Kim Buenafe
Exploring Angeles City Heritage District
Little is known about Angeles City’s roots and heritage – with its booming trade and commerce partly to blame, until efforts from select locals, business scions, history buffs and government officials were pursued to restore and preserve the city’s culture. Through these notable endeavors, Angeles has come to revive and relive its rich heritage amid modern times.
Holy Rosary Cathedral
Our curious group was taken around the city to witness its treasured past and experience Angeles’ history first hand. From the Museo Ning Angeles and the Holy Rosary Parish Church down to the Pamintuan Mansion and Bale-Balayan, each site gave a refreshing yet in-depth look into the historic past and culture of Angeles City.
Museo Ning Angeles
This humble 2-story structure sits in the heart of the Sto. Rosario Historic District, just across the Holy Rosary Cathedral. It has been the city’s center of activities since it opened last 1999, having witnessed several exhibits, art classes, cultural performances, concerts, and traditional celebrations, among others. A walk through the museum’s memorabilia and exhibits will tell you Angeles’ story through the years.
Museo Ning Angeles also features a cooking demo at the Culinarium, where its resident chef shows visitors how to cook exotic Kapampangan dishes. Completing the overall tourist experience is the Cafe Museo located at the lobby. Locals and guests can grab a cup of their favorite drink and order a local pastry of their choice to cap off their museum tour.
Address: Heritage District, Santo Rosario St, Angeles, 2009 Pampanga
Phone:(045) 887 4703
Holy Angel University
Apart from being the largest private educational institution in Central Luzon, what makes Holy Angel University stand out is its showcase of collections and publications that manifest the local history of Pampanga. This Center for Kapampangan Studies features an interactive museum, art exhibit, the Retablo, which resembles the Basilica del Santo Nino, and a 4D theater that shows the city’s development coupled with entertaining feats.
Address: Holy Angel University Sto. Rosario St. Santo Rosario St, Angeles, Pampanga
Phone: (045) 887 5748
Pamintuan Mansion
Beyond its distinct grandeur and Moorish style, the Pamintuan Mansion holds a significant past that etched a mark in the pages of Philippine history. The beautiful and legendary mansion, adorned with striking details, recurring arches and lean pillars, is a witness to many historical events. It is where General Emilio Aguinaldo led the celebration of the first anniversary of Philippine Independence. Yes, it’s where the famous scene of Aguinaldo waving the flag from a balcony took place. The regal mansion is being converted into a museum of Philippine social history – the first of its kind in the country.
Bale-Balayan
Ever heard of a museum dedicated to the poor? Bale-Balayan, headed by dance and performance director Peter A. De Vera, serves as a home of opportunity for young and aspiring artists and enthusiasts, particularly the poorest of the poor. This Center for Transformation through the Arts aims to uplift the lives of poor kids through collaborative community support and engagement in arts and culture. Bale-Balayan houses a meditation room and prayer area, and features interesting collections of artifacts, pieces and accessories from places in the Philippines and other parts of the world.
We were entertained by a group of children playing various native musical instruments like the Alugtog or Anklung. To make the moment extra special, they served us a humble yet satisfying merienda.
Address: 40-22 Araw Malansik st., Brgy. Sta. Teresita, Angeles City
Phone: 0917.511.1904
It was inspiring to learn of Angeles’ deep-rooted culture and rich tradition still flowing in the veins of its people. Amid the city’s vibrant night lights and bustling streets lies a riveting, historic past that defines its heritage and people. Indeed, there’s more to Angeles than being a culinary capital of the country for in this place sits some of the most remarkable sites that make a significant part of Philippine history.
How to get to Angeles City
By Air
Fly direct to Angeles City via Clark International Airport (CRK) which serves international airlines such as Asiana, Cebu Pacific, Dragon Air, Emirates, Jin Air, Qatar Airways and Tiger Air, with regular flights to and from major cities such as Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Incheon, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, and Singapore. The city is also accessible from world-famous Philippine Beach Destinations like Cebu and Boracay (thru Kalibo) via Cebu Pacific’s regular flights through Clark.
By Land
Angeles City is about 45-minute (approximately 80 km) drive from Manila via North Luzon Expressway. Motorists coming from Metro Manila are advised to exit at the Angeles – Magalang toll plaza. Victory Liner’s daily northbound and southbound trips go through the MarQuee Terminal in Angeles City at regular intervals. Victory, Genesis and other major bus fleets bound for Baguio and Dagupan travel daily from Manila through Dau, Pampanga and drop off/ pick up passengers at the Mabalacat Central Terminal. It is best to ask the ticket officer or driver if the bus is stopping over Dau. From the terminal, one may take a jeepney or tricycle to the Clark Main Gate where passenger jeepneys bound to Angeles City are available.
Contact Info
Angeles City Tourism Office
1/F Angeles City Library and Information Center Bldg, Sto Entierro St.
Telephone: 322-2286 / 322-8422
2/F Angeles City Hall, Brgy. Pulung Maragul, Angeles City 2009 Philippines
Email: angelescitytourismoffice@gmail.com
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Angeles City via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Also see: Where to go: The 20 Best Day Trips from Manila
