BACKGROUND OF REGION III CENTRAL LUZON

Central Luzon is a combination of towering mountains, extinct and active volcanoes, lush,
verdant farmlands, and natural sea harbors. It is one of the leading growth regions in the Philippines,
strategically located at the heart of Asia. Region III lies between Manila and Northern Luzon. It is
composed of seven provinces, twelve cities and 118 municipalities. Its 7 provinces are Aurora,
Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. Its 12 cities are Balanga from Bataan,
Malolos and San Jose del Monte from Bulacan, Cabanatuan, Gapan, Muñoz, Palayan and San Jose
from Nueva Ecija; Angeles and San Fernando from Pampanga, Tarlac from Tarlac; and Olongapo
from Zambales.

HISTORY

Central Luzon also has its share of colorful history. Malolos, Bulacan was the place where
the first constitution of an independent Philippines was promulgated on January 21, 1899. Tarlac town
became the seat of the Philippine government for one month in March 1899, when Pres. Aguinaldo
left Bulacan to escape approaching US forces.
TRAVEL TIME
The travel time to Malolos by land from Metro Manila is 42 minutes. The travel time to Clark
Special Economic Zone is one hour and 44 minutes by land from Metro Manila. The City of San
Fernando in Pampanga, is one hour and six minutes by land from Metro Manila. Olongapo City and
its adjacent Subic Bay Freeport Zone by land from Metro Manila is two hours and five minutes.
POPULATION
The population of Central Luzon Region on January 1st 2010 is approximately 9,793,184.
The region has the highest urban population ratio (60.3%) to total population.

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CLIMATE
Dry season in the Region is from November to May. Rains normally occur during the months
of July to October.
LAND AREA
It covers a total land area of 21,470 square kilometers.

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.
Coco Sabutan Festival is normally held each
August thirteenth to nineteenth with a variety
of occasions including a drum and lyre band
rivalry, a ladies' delight show, an exchange fair.

BANGA FESTIVAL
The Banga Festival is a week long
event celebrated in the city of Balanga City,
Bataan. It is said that the name Balanga,
which is the capital of Bataan, came from the
word “banga,” the tagalong term for pot used
in cooking. The Banga Festival is celebrated
to remind the Balangueños of their humble
beginnings. The festival is celebrated
alongside the feast of St. Joseph in April 28.
To commemorate this humble beginning of
the now progressive city, the Banga Festival
is being celebrated.

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 ARAQUIO FESTIVAL

A weeklong festival recreating the

expansion of Christianity and the war between
Christians and Muslims, Araquio dates back from
the Spanish colonial period. The festival features
vivacious beats of brass bands, spirited
choreography and moving voices embraced with a
daunting literary piece.

GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL

It was in 1931 that electricity was
introduced to the San Fernando lantern, thus
sparking the birth of the first Giant Lantern
Festival. … As a show of gratitude to Quezon,
the people of San Fernando held a Christmas
lantern contest to honor the first family. The
Giant Lantern Festival (Kapampangan: Ligligan
Parul) is an annual festival held in mid-
December in the City of San Fernando in the
Philippines. The festival features a competition of giant lanterns. Because of the popularity of the
festival, the city has been nicknamed the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines”.

KAISA FESTIVAL

Kaisa Festival is the cultural festival

and religious fiesta in the city of Tarlac,
Tarlac, Philippines every January 20. It is
held as a celebration of the city’s culture and
history and in honor of St. Sebastian, the
patron saint of the city.

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 DINAMULAG FESTIVAL
Dinamulag Festival, officially known as
Dinamulag Mango Festival and Zambales Mango
Festival, is the cultural and fruit festival in Zambales,
Philippines every April. A week-long celebration, it is
the biggest festival in the province. Major activities
occur in People’s Park in Iba, its capital. Dinamulag
Mango Festival comes from dinamulag, which is a
word in Sambali that means carabao. It refers to the
variety of the sweet fruit called carabao mango
(mangifera indica L.) that is cultivated in Zambales.
Organized by the Zambales Mango Producers
Federation (ZAMPROFED) and provincial
government in coordination with public and private
institutions, the fest was conceptualized as thanksgiving celebration for the harvest of the fruit,
promote Zambales mango, and boost tourism.
BELIEFS AND PRACTICES OF REGION III
BIRTH PRACTICES – In one of the barrios of Guagua, Pampanga, close relatives of a woman
who is about to deliver a child, together with their neighbor, make noise like shouting, beating tin
cans and exploding firecrackers in order to help expel the fetus faster.
COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE – The only prevalent form of courtship now is the pamanhikan.
At present, pamanhikan is being practiced when the parents of the boy confer with their balae
(parent of the bride-to be) regarding marriage plans of the children.
BAPTISMAL RIGHTS PRACTICES – In many Kapampangan houses, the baby’s baptismal
dress serves as a souvenir and decoration for the sala. It is put in a frame and hung in the sala like a
picture.
DEATH AND BURIAL – The wake (makipaglame) lasts for at least three days and two nights
after which everybody participates in the libing (interment).

