Region 1 and Region 3
Region 1 and Region 3
Region 1 and Region 3
Before the coming of the Spaniards, the coastal plains in northwestern Luzon, stretching from Bangui
(Ilocos Norte) in the north to Namacpacan (Luna, La Union) in the south, were as a whole known as a
progressive region called the Ylokos.
The inhabitants built their villages near the small bays on coves called “looc” in the dialect. These
coastal inhabitants were referred to as “Ylocos” which literally meant “from the lowlands”
The entire region was then called by the ancient name “Samtoy” from “sao ditoy” which in Ilokano
mean “our dialect”. The region was later called by the Spaniards as “Ylocos” or “Ilocos” and its people
“Ilocanos”.
1. ILOCOS NORTE
Ilocos Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in Luzon. Its capital is Laoag City and
is located at the northwest corner of Luzon Island
Ilocos Norte is noted for being the birthplace of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, who led an authoritarian
rule over the country during the latter half of his incumbency. The Marcoses enjoy a modicum of popularity in
the province. Ilocos Norte is also known as a northern tourist destination.
A. Industries
Ilocos Norte's economy is mostly agriculture- based. Aside from rice, the province is a major producer of fruits,
vegetables and legumes, specifically, garlic and tomato.
Manufacturing has become a thriving industry in the province where most of the establishments are focused on
general contracting, furniture-making, handicrafts and metalcraft.
The province's booming tourism industry is due to its various scenic spots and the presence of an international
airport in the City of Laoag.
B. Products
Soft Broom - Tiger Grass or locally called “Buy-boy” in Ilocano has a great economic potential because
it is a main source of material in the soft broom-making industry. It is a viable source of livelihood in
Adams, Ilocos Norte.
Pottery - The town of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte is known for its clay pots called Banga. In additoin,
there are also other products like bricks, tiles, garden pots, jar coin bank, Lusob (braces in making a
well) and many more. Banga has an important role in the lives of the Ilocanos. It is a part of their
tradition and culture. They use it to cook Pinakbet (an Ilocano dish assorting vegetables), they start the
funeral parade with a ceremony, the Ilocanos smash it to kill the chicken underneath before the casket
leaves the gate of the house. The traditional procedure of pottery making in Ilocos Norte is called
Damili
Wood Furniture - industry are commonly found in Dumalmeg, Ilocos Norte. Sculpturing is also a
potential industry located in some baranggays in the said Municipality. These industries should be
developed in this Town due to the abundance of skilled workers.
Loom Weavering - Sarrat, Ilocos Norte has a distinct traditional hand-woven fabric called binakol. It is
characterized by the black and white color combo and the kinuskos (twister) design
Major Agricultural Product - Garlic is the flagship commodity crop not only in the town of Pasuquin
but also in the entire province of Ilocos Norte. The crop is the most important bulb crop and most
profitable dry season crop in the province with export potential. It contributes to forty percent (40%) of
the province’ gross domestic product and an effective tool for poverty alleviation of the farmers.
C. Foods
Bagnet - This delicacy is actually one of the native food in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Three biggest
bagnet originators come from Laoag, Ilocos Norte and in nearby towns, San Nicolas and Batac. Bagnet’s
was first introduced in the maket back in the 1980s. But before producers began to notice its commercial
value, bagnet-making started as a handed-down tradition of deep-frying the meat until crispy to extend
its shelf life for a few more days.
Empanada - Another delicacy from the Ilocos Norte province would be the empanada, the orang
coating is made from Mochiko Rice flour and orange food coloring. And there are different types of
Empanada, the ordinary and the special empanada, the difference are the fillings. Ordinary empanada
only have the grated unripe green papaya, sauteed mung beans, garlic and egg, while the special has
“Longanisa” (sausage) added besides the fillings from the ordinary empanada.
Fusion pizzas - use local specialties as pizza toppings – like Pinakbet Pizza and Dinuguan Pizza –
are also served in popular restaurants like Saramsam Restaurant and Herencia Café in Ilocos Norte
Pakbet - ‘Pakbut’! he word is the contracted form of the Ilokano word pinakebbet, meaning “shrunk” or
“shriveled”. The original Ilokano pinakbet uses bagoong, of fermented monamon or other fish, for
seasoning sauce, while further south, bagoong alamangis used. The dish usually includes ‘Ampalaya’ or
bitter melon. Other vegetables used includes eggplant, tomato, okra, string beans, chili peppers, parda,
winged beans, and others. Root crops and some beans like camote, patani, kadios are also optionally
added. The young pod of malunggay is also added. It is usually spiced with ginger, onions, or garlic.
