also due to the intermarriage of American soldiers with the people of Angeles City, as the Clark Air Base, the largest overseas American naval base until 1992, is situated between the City of Angeles and the town of Mabalacat. Some, although very few, have Negrito admixtures, particularly in the towns of Porac and Floridablanca. There are also mixed Kapampangan-Chinese in the cities of Angeles and San Fernando.

Pampanga is populated by resourceful hardy folk, who are justifiably proud of their famous Kapampangan cuisine, regarded by many as the best regional food in the Philippines. The capital, San Fernando, is world famous for the annual Easter re-enactment of the Crucifixion. It is also renowned for the famous Pampangan Christmas Village. Angeles City has a booming nightlife center and has several tourist destinations, while the adjoining Clark Special Economic Zone is the site of world class resorts, casinos, duty free shopping and golf courses.

Pampanga has many remnants of a long and colorful history, including roofs of the old Spanish houses and church of Bacolor, the Betis Church at Guagua and the St. Peter Shrine at Apalit, with its life-sized image of the saint. The Death March Marker at San Fernando Railroad Station commemorates the heroism of the prisoners who took part in the infamous World War II Death March.

Natural attractions of the province at the Mt. Arayat National Park and the Wild Duck Sanctuary at Candaba.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
Pampanga is subdivided into 20 municipalities and 2 cities.

Cities
Angeles City
City of San Fernando (Capital)

Municipalities
Apalit
Arayat
Bacolor
Candaba
Floridablanca
Guagua
Lubao
Mabalacat
Macabebe
Magalang
Masantol
Mexico
Minalin
Porac
San Luis
San Simon
Santa Ana
Santa Rita
Santo Tomas
Sexmoan (Sasmuan)
 

HISTORY
Pampanga was founded by the Spanish conquistador, Martín de Goiti in 1571. The name derived from the native Kapampangan words "pangpang ilog" meaning "riverside" where the early Malayan settlements were concentrated along the Rio Grande de la Pampanga. Kapampangan men are known for their gallantry and leadership while Kapampangan women are famous for their beauty and skill in culinary arts.

Pampanga, one of the richest provinces in the Philippines, was re-organized as a province by the Spaniards on December 11, 1571. For governmental control and taxation purposes, the Spanish authorities subdivided Pampanga into towns (pueblos), which were further subdivided into districts (barrios) and in some cases into royal and private estates (encomiendas).

Due to excessive abuses committed by some grantees of private estates, the King of Spain prohibited in 1574 the awarding of private estates (encomiendas). However, the royal decree was not fully enforced until the year 1620. In a report of Philippine encomiendas on June 20, 1591, Spanish Governor Gomez Perez Dasmarinas reported to the King of Spain that La Pampanga's encomiendas were Batan, Bitis y Lubao, Macabebe, Candava, Apali, Calompit, Malolos, Binto, Guiguinto, Caluya, Bulacan and Mecabayan. The encomiendas of La Pampanga at that time had eighteen thousand six hundred and eighty whole tributes.

Ancient Pampanga's territorial area used to include portions of the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac and Zambales in the big Island of Luzon of the Philippine Archipelago.

Pampanga which is about 850 square miles in area and presently inhabited by more than 1.5 million people, had its present borders drawn in 1873. During the Spanish regime it was one of the richest Philippine provinces. Manila and its surrounding region were then primarily dependent on Pampangan agricultural, fishery, and forestry products as well as on the supply of skilled workers. As other Luzon provinces were created due to increases in population, some well-established Pampanga towns were lost to new emerging provinces in Central Luzon.

The historic province of Bataan which was founded in 1754 under the administration of Spanish Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia, absorbed from the province of Pampanga the municipalities of Abucay, Balanga, Dinalupihan, Llana Hermosa, Orani, Orion, Pilar, and Samal.

The old Pampanga towns of Aliaga, Cabiao, Gapan, San Antonio and San Isidro were ceded to the province of Nueva Ecija in 1848 during the term of Spanish Governor-General Narciso Claveria y Zaldua.

