GTHPCGEO

PHILIPPINE CULTURE &

TOURISM GEOGRAPHY

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COLLEGE OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
REGION III
CENTRAL LUZON

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Course Learning Outcomes:
❑ Develop appreciation of one’s country.
❑ Identify major gateways or entry points in the country.
❑ Know the political structures, and educational aspect of the province where tourist attraction
exists.
❑ Obtain sufficient knowledge about the different kinds of tourist destinations.
❑ Exhibit awareness and interest on the works of the different destinations in the Philippines.
❑ Acquire thorough understanding and appreciation on domestic travel.
❑ Understand the characteristics of various culture (cuisine, religion, tradition, festivals) of the
different provinces in the Philippines.

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(7) PROVINCES
Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija,
Tarlac, and Zambales
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Languages/dialects:
Tagalog, Aetas, Sambal, Ilokano

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 Geographic Location:

The region is located north of

Manila. Bordering the region are the regions
of Ilocos and Cagayan Valley to the
north; NCR and CALABARZON and the
waters of Manila Bay to the south; South
China Sea to the west; and the Philippine
Section Title 2 Sea to the east.

Subtitle

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AURORA
Capital:
Baler
Municipalities:
Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang, Uyugan, Basco
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Geographic Location:
Aurora lies on the mid-eastern coast of Luzon, surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Philippine Sea.
Baler, the capital town, is roughly 232 km away from Manila. It lies between 15°31'02” to 16°31'00″N along the
latitudes and 121°31'02” to 122°01'30″E along the longitudes.

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HISTORY

In 1571, Juan de Salcedo first explored Aurora

Aurora was originally composed of
Province. A Franciscan mission was founded in the municipalities of Baler and
Baler when he reached Casiguran and Baler Casiguran. These municipalities
from Laguna in 1609. In 1735, Baler was were administered as part of
destroyed by a tidal wave from the Pacific Tayabas until the Province of
Ocean, which they called “Tromba Marina.” The Nueva Ecija was established in the
surviving inhabitants managed to reach the Hill early 19th century.
of Point Baja for safety.
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HISTORY

On 21 November 1978, the Province of Aurora was created under Batas

Pambansa Bilang 7 and ratified through a plebiscite in May 1979. It was
named Aurora in honor of Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon, wife of the late
President Manuel L. Quezon, the first president of the Philippines
Commonwealth Government. The Foundation Day of Aurora Province is
celebrated every 19th day of February, simultaneous with Doña Aurora’s
birthday.
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HISTORY

• On 17 May 2002, an Executive Order (EO) No. 103 was issued

by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. This EO redefined
the composition of Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog regional
administrations. This paved the way for Aurora to be included as
the seventh (7th) and youngest member province of Central
Luzon.
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NATURAL
DINGALAN MOUNTAIN VIEW
• Dubbed as the “Batanes of
the East”. It mimics the
rolling hills and blue waters
of Batanes.
• Showcases the panoramic
view of the Pacific Ocean.

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NATURAL
DICASALARIN COVE
• is a private white
beach in Baler.
• A piece of paradise
famous for its white
sand, crystal blue
beach, The Lighthouse
and stunning views
you can’t find
anywhere else.

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NATURAL
DITUMABO WATERFALLS
• Towering at around 140 feet
and with the cold water from
the highland of Sierra Madre
Mountain Range, Ditumabo
Falls is an imposing icon of the
province. The freely cascading
water drops into a wide rocky
basin forming a natural pool
ideal for swimming.

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NATURAL
SABANG BEACH
• Sabang Beach of Baler is the
birthplace of surfing in the
country.
• Sabang Beach is a two-kilometer
strip of gray sand facing East over
the Pacific Ocean. Famously
known with its frequently strong
waves that are massive enough to
give life to people who would like
to ride the waves.
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MAN-MADE
MUSEO DE BALER
• Museo de Baler houses several
historical artifacts that link it
closely to the Philippines’ first
and longest colonizer, Spain.
• This Aurora tourist destination
also contains pieces that are
significant to Baler’s history like
the Chinese porcelain items from
the Galleon Trade recovered from
shipwrecks in Manila Bay, Luzon
and Palawan.

