114. 9 TAMBAY SPOTS IN PAMPANGA

Pampanga has been on the tourist map staple for a long, long time. Known for the majestic cooking of its people and its astonishing mix of country and cityscapes, the province also offers casual hangout spots perfect for the chill days, may it be for tourists or even locals.

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1. PORAC BAYWALK PARK, Porac

The serene Porac river view plus the fresh breeze of air is the perfect equation of a “tambay” spot. Porac Baywalk Park, also known as Porac Babo Robot, turns into a lively night market by sunset that offers the local flavors of Pampanga. With both tourists and locals enjoying the delicate Porac riverscape, various activities by the local government of Porac are held in this place throughout the year.

Photo from: Porac Government Page

2. MINALIN SUNSET PARK, Minalin

Situated between Minalin’s proud vast fish ponds, Sunset Park is an up and coming destination in the north of Pampanga. If you’re looking to spend the afternoon lazing around, watching the sunset and mingling with people, Sunset Park is a must visit. With expansion plans from the government, Minalin is looking to expand this beautiful stretch into an entertainment hub for the locals and tourists to enjoy in the future.

                                  Photo from: Sunstar 

3. CAPITAL TOWN, City of San Fernando

Capital Town is the best hang out spot if you want to experience both tradition and modernity at once. Situated along Capitol Boulevard in the heart of San Fernando, Pampanga. One of the most famous places to visit in Capital Town is the largest McDonald's branch in the Philippines; more importantly, this branch accommodates parks with traditional carriage, food carts selling low-cost street foods, and more. This hangout spot is undoubtedly among the best options for those on a tight budget. All you need to do is bring your picnic blanket and enjoy the fun experience at Capital Town.

                                 Photo from: Mega World

4. THE ORCHID GARDEN RESORT, City of San Fernando

The Jewel of San Fernando is only a short drive away from Capital Town and is one of the must-visit destinations when the ber-months approach. The Christmas Village Pampanga, which is part of The Orchid Resort, brings holiday fantasies to life with displays including nativity scenes, Santa's workshop, lights illuminating every corner, and special activities that can create cherished memories with your family. During the regular days, The Christmas Village turns into a resort and a recreational park that offers scenic dining experiences with its wide range of restaurants and establishments inside.

                                  Photos from: The Orchids Gardens

5. CLARK PARADE GROUNDS, Mabalacat

A place full of historical upbringing and a symbolic reminder of Philippines-United States friendship over the years, now serves as a park with natural scenery for families to enjoy. Clark Parade Grounds has made significant strides and now provides ideal leisure activities like jogging, biking, strolling, and picnics. The greenery and abundance of open spaces at Clark Parade Grounds made it one of the greatest places to unwind and chill out with your loved ones.

                                 Photo from: Feliix Inc.

6. BAMBOO HUB ECO PARK, Lubao

The Bamboo Hub Eco Park in Lubao, Pampanga serves as a hub for bamboo cultivation with its unique and environmentally-focused design to promote sustainable practices. Visitors can learn about the different species of bamboo, its ecological benefits, and how it can be used for various purposes. The park plays a part in reforestation efforts, encouraging the use of bamboo as a sustainable alternative to deforestation practices. Bamboo's ability to quickly grow and stabilize the soil makes it ideal for preventing erosion and improving biodiversity.

                                 Photo from: Pelago

7. CLARK GLOBAL CITY / WEST AERO PARK, Clark Freeport Zone

This area looks like a normal gasoline station full of car dealerships, but at night, this is where the car enthusiasts or “tambay” near Clark hang out. Clark Global City was a go-to place for Gen z’s, millennials, and even boomers when they wanted to chill out with their Barkadas, flexing their cars while drinking beer on their open trunks and camp chairs.

                                 Photo from: Skyscraper City Forum

8. NORTHWALK CLARK / SF2, Clark Freeport Zone

If you want to witness planes take off and land while drinking beer with your friends this tambay spot is for you. Due to its spacious parking lots, it’s been a go-to chill spot for different generations. The illuminating lights at night give a serene and comforting place for barkadas to sit, drink, and have deep conversations.

                                  Photo from: Foursquare

9. TABNUAN CULTURAL CENTER, Mabalacat, Xevera

Just February of last year, another hangout or chill spot in the outskirts of Pampanga emerged. Tabnuan Cultural Center is not only a heritage spot to visit but also a tambay must-see as it houses a magnificent view of Mabalacat City and offers a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city scene. Tabnuan is quite literally tambay-material with wide space and the fact that the name literally means “meeting place.” Various food stalls, local merchandise and affordable coffee hosted by Cafe Municipio will surely make your tambay more worthwhile. While you’re there, Balacat Tea is a must try!

                                            Photo from: Mabalacat City News Facebook

They introduce a new concept of these places may not be your usual tourist spots but they introduce a new concept of relaxation, not only for the locals but tourists as well.

P.S: This was made by Center for Kapampangan Studies interns who love to tambay.