The municipality of San Miguel de Mayumo of Pampanga was yielded to the province of Bulacan in the same provincial boundary configuration in 1848.

In 1860, the northern towns of Bamban, Capas, Concepcion, Victoria, Tarlac, Mabalacat, Magalang, Porac and Floridablanca were separated from Pampanga and were placed under the jurisdiction of a military command called Comandancia Militar de Tarlac. However, in 1873, the four latter towns were returned to Pampanga and the other five towns became municipalities of the newly created Province of Tarlac.

A large number of people have been displaced and whole towns and villages have been submerged in lahar in the aftermath of the Mount Pinatubo eruptions.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE
Historical

Death March Marker
(City of San Fernando, Pampanga) --Inaugurated by Governor-General Eulogio Despujol and Bernardino Nozaleda, Archbishop of Manila, on February 23, 1892. Dr. Jose P. Rizal disembarked from the station on June 27, 1892 and again the next day, en route to Bacolor. During the Death March in April 1942, this was the ending point of long walk from Bataan, from which Filipino and American prisoners-of-war were carted to Capas, Tarlac en route to their final destination, Camp O’Donnell. The railroad station is now the site of the marker.

Kamikaze Shrine
(Mabalacat, Pampanga) --A shrine built in memory of the Kamikaze pilots of Japan, who sacrificed their lives to destroy hundreds of ships of the Allied Forces in the Pacific waters, killing thousands of US soldiers during World War II.

Salakot Arch
(Angeles City, Pampanga) --A special structure which symbolizes the historical signing of the RP-US Military Bases Agreement in the early 50s. The Salakot Arch remains a strong symbol of the Philippine government’s alliance with US.

Provincial Capitol
(City of San Fernando, Pampanga) --Seat of the provincial government of Pampanga. The monuments of Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos, Don Honorio Ventura, Maximino Hizon, Benigno S. Aquino and Diosdado P. Macapagal are located inside the capitol park.

Benigno Aquino Hall
(City of San Fernando, Pampanga) --Located at the Pampanga provincial capitol grounds, rehabilitated and expanded into a state-of-the-art edifice after it was ruined by lahar flows in 1995. It has a seating capacity of 300 persons, fully air-conditioned with audio-visual equipment and facilities.

Museong Kapampangan
(Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga) --A museum housing Kapampangan collections since the 19th century. Established by the Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan.

Clark Museum
(Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga) --Museum showcases Clark as a former US military base and its metamorphosis into a special economic zone and then as a world-class aviation-led business metropolis as depicted in pictures, dioramas, replicas, murals, and artifacts.

Lacson Family Ancestral House

Hilaga
(City of San Fernando, Pampanga) --Formerly the Paskuhan Village located in the City of San Fernando, a first of its kind in Asia, was a tribute to Filipino craftsmen particularly the famous lantern makers of Pampanga as expressed by the star-shaped pavilion at the center of the village.

San Fernando Train Station
(City of San Fernando, Pampanga)

Religious

Ivory Image of St. Peter
(Apalit, Pampanga) --This life-size ivory image of St. Peter was brought by the Spaniards to the Philippines. The image found permanent abode in a big stone house which belonged to Don Pedro Umayan Espiritu, a very rich man who provided the image with three golden tiaras, a valuable scepter, a significant necklace, and a religious ring

Parochial Church of Apalit
(Apalit, Pampanga) --Built in 1629-1630 and designed in Baroque architecture. The marvelous paintings on the ceiling and dome are famous and worth viewing. It was rebuilt by Fr. Antonio Redondo in the years 1876-1880.

Betis Catholic Church
(Guagua, Pampanga) --Pampanga’s most beautiful church, built in 1660-1670. This church has impressive paintings on its dome, entire ceiling, and walls. Pampanga’s most beautiful church. It is a fascinating work of architecture with its classic altar in antique carved design and décor blending with religious frescoes reminiscent of neoclassic works of European Art.

San Agustin Church
(Lubao, Pampanga) --Known to be the oldest in the province.