Traditionally, Ilokano folks add any edible plants on their backyard to the Pinakbet. And Ilokanos told
us if you added a squash or ‘Kalabasa’, it’s not a Ilokano Pakbet anymore.
D. Festivals
Damili Festival
Bawang Festival
(Pinili) April
Pinili Town Fiesta is celebrated in honor of St. Isidore de Farmer, the town’s patron saint. Bawang
Festival which is now a tourist attraction is observed because garlic is the main commodity of Pinili
Empanada Festival
One major highlight is the Empanada Festival which is a showcase of the famous product- the BATAC
EMPANADA. With a distinct taste truly its own, the Batac Empanada is made of savory filling of grated green
papaya, mongo, longganisa and egg. The dough that serves as its thin and crisp wrapper is made of rice flour.
The main feature of the EMPANADA FESTIVAL is the street dancing which chronicles the process of
preparing the delectable BATAC EMPANADA.
Dinaklisan Festival
A coastal town, it pays tribute to its fishermen and primary industry and gives homage to the Almighty for
the rich marine life as it celebrates Dinaklisan Festival. People come together for the float parade, street dancing
and the coronation of the town's loveliest maiden among others. On May 1, there will be a grand fluvial parade
where fishermen throw their nets into the sea to catch fish (daklis in Iluko) afterwhich the catch will be grilled
and shared by the town's people along the shore.
Panagsana Festival
(Pasuquin)
Through time, the settlers discovered ways to harness the bounties of living along the coastal area; they were
able to establish the salt making industry, or “panagsana.”
With their determination, perseverance, hard work, frugality, passion and their will to survive, the people
endure the long process of saltmaking, working even under the scorching sun during the summer months.
E. Tourist Attractions
The 45-meter bell tower was built by the Augustinians in 1612 and
believed to be the tallest bell tower in the Philippines. It is actually
the bell tower of St. Williams Cathedral, but unfortunately, it is 85
meters away from the church
The bell tower is one of the landmarks of Spanish colony in the
Philippines. The tower has earned its “sinking” reputation because it
is so heavy and it was built on sandy foundations that it has been consistently sinking into the ground
Initially this was for 19 very large turbines spaced 236 meters apart
and currently this is expanding to 49. Current electrical power
production is around 25 megawatts and contributes nearly 40% of the
provinces electrical power
F. Artists from Ilocos Norte
Parting at Calamba,
Sabina.
Adobe Stone
Barangay
Kay Ganda ng Umaga
2. ILOCOS SUR
A. Industries
The people are engaged in farming, producing food crops, mostly rice, corn, vegetable, rootcrops, and fruits.
Non-food crops include tobacco, cotton, and tigergrass. Cottage industries include loomweaving, furniture
making, jewelry making, ceramics, blacksmithing, and food processing.
B. Foods
Vigan Longganisa - is a small and plump native sausage, that has a strong garlic flavor and is yellowish
in color. Although it can be eaten anytime, it’s traditionally served as breakfast fare paired with fried
eggs and steamed or fried rice (longsilog). It is best dipped in Ilocos vinegar with plenty of chili, garlic
and onion
Lumpianada which combines the hefty lumpia (spring roll) and the usual assortment of vegetables found
in it along with the traditional fillings for the Vigan Empanada, including longanisa and egg. It’s like
lumpiang toge but with meat.
Tinubong - It is steamed in bamboo tubes. nother Ilocos delicacy,peddled on the streets of Vigan is
the tinubong – rice flour, buko or coconut meat, and margarine, it derives its name from the container, a
bamboo tube with an opening at one end and a node at the other, which locals (Ilocano) call tubong,
Vigan Miki - Another popular street food sold in the plaza is Vigan Miki, a savory chicken noodle soup
which makes use of white miki noodles that are traditionally made by hand. The broth has a bright
reddish-orange color that comes from achuete or annatto, a coloring agent with a subtle flavor typically
used in dishes like kare-kare and Pancit Malabon.
C. Festivals
Kannawidan Festival
- Kannawidan is an Ilocano term which means a feast of rich heritage and culture.
The feast is in commemoration of the separation of the two provinces of Ilocos Sur
and Ilocos Norte by virtue of the royal decree on February 2,1818. The celebration is considered as
the prime festival of the province and is a visual and is a feast for the indigenous
costumes, dances, and songs, religious rituals, cookfest and trade fairs
that showcases distinctly Ilocano products.