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MAN-MADE
BALER HANGING BRIDGE
• situated along Zabali Road and connects
the barangays of Tibang and Sabang.
The bridge is made of wooden planks
and railings that are suspended above a
wide river by sturdy metal cables. It
measures about a meter in width and is
over a hundred meters long.
• While locals often use it for their daily
errands, it has become a well-known
tourist attraction over the years due to
the stunning views it offers.
• a panoramic view of the river and the
vast mountain scape in the distance can
be seen at the end of the bridge.
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CULTURAL
DOÑA AURORA QUEZON
HOUSE
• Ancestral house of Doña
Aurora Aragon-Quezon. A
two story wooden house
with a concrete basement
• It represents the culture of
Filipino homes with a
simple and modest
architecture.

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CULTURAL
QUEZON MEMORIAL PARK
• This quiet park of trees and
lawns was developed in
honor and in memory of
the late president Manuel
L. Quezon. A marker fenced
by concrete and set on a
circular cement platform
serves as a landmark of
Baler, the birthplace of
Quezon.

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RELIGIOUS
BALER CATHOLIC CHURCH
• The Baler Church is also called San Luis
Obispo de Tolosa Parish named after St.
Louis, bishop of Toulouse who was the
grandnephew of a king and another
saint.
• Baler Church is also called the “Last
Spanish Garrison in the Philippines” and
the site of the “Siege of Baler.”
• The “last Spanish Garrison” was named
so because it was the last place the
Spaniards fortified as a military post even
after the Philippine independence has
already been declared. They had no idea
the war was over. It is also the site of the
“Siege of Baler” because it was sieged for
11 months.
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FESTIVALS
SUMAN FESTIVAL
• The celebration includes a
parade of uniquely
designed floats, trade
exhibits, fairs, and
competitions. The suman is
a sweet sticky native rice
cake, and it is used to
decorate the main streets
and houses in Baler during
the festivity.

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FESTIVALS
SABUTAN FESTIVAL
• Sabutan Festival is praised
each year to pay tribute to
the Patron Saint of Baler,
Aurora, San Luis Obispo, and
in recognition of the
introduction of an awesome
pioneer and statesman,
President Manuel Luis
Quezon.

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BATAAN
Capital: Balanga
Municipalities: Cagayan has 28 municipalities divided
into three (3) districts.
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GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION:
Occupying the entire Bataan Peninsula on Luzon, Bataan is bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Pampanga
to the north. The peninsula faces the South China Sea to the west and Subic Bay to the north-west, and encloses
Manila Bay to the east.

Languages: Tagalog, Kapampangan, and Mariveleño.

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HISTORY

Bataan was established in 1754 by Governor-General Pedro Manuel Arandia out of

territories belonging to Pampanga and the corregimiento of Mariveles, which, at
the time, included Maragondon in Cavite across the bay. The province had more
than its share of significant historical events. In 1647, Dutch Naval Forces
attempting to invade the country perpetrated the Abucay massacre in one of its
towns. In the late 1700s, the dreaded Chinese private Limahong used Lusong Point
on the western side as the landing place to launch his conquest of Luzon.
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HISTORY

In the Philippine Revolution of 1896, Bataan joined the other provinces in Luzon,
which revolted against Spanish rule. It was during World War II, however, that Bataan
attained prominence and found its place in the annals of world history. Under heavy
aircraft and artillery shelling from the invading Japanese forces, the beleaguered
Filipino American troops valiantly defended this last bastion until the “Fall of Bataan”
on April 9, 1942. 26
NATURAL
DUNSULAN FALLS

• Dunsulan Falls is an
aesthetically pleasing
waterfall and likely the most
accessible waterfall in the
Province of Bataan.
• One of the small yet
beautiful falls found in
Bataan

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NATURAL
FIVE FINGERS ISLAND
• the site resembles the shape of five
fingers when viewed from above or even
from Google Earth. It is now one of the
most visited tourist spots in Mariveles,
Bataan.