80. 15 KAPAMPANGAN PLACES, THEIR MONICKERS AND MOTTOS

The use of short descriptive phrases--sobriquets, nicknames, monickers-- to describe places goes a long way back in history. "Pearl of the Orient" (Perla del Oriente) was first used in 1571 for Manila, now used as a sobriquet for the whole country. Central Luzon, which includes Pampanga, was dubbed as the "Rice Granary of the Philippines". Pampanga, of course, lays claim to the title of "Culinary Capital of the Philippines". Not all place nicknames, however, are positive in nature-- some are insulting, some amusing, many hilarious --but this naming tradition lives on today. Recently, town mottos, too, are being appended to rally people to support their municipality's vision/mission. 

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ANGELES CITY

Angeles earned its reputation as a center of entertainment with the rise of its barangay, Balibago as a recreation and leisure hub for serving both American and local patrons. The city’s proximity to Clark Air Base jumpstarted the establishments of night clubs, pubs, bars and gambling dens which lined the main avenue of Balibago, as well as the nearby perimeter roads known as Fields and Friendship Avenue. The entertainment strip was lit with neon marquees with Las Vegas inspired names such as Copa Cabana, Nina’s Papagayo, Little brown Jug, and Tropicana. Like Los Angeles, it was dubbed as the “City of Angels”, as it was named for both the founder (Angel Pantaleon de Miranda) and titular patrons  (Los Angeles Custodios).  The Casino Filipino, run by PAGCOR, is also located in Balibago.

“Abe-abe…Saup-saup…Agyu Tamu!” (Together...Helping Each Other...We Can!)

APALIT 

Apalit is the last town of Pampanga as one goes south to Manila, hence its nickname. The town is also famous for its long tradition in blacksmithing, and  the best bolos are said to come from Apalit. Today, th town doe not only produce bladed weapons like machetes and knives, but also domestic steel tools like rakes, hoes, anvils, picks, shovels and garden implements.

“Aplit…Apalit!” (Quicken the Pace...Apalit!)

BACOLOR

Like the ancient capital of Greece—Athens—Bacolor was the undisputed seat of arts and culture of the province, with the highest concentration of poets, artists, zarzuela performers, musicians, singers and writers. Bacolor is the proud home of such literary greats  as Juan Crisostomo Soto, Felix Galura, Luisa Gonzaga de Leon, Jose Gutierrez David, Mariano Proceso Pabalan Byron, Anselmo Fajardo, Zoilo Hilario, among others. Bacolor was also the country’s capital for two years during the Spanish colonial times when Manila was invaded by the British.

“Pluribus Unum, Non Plus Ultra" (Out of Many, No Further and Beyond)”

CAPAS

Capas is one of the richest, most historic towns of Tarlac,  the final site of the infamous Bataan Death March. It is a trekkers’ and mountaineers’ paradise as the challenging Mount Pinatubo treks were first offered by this town, which today continues to  attract thousands of tourists every year, unprecedented in number. This accounts for its latest nicknames as Tarlac’s tourism capital.

"Paspas..Capas!" (Make Haste, Capas!)

DAU

Camp Stotsenburg established its  Post Exchange in Dau, which presaged its rise from a barrio of Mabalacat to  the country's PX capital in the 70s. With the relaxation of Clark rules, PX goods flowed out of the base in abundance, to be resold later in stores  that quickly sprouted like mushrooms along MacArthur Highway of Dau. The completion of the North Expressway that linked Dau to Manila facilitated the great American experience as visitors trooped to Dau to buy Pringles, Oreos, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Hershey’s Chocolates, Almond Rocha, Hanes and Fruit of the Loom shirts, imported rubber shoes, branded cosmetics, apples and grapes, among others. The reversal of fortune began with the departure of American servicemen facilitated by the Pinatubo eruption of 1991. Business took a turn for the worse when PX Clubs opened at Clark-which extended PX shopping privileges to Filipinos.  Today, Dau shops continue to flourish, with toilet fixtures, military uniforms, various tools, and used surplus items replacing the once in-demand PX goods.

FLORIDABLANCA

The third largest municipality in the province has so much potential waiting to be untapped that the municipal government came up with a kilometric monicker for the province that reads more like a vision.

“Abe-abe king Panyulung!” (Together in Advancement)

LUBAO

The ancient town of Lubao (old name: Baba) has the sole distinction of producing two presidents: Diosdado Pangan Macapagal (b. Sep. 28, 1910/d. Apr. 21, 1997), who served from 1961-1965 as our ninth President, and daughter Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ( b.Apr. 5, 1947 ), who was our 14th President,  from 2001 until 2010.

MABALACAT

Over 97% of Clark Economic Zone is on Mabalacat land, hence the claim as Clarks economic breadbasket. ‘Makati of the North’ is a monicker coined by the long-running Morales Administration, which came across as too pretentious. The only similarity is, like the Binays of Makati, Morales’ term was a long one, stepping down only 2017, after 22 years in power. The Kamikaze monicker is in reference to the Divine Wind suicide attacks of Japan that was planned in the home of local Mabalacat resident,  Marcos Santos, during the last years of World War II.

“Misanmetung, Mabalacat! (United for once, Mabalacat!)

