Category: Travel

The most interesting place I’ve visited in Angeles City has got to be the Center for Kapampangan Studies.  The center was put up by Holy Angeles University in 2002 and is located inside the biggest university in the city.

The facility aims to research, compile, preserve facts and promote Kapampangan heritage and culture.

Center for Kapampangan Studies has three floors.  First floor has the gallery, mini-museum and library.  Second floor has the Archival Collection.  Lastly, third floor houses the theater.

• Gallery & Mini-Museum

The Retablo contains the statues of patron saints representing the 21 towns of Pampanga.  Right at the center is Virgen de los Remedios, Patroness of Pampanga.

We can see a replica of a typical Kapampangan Nipa house which was made so nicely by an artist.

The wreaths of famous Kapampangan poets and playwrights were on display.

Two computer stations are also free for use wherein we can listen to Kampampangan songs & music (Dalitan) and  translate words into Kapampangan language (Kulitan).

We also got to see the beautiful craftsmanship of Kapampangans with their giant lantern!  So pretty!  Do you know that they are willing to spend so much money to produce such a beautiful thing?  Some of the giant lanterns that Kapampangan has made cost up to Php 300,000.00!

Macabebes were labeled as traitors as they remained loyal to the Spaniards even at the height of the revolution.  They were believed to have helped the capture of General Aguinaldo.  According to history, they also served the Americans.

A photo collage of Kapampangan personalities arranged by the year they are born.

Kapampangan timeline that shows the landscapes of the Kapampangan region.  The photo was nicely laid and it was easy for us to understand if we spend time looking at the timeline closely.

• Library

The Library has all the books related to Pampanga history and culture.  If you have time, do try to read a book or two.  It should be nice to learn a thing or two about the province.

• Archival Collection

The items in the collection were gotten from the archival materials of the university as well as from donations.

The Center for Kapampangan Studies pays tribute to beautiful Kapampangan beauty title holders, Kapampangan Cuisine and Kapampangan Music.

The Archival section features original paper documents, manuscripts, rare books, photographs and other items that reveal Pampanga’s rich history.  I was totally awed while I was touring the place.  I can see how sentimental and how important it is for Kapampangan’s to preserve their history and to share their culture and heritage to us.

• Theater

The theater is the venue for showing films related to Pampanga.  We saw several videos like Kapampangan AVP, Pampanga MTV and Singsing MTV.

Here’s my favorite presentation (I actually left the place with the song repeating in my mind):

What made our tour in Center for Kapampangan Studies so special was that Erlinda Cruz is our tour guide.  If you recall the Enervon Prime commercial, she was the lady! 😀

The Center for Kapampangan Studies is open mondays to fridays from 8am to 8pm and saturdays from 8am to 5pm.  Entrance fee is free.  However, it will cost Php 10 per child from private schools if you’re touring as a big group.

If you insist to go on a sunday, it can be arranged.  You can call the center and ask for a reservation.

I’m so happy that I was able to visit the center as I learned a lot about Kapampangans.  I hope you can do that too!

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Center for Kapampangan Studies
Holy Angel University, # 1 Holy Angel Avenue, Sto. Rosario, Angeles City, Philippines
(045) 888-8691 local 1312

I’ve never been to a mansion that was built from way way back so I was very enthusiastic to find out what Pamintuan Mansion looked like.  We rode the kalesa from Museo Ning Angeles going there.

We immediately saw this very, very big house situated on the street of Sto. Entierro.  Pamintuan Mansion is now the regional clearing office of the Central Bank of the Philippines.

This place has just too much history.  It’s not just an old mansion of the Pamintuans and it’s not just a regional office of the Central Bank.

As we entered the gate, I noticed the bonsai exhibit at the entrance of the mansion.  I guess they acknowledge that Pamintuan Mansion has become a tourist spot and they used this chance to exhibit the wonderful bonsai plants.

The mansion is just wow!  The design was so spot on.  You see every part of the mansion so beautifully and perfectly designed.

I noticed tons of photographs displayed in the mansion.  It showcased several photographers who took the photos.  There, you’ll see the profile of each of the photographers.  The pictures were taken all over Angeles City, Pampanga.  I saw people, places and food featured.  Soooo good!  I hope in the future, I can take pictures like those.

In one of the rooms, there was this spiral staircase where we can go up to …  Once at the top, we can see almost the whole Angeles City.  We can truly appreciate the view.  It’s a great spot to take photos of the scenery.

The Pamintuan Mansion was built around 1890 by a couple (Mariano Pamintuan & Valentina Torres) for their son, Florentino, who was a mayor of Angeles City back in 1900.

During the war between Philippines and U.S.A, the Pamintuan Mansion became the official residence of President Emilio Aguinaldo from May to July, 1899.  The Mansion was also where we celebrated the first anniversary of our Philippine Independence last June 12, 1899.

I appreciate that the people actually re-enact the historic Independence day every year.  Here’s an excerpt of the video that was shown to us when we visited Pamintuan Mansion.

The Pamintuan Mansion is indeed one of the historic Spots in Angeles City.  It gives us the chance to reminisce what happened in our history and be in a place where important events happened.

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Pamintuan Mansion
Sto. Entierro Street, Angeles City, Philippines

Museo Ning Angeles is the first place I went to in Angeles City, Pampanga.  The first thing I noticed is that the people are so warm and accommodating.