• is one of the unspoiled destinations in

the province of Bataan. It features a
series of coves that offer a breathtaking
view and a different kind of travel
experience. There are several natural
structures like cliffs, caves, big rocks and
a lot more.

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NATURAL
AMBON AMBON FALLS

• approximately 100 feet

high, it is believed to be the
tallest cascade in the
province with its water
coming from the highland
of Mount Natib.

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NATURAL
BALANGA WETLAND AND
NATURE PARK

• It is a protected area by the

local government and a
sanctuary for thousands of
migratory birds that feed on
mudflats, wetlands, and
mangrove forests. It is a
haven for birds, protecting
them from being hunted or
killed.
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MAN-MADE
BATAAN WWII MUSEUM

• Built as a tribute to the

fallen heroes of Bataan
during WWII, it aims to
show the present
generation how the 1941
youths accepted the call of
duty. It is a small place but
packed with so much
history.
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MAN-MADE
ZERO KILOMETER DEATH MARCH
MARKER

• The Zero Kilometer Death

March Marker is the starting
point of the darkest times in
Philippine History, known as
the Bataan Death March.

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MAN-MADE
MOUNT SAMAT NATIONAL
SHRINE OR DAMBANA NG
KAGITINGAN
• Mount Samat National Shrine, or
Dambana ng Kagitingan, is a
tribute to the fallen Filipino and
American soldiers who fought
gallantly in World War II, known
as the Battle of Bataan. It is a
73,665-hectare National Shrine
built in 1970 and located near the
summit of Mount Samat. The
shrine consists of a marble-clad
Colonnade and a huge Memorial
Cross. 33
MAN-MADE
LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR
• An outstanding heritage resort
perched by the sea. The resort
features an impressive
collection of 27 heritage
houses throughout the
Philippines from the Spanish
colonial period. These heritage
houses were dismantled,
transported, and
reconstructed brick by brick,
plank by plank, in this 400-
hectare property.
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HISTORICAL
PRESIDENT QUEZON’S REST HOUSE

• This resthouse is a
quaint wooden cottage
where former President
Manuel L. Quezon and
his family and relatives
stayed during their
vacation in Baler.

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RELIGIOUS
BALER CATHOLIC CHURCH
• The Baler Catholic Church, aka San Luis
Obispo de Tolosa Parish Church, is a
significant historical and cultural landmark in
Aurora Province. Built-in the 18th century,
this church stands as a testament to Baler’s
rich religious heritage and the resilience of
its people.
• The church is most famous for being the site
of the Siege of Baler, a significant event
during the Philippine Revolution against
Spanish colonial rule. For 337 days, a group
of Spanish soldiers held out against Filipino
revolutionaries, marking one of the last
stands of Spanish forces in the Philippines.
Today, the church serves as a reminder of
this heroic moment in history.
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SUMAN FESTIVAL
• The SUMAN festival is the biggest and the grandest of all
feasts in Aurora. Main streets and homes are decked with
suman.
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 BULACAN
CAPITAL: Malolos City
MUNICIPALITIES: 22
CITIES: San Jose del Monte, Meycauayan
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LANGUAGES:
Tagalog and English
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION:
The province is located north of Metro Manila. It is bordered to the
north by Nueva Ecija and to the west by Pampanga. Aurora and Quezon
are to the east, and Rizal is to the south. 39
HISTORY

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NATURAL
PUNING CAVE

• A magnificent and
well-preserved cave
in Barangay
Bayabas, this cave
also has a spring
running down from
a mountain.
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NATURAL
BIAK NA BATO NATIONAL PARK
• The Biak na Bato National Park
boasts numerous caves with
stunning stalactite and
stalagmite rock formations.
One of the most visited of
these caves is the Aguinaldo
Cave which served as a hide-
out of former president Emilio
Aguinaldo during the Filipino-
American war.
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MANMADE
LA UNION BOTANICAL AND
ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN

• Is a home to a collection of
beautiful plants form the
tropical Regions of the world.