San Guillermo Parish Church
(Bacolor, Pampanga) --Built in 1754 in Bacolor, the former capital of the Philippines. The church was half-buried by lahar on October 1, 1995. Despite its condition, mass is still held in the half-buried church every Sunday morning.


Sta. Catalina Catholic Church
(Arayat, Pampanga) --Built in honor of St. Catherine of Alexandria, this is one of the oldest churches in Pampanga.

Magalang Church
(Magalang, Pampanga)

San Fernando Metropolitan Cathedral
(City of San Fernando, Pampanga)

 

Minalin Church
(Minalin, Pampanga)

Candaba Church
(Candaba, Pampanga)

Cabalantian Church
(Pampanga)

Natural (Parks & View Sites)

Mt. Arayat National Park
(Arayat, Pampanga) --Established by the late Pres. Manuel L. Quezon on June 27, 1933 to preserve flora and fauna thriving therein. The 3,564 feet high mountain at Baño, Arayat is an ideal site for outdoor activities with its quaint environs under cool shades of lush green foliage, mountain breeze, natural falls and two standard-sized swimming pools, recreational halls and picnic huts.

Candaba Swamps (Bird & Wild Duck Sanctuary)
(Candaba, Pampanga) --A bird and wild duck sanctuary and likewise, a haven for bird watchers. Thousands of wild ducks and egrets migrate here during winter in China.

Mt. Pinatubo Crater
(Porac, Pampanga) --A majestic caldera left after the volcano’s devastating eruption in 1991. To reach the peak, trekkers can pass through the Sta Juliana trail in Capas, Tarlac or the Porac and Sapang Bato trails in Pampanga.

Other Interesting Places

Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex
(City of San Fernando, Pampanga) --An impressive multi-purpose complex with imposing venues for concerts, conventions, basketball games, beauty contests and other sports activities. The 3,000-seat, air-conditioned convention center inside the complex is one of Pampanga’s pride

Mimosa Golf & Country Club
(Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga) --a 36-hole championship golf course on 86 hectares of rolling terrain against a backdrop of mountain ranges and with over 5,000 mature trees of varied species. It boasts of a clubhouse, a Pro Shop, driving ranges, putting greens, and the CLA Golf Academy.

Holiday Inn Resort
(Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga)--the former Chambers Hall converted into a first-class international hotel with 337 air-conditioned rooms including 30 suites.

Mimosa Regency Casino
(Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga)--Asia's Las Vegas featuring over 200 slot machines and more than 35 gaming tables. Casino games include Baccarat, Blackjack and Regency Poker.

Pinoy Expo Filipino
(Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga)--

Feast Days & Festivals

Feast days, or "fiestas", as it is called locally, is a time for a lot of festive and entertainment activities. There are fairs, carnivals, bargain shops, craft shops, amateur singing and dancing contests, musical shows, and beauty pageants. On the eve of a fiesta there is often a "serenata" (brass band) exhibition or contests in the plaza. On the big day, drum and bugle bands would march on the streets with the "karakol" or street dancing.

Sinukwan Festival (December 1 - 7)
Recalls the virtues of the ancient deity, Aring Sinukwan- A noble gigantic god, whose countenance reflected admirable traits such as royalty, wisdom, faithfulness and love.

Parol Festival (December 23)
(City of San Fernando, Pampanga). Days before Christmas, giant lanterns made of colored crepe and Japanese paper with frames of intricate tinwires skeletons containing electrical mechanism and a thousand bulbs, highlight the City of San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival. The lanterns dance, blink and brilliantly twinkle in kaleidoscopic pattern in cadence with the band music.

The dynamic interplay of lights and color that precisely moves with the rhythm of a brass brand, the magnitude of size and their intricate designs, and so much more, these are what spectators get to marvel at as the giant lanterns of San Fernando are pitted against each other on festival night.

Lenten Rites (Mal a Aldo) (March/April)
(City of San Fernando, Pampanga). A re-enactment of Christ’s crucifixion and the parade of flagellants has become a tourist drawing activity during the Lenten season in Barangay Cutud, San Pedro, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The “crucifixion” is done by nailing a devotee on a wooden cross.
 