Located at the center stretch of the historical Old Rosario street, Museo Ning Angeles is an asset of Angeles City.  It became the chosen place for events like exhibits, concerts, art classes and other traditional celebrations.  Actually, I visited Angeles City for their Fiesta Kuliat 2011 and there we were, at Museo Ning Angeles. 🙂

Built in 1922, it was built as a town hall.  Later on, Museo Ning Angeles was converted to a museum.  A museum that features the history and culture of Angeles City and its people.

Inside the museum is Balikdan.  The section is all about understanding Angeles City’s history, knowing the things that happened from past to present.  The history was narrated through a series of photos, illustrations and memorabilia.  It’s a great way to understand the history considering the great visuals.  Our tour guide was of awesome help too as he was so lively.

Another great section of Museo Ning Angeles is the Dioramic Scenes of Kapampangan Traditions.  Inside are basically dolls depicting traditional town life in Pampanga.

The dioramas were created by fashion designer Beatriz Pamintuan Tesoro using her nenita dolls dressed in beautiful Filipiniana outfits.  Filipino traditions like the Kusinang Kapampangan, Pascu na, Fiesta, Mandiriquit, Market Day and Illustrado Wedding were displayed.

Other sections include Reynaldo G. Alejandro Culinary Library which is made to honor Alejandro who was an advocate of Filipino arts and culture.  He donated some of his book collection to Kuliat Foundation in support to the foundation’s goal to preserve Kapampangan food heritage.

Culinarium, on the other hand, is located at the 2nd floor.  The section is dedicated to Kapampangan food heritage.  It was there where we had the Pamangan Piyestang Kapampangan wherein we’ve enjoyed so much Kapampangan delicacies.  Culinarium also showcases kitchen exhibits and living kitchens.  More on my post about the delicious Kapampangan buffet.

Museo Ning Angeles is open mondays till saturdays from 9AM to 5PM.  You can set an appointment if you want to visit at nighttime or on sundays.  I do suggest you get a tour guide as you’ll surely learn a lot about the history of Pampanga with someone who knows a lot about the heritage and culture.

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Museo Ning Angeles
9am to 5pm
Sto. Rosario street, Sto. Rosario Historic District, Angeles City, Philippines
(045) 887-4703

AirPhil Express’ Adventour Packages keeps getting better and better.  After the successful launch of Davao Extreme Adventure Packages & Puerto Princesa Adventours, AirPhil Express now offers Fly and Sail Adventour Packages!  My gosh, for as low as Php 24,888 per person, you can get to experience double adventure to Singapore and Malaysia on-board Superstar Virgo!

I was supposed to experience the beautiful tour this weekend but I had problems when I arrived in Singapore.  I had to give up the chance.  The only souvenir I got from my brief trip was a nice picture at the cockpit.  I wish I can share a better picture of how the Fly and Sail Adventour Packages by AirPhil Express go.  The best I can do now is to share some high-level details as to what Fly and Sail Adventour Package is all about.

AirPhil Express Fly & Sail Package

Selling Date: August 10 to September 20, 2011
Travel Date: August 23, 2011 to March 13, 2012

For as low as Php 24,888.00 per person (based on Quad Sharing Room)

Inclusions:

• Rountrip Airfare (Manila-Singapore-Manila)
• Transfers (Airport-Hotel-Port-Airport)
• Overnight Hotel Accommodation (Hotel Fragrance Oasis or Rose)
• 3 Days/2 Nights accommodation on-board Super Star Virgo with full board meals
• All access to Super Star Virgo’s facilities and live Entertainment
• Fuel Surcharges, Cruise Surcharges, PH & SG tax & Ticket Service Charge

I appreciate that AirPhil Express has put so much thought and offers us amazing tour packages.  This Fly & Sail one is really, really good!  The price is pretty affordable too!  Check out more information about the deal here.

After Viet Ville, we passed by Buenavista Viewdeck which is also on the way to Underground River.  People usually stop over at Buenavista Viewdeck to take a washroom break.

For the rest of the group, they can go inside the souvenir shop.  They can choose from the numerous products on sale which they can buy as ‘pasalubong’ to their loved ones back at home.

The souvenir shop have all sorts of things.  From keychains, musical instruments, tons of decorative displays and clothes.

Prices are reasonable.  Bloggers, who I travelled with, bought several stuff at the JAZZ souvenir shop.

If you’re really tired, you can also take a short nap at the ‘duyan’ located at the side of the souvenir store.  You can also just take a picture with it.  You don’t see ‘duyan’ that often in the city.

If you’re hungry, you can have some small meals and snacks at the back of the souvenir shop.  While eating, you can enjoy the beautiful view.

Buenavista Viewdeck is a great place to stop over as you can see Ulugan Bay from there.  Ulugan Bay is where the Vietnamese refugees landed to escape the war.  This also explains why Viet Ville is near the place.

What a wonderful view!

You can take pictures with the beautiful view as well.

A lot of people do drop by Buenavista Viewdeck as the view is just astounding!  Perfect for taking pictures.

I do think though that the 2nd structure in Buenavista View Deck is better for taking pictures.  You do have to climb the stairs but it’ll be worth it.

On top, you’ll see full view of Ulugan Bay.

If you look closer, you’ll be able to see the so-called Tres Marias.  Tres Marias is composed of three islets standing at the Ulugan Bay.

If you’re traveling to Underground River, do not forget to take a few minutes to stop over at Buenavista Viewdeck.  You’ll be so pleased as you can take home with you an awesome viewing experience.  Don’t forget to take pictures!

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Buenavista Viewdeck
Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines