Where to Go?

To enhance your travel experience in Angeles City, below are travel references and helpful information (i.e. maps, links to places to visit). Destinations to historical, cultural/religious and natural attractions are likewise introduced, shopping stops included.

RELIGIOUS

Apu Chapel (Angeles City, Pampanga)

Devotes flock to this shrine of our Lord of the Holy Sepulcher (Apung Macalulu) every Friday to venerate the supposed miraculous image of Jesus Christ lying in the sepulcher. It is also every Friday when people buy household items, clothing, and even audio-video equipments in a makeshift “tiangge”.

Holy Rosary Cathedral (Angeles City Pampanga)

Located at the intersection of Sto. Rosario and Sto. Entierro streets, the Holy Rosary church was constructed from 1877 to 1896 by the townspeople of Angeles by forced labor system known as “polos y servicios” imposed by the Spanish colonial government. From 1899 to 1900, it was used by the army as a military hospital. In 1896-1898, the backyard of the church was the execution ground of the Spanish forces shooting down Filipino rebels and suspects. The dominant element of the façade is the symmetry created by recessed arched windows, which are in harmony with the segmented ones.

San Guillermo Parish Church (Bacolor, Pampanga)

It is one of the oldest and largest churches in Pampanga. It was constructed by the Augustinian friars in 1576 on the lot of Don Guillermo Manabat, a rich landlord believed to be the founder of Bacolor. The church was restored by Manuel Diaz in 1897. The church measures 56m. long, 15m. wide and 12m. high. It has a central nave and an ample and well-lighted transept with windows. The main retablo, side retablos and pulpit are gilded with golden leaves. The richness of the decoration of Bacolor is indicative of the advanced stage of its Baroque style. In spite of the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, which half-buried the church on October 1, 1995, masses are still held here every Sunday morning.

Betis Catholic Church (Guagua, Pampanga)

The jewel in the crown is the Betis Church (Santiago de Galicia Parish) built in the early 1700s and repaired continually throughout the 1800s. The unadorned exterior does not prepare the visitor for what he/she is about to witness inside: the main altar (retablo) with ornate carvings and saints peering out of the niches like ancient dolls, and the paintings on the ceiling that attracts comparison with the Sistine Chapel. NCAA declared this church a National Treasure, one of only ten churches in the country bestowed that honor. The main attraction is the original ceiling mural done by the famous Simon Flores (1839-1904). Original Simon Flores artesian well (dug in) are not to be missed as well.

 

CULTURAL

Hilaga Cultural Village

San Fernando, Pampanga-located at the mouth of the San Fernando Toll Exit along North Luzon Expressway, North Philippines Hilaga (formerly Paskuhan Village) was transformed into a cultural, historical, tourism, trade and entertainment village by former Secretary Richard Gordon in 2003. Its design and concept make it a virtual window to the cultural and historical heritage of the regions of the North Philippines as well as a showcase for the indigenous products. Shaped pavilions at the center pay tribute to the skilled lantern makers of San Fernando which produces the biggest lanterns in the world. The complex features a 1,000 seat capacity air conditioned pavilion for conventions and events, an open air amphitheatre for outdoor activities, air conditioned exhibit halls, trade booths, garden restos and a 60-seat capacity conference hall.

Furniture and Woodcarving Industry (Angeles City, Pampanga)

Angeles’ local population have become highly skilled in the art of woodcarving and furniture making over a hundred years already and have in fact catered to the Americans during the Clark Air Base period. A village near Clarkfield, Cuayan showcases world-class quality furniture owned by businessman Ruperto Cruz including factories for export-quality rattan and wrought-iron furniture. Other towns known for this enterprise are the towns of Lubao and Guagua, particularly Betis - made famous for its guitar-making industry. Betis’ artisans are known to have produced the first wooden chandeliers installed in Malacanang Palace.

Marcos Village (Mabalacat, Pampanga)

An authentic Aeta village complete with their tribal rituals and customs.

 

NATURAL

Mt. Arayat (Arayat)

Rising above sea level by 3,300 ft., this legendary wonder of Mother Nature boasts of lush green vegetation and wildlife sanctuary. Visitors are welcomed by its invigorating mountain coupled with nature’s serenity. At the foot of the mountain visitors experience the rejuvenating breeze of cool mountains at the Arayat National Park. Activities Recommended: mountain climbing, hiking & camping.