CAPITAL CITIES
AURORA

• Its capital is the city of BALER.

• Aurora is also known as the “Land of the Golden Sunrise” and “Gate way to the
Pacific.”
• A province of the Philippines located in the eastern part of Central Luzon region,
facing the Philippine Sea.
• Before 1979, Aurora was part of the province of Quezon. Aurora was, in fact,
named after Aurora Aragon, the wife of President Manuel L. Quezon, the president
of the Philippine Commonwealth, after whom the mother province was named.

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 TOURIST SPOTS IN AURORA
BALER BAY (SABANG BEACH)
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. As such, Sabang Beach of Baler is the birthplace
of surfing in the country. From posh resorts to serene
home-stays and beach-fronts, this beach gets you
stoked.

CAUNAYAN FALLS
Caunayan Falls in Barangay L. Pimentel is
one of the most accessible falls in San Luis, Aurora.
It is only a hundred-meter walk from a dirt road. The
Falls used to spray strongly from a thick-foliage cliff,
but El Nino seem to take its toll on this one because
the downpour of the water is a lot gentler and thinner.
Surrounding the Falls and the natural pool are large
boulders and stones of different sizes which form
part of an excellent water scape in the area. Water
from the pool flows into these rocks forming a
soothing sound that will make you want to lie down
and sleep. The thick greenery of the cliff and the hills complemented the natural vibe of the place.
Fresh air, clear waters, and lovely sight.

BATAAN

• Its capital is the city of BALANGA.

• Bataan is a province of the Philippines occupying the whole portion of Bataan
Peninsula on Luzon.
• The “Battle of Bataan” is famous in history as one of the last stands of American and
Filipino soldiers before they were overwhelmed by the Japanese forces in World War II.
• The “Bataan Death March” was named for this province, where the infamous march
started. This is also the location of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant located in the
Municipality of Morong.

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TOUIRST SPOTS IN BATAAN
ABUCAY CATHOLIC CHURCH
Abucay Church is a National Historical
Landmark. According to the National Historical
Commission, the spiritual ministration of Abucay
was entrusted to the Dominicans in 1588. It is
significant because a fierce battle between the
Dutch invaders and the Kapampangan defenders
was fought in the area surrounding the church on
June 23, 1647. Nearly two hundred Kapampangans
were put to death, and forty others, together with
Spanish alcalde mayor and two Dominican priests,
were taken prisoners to Batavia (Jakarta). The printing press of Tomas Pinpin operated in Abucay.

AMBON-AMBON/ LIMUTAN FALLS

Situated in the town of Bagac is Ambon-
Ambon Falls. At approximately 100 feet high, it
believed to be the tallest cascade in the province
with its water coming from the highland of Mount
Natib. The only known way down to this waterfalls
though is by rappelling from its top.

BULACAN

• Its capital is the city of MALOLOS.

• Also known as “The Gateway to the Northern Philippines”
• Bulacan prides itself on its rich history. The province figures prominently in
Philippine history. Many national heroes and political figures were born in Bulacan.
• The province is honored as one of the 8 rays of the sun in the national flag. It is the
home of the “Three Republics.”
• These are the:
o Republic of Real de Kakarong de Sili (1896) in Pandi,
o Republic of Biak-na-Bato (1897) and
o First Philippine Republic in Malolos (1899-1901)

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TOURIST SPOTS
OBANDO CHURCH
The Parish of San Pascual Baylon and National Shrine
of Nuestra Señora Inmaculada Concepcion de
Salambao, also known as Obando Church, is a Roman
Catholic church located in the municipality of Obando
in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. Founded by
Franciscan missionaries, under the Spanish Empire, it
is the venue of the three-day Obando Fertility Rites
held annually in honor of three patron saints, namely:
St. Pascual Baylon, St. Claire of Assisi and Our Lady
of Salambao, a celebration that was mentioned by
Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero, in the pages
of his Spanish-language novel, the Noli Me Tangere.
During the month of May, parishioners and other
devotees perform the three-day Obando Dance inside
the church, followed by a street procession.

