When Mount Pinatubo
had its deadly eruption in 1991, San Fernando City in Pampanga painfully saw
hundreds of families leave home to look for a safer home.
Decades after, the
seemingly ghost city founds its way to become one of the most desired addresses
not just for those who found fortune in north and central Luzon but also to
busy Metro Manila families wanting a home full of unlimited adventures, authentic
dining experience, and select privileges.
Thanks to the colorful
lanterns that were hung in the corners of the city weeks after the disaster
that reminded the families that the San Fernando, no matter how cursed it may
appear, still is a perfect home.
This story has been
portrayed in an episode of ABS-CBN drama show, Maalaala Mo Kaya about Mr.
Rolando Quiambao who pioneered lighting of grand lanterns in Pampanga to share
hope.
Mr. Quimabao’s store,
RolRens Lantern in San Fernando is one stop no one should miss when visiting
the city as it retells the story of how disasters result to beautiful, humane
stories that last for generations.
First
Privilege: The Kapampangan Cuisine Dining Experience
It’s a universal fact-
Kapampangan Cuisine is one of the world’s must-try. No one will argue with
that.
A food tour is
basically the best way to get the best of this provinces’ best dishes. And
while eating sisig,pindang kalabaw, balo balo, bringhe and other Kapampangan
signature food, an Aeta, among the original inhabitants of the place, stands
barefoot near the door with his native attire belting out pop tunes.
Only people in
Pampanga can regularly eat at Apag Marangle in Bacolor overlooking a pond and
eat dinner at Matam-ih in Angeles followed by pieces of cheese bread desert
from LA Bakeshop. These two restaurants and one bakery are a known gem to certified
foodies in the country.
And the dining
experience will not end without trying exotic food: sautéed crickets, fried
stuffed, and fried crocodile meat!
Second
Privilege: The Incredible Memories of San Fernando Train Station
San Fernando Railway
Station was part of Jose Rizal’s life as he was among the first passengers who
stepped foot on the facility.
During its opening in
1892, Rizal went to Pampanga for three reasons: recruit members of La Liga
Filipina, look for funds for the publishing of Noli Me Tangere, and seek the
love of a Bacolor woman who later gave him a sad thumbs down.
Looking like a Harry
Potter setting, the non-functional station was converted into a museum by the
local government.
The museum features
old dollar bills and coins, ammunition, kitchen utensils and other memorabilia
shared by Filipino and Americans during the colonial period.
Another note-worthy
event was the Death March in 1942 where Filipino prisoners of war walked from
Bataan to this train station which has a distance of 102 kilometers. They
proceeded to Angeles where many died.
To complete the tour
of historical spots in San Fernando, a “Heritage Passport” is available at the
train museum giving a checklist of sites to visit and get its page stamped.
It is sad that the
railway is gone so the station is the only surviving relic of Philippine National
Railways in the area. And only people living Pampanga can see this museum
easily.
Third
Privilege: The Upcoming New Clark City
At this time when
Metro Manila is heavily- congested due to countless reasons, both local and
foreign companies look for alternative locations for their businesses.
Clark New City, covering
the former military base and currently an economic zone, will open its doors as
another Bonifacio Global City providing thousands of job opportunities.
The community will
have its own government, central business, academic, agri- forestry research
and development, wellness recreation and eco-tourism districts.
Clark New City will be
located in Tarlac as an addition to Clark Freeport Zone. A visit at the Clark
Museum and 4D Theatre gives a glimpse of the yesteryears of the area.
Once this business hub
opens, those living in Pampanga have new options where to work while continue
coming home every day to their family.
NorthPine Land, the
property developer co-owned by giants Metrobank, BDO, San Miguel Properties and
Hong Kong Land, knew all these privileges will come one day.
As of now, those with
regular schedules in Quezon City can come home in Pampanga in about two hours
through well-developed North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and MacArthur Highway.
NorthPine Land opened
Montana Views in San Fernando City which was sold out immediately. The
developer, had to open Montana Strands.
Montana Strands
features an American countryside community. Coming home to this village is like
going to the Northwestern region of America where there are lots of open
spaces, pine trees, and rustic colors.
To check on the
features of the house and enjoy the privileges of coming home to Pampanga, CLICK HERE.
Text and Photos by Christian Aligo.
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