Longganisa Festival
- Within the Vigan City Fiesta days, the Longganisa Festival is also celebrated. The city has a.
longganisa-themed parade and at one time attempted to set a record for having the longest longganisa
ever made. Held every 22nd day of January that features Vigan’s most soughtafter “spiced” contribution
in the field of gourme.
Tobacco Festival
- Held every 1st day of April in Candon City, a new chartered city and
considered as the tobacco capital of the Philippines. Choreographed street dancing
competition where contestants use tobacco-inspired theme or costumes and the
searchers for Ms. Virginia Tobacco and Miss Candon City are the much awaited events.
Begnas Festival
D. Tourist Attractions
E. Artist
Fidel Go
Go’s Ruby Pottery is one of the two pottery factories producing burnay
in Pagburnayan, Vigan City. His works find themselves displayed in
several of the country’s plush hotels reaching as far as Palawan and
Davao in the south. In 1998, he was one of the 100 Filipino artist given
the Centennial Award, a once-in-a-lifetime recognition for local arists. The National Commission for Culture
and Arts declared him as a National Folk Artist
3. PANGASINAN
A. History
• 1580 is the official founding day of the Province of Pangasinan.
• Governor General Ronquillo de Penalosa formally created Pangasinan as a province in 1850.
• Pre-Spanish period – Ancient Malayo-Polynesians of the Austronesian stock arrive by boat and establish
settlements along the Lingayen Gulf. They are proficient in salt-making so they call their new home
Pangasinan which means “the place where salt is made.”
• PanagASINan or “Pangasinan” which means “where salt is made” came to be its name.
• February 5, 1899, President Aguinaldo directs Pangasinan Governor Quesada to transfer the provincial
capital to San Carlos.
• Early November 1899 Bayambang becomes the capital of the republic.
• June 1945, the provincial capital is moved back to Lingayen.
• Inner areas are collectively called “Caboloan” because the small bamboo species called “bolo” abound
there.
• The pangasinan people are called “Pangasinense” or simply taga-pangasinan.
• Pangasinan is the third most populated province in the Philippines.
Language/ Dialect-
Religion
The religion of the people of Pangasinan is predominantly Christian and Roman Catholicism. While the
second major denomination are Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Baptist, Methodist and Seventh-
day Adventist.
B. Major Industries
Bagoong Production
Fishing
Bamboo Production
Agriculture
C. Foods
“Pakbet”
- In Pangasinan, usually this is "Pakbet". It is a dish of mixed vegetables you commonly hear in the
Filipino song "Bahay Kubo".
Bonuan Bangus
- Being bred at sea, they have a different taste, more saltier and lesser stench (lansa) than the other.
“Pigar- Pigar”
- Pigar-Pigar is Pangasinansee term means “Turning Over” that refers to the process of cooking which
requires constant turning over of meat while deep-frying.
“Intemtem, or tupig in Ilocano”
- Is made of ground rice, sugar and buko (young coconut) strips, rolled and wrapped in banana leaves,
then grilled over live coals. Old folks say that tupig used to be served during the noche
buena (Christmas eve dinner).
Puto Calasio at Kutsinta
- Both are rice cakes. They are also served in smaller servings (about an inch in diameter).
D. Festivals
Festival capital of the North
Esther Margaux "Mocha" Justiniano Uson (May 17, 1982) Dagupan, Pangasinan
- is a Filipino singer, dancer, model, and blogger.
- Uson served as a board member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board
(MTRCB) from January 27, 2017 until her appointment as assistant secretary of the Presidential
Communications Operations Office (PCOO) in May.
-Is an Ilokano fictionist (short story, novel), poet, editor, translator, and painter. He was former
managing editor of Bannawag, a weekly Ilokano magazine.
- Senior literary editor at Bannawag (1961-1998)
- Hidalgo was responsible for the founding of GUMIL Filipinas (Gunglo dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano
iti Filipinas). The top national organization of Iloko writers, GUMIL now boasts of chapters
in Guam, Greece, California, and Hawaii
- Considered by his peers as a "prodigy in Ilokano literature,.