(i.e. SHADE GARDEN, MEDICAL GARDEN,

SUNKEN GARKEN, CHINESE GARDEN, JAPANESE
GARDEN, EVERGREEN GARDEN, ARID GARDEN,
FRAGRANCE GARDEN, FERNERY AND PALMERY)

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NATURAL
BITBIT RIVER

• Bitbit River is one of the

most preserved tourist
spots in Bulacan
province. Activities
include rappelling on
surrounding rocks and
cliffs or jumping into
the cool waters.
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NATURAL
MT. GOLA

• Mt. Gola is one of the two

major peaks in Biak na Bato
National Park. During the
Japanese regime, the
mountain served as a camp
and vantage point for
Filipino guerillas.

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NATURAL
PINAGREALAN CAVE

• This cave in Norzagaray, the

subterranean network of
caverns which extends for
more than one kilometer
was the site of secret
meetings of the Filipino
revolutionary forces during
the war against Spain in
1896.
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NATURAL
PULILAN BUTTERFLY HAVEN

• This butterfly sanctuary in

San Francisco, Pulilan is the
residence of the Aguirre
family, which was opened to
the public so people can
appreciate the butterflies
living in their garden.

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NATURAL
MADLUM CAVE

• This cave in San Miguel is

characterized by three grand
portals. To the right of the
1st portal is the statue of
Mother Mary. It is believed
to be the place where St.
Michael, the town’s patron
saint, was found.

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MAN-MADE
IPO DAM
• is a concrete water reservoir
gravity dam found in
the Philippines. The dam is
located about 7.5 kilometers
downstream of the Angat
Dam within the Angat
Watershed Forest Reserve in
Norzagaray. It was a part of
the Angat-Ipo-La
Mesa water system.
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MAN-MADE
SAINT ANDREW KIM TAE GON
SHRINE

• Saint Andrew Kim Tae-

gon Shrine is a Korean-
born priest who served in
Lolomboy, Bulacan. He is
the shrine’s secondary
patron, after Sto. Cristo.

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HISTORICAL
GUIGUINTO OLD TRAIN STATION
• The old train station was the site
of an ambush that killed six
priests during the Spanish
period. Aside from its historical
importance, the station also
offers a good view of the sunset
and its architectural design is a
sight in itself. It is also one of the
historical tourist destinations in
Bulacan.

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RELIGIOUS
BARASOAIN CHURCH
• The Barasoain Church was originally
founded by Augustinian Missionaries and
built for the Roman Catholic masses in
Malolos, Bulacan, during the mid-1500s
to early 1600s. it has served as a venue
for various occasions. The most notable
are these three major national events: (1)
the First Philippine Congress; (2) the
drafting of the Malolos Constitution in
1899; and (3) the inauguration of two
Philippine Presidents: General Emilio
Aguinaldo, the President of the First
Republic, and President Joseph Estrada,
the 13th President of the Republic of the
Philippines.

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RELIGIOUS
OBANDO CHURCH
• The San Pascual Baylón Parish and
National Shrine of Nuestra Señora
de la Immaculada Concepcion de
Salambao, commonly known
as Obando Church is the venue of
the three-day Obando Fertility
Rites held annually in honor of
three patron saints, St. Pascual
Baylon, St. Claire of Assisi,
and Our Lady of Salambao. The
Obando Church was built by the
Franciscan Order, headed by Rev.
P. Manuel de Olivencia, the first
curate of Obando.
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RELIGIOUS
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH
• Is the oldest church in Bulacan commonly
known as Calumpit Church. 17th-century
Roman Catholic Baroque Church.

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RELIGIOUS
GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES

• millions of pilgrims have

visited the Grotto of Our Lady
of Lourdes to pray, meditate,
and leave their offerings. It
reminds you of the Rosary
Basilica in the Sanctuary of
Our Lady of Lourdes in France
because the grotto was built
as a tribute to the famous
French pilgrimage site.

