Pampanga Luzon

HISTORY

Pampanga, one of the richest provinces in the Philippines, was re-organized as a province by the Spaniards on December 1571. It was named after the Indung Kapampangan River, the largest river in the former empire. 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).

Angeles City

A thriving city often compared to the Philippine capital and largest city, Manila. Angeles City is known as the  number one entertainment capital of the Philippines, world-famous for its bars and booming nightlife scene. Located just 80 km north of Manila and 10 minutes from the Clark Economic Zone and International Airport, is enjoying an economic boom. The nightlife scene ranges from world-class mega-nightclubs to mile-long rows of budget bars and discos. There are over 500 foreign and local bars and nightclubs in Angeles City attracting visitors from all over the globe.

 City of San Fernando

known for its giant lanterns and it annually holds a “Giant Lantern Festival” in December. Among legions of Catholics, it is known for its annual re-enactment of Christ’s “Crucifixion on Good Friday”. Also, “Hilaga Philippines” is found here. It is a tourism village where the wealth, character and cultures of the four Northern Regions of Luzon are pooled together to provide every visitor the virtual experience of a visit to the North.

Mabalacat

Has an airfield where the first attacks of the Kamikaze suicide pilots were launched  October 20, 1944 commanded by Vice-Admiral Takjuro Ohnishi in an attempt to destroy hundreds of ships of the Allied Forces in the Pacific Ocean, killing thousands of US soldiers during World War II. “The Memorial and Kamikaze Peace Shrine” marks the site of the old runway and it is frequently visited by tourists, especially Japanese.

Porac

Known for its natural sites such as the Dara and Miyamit Falls, as well as the Porac Highlands. It is equally popular for being a lahar-stricken town brought about by the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption and subsequent flooding of rivers with lahar (a mixture of rainwater and volcanic ash and outfall) that severely eroded river banks and destroyed bridges and low-lying areas. Trekkingthrough Porac is another way to reach Mount Pinatubo’s peak, a seven-hour trekking safari to the slopes of Mount Pinatubo via the Pasig-Potrero river in Barangay Mancatian while traversing fast streambeds, prolific waterfalls, and fantastic lahar landscapes.

Arayat

Known for its majestic Mt. Arayat and a natural park complete with exquisite swimming pools, spa, recreational halls, and picnic huts. One would be delighted to experience the cool breeze and natural spring water that falls from the mountain. Have an optional tour of “Mt. Arayat National Park” for a short mountain climb and swimming in natural pools.

Candaba

“Bird Watching Tour,” the staging and wintering area for thousands of birds from October to April of every year and it offers the only organized bird watching tour in the region. It serves as a bird sanctuary and a haven for migratory birds, such as egrets and wild ducks during winter in China. Indigenous ones like the rare salaksak and batala are to be seen as well. Aside from birdwatching, cruise down the province’s river of life, the Pampanga River.

Guagua

Takes its pride for having Pampanga’s oldest church, “Betis Church,” which is a fascinating work of architecture with its classic altar in antique-carved design and decor blending with religious frescoes reminiscent of neoclassic works of European art. Built in 1754, this church has impressive paintings on its ceiling and walls with fine sculpture and paintings in gold dust.

Natural parks

Mt. Arayat National Park (Arayat)
Scenic Candaba Swamps and Wild Duck & Birds Sanctuary (Candaba)
Mt. Pinatubo Crater (Pampanga/Tarlac/Zambales)
Dara Falls (Porac) – Pampanga’s version of the Pagsanjan Falls of Laguna
Miyamit Falls & Porac Peak (Porac)
Cong Dadong Dam (Arayat)
Maruring Falls (Mabalacat)
Lahar Canyon (Porac & Bacolor)
Muñoz Park – (Minalin)

Acomadation
There are many nice hotels around the city, furnished with the luxury of modern day living with upgraded facilities to accommodate your needs. Some can be found along the Clark Perimeter Road while others within the Clark Freeport Zone. Lower-cost accommodation in the main entertainment area near Fields Ave