BIAK-NA-BATO
The Biak na Bato National Park, in San Miguel,
Bulacan, is one of top travel destinations in the
province because of its historical contribution in the
Philippine republic. "Biak na Bato" or split of
boulder is where Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo signed the
Malolos Republic (first Constitution of the
Philippines). Aside from its historical background,
tourist and students visit this park to relax, breath
some fresh air, and witness the beauty inside the
caves, especially the stunning Bahay Paniki Cave,
the highlight of the area. By the way, it was
declared as national park in 1937 by the former
president Manuel L. Quezon.

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 PAMPANGA

• Its capital is the city of SAN FERNANDO

• Is also known as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines.”
• The word Pampang, from which the province’s name originates, means ricer bak.
• The province is home to two Philippine Air Force air bases, Basa Air Base in
Floridabalanca, and Clark Air Base.
TOURIST SPOTS
FORT STOTSENBURG
Fort Stotsenburg in Clark is named after US
Calvary Col. John M. Stotsenburg of the 1st Nebraska
Volunteers. He became the commander of the 1st
Nebraska Volunteer Regiment, which was sent to the
Philippines in 1899 to combat against Filipino
revolutionaries. He died in action during a battle with
these revolutionaries in Quingwa, Bulacan on April 25,
1899. When the Japanese forces occupied Clark Air
Base from 1942 to 1945, the entrance pillars of Fort
Stotsenburg were removed from its original position
and were used as a fill material when they were
undergoing repairs of the damaged base runways.

PINATUBO CRATER LAKE

Barely three hours away from Manila, the
Philippines capital, you’ll find Mt. Pinatubo, one of the
most powerful active volcanoes from the 20th century
and a top Philippines hiking destination. It was a
dormant giant for about 500 years until it erupted in
June 1991 a few days following a 7.8 magnitude
earthquake. The devastating catastrophe buried the
surrounding towns with ash and lava flows, leaving
behind unimaginable loss of agriculture, infrastructure,
and life. Over a decade later, Mt. Pinatubo and its
surrounding area is now a beautiful sight to behold. Its
once tragic and ashen gray backdrop has now become
a picturesque mix of blues and greens that can be
witnessed in Mount Pinatubo tours. Its majestic caldera
or crater with massive alpine-like rock formations surrounds a luminous turquoise lake that can only
be described as magical. Mt. Pinatubo quickly became one of the most sought-after tourist spots
near Manila, frequently flocked by hiking aficionados.

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 NUEVA ECIJA

• Its capital is the city of PALAYAN.

• Is known as the “Rice Bowl of the Philippines.”
• The province is the largest in Central Luzon.
• Cry of Nueva Ecija is the 1896 revolutionary battle led by General Mariano Llanera
TOURIST SPOTS
MINALUNGAO NATIONAL PARK
Minalungao National Park is situated at General
Tinio, Nueva Ecija and it’s a popular tourist spot in the
Central Luzon region. It is approximately 116 kilometers
northeast of Metro Manila and because of its proximity
to the National Capital Region and unique landscape it
became a haven for travelers who want to enjoy the
stunning beauty of nature. Minalungao National Park is
a three to four hours drive from Manila and it’s a cheap
destination for a summer getaway. Within the national
park is the Sumacbao River which provides blue-green
water making it suitable for various activities such as
rafting and swimming. Moreover, the Sumacbao River is
the main source of water in the area and is used for
bathing, washing, farming, and other local use. The river also provides a huge supply of freshwater
fish like eel and shrimp. Minalungao National Park is considered one of the few remaining natural
environments in the Central Luzon region. It was said that the national park was named as such due
to the conjunction of two native words “Mina” and “Lungao” which means mines of gold in caves.
Moreover, the park has one of the greenest rivers in the Philippines which is the Sumacbao River
which is home to a pristine limestone formation.

PANTABANGAN DAM
Built-in 1974 along the Pampanga
River to serve as reinforcement against
flooding, and provide irrigation, additional
electricity to the entire Luzon island, the 1.61-
km long, 107-meter high dam now supplies
irrigation water to farmlands in Nueva Ecija
and adjoining provinces, and electricity to the
Luzon power grid. it is one of the architectural
wonders in this area.

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 TARLAC

• Its capital city is TARLAC.