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FESTIVALS
FERTILITY DANCE FESTIVAL
• The Obando Fertility Dance is a
festival where couples who hope to
be blessed by children perform
street dances in a long procession.
The Fertility Dance of Obando is
both a festival and a prayerful appeal
for devotees. The Fertility Dance is
celebrated in Obando in honor of
Santa Clara, San Pascual de Baylon,
and Nuestra Señora de Salambao.
The prayers are offered to these
three saints for the childless, for
religious virtue, and a bountiful catch
since fishing is the primary industry
of Obando, Bulacan.
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NUEVA ECIJA
Capital: Palayan City
Languages: Tagalog, Kapampangan,
Ilocano and English

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Geographic Location:
Central Luzon

Cities and Municipalities: 5 cities/27

municipalities

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HISTORY
• The province was founded on April 25, 1801. Its name was
derived from the city of Ecija, Spain. The province was one
of the eight provinces represented in the Philippine flag
because it was one of the earliest to join the 1896
revolution against Spain.

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NATURAL
ALOHA FALLS

It is a beautiful 20-meter
waterfall surrounded by lush
greenery and foliage. Huge
boulders and rock formations
are scattered along its bank.

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NATURAL
MINALUNGAO NATIONAL
PARK
Minalungao National Park is a
top Nueva Ecija tourist spot. The
Peñarada River, which emanates
from the mountains of the Sierra
Madre, flows through the park.
2,018 hectares surrounded with
lush greenery. The park's main
attraction is its wide Peñarada
River, which flows between
towering 16-meter-high
limestone rocks. The river is
clean with turquoise waters.
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NATURAL
DUPINGA RIVER

It is a wide and clean river

bordered by the Sierra Madre
mountain range on both sides.

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NATURAL
GABALDON FALLS

A 10-foot waterfall is the main

attraction of Gabaldon Eco
Park. Gabaldon Falls may not
be that majestic, but for
travelers seeking tranquility
and relaxation in nature, the
falls, with cold and crystal
clear waters surrounded with
foliage and rock formations,
are an ideal destination.
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MAN-MADE
PANTABANGAN DAM

The second largest dam in Asia

that provides water for
irrigation as well as
hydroelectric power. It is an
earth-filled embankment dam
that is 107 meters tall and
1,615 meters long.

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MAN-MADE
MT. 387 OR BATONG AMAT

Mount 387 is a must-see

tourist attraction in Nueva
Ecija. If you’re into hiking, while
at the top, you’ll get a scenic
view resembling the chocolate
hills of Bohol. Although it has a
lower elevation, expect
difficulty because of its terrain
and the simmering midday
heat.
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MAN-MADE
NFA MUSEUM

The NFA Museum sits in the

proper province, the
Philippines’ rice granary.
Visiting here will allow you to
learn more about rice
production, various farming
practices, and the tools used.
The museum should make up
your Nueva Ecija tourist spot
list. 66
RELIGIOUS
GAPAN CHURCH
The biggest and oldest church in
Nueva Ecija is also known as the
Parish of the Three Kings in
Gapan City. Built in the 1800s by
Augustinian friars with
Gapanense forced labor, the brick
church has withstood natural and
man-made calamities, including
the 1896 Philippine Revolution,
World War II, and the Great 1990
Earthquake.
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RELIGIOUS
ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE PARISH
CHURCH

The Parish was named in honor

of John Nepomucene, a Czech
saint also known as the martyr of
the confessional. When he was
young, John was cured of a
disease through the prayers of
his parents. They were so
thankful to God that they
dedicated him to lifelong service
to the Church.
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RELIGIOUS
SAN ANTONIO ABAD PARISH
CHURCH
This Augustinian-built church
was first built in 1848 by Father
Juan Tombo (OSA) but it was
destroyed by an earthquake
more than three decades after.
In 1882, it was rebuilt by
Father Mariano Gil (OSA), the
priest who discovered the
existence of the Katipunan.

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PRODUCTS, DELICACIES,
AND CUISINES

• Tilapia Ice Cream

• Batutay and Garlic
Longganisa
• Buko Lumpia
• Milka Krem’s Dairy Products
• Rice

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FESTIVALS
TAONG PUTIK FESTIVAL

Taong Putik Festival is not just a

merrymaking celebration. It is a
religious ritual called “pag-sa-San
Juan” held every 24th day of June
in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. It is
celebrated to honor their patron,
Saint John the Baptist.