MACABEBE

In the art of peddling, perhaps no one can compare to the selling skills of the Macabebe cloth vendors. In fact, Macabebe takes pride in being called “Home of the Peddlers”, a reputation built by these native vendors who roamed across the Archipelago, travelling on foot and in groups of two or more, selling the famous ‘Macabebe cloth’—actually, Manila-bought fabrics. These humble, hardworking cloth vendors infused a lot of money into their town and in the 1930s, were largely responsible for pumping up Macabebe’s economy.

"Memalen Macabebe, tapat makiabe!" (Macabebe townfolks are loyal friends)

MAGALANG

Magalang aspires to become the sweet tamarind capital of the Philippines through a locally-propagated tamarind variety known as Aglibut. The late Professor Andres Aglibut, a consultant of Pampanga Agricultural College, successfully developed a  sampaluk type noted for it sour-sweet taste and juicy dark brown flesh. This is in consonance with the town’s “farm tourism” program which aims to revitalize the farm industry of this scenic, agricultural town.

“One Magalang! Metung King Panyulung!” (One Magalang, One in our Stride to Progress)

MINALIN

The town is known as the "Egg Basket of Central Luzon" because of its large scale production of eggs and chickens. According to the municipal government, Minalin earns P30 million per month or P1 million per day from the sales of eggs. There are 22 poultry raisers who own around 280,000 chickens. These chickens produce 479,100 eggs per day. So important is this egg industry that a laying chicken is even included in its town seal.

SAN FERNANDO

The capital city of San Fernando is popularly known as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines" because of its traditional giant Christmas lantern industry. The establishment of the Paskuhan Village in 1990 served to reinforce its image, but the lantern-shaped complex folded up after the Pinatubo eruption and fell into disarray. Its Giant Lantern Festival held every December remains the city’s biggest attraction, in which the city’s barangays field their biggest and brightest lantern in a friendly competition attended by thousands of local and international tourists.

SAN LUIS

San Luis’ most famous son is the Huk Supremo, Luis Mangalus Taruc, who was born in the barrio of sta. Monica, of peasant parents on June 21, 1913. Following the Japanese invasion, Taruc formed the Hukbalahap (Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon), along with Casto Alejandrino and other guerillas, in central Luzon in 1942.  San Luis became one of the hotbeds of Huk activities in the 50s and 60s. in 2017, Taruc was recognizedas a hero by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NCHP) for his role the struggle for  agrarian reforms.

SANTA RITA

Sugarcane was the cash crop that made Pampanga so rich, Sta. Rita included. The town is famous for its sweet delicacies-- turrones de casuy (wafer paper-wrapped cashew nougats) and sans rival (rich pastry made with layers of buttercream, meringue, and chopped cashew nuts). Ocampo-Lansang made these treats famous, and which in turn, gave the town’s nickname.

 “Sesen taya ing Santa Rita” (Let's care for Sta. Rita)

SANTO TOMAS

Santo Tomas is the smallest town of Pampanga but it has many unique homegrown industries like red clay pottery and funeral casket-making. The latter products are known for their beauty and fine quality,  made by craftsmen from about 100 registered enterprises, not to mention 200 backyard producers.  Its nickname as the casket capital of the country was given by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the 1980s, and its reputation shows no sign of waning. It is estimated currently, that 40% of the town depends on the coffin-making industry. It has been the tradition of Sto. Tomas town to donate coffins to affected provinces during times of calamities.

SOURCES:

List of city and municipality nicknames in the Philippines, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_city_and_municipality_nicknames_in_the_Philippines#Central_Luzon

Angeles: https://www.zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=File:Welcome_to_Angeles_City,_Pampanga.jpg

Apalit: https://www.zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=File:Goodbye_Arc_of_San_Juan,_Apalit,_Pampanga.jpg

Bacolor: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jf7717San_Fernando,_Pampanga_Welcome_Arch_Bacolorfvf_26.JPG

Capas: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CapasNationalShrinejf4224_13.JPG

Dau: Photo by Jun Malig, Inquirer Central Luzon

Floridablanca: www.pampangatalents.com

Lubao: http://www.wikiwand.com/tl/Lubao,_Pampanga

Mabalacat: https://pam.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabalacat_Lakanbalen#/media/File:Mabalacat_1.JPG

Macabebe: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FvfMacabebe9799_08.JPG

Magalang: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:7217jfSan_Jose_Welcome_Arch_Magalang_Pampangafvf_14.JPG

Minalin: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:09844jfRiverside_Districts_Santa_Rita_Santo_Tomas_Minalin_Welcome_Pampanga_villagesfvf_05.JPG

San Fernando: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jf7717San_Fernando,_Pampanga_Welcome_Arch_Bacolorfvf_12.JPG

Photo: by Chris Navarro,

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/images/2016/11/03/christmas-capital-507377

Sta.Rita: https://www.facebook.com/malauscasantaritapampanga/photos/a.807974675886366.1073741829.749594908391010/2051567958193692/?type=3&theater

 Sto. Tomas: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:09929jfExterior_Diosdado_Macapagal_Santo_Tomas_Pampanga_Municipal_Hallfvf_14.jpg