Traveling A–Z: Pampanga

The province of Pampanga remains to be one of the most favorite destinations for local and foreign tourists. Tourists keep going back to the province not only for its proximity to Metro Manila but also for its numerous natural wonders as well.

But there are those who go to Pampanga for a gastronomic adventure which is one of the latest trends in Philippine tourism. The culinary delights in Pampanga include such Kapampangan favorites as the crunchy grilled pork sisig, crab paste (taba ng talangka) and bulanglang as these contribute to the province’s distinction as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.

But before going on a culinary adventure, tourists invariably visit the numerous wonders that can be found in the province such as Mt. Pinatubo and its crater lake, and the Mt. Arayat National Park that features breathtaking sites that include various flora and fauna.  Aside from adventurous trails, Pampanga also prides itself in having numerous cultural and historical sites as well as old baroque and Spanish style churches.

Aside from the cultural and historical sites, the province hosts the Philippines International Hot-Air balloon festival which has become one of the country’s most anticipated annual events.

Pampanga is also home to the Paskuhan Village in its capital, San Fernando City, as well as the Giant Lantern Festival every December.

Fast facts

Dialect: Kapampangan

Festivals: San Fernando Frog Festival and Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Festival

Must See:

Mt. Arayat National Park – With the backdrop of various thriving flora and fauna, the 3,564-ft high dormant volcano is ideal for outdoor retreat and picnics.

Candaba Swamps and Wild Duck Sanctuary – A natural sanctuary for thousands of birds migrating from China to flee the winter. Migratory egrets and indigenous birds, like the rare salaksak and batala can be observed here especially during the dry months and has become one of the latest attractions of the province.

Mt. Pinatubo Crater – An annual Pinatubo trek, known as “A March to Peace and Tranquility,” is held every November 30 to commemorate the great eruption of the early 90’s. But guests can visit the site to get a glimpse of the majestic cauldron-like lake created after the volcano’s devastating eruption.

Dara Falls – Pampanga’s version of the Pagsanjan Falls of Laguna.

Lakeshore – The 250-hectares of prime Pampanga property where a 12-hectare man-made lake framed by the majestic visage of Mt. Arayat can be found.

Betis Catholic Church – The National Commission for Culture and Arts declared this church a National Treasure, one of only ten churches in the country to have been bestowed such honor. The main attraction is the original ceiling mural done by the famous painter Simon Flores (1839-1904).

Death March Marker – A historic marker honoring Filipino and American prisoners-of-war who were forced to march from Bataan to Capas, Tarlac, during the Japanese occupation.

How to get there:

Improvements at the North Luzon Expressway has made it easier for motorists to go to the Central Luzon provinces for a quick getaway while taking the bus is hassle-free as well. Air travel is also possible through the Diosdado Macapagal Airport in Clark.

By VINCE G. LOPEZ