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PAMPANGA

CAPITAL: City of San

Fernando
LANGUAGES: Kapampangan, English, and Filipino

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Geographic Location: Central Luzon
2 Cities and 19 Municipalities
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History

Pampanga was organized as a province on December 11, 1571, one of the earliest provinces to be
organized by the Spaniards who colonized the Philippines. At that time, it included the now
provinces of Bataan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Bulacan.

The province was subdivided into encomiendas, or land awarded to private individuals with the right
to collect tributes from the inhabitants. These encomiendas later would evolve into towns or
pueblos.
74
History

Pampanga was one of the earliest provinces to join the revolution against the Spaniards in the late
1890s and thus represented as one of the eight sun’s rays in the Philippine Flag.

The Americans started to build Clark Air Base in Pampanga in 1903. Later, it became one of the
biggest air bases in the world. During World War II, it was heavily bombed by the Japanese. In 1991,
it was closed due to the non-extension of the Philippine-American Military agreement.
75
NATURAL
MT. ARAYAT NATIONAL PARK
This natural attraction in
Pampanga lies inside the Mt.
Arayat National Park, one of the
country's oldest national parks,
and is one of the best tourist
spots in Arayat, Pampanga.
Embankment dam that is 107
meters tall and 1,615 meters
long.

76
NATURAL
MT. ARAYAT

is a potentially active
stratovolcano located in
Pampanga. Stands1,033
metres (3,389 ft). Hiking
to the top of Mount
Arayat is perfect for
tourists looking for a
challenging yet fulfilling
experience. 77
NATURAL
PUNING HOT SPRING
This Hot Spring is considered
as an Aeta Ancestral Land
which is located at Brgy.
Sapang Bato. It is surrounded
by lush foliage. It has 11
natural hot springs. The
place also has two heated
pools and a sand spa with
hot mud coming from Mount
Pinatubo.
78
MAN-MADE
DINOSAURS ISLAND
Dinosaurs Island is a place that
offers a lifesize, moving dinosaur
displays, a Fossil Museum, and a
World of Fun. It also has an
Adventure Ride wherein you can
ride an imitation of the extinct
creature, a Jurassic Safari Ride
wherein you can experience
being chased by a dinosaur, a 7D
Super Screen Theater, and
replicas of the Wonders of the
World. 79
MAN-MADE
ZOOCOBIA FUN ZOO
This 50-hectare zoo and
theme park has the following
features: a labyrinth and a
garden maze full of animal
topiaries, a unique gallery of
stuffed real animals
preserved, Zoo, a gravity car
track that has a unique
steering and braking system
that can maneuver the gravity
car down the 400-meter track.
80
MAN-MADE
SAND BOX
This place has Avatar One, a roller
coaster zip line 180 meters long
and 12 meters high. The SandBox
also offers a Giant Swing and
Aerial Walk Challenge,
challenging your agility, balance,
and flexibility through nets and
rope walkways. Also, it has an
Adventure Tower, a 15-meter
structure that offers rappelling,
wall climbing, and free falling.
Other attractions include ATV
rides and outdoor archery. 81
MAN-MADE
AIR FORCE CITY PARK
This place showcases the WWII
actual fighter aircraft. The place
also has a library. Is a recreational
complex that features real
helicopters, fighter jets, and
Aviation equipment used by the
Armed Forces of the Philippines
and the United States. It is
located within the Clark Freeport
Zone in Pampanga, 96 kilometers
north of Manila.

82
RELIGIOUS
METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF
SAN FERNANDO
It has enormous historical significance,
and in fact, it was recently declared an
important cultural property by the
National Museum of the Philippines.
Interestingly, the cathedral was formerly
known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of
Assumption. The first church was
established in 1755 by the Augustinian
Friars and placed under the patronage of
San Fernando III. San Fernando, or Saint
Ferdinand, was the King of Castille from
1217 and is also known as the patron
saint of engineers.
83
RELIGIOUS
SAN GUILLERMO PARISH
CHURCH IN BACOLOR

This old church was originally

established by the Augustinian
Friars and constructed the
church in 1576. The church is
now known because of the
destruction brought by the
lahar from Mt. Pinatubo’s
eruption that buried half of the
church.

