REASONS TO VISIT PAMPANGA THIS SUMMER

Regarded as the culinary capital and gastronomic epicenter of the Philippines,

Pampanga is more than just your average and everyday foodie destination. 

Indeed, while Pampanga might home to the world-famous savory sisig, the
province also hosts the country’s biggest Christmas lanterns, a hot air balloon festival
and a myriad of adventure and theme parks insomuch that it has become the intrepid
traveler’s favorite retreat. Pampanga, amidst of Mount Arayat’s shadow, stands proud
and tall as one of the country’s destinations with a hodgepodge of travel options. While
many have regarded the province to be somewhat different, it is this very distinction that
makes Pampanga so provocative and comforting at the same time—two characteristics
apt for your next summer retreat or getaway. Indeed, while Pampanga is mostly
associated with the words, sisig, beauty queen, crucifixions and lahar, these words do
not fully encapsulate the vibrancy and beauty of this multifaceted Philippine province. A
couple to three-hour drive away from the country’s biggest metropolis, Metro Manila, the
province got its moniker from Spanish conquistadors who saw thriving communities
situated near river banks upon their arrival in 1571. Today, the culinary capital continues
to entice and excite travelers with its various options for travel activities. 

There is a variety of reasons why the province was honored as one of the
eight rays in the sun in the Philippines national flag and discovering what those reasons
are would require you to pay Pampanga a visit.

 
 REASONS TO VISIT PAMPANGA THIS SUMMER
 

1.)    Good food wherever you go

It is almost impossible to go to Pampanga without designating a time or day for trying
out all the good and scrumptious Kapampangan food. After all, it is not every day that
you get to visit the culinary capital of the Philippines, so why not make the most out of it
while you are there? Pampanga is home to a multitude of epicurean delights including
the world-famous sisig, tocino, and kare-kare—three of the must-try Kapampangan
dishes that you should definitely have while in the province. While sisig is served
practically anywhere in the Philippines, you would definitely be missing out if you failed
to try the dish made by its originators. Apart from the Kapampangan culinary expertise
and prowess, Pampanga is also an excellent place for food-tripping given its plethora of
restaurants. Indeed, anywhere you go would seemingly have an array of homegrown
restaurants beckoning you to try which makes it a haven of all sorts to foodies. 

2.)    An ideal place for fun 

Apart from the many Pampanga tourist spots found in the province, the culinary capital
also hosts a myriad of theme parks that would certainly be a welcome change to your
average weekend out with the family. Pampanga is home to The SandBox in Porac,
Pampanga, a place for intrepid travelers who wish to indulge their adventurous side,
test their endurance, strength and sharpen their skills. Families with children will be
pleased to know that Pampanga hosts Zoocobia and Dinosaurs Island—both of which
are Pampanga-based attractions which the kids will undoubtedly enjoy. 

3.)    Presence of rich heritage tourism 

History enthusiasts and buffs will definitely delight in the culture that permeates almost
every area in the province. As one of the first provinces occupied by the Spanish
colonizers in the colonial times, Pampanga is an excellent place to visit in order to
pander a traveler’s penchant for immersing themselves in history and culture.  Given the
province’s colorful past, it should not be hard for travelers to relive or at least recall
some of the most significant events in Philippine history. Some of the must-visit places
for those who have an inclination for revisiting the past are the Pamintuan Mansion,
Nayong Pilipino, Center for Kapampangan Studies’ Pinatubo Museum and the series of
old houses declared as heritage sites by the NHCP (National Historical Commission of
the Philippines). 

4.)    Get in touch with Mother Nature 

In Pampanga, Mother Nature is at its best. In fact, the province is known for its natural
tourist attractions that beguile both travelers and locals alike. Your options range from
trekking at Mount Arayat, running along the verdant copses if Clark Nature Park to
being awestruck by the enchanting Miyamit Falls in Porac. Indeed, Pampanga has quite
the impressive line-up when it comes to natural attractions that nature tripping would
definitely be a fun-filled activity in this province. In this regard, you might want to have
an expertly curated travel itinerary that balances your activities in the city with exploring
what the province’s natural attractions have to offer.

5.)    Experience festivities all year round 

One of the best things about Pampanga is that you can probably expect a festival to
happen regardless of what month you are scheduled to visit. Being a vibrantly colorful
city with a deep-seated sense of culture, it should be a given that the locals would be
religious. In fact, most Kapampangans are known for their devout faith and traditional
ways of living. As a result, they experience a myriad of themed festivals that serves to
highlight a specific characteristic/ aspect of the city or dedicated to a religious event. In
this regard, you can expect the festivities to start even as early as the start of the year.
A feast for patron saints, commemoration of historical events, food festivals, modern
parties—these are just a slew of the festivities you can expect from the province.
However, if you wish to witness a cultural event, perhaps attending the Ligligan Parul
(Giant Lantern Festival), Sisig Festival, Cutud Crucifixions and the like will be more to
your fancy.