Department of Tourism - Region III
CENTRAL LUZON EMERGING DESTINATIONS
ANGELES CITY: HERITAGE DISTRICT
Before being transformed into a highly urbanized city, Angeles once known as Kuliat (named after a woody vine abundant in the area) was a sleepy barrio North of San Fernando, Pampanga. It was once inhabited by aetas before its founder Don Angel Pantaleon de Miranda with his wife, started clearing activities for a new settlement.
It was in 1829 when Kuliat was recognized as a separate municipality from San Fernando and was renamed Angeles after the town’s patron saints and its founder. That time, Angeles already had 151 houses mostly of the influential families and developed new industries such as sugar mill and wine distillery.
Now in the 21st century, Angeles City, particularly in the perimeter of Sto. Rosario St. has maintained the rich heritage of what was once the town of Kuliat.
By just simply walking on foot, one can get a glimpse of the grandiose old town where the Dons and Doňas once lived. Here is a list of the heritage sites in Angeles City that you have to discover:
Miranda House (Founder’s House)
Also known as Bale Matua (old house) this classic Spanish mansion along Sto. Rosarion St. was constructed by Angeles’ founders Don Angel Pantaleon de Miranda and wife Doňa Rosalia de Jesus in 1824. A marker from the National Historical Institute is found at the mansion’s gate confirming the structures cultural importance.
Camalig (Grain Storehouse)
Known as the home of Armando’s Pizza, this old grain storehouse was built in 1840 and was used as grain depot until the 1960’s before it was transformed into a restaurant.
Old Municipal Hall (Museo ning Angeles)
Right in front of the Holy Rosary Parish Church is Angeles town’s old municipal hall. Now used as the city’s museum (Museo Ning Angeles), this structure built in the 1920’s now houses important artifacts from the old town including kitchen and dining equipment and tools from a typical Illustrado family.
Bale Herencia
Built in 1960 by skilled carpenters from Vigan, Ilocos Sur, this structure was once a residence of the town’s parish priest until it was passed from one generation to the next. Today, this abode is home to several commercial establishments including a Korean restaurant on its second floor. This heritage site is located along the corner of Sto. Rosario and Lakandula Sts.
Pamintuan Mansion (now Museum of Philippine Social History)
A few blocks away from Sto. Rosario St. is this ornately mansion which is considered as one of the city’s most historical landmarks. This home built in the 1880’s witnessed a lot of important events in our country’s history including the first anniversary celebration of the Republic of the Philippine’s with General Emilio Aguinaldo in attendance. In recent years, a re-enactment of the first Independence Day celebration is staged here. The mansion is currently being transformed into a museum named the “Philippine Museum of National Social History.”
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PAMPANGA: CULINARY CAPITAL
Must-tries are the Kapampangan halo-halo places in various places in the province. In fact, there are three distinct halo-halo varieties in Pampanga. These are Guagua (Razon’s), Angeles (Corazon’s) and Arayat (Kabigting's and Jurado's) halo-halo. It must also be noted that Kapampangan halo-halo is distinct from the other halo-halo served in the country because it uses only three or four ingredients or sahog. However, the richness of these ingedients more than compensates for the number of types thrown in the glass. Arayat for example is distinct for its pastillas, crushed beans and saging combination; Guagua for its macapuno, saging, and leche flan; while Angeles is distinct for its mais, saging, pastillas and crushed beans combination.
Also check out Aling Lucing's at the Crossing (Henson Street, Angeles City) which is the birthplace of Pampanga sisig and the steakhouses in Marisol Subdivision, Angeles City. Luring's of Guagua (with branches all over Pampanga) serves some of the best barbeque and other grilled meat products. Ikabud (the contracted form of ika kabud which translates as only you) is another restaurant that serves grilled food and is located in Hensonville, Angeles City.