84
PRODUCTS, DELICACIES &
CUISINE
AUTHENTIC KAPAMPANGAN
DISHES
• BURUNG BULIG or BALO BALO
• SISIG
• BRINGHE
• BULANGLANG
KAPAMPANGAN
• KAMARU
• TUGAK
85
FESTIVALS
HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL
This festival can be seen during January
or February in Clark Freeport Zone and
March in Lubao, Pampanga. You can
ride a hot air balloon. Aside from riding
it, it has many activities, such as kite
flying, gliding, skydiving, powered
paragliding, and searching and rescuing
flight demonstrations. It also offers
aviation exercises and aircraft
exhibitions. This exciting festival is
already one of the most celebrated
Pampanga Tourist Attractions.

86
FESTIVALS
GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL
The Giant Lantern Festival, also
known as Ligligan Parul, is an
annual event held in the City of
San Fernando, Pampanga, every
December. It is a spectacular
display of giant lanterns, each
measuring up to 20 feet in
diameter and adorned with
thousands of dancing lights. The
festival has earned San Fernando
the “Christmas Capital of the
Philippines.” 87
TARLAC

CAPITAL: Tarlac City

LANGUAGES: Ilocano, Pampango, Tagalog and Pangasinense
88
TARLAC

Geographical Location: Central Luzon

17 Municipalities/ 1 City
89
 History

Tarlac is a province in the Philippines situated in the Central Luzon region, occupying Luzon’s central
section. Its capital is the City of Tarlac. The province has a land area of 3,046.49 square kilometers or
1,176.26 square miles. Its population, as determined by the 2020 Census, was 1,503,456. This
represented 12.10% of the total population of the Central Luzon region, 2.42% of the overall
population of the Luzon island group, or 1.38% of the entire population of the Philippines
90
History

Tarlac City is known as the “Melting Pot” of Central Luzon. Tarlac City,
formerly known as Tarlac Town, has survived natural and political crises yet
has proven itself as a fast-emerging cosmopolitan in the region. It was
formally founded in 1788. It has been said that this town was formerly a part
of Porac, Pampanga.
91
NATURAL
BULSA RIVER

It is a 12.5-kilometer
stretch of awesome
adventure filled with thrill
and excitement, which is
very suitable for adventure
enthusiasts such as
kayaking and white-water
rafting.
92
NATURAL
UBOD FALLS

It is a 12.5-kilometer
stretch of awesome
adventure filled with thrill
and excitement, which is
very suitable for adventure
enthusiasts such as
kayaking and white-water
rafting.
93
NATURAL
MOUNT DAMAS

Its peak is at 685+

meters above sea level,
which offers a
panoramic view of the
mountain ranges and
plains of Tarlac and
Pangasinan.
94
NATURAL
ANZAP TWIN FALLS

It is a 200-foot waterfall,
and the volume of the
water varies depending
on the season. The area is
surrounded by lush
greenery and boundaries.

95
MAN-MADE
TARLAC RECREATIONAL PARK

Located in San Jose, Tarlac. The

park measured 78 hectares. It
is a recreational complex that
offers a wide range of sports
and outdoor activities which
include a vast oval track, kayak,
lagoon, and swimming pool

96
MAN-MADE
KCT KART CITY

An amusement park known for

go-kart racing. They also have a
billiards room and a KTV room.
Aside from go-kart racing, this
is also a nice place to dine,
especially at night, since they
serve delicious food.

