Do you have an upcoming layover at Clark International Airport or a business trip in Pampanga, Philippines? While this province doesn't have white sand beaches or cool diving spots, some things will keep you entertained in my homeland. Here are 5 things you'd love about Pampanga.
At A Glance
Summary
Glossary
Five Reasons to Visit Pampanga
1. Pampanga is the culinary capital of the Philippines
Kapampangans are passionate about food. There is quite a long list of Filipino foods that have Kapampangan roots. Sisig, Kare-kare, Maja Blanca and Tocino to name a few. And if you are visiting Pampanga, a food trip should be number one on your to-do list.
2. It is convenient and accessible
Just an hour's drive away from Manila, Pampanga is accessible and fairly urbanized yet it still has the space and greeneries that we're missing in the metro. It has its international airport with many tourist spots within a few kilometers. Pampanga is a booming and developing province. It has universities, medical centers, hotels, resorts, malls, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, etc - almost everything we need for a comfortable life is here, plus more. Of course, there are jeepneys, e-jeepneys, and tricycles for public transportation. In the cities, taxis and GrabCar are options to beat the heat.
3. Pampanga has the most vibrant and fabulous festivals
I grew up completely plugged into the festivities of Pampanga. As a child, during specific dates, we visited certain friends and families from different towns and we would eat to our hearts' content. Then we'd enter other neighboring houses randomly and they'd welcome us to more food! It was such an enjoyable childhood experience. Sadly, this tradition gradually vanished. Please comment below if you still do this tradition in your town.
But let's not fret. Pampanga is still beaming with numerous fiestas to commemorate certain events and traditions. One can expect street dancing, grand parades, competitions, food, and a fun-loving crowd. Here's a list of some of the festivals held in Pampanga and when to expect them.
4. Feeling adventurous? Hike Mt. Arayat.
Pampanga is geographically located in Central Luzon where it's mostly plains, so you can't possibly miss the province's only mountain - Mount Arayat. Often a background on many local paintings depicting a simple rural life, this mountain has a unique facade.
For those seeking adventure, Mount Arayat is a challenging hike for beginners. Seasoned hikers might find the trail easy to moderate. Reaching the peak at 1026 meters, prepare to breathe in the gorgeous view of the plains of Pampanga.
5. Be entertained by a Kapampangan
Not only are Kapampangans known for being good cooks, but we are also known for being good hosts. Whether it's a neighbor or a foreigner, we are highly accommodating. Get ready to be served with yummy food and be entertained with unending conversations. We are often tagged as the loud ones... but yeah! We get so pumped up in our chit-chats that we get passionately loud! We frequently hold gatherings and love reunions where we can flex our outfits, achievements, cooking, and karaoke prowess!
These are 5 compelling reasons to visit Pampanga. There are more reasons, can you name some? Please comment below. So next time you come to my homeland, remember, there's more to Pampanga than just food trips and malls. Enjoy your trip!
Glossary
Pampanga - A province in the Philippines geographically located in Central Luzon (Region III). It has wetlands in the south and is primarily plains with the exemption of the province's lonely mountain - Mount Arayat. The province's name was derived from 'pampang' which means 'shore' since it is located north of a prominent river subsequently called Pampanga River.
Kapampangan - a person from Pampanga. The terms Capampangan, Pampango, and Cabalen may also be used. It also refers to the language spoken in this part of the country.
Clark International Airport - the International Airport located at Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, in the province of Pampanga.
Ulam - a Tagalog (Filipino) term for a dish best enjoyed with rice. In Kapampangan, it is called 'asan' or ulam.
Pulutan - a Tagalog (Filipino) term for food best enjoyed amongst friends accompanied by alcohol.
Sisig - a pork dish originating in Pampanga and a favorite amongst Filipinos. It is a tangy, savory, fatty, and spicy dish best served as ulam or pulutan.
Kare-kare - a pork or beef dish cooked in peanut sauce with various vegetables. It is an ulam enjoyed all over the country but Kapampangans would argue that it originates from this province.
Maja Blanca - a soft but firm creamy coconut pudding dessert with various toppings - cheese, corn kernels, or coconut curds (latik). It is coined from the Spanish words Maja - pleasant and Blanca - White, due to its pleasantness and white (yellowish) color.
Tocino - a sweet and salty meat dish. It is also a technique for preserving meat in salt, soy sauce, and sugar. The dish is strikingly red due to the added salitre (a food preservative) but healthier versions add annatto powder or natural red food coloring. Pork is generally used for tocino but other variations are chicken, beef, and carabao tocino. Tocino is a Tagalog term but locally, it is referred to as 'Pindang'. Usually enjoyed for breakfast, the term ToSiLog is fried tocino with 'sinangag' (garlic fried rice) and 'itlog' (eggs) cooked sunny-side up.