If you want to try out everything, go for Smorgasbord, the buffet Kapampangan lunch and dinner offered at Partyland (MacArthur Highway and SM City Pampanga) and Holidayland (Gapan-Olongapo Road) both in San Fernando. (Source: Ivan Henares: Ivan About Town Blog)
MASINLOC ECOTOURISM WONDERS
San Salvador Island, Masinloc, Zambales
Come and join the Masinloc Ecotour Program in San Salvador Island (named as the Best in Local Governance in 1997 under the Galing Pook Award). Participate in the Marine Ecology Learning Program that includes: trip to the Mangrove Island, marine protected areas and Giant Taklobo Farm. Explore the natural beauty of underwater scenery thru scuba diving and snorkeling. Enjoy the sumptuous food (seafood, vegetable and fruits, and seaweeds) that will surely delight the visitors. Have fun while learning the environmental development program. OTHER ATTRACTIONS: 1) Masinloc Boardwalk Project. The project serves as a marine park, playground and a favorite site for various arts and cultural programs and activities; 2) Marine Sanctuaries. Two (2) other marine sanctuaries were established in sitios Panglit and San Lorenzo, managed by the Marine Protected Area managers or Bantay Dagat volunteers; 3) San Salvador Island. The long stretch and white sand beach around the pristine island captivates hundreds of tourists every year. Snorkeling on the Giant Clam Farm (Tridacna Gigas) in San Salvador provides enjoyment to nature lovers with awesome underwater scenery; 4) Caving
The unexplored caves of Sitio Bunga in Brgy Sta. Rita will surely amaze nature lovers with their astounding stalactites and stalagmite formation; 5) Waterfalls. The descending cool fresh water at KM 18 with its 15-ft waterfall provides relaxing moments for visitors and picnic - goers; 6) Mangrove. A 5-ha Mangrove-formed island (Yaha) in San Lorenzo is one of two sites in the Philippines where rare breed of mangrove abounds; 7) Coto Kidz Poo. The site offers a naturally designed swimming pool at the foot of a forest reserve where one is bound to walk thru a breathtaking hanging bridges at Coto Mines; 8) Pawikan and other Marine Species. Endangered sea turtles abound in Sitio Longos, Brgy. Bani where these sea creatures freely lay their eggs. Other marine species abundant in the area include: yellow fin (tuna), skip jack (round scad), squid, octopus, lapu-lapu, Spanish mackerel, seaweeds, among other species; 9) Fresh Mango (Carabao variety). Masinloc's One Town One Product (OTOP). Known as the sweetest fruit in the country as declared by the Guiness Book of Records; 10) San Andres Parish Church. A 400-year structure is the oldest Augustinian Catholic church built in Zambales in 1607. In 2001, the church, made of coral stones, was declared as a national cultural treasure by the National Museum; 11) Bacala Guesthouse. This structure sits astride a sand bar in the middle of the bay; 12) Binabayani Festival. Celebrated on November 30 every year, the event is a street dance/play depicting the clash between the Spaniards and the native of Masinloc - in honor of San Andres, the patron saint of the town. For further details, contact: Masinloc Tourism & Investment Promotion Office, South Poblacion, Masinloc, Zambales, Contact Marcos Aranas - Municipal Tourism Officer, Phone (63 47) 821-1835 / 1834 / 1150, Mobile 0919-827-5094 / 0915-263-0907 / 0949-405-8148 Email Website
MONASTERIO DE TARLAC (RELIC OF THE TRUE CROSS)
Brgy. Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac
The Monasterio de Tarlac was established in 2003 as the hermitage house for five (5) monks of the Priory of the Servants of the Risen Christ (SRC), a congregation of monastic brothers (more appropriately addressed as Frater) led by its Prior, Frater Ronald Thomas Cortez, SRC or Fr. Archie to his friends. The congregation has a total population of thirty (30) Fraters all over the country as of 2007 - all destined to a life of monasticism and contemplative life. The rather solitary and prayerful life in the monastery took an unexpected turn when it became the fitting shrine of the authentic relic or fragment of the True Cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified and died in Golgotha, according to Christian tradition.
The historic moment came in 2005 during the World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany when Msgr. Volker Bauer of the Diocese of Essen, Germany offered to turn over to Prior, Fr. Archie, the Sacred Wood since the monastic life was slowly fading in Europe. On January 30, 2007, the Silver Reliquary containing portion of the Cross was flown in by Msgr. Bauer in the Church of the Risen Christ at the monastery in San Jose, Tarlac where its dedication was officiated by His Excellency Most Rev. Fernando Filoni, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, together with Tarlac Bishop Florentino F. Cinense, and a host of other clergy.
This particle of the True Cross was originally located in a church in Germany until the advent of communism which outlawed the practice of Christian faith thus giving way to Catholic churches being converted into museums and warehouses. Many of these pieces of the Wooden Cross were kept in secret places by Christians of old only to be distributed in later years to churches around the world. The reliquary is known to be the only one in the entire continent of Asia.
To accommodate the growing hordes of devotees to the shrine in Tarlac, the Prior decided to celebrate the Holy Mass daily (except Thursday) at 10:30 in the morning after which the faithful is allowed to the reliquary to pay their homage and be blessed with spirituality.
Twice a year, the silver-gilt reliquary is laid open for public viewing on January 30, the date it was enshrined, and on September 14, when the entire Christian community celebrates the anniversary of the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and for which the Vatican officially named the day in 1963 as the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. Atop the imposing altar is the inscription in Latin: Ave, Crux, Spes, Unica which means Hail, the Holy Cross, Our Only Hope. It is traditionally believed that more healing takes place during these dates.