97
PRODUCTS, DELICACIES &
CUISINE
FAMOUS DELICACIES

• TIBOK-TIBOK
• DUMAN
• CALAMAY
• CASSAVA
• SAPIN-SAPIN
98
FESTIVALS
MALATARLAK FESTIVAL
Takes its name from the variety
of grass that is native to the
Luzon area. The plant is
celebrated with sumptuous
pageantry characterized by
schoolchildren dressed in grass-
inspired costumes, who dance
to the beat of traditional music.
The Rice Cake Festival falls on
the same day.
99
 ZAMBALES

CAPITAL: Iba
LANGUAGES: Sambal, Tagalog, Ilocano

100
Geographic Location:
Municipalities: 13
101
History

Zambales is a province in the Philippines situated in the Central Luzon region, occupying the central
section of Luzon. Its capital is the Municipality of Iba. The province has a land area of 3,630.35 square
kilometers or 1,401.69 square miles. Its population, as determined by the 2020 Census, was 649,615.
This represented 5.23% of the total population of the Central Luzon region, 1.04% of the overall
population of the Luzon island group, or 0.60% of the entire population of the Philippines. These
figures compute the population density at 179 inhabitants per square kilometer or 463 inhabitants
per square mile.
102
History

It is believed that the province’s name was derived from the word “Samba” which means to worship.
When the Spaniards colonized the area, they found the local people worshipping the “Anitos,” or
unseen spirits that roamed around the land. Zambales was founded in 1572, one of the earliest
provinces to be organized by the Spaniards.

Iba became the capital of the province when the latter was formalized as a province on August 28,
1901, during the early parts of the American Occupation of the Philippines.
103
NATURAL
CAPONES ISLAND
Capones Island is one of the
known tourist spots in
Zambales, a small island
characterized by cliffs and rock
formations surrounded by
white sand beaches and some
rocky shores. This island is one
of the island-hopping
destinations in Zambales along
with Camara Island.

104
NATURAL
NAGSASA COVE

is the second-most popular

cove in Zambales, the farthest
among the beach destinations
in San Antonio. It has a grey
sand beach and clear waters,
and its shoreline is dotted with
Agoho trees.

105
NATURAL
ANAWANGIN COVE
Another famous camping ground in
the province. It is a beautiful
crescent cove. It is known for its
spectacular white sand beach
surrounded by large and tall Agoho
trees. The cove is bordered by
Anawangin Bay and the West
Philippine Sea and is surrounded by
alluring mountains of Zambales, like
Mt. Pundaquit. The cove is popular
for camping, hiking, swimming, and
stargazing.
106
NATURAL
MT. TAPULAO

Is the tallest mountain in

Zambales, hence dubbed as
High Peak. It is a popular
mountain climbing destination
in the province with an
elevation of 2,037+ meters
above sea level.

107
NATURAL
SUBIC BAY

The bay is a very famous

historical wreck diving site;
there are around 19
shipwrecks in the area.
Aside from its dive sites,
the shores of Subic Bay are
lined up with beachfront
resorts.

108
MAN-MADE
RAMON MAGSAYSAY
ANCESTRAL HOUSE
It is the old house of former
President Ramon Magsaysay, the 7th
president of the Republic of the
Philippines. The ancestral house is a
two-story building that functions as
a museum. It contains the former
president's old furniture, books,
pictures, medals, appliances, and
personal belongings. A vintage car
can also be found at the back of the
house, which is said to be in good
running condition.
109
PRODUCTS, DELICACIES &
CUISINE

• Mangoes
• Bagoong alamang
• Patis
• Muscovado (raw sugar)
• Basi (sugar wine)
• Singkamas (turnips)

110
FESTIVALS
BINABAYANI FESTIVAL
Binabayani is a festival held every
November 30th. The Zambales
version of the world-famous Ati-
Atihan. It is a war dance between the
Christians and Aetas performed on
the feast day of San Andres, patron
of Masinloc. The townspeople
believe that, by performing the
Binabayani, they are assured of a
bountiful harvest.

111
FESTIVALS
SINGKAMAS FESTIVAL
A celebration in the town of
Marcelino pertaining to the
bounty harvest of singkamas
(Mexican turnip or jicama) hail
as the juiciest root crop in the
world.

112
THANK YOU SO MUCH! 113