Welcome to Pampanga, Philippines

HISTORY

The first trickle of Pampango settlers came as early as 300 to 400 A.D. from Indonesia. These freedom loving Sumatrans came under the leadership of Prince Balagtas of the Madjhapahit Empire, embarked on an expedition to seek and establish their own independent empire. Apparently enticed by tales of a paradise land in what later was known as the province of Pampanga. Prince Balagtas sailed for Central Luzon passing through the Rio Grande (Pampanga River) and the Rio Chico which were the only passable routes at that time.

Along the way, they found river dwellers and established their settlement and made extensive contacts with these dwellers and implemented their knowledge in farming with the verdant forest and fertile soil in the area.

The progressive newcomers became all over as Taga-Pangpang and the areas they settled in were collectively known as Pangpangans, from the word "pang-pang" which means river banks. With the coming of the Spaniards which had a difficulty pronouncing "ng" and the vagaries of the communication process, the name of the province finally became PAMPANGA.

HISTORICAL ATTRACTION

BETIS CHURCH (Betis, Guagua)

Pampanga's oldest church 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. Built between 1754, this church has impressive paintings on its ceiling and walls with fine sculpture and paintings in gold dust.

BETIS ARTESIAN WELL (Betis, Guagua)

Found in front of the Betis Church. It is known to be the oldest deep well in the province.

ST. PETER SHRINE (Apalit)

This building serves as the permanent residence of the life-size ivory image of St. Peter who is reverently called "Apung Iru" by the towns people. The image brought from Spain to the Philippines in one religious voyage.

NATURAL ATTRACTION

MT. ARAYAT NATIONAL PARK (San Juan Bano, Arayat)

The 3,564 feet high mountain at Barrio Bano, Arayat, features a natural park complete with exquisite swimming pools recreational halls and picnic huts. One would be delgihted to experience the cool breeze, naturl spring water that fall from the mountains. This park is two(2) kilometers away from the town proper of Arayat.

SCENIC CANDABA SWAMPS (Candaba)

A bird sanctuary and a haven for bird watchers, thousands of wild ducks migrate here during winter in China.

MAN-MADE ATTRACTION

PASKUHAN VILLAGE (San Fernando, Pampanga)

The first of tis kind in Asia the world's third, Paskuhan Village has all the elements of traditional Filipino heritage under one roof, aiming to depict Philippines Christmas all year round. It is projected to be a major trade and tourism center not only in the region but throughout the country.

PERMANENT GARDENS (Paskuhan Village)

Featuring the world's best variety of tropical plants, flowers and foliage in an outdoor setting that will pay tribute to the "Gardens of the World" theme of "Florikultura '98."

PAMPANGA AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE (Magalang)

A state-owned educational institution ideally located at the scenic foot hills of Mt. Arayat where a conference pavillion and natural swimming area were developed by the Philippine Tourism Authority.

SPECIAL INTEREST:

BIRD WATCHING - WILD DUCK SANCTUARY (Candaba, Pampanga)

Hundreds of thousands of wild ducks from China maker their home during the winter season. This is an ideal site for birdwatching. But bird hunting is strictly prohibited in response to environmental protection.

MOUNTAIN TREKKING/BIKING - Mt, Arayat/Magalang, Pampanga

Go mountain trekking/biking and eventual camping at Mt. Arayat. Either one starts at Magalang where the other slope of Mt. Arayat ends and refreshes at the National park at Arayat where at least five swimming polls awaits the trekkers.

FESTIVALS

CUTUD LENTEN RITES

A re-enactment Christs's passion and death is done every year during the lenten season at Cutud, San Pedro, San Fernando, Pampanga. The re-enactment is complete with the passion play and culminates with the actual nailing of at least three flagellants on wooden crosses a top a makeshift calvary.

SABAT-SANTACRUZAN

A moro-moro feature of the Santacruzan that occurs at certain places. During the procession, the Goydo, said to be non-christian knight errand, confronts St, Helen and her handmaiden and tries to stop her search for the cross. After armed skirmies between the two groups and a series of drmatic dialogues in vernacular jousts, the Goydo and his men are converted into Christian faith.

APUNG IRU FLUVIAL FESTIVAL

Celebrated every June 27-29 of every year, the feast of St. Peter and Paul is observed with a fluvial parade with gaily decorated motorboats and colorful bancas roving up and down the Pampanga River. The 3-day celebration honoring Apung Iru starts on June 27 and culminates on June 29 when the image is brought back to its shrine at Capalanagan.

PAMPANGA DAY ( December 11)

The people of the entire Pampanga province celebrate its foundation day with various programs and festivities such as cultural shows, trade exhibits and other socio-economic projects.

GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL

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 San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival. The lanterns dance, blink and brilliantly twinkle in kaleidoscopic pattern in cadence with the band music.

AVL-Country-Sight-Travel, Inc
Contact : VIOLY, RITA
Tel. (632) 372-4865, 371-1492, 371-1493