Apung Iru Fluvial Parade (June 28)
(Apalit, Pampanga). Once a year, the country-old image of Apalit’s patron saint is transferred by boat from its shrine in Capalangan to the poblacion; after two days, it is returned. On both occasions, thousands of devotees line both sides of the river throwing packed food, waving leaves and flowers and splashing in frenzy as the layered pagoda, bearing the statue and pulled by some 70 male swimmers, passes by.

Duman Festival (Last Week of November)
(Sta. Rita, Pampanga). Depicting the hardwork and patience of pounding “duman” which is a favorite of the Kapampangan

Tugak Festival (September 24)
(City of San Fernando, Pampanga). Pampanga is known for its Kapampangan frog traditions and cuisine. This festival is presented with “Mamadwas Tamu” (Let’s Go and Catch Frogs), a bouncy, lively dance that depicts the industry and perseverance of the Kapampangan. The people of Pampanga are the only frog-eating race. It can be cooked in several ways either tinolang tugak, “betute,” adobo or just simply fried it tasty and crispy.

La Naval Fiesta (October)
(Bacolor, Pampanga). In commemoration of the Virgin of the Holy Rosary whose intercession saw victory of the Spanish fleet over the Dutch invaders, Bacolor celebrates this fiesta with typical religious programs.

Aldo Ning Kapampangan (Pampanga Day) (December 11)
(Pampanga). By virtue of Proclamation No. 2226 signed on July 27, 1982 the people of the entire province of Pampanga celebrate the foundation day as a special non-working holiday with various programs and festivities. The Spaniards inaugurated the province of Pampanga as 1st province of Luzon on or about December 11, 1571. The highlights of this yearly celebration is the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards and the Search for the Mutya Ning Kapampangan.

Aguman Sanduk (January 1)
(Minalin, Pampanga). Celebrated in January 1 while the rest of the country takes a rest after the New Year’s eve revelry, the boys and men of this sleepy fishing town wear their mother’s lipstick and put on their wives’ dresses. This strange and largely secret tradition began in 1934; even mayors and parish priests are said to also have joined hundreds of men who parade annually in the street in full transvestite bloom. It has been observed by menfolk here making believe that for one day in a year they would experience how it is to be a woman. At the end of the day, they choose the Aguman Queen who is usually the ugliest of the cross-dressers.

Sabat - Santacruzan (May)
(Pampanga). “Moro-moro” is a feature of the Santacruzan that occurs at certain places. During the procession, the “Goydo” said to be a non-Christian knight errand confronts St.Helena and her handmaidens and tries to stop her search for the cross. After armed skirmishes between the two groups and a series of dramatic dialogues in vernacular joust, “Goydo” and his men, finally won over, are converted to embrace the Christian faith

Hot Air Balloon Race (February)
(Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga).

SOUVENIRS

Pampanga Cuisine
(Pampanga).

Pampanga Sweets
(Pampanga).

Pampanga Processed Foods
(Pampanga).

Duman
(Pampanga).

Wood Carving
(Pampanga).

Wood Furniture
(Betis, Pampanga).

Christmas Lanterns
(Pampanga).

Talanka
(Pampanga).

WHERE TO STAY



HOW TO GET THERE
Genesis Transport Service, Inc.
In the Philippines, Genesis Transport Service, Inc. connects Metro Manila, to the municipalities of this province via air-conditioned buses. These comfortable buses can be ridden either from Genesis' own bus terminals in Pasay city or in Avenida, Manila or then again one may catch the bus along EDSA (Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue) in Metro Manila.
There are several trips a day, starting at 1.30 A.M. in the morning in its Pasay City Terminal in Metro Manila or 4:00 A.M. in its Avenida Terminal in Manila, and one leaving every 30 minutes thereafter till 8.00 P.M. At the other end, in its provincial terminals, the trips commence similarly for trips to Manila.

GETTING AROUND PAMPANGA
If one needs to go to the other towns of the province of Pampanga, one can always get off at the Central Terminal in San Fernando City and take a jeepney to the other towns.