The sprawling monastery with dormitory and viewing decks offers a commanding view of the mountainous terrain of the towns of Tarlac nearby and the imposing 30-ft. Statue of the Risen Christ. The priory is open to the conduct of spiritual renewals such as retreats and recollections for both students and adults. The fraters would be happy to conduct one for individuals or groups.
The veneration of the True Cross finds its origin in the legend of Helena. According to Christian tradition, when Emperor Constantine granted religious freedom to Christians in the Roman Empire in 313 A.D., his mother, Queen Helena, later in 326 A.D. made pilgrimage to the Holy Land to locate those places sacred to Christians and find the Cross of Jesus. With the help of Christians there, she found many places where Jesus lived, and carried out his ministry. Queen Helena had churches built in many of these sacred sites (e.g., the Tomb of the Holy Sepulchre, the Calvary, the Nativity, etc.). She also found the True Cross, buried under a pagan temple, the nails, and the title that was affixed to the Cross. She is said to have verified the true cross among the three that were unearthed through miracles (a dead girl was restored to life when touched by the True Cross) . She left part of the Cross in Jerusalem, gave part to her son in Constantinople, and took part back to Rome where the Church of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem was built. Pieces of the Cross were venerated as holy relics, and fragments were given as gifts to many churches in Europe. Sixteen centuries later in 2007, a fragment of the True Cross found its place in the Church of the Risen Christ in a peaceful and quiet Monasterio de Tarlac.
How to Get There
From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway, exit Sta. Ines Toll Plaza in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Proceed towards north to Tarlac City. Upon reaching Brgy. San Sebastian (Hotel Sogo on the left corner; Matutina's Seafood Restaurant on the left), take a left turn to the bypass road (Tarlac - Pangasinan) towards the town of Camiling. Follow the 36-km backcountry but well-paved road to Brgy. Lubigan in San Jose, Tarlac (turns are well signposted). For fast and convenient travel, take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila; exit NLEX Spur Road between Dau and Sta. Ines exits to take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway all the way to Tarlac City.
The monastery is located at the heart of the 278-ha Tarlac Ecotourism Park in Brgy. Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac.
The place will soon become one of the most-visited piligrimage sites in the country.
Contact Information:
Contact Fr. Archie (Servants of the Risen Christ Monastic Community) or Kenneth Talavera (Office Secretary) Phone (63 45) 493-3002 Mobile 0916-250-8414 P.O. Box No. 21 (Tarlac City) Email / website Holy Mass everyday except Thursday @ 10:30 a.m.
AURORA: SURFING CAPITAL
Cemento Beach and Reef
Baler, Aurora
White sand, seashells, and crushed corals are found along the stretch of Cemento Beach. The waters are ideal for expert/professional surfers as the waves are of the right-hand break type. It is also suitable for body boarding, snorkeling and diving.
Charlie's Point
Baler, Aurora
Ideal for surfing, with medium quality right-hand-and-left-break waves on a sand-and-gravel bottom. The waves are best in December and January. The surf scenes from the movie Apocalypse Now were filmed here.
Ditumabo Falls
San Luis, Aurora
The crystal clear water of Ditumabo Falls gushes endlessly, flows and twists among countless rocks and boulders downstream. Approximately 140 ft. high, the waterfall is surrounded by huge cliffs, green shrubbery and vines making the place a perfect venue for family picnics and nature tripping. Trekking towards the falls takes about an hour from the NIA watershed base camp downstream. The local host community banded together to keep the trail system in near perfect condition. The ecotourism site just gave way to the construction of mini-hydroelectric power generator to benefit the local community.
FIESTA REPUBLICA: A FESTIVAL OF PHILIPPINE HISTORY
The project is meant to celebrate the first anniversary of the FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC (known as the Malolos Republic) which was held on January 23, 1899 at the Barasoain Church in Malolos City with then first president, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, as the guest of honor. It is also meant to bring to the Filipino consciousness significant events in our history such as the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite and the holding of the Malolos Congress on September 15, 1898. The country is the first democratic constitution in the whole continent of Asia and Africa.
The highlight of the celebration is the so-called Dulansangan (street drama) where all the eight (8) provinces, which comprise the eight rays of the sun and which fought for our freedom and democracy, will be featured in a street parade of tableaux depicting this particular chapter in our history. These provinces are Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas and Manila.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
To bring to the consciousness of every Filipino the following significant events in the history of Philippine Freedom and Democracy:
-The Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898;
-The Malolos Congress on September 15, 1898; and,
-The Founding of the First Philippine Republic, the Malolos Republic,
on January 23, 1899
To observe and celebrate nationally the Anniversary of the First Philippine Republic as the first democratic constitution in the whole continent of Asia and Africa; and,
To pay tribute to the heroic deeds of our ancestors emphasizing the socio-cultural value of the wisdom and gallantry of our ancestors and their invaluable contribution to what we have achieved today as a free nation.