• Is known as the “Melting Pot of Central Luzon” and the “Sugar Capital of Luzon”
• The province is situated at the central plains of Luzon, landlocked by four provinces:
o Pampanga on the south,
o Nueva Ecija on the east,
o Pangasinan on the north, and
o Zambales on the west.
TOURIST SPOTS
SAIPAN BEACH
Saipan Beach is located in San Jose,
Tarlac. This is just along the way going to
Monasterio de Tarlac. It is a good stop over after
the Monasterio visit. Every summer, residents of
San Jose, Tarlac are working together to put rocks
around a nearby river to convert it into a "resort"
for kids and adults alike. It has a water area both
for kids and adults and for those who can swim.
Saipan Beach is not really a beach; it is a river.
According to the locals the owners came from
Saipan that's why they named it Saipan Beach.
The natural water of the river comes from the
mountain and the river is wide enough for a lot of people to enjoy.

AQUINO ANCESTRAL HOUSE

It was built sometime in the mid-1930s
and was completed in 1938. The house was said
to be designed by an architect from laguna but the
construction was heavily supervised by Benigno
Aquino Sr. (dad of Ninoy) also called Apung
Igno. He is also a politician and as a matter of
fact, served as Speaker of the National Assembly
of the Second Philippine republic. Sadly, he is
also known for being a collaborator to the
Japanese during the second world war.

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ZAMBALES

• Its capital is the city of IBA.

• Zambales is the second largest among the seven provinces of Central Luzon. The
province is noted for its mangoes, which are abundant from January to April.
• Zambales is served by the Subic Bay International Airport
• The province name came from the word zambal, which is a Hispanized term for
Sambali.
• Zambales Day is celebrated every August 30.

TOURIST SPOTS
INFLATABLE ISLAND SUBIC
Inflatable Island is a floating playground in Subic Bay,
Zambales, that spans over 4,200 square meters, making
it one of the biggest of its kind in Asia. It is full of
obstacle courses, slides, tunnels, and a five-story-high
unicorn structure called the Unicornzilla. There's also
the "vortex," a 30-foot-long diagonal tunnel that ends in
three kinds of slides. For those who wish to stay dry, the
Sunflower Lounge has rentable daybeds on the shore
that are perfect for relaxing. The depth of the waters
surrounding the island range from 4 to 20 feet, so
everyone is required to wear a life vest for their safety.
along with the life vests, the island also has several
lifeguards roaming around at all times just in case
someone may need to be rescued from the sea.

ANAWANGIN COVE
According to its past history, Anawangin Cove
was formed during the cataclysmic eruption of Mt.
Pinatubo in the year 1991. During that time, it throws
out massive volcanic ashes in the
rocky shoreline of San Antonio fishing village. As the
years goes by, Agoho trees started to grow and quite
unique soft white sand came out in a colorless cove
which create a beautiful scenery that looks like a
paradise for beach lovers. Since then San Antonio
shifted to tourism not only solely on fishing alone as a
source of living. For this reason, it transformed into a
popular tourist destination during the summer season as
travelers yearned for some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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DELICACIES
YELLOW FIN KINILAW
YELLOW FIN KINILAW INGREDIENTS:
• 1/4 kilo of yellow fin tuna fillets
• half a head of garlic, peeled and
crushed
• a thumb-sized piece of ginger,
peeled and sliced
• 1 white onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green chili peppers, cut diagonally
into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup. of vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup. of kalamansi juice
• 1 cup. of kakang gata (coconut
cream)
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Kinilaw means to “cook” in vinegar or
Ceviche (a similar dish wherein the fish
meat is marinated only in citric acid). This is
a seafood dish popular in the Philippines
as appetizer. Filipino's makes different
variety of fish that can be used for making
kinilaw. Tuna, tangigue or tanigue (sea
bass), talakitok (cavalla) lapu-lapu (grouper)
and shrimp are only some of them.
YELLOW FIN KINILAW COOKING
INSTRUCTION:
1. Wash the fillets and trim any
remaining skin and bones. Cut into
one-inch cubes. Place in a glass bowl
and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Mix well.
2. Pour in the vinegar and mix well.
3. Cover loosely and chill for about two
hours.
4. Drain the fish. Add the kalamansi
juice, garlic, chili peppers, bell
pepper, ginger and onion. Mix well
and chill for another 20 minutes.
5. Pour in the coconut cream, mix well
and serve cold.
6. Serve, enjoy and share!
TINAPA

Tinapa is a Filipino culinary term to

define smoked fish, it is a popular delicacy which
is usually made out of milkfish or galunggong
(mackerel scad), usually sold in wet markets or
specialty shops together with other dried fish
products like daing and tuyo.

TINAPA INGREDIENTS: TINAPA INSTRUCTIONS:

• 1 kg mackerel 1. Clean fish, remove guts and scales.
• 3 cups water 2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl then soak
• 3/4 cup sea salt the fish for at least 6 hours.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar 3. Drain fish for at least an hour then pat it dry.
• 1 whole garlic, minced. 4. Place water-soaked wood chips into a roasting pan.
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black 5. Place pan on top of the gas barbecue grill then turn
pepper. it on, wait until it smokes.
• 1 tbsp vinegar 6. Place roasting rack lined with foil above the
• 3 handful of water-soaked wood roasting pan, lay fish side by side on top.
chips 7. Lower down the heat to medium then cover your
barbecue grill, cook until there is no more smoke
coming out of the barbecue. Turn heat off then
leave for 10 more minutes.
8. Open lid and your fish should be cooked and
smoked

SERKELE

Serkele Recipe is a proud Bulacan and Isabela

specialty which is a type of dinuguan recipe but with
beef innards. It is a unique and delicious Filipino
delicacy that everybody craves for when visiting
Bulacan. It is like dinuguan but it is soupy in version
and “lamang loob” of beef is used instead of pork.
Serkele is a family heirloom recipe that originated
from the famous Aling Luring’s Goto and Serkele
Restaurant in Baliwag Bulacan.

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SERKELE INGRIDIENTS:
 1 kilograms beef innards (laman loob ng
baka), clean, wash well and chopped
 3/4 cup vinegar
 4 onions, chopped
 6 cloves garlic, minced
 1 cup beef blood (or pork blood)
 2 cups of beef stock or water
 2-3 Siling Haba/Pangsigang (Long Green
Chili Peppers)
 1-2 tablespoon fish sauce
 pepper
 salt to taste
 Cooking oil
 water
KAMARU
KAMARU INGRIDIENTS:
 ¼ kilo of kamaru (mole
crickets)
 3 pcs tomatoess
 1 medium size onion sliced.
 ¼ cup minced garlic
 ¼ cup vinegar
 2-5 pcs chili (labuyo)
 1 tsp salt and pepper
SERKELE INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a large wok, (with enough water) add all
ingredients except for the blood and boil for 30
minutes over medium to low heat. Drain meat
and reserve broth for later use.
2. In the same wok, heat oil and sautè garlic
until lightly brown over low heat. Add onions
and sautè until soft and fragrant. Toss in meat,
stir well and cook for about 3 minutes.
3. Pour in broth soup, add siling haba and add
the beef blood. Let it boil and simmer over low
heat for another 30 minutes until tender.
Season with patis, salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!
One of the more popular exotic dishes
that has become a local delicacy in Pampanga are
ones that use kamaru as the main ingredient. The
kamaru is a mole cricket, an insect that likes to
hang out in rice fields (which is why it is
sometimes called the rice field crickets). One easy
way to prepare it the adobo kamaru, which is
basically the traditional adobo, but using the
insect as meat, as opposed to the usual pork or
chicken.
KAMARU INSTRUCTIONS:
1. To prepare Adobong Kamaru, first, wash the
Kamaru very well, make sure to expel all the dirt,
better yet soak it in water or vinegar if you have doubt.
2. Then, sauté garlic and onion.
3. Add the sliced tomatoes, siling labuyo and the
Kamaru.
4. Mixed it well and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the ¼ cup of vinegar and wait for 2 minutes.
6. Don’t mixed it just let it boil.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.
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TIBOK- TIBOK
TIBOK-TIBOK INGRIDIENTS:
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 4 cups fresh carabao's milk
(or cow's milk)
• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt (if using
cow's milk)
Tibok-Tibok made of fresh carabao's milk and
topped with latik is smooth, creamy, and delicious! This
milk pudding is a popular Kapampangan delicacy and
makes a great snack or dessert.
TIBOK-TIBOK INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a pan over medium heat, add coconut cream and
bring to a boil.
Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid starts
to thicken.
2. Lower heat and simmer. As oil starts to separate and
solids begin to form, regularly stir and scrape sides and
bottom of the pan to revent from burning. Continue to
cook and stir until curds turn golden brown.
3. Using a fine mesh sieve or colander, drain latik.
Reserve oil.
4. Generously brush bottom and sides of 7 x 5-inch pan
with coconut oil and set aside.
5. In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine milk, rice flour, and
sugar. Add salt if using cow's milk. Whisk together until
smooth and well blended.
6. Over medium-low heat, bring to a simmer, whisking
regularly. Continue to cook, whisking regularly, for about
10 to 15 minutes or until mixture thickens to a smooth
thick paste.
7. Gently transfer milk mixture to prepared pan. Smooth
and evenly distribute using a spatula.
8. Allow to slightly cool and set. Generously brush with
coconut oil and garnish with latik. Cut into serving slices
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