- He started painting in 1979
G. Words and awards
Works
Novels: "Tomana" (1971), "Tarumamis" (1973), "Ti Obra Maestra" (1974) "Derraas ken
Pannakatnag" (1976), "Apuy iti Ubbog ti Diro" (1977), "Dagiti Kulalanti" (1979), "Saksi ti
Kaunggan" (1986)
Novellas: "Ti Langitmo a Kaibatogak" (1968), Bileg (1968), "Dagiti Annak ti Init Nagsublidan iti
Daga" (1978)
Short Stories: "Bituen ti Rosales," "Tallo a Lallaki ken Maysa a Kari," "Dagiti Panniki ti Montalban,"
"Taraon dagiti Didiosen," "Proserpina,"
Awards
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Gawad CCP Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan
(1991)
U.P. Vanguard Life Achievement Award for Literature (1991)
Cornelio Valdeez Award (1992)
Sen. Heherson T. Alvarez Award for Literature (1994)
Pedro Bucaneg Award
4. LA UNION
A. History
Language / Dialect
Ilocano is the common dialect. The residents of the coastal barangay of Sto. Tomas and Rosario also
speak Pangasinense while the cultural communities in the towns bordering the Cordillera speak Ibaloi or
Kankanaey. English and Filipino remain as basic tools of instruction in schools.
Geography
Location:
La Union is located in the southwestern part of Region I and stretches over a length of 102 kilometers
from North to South between 120o16' and 120o35' longtitude and 160o15' latitude. It is bounded on the north
by Ilocos Sur, on the south by Pangasinan, on the east by Benguet, and on the west by the China Sea.
Land area: 149,309 hectares
Political Subdivisions: La Union has 19 municipalities and one component city, which are subdivided into 576
barangays.
B. Major Industries
Blanket Weaving
Pottery
Broommaking
Basketry (Bamboo)
Wine industry
Agriculture
Tobacco Production
C. Foods
1. “Pulpog”- a simple dish of grilled pork and onions. (San Juan, La union)
2. “Buknok”- Tamarind-based soup with chicken and vegetables cooked in coconut juice and served on a
freshly carved coconut bowl. (San Fernando city, La Union)
3. “Pritong Halo- Halo”
D. Festivals
E. Tourist Attraction
The Miraculous Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan
- Locally known as Our Lady Apo Baket of Namacpacan, it was the title given to the Blessed Virgin
Mary by the natives of La Union because she appeared to the native people of the Cordilleras as an
old woman which offered them food and invited them to be baptized. Apo Baket is how the people
call the elderly woman as a sign of respect.
Ma- cho Temple
- It is the first Taoist temple and only one in the Philippines that is dedicated to the Chinese sea-
goddess Mazu. Ma-Cho (Matzu) is the powerful Queen of Heavens and protector of the sea.
- Taoist Temple is located on a hill 70 feet above sea level at Barangay II, San Fernando City, facing
the China Sea.
“Bahay na Bato”
- The newest tourist attraction in the province. Built from stones found along Luna’s rare
pebbled beaches, the rest house sits on a peaceful property owned by Dr. Edison and Dr. Purita
Chan-Noble. In the interiors and around the grounds, you can find many interesting stone and
wooden sculptures made by Korean artist, Bong Kim.
Pebble Beach
- On the beachfront of Bahay Na Bato, you can find the most beautiful pebble beach that remains in
Luna. The town is known as the Pebble Capital of the North because of its many pebbled beaches
and big stone-picking industry.
Halo Halo de Iloko
- The most popular place to eat here is Halo Halo de Iloko, located along Zandueta Street. They sell
Halo Halo with a tasty twist. Try the Buko Halo Halo, Ginataan nga Halo Halo or Deep Fried Halo
Halo.
Eagle Park
- Located few meters from the entry point of Jose D. Aspiras Highway (formerly Marcos
Highway) that connects La Union to Baguio City is a giant concrete statue of an eagle with wings
widespread ready to take its flight and known as "EAGLE OF THE NORTH".
F. Artist
Lucresia R. Casilag (1918-2008) National Artist for Music
- Born on San Fernando, La Union
- Lucrecia R. Kasilag was named National Artist in Music in 1989.
- She has over 250 compositions, and, a leader in music education, she is considered the “First Lady
of Philippine Music.”
- 1989 – The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awardee for Culture and the Art
- Her major works include:Legend of the Sarimanok and sisa.
- She then obtains his Master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music in New York, USA
REGION 3:CENTRAL LUZON
Nueva Ecija
Brief History
Languages
Tagalog
Ilocano
Pampango
Pangasinan
Bicol
Ilonggo
Major Industries
Agricultural Good – Rice, corn, onion, garlic, banana, mango, and eggplant.
Fishponds
Mineral Deposits – Copper, Manganese and metal
Popular Foods.
Longganisa Of Cabanatuan - The Philippines has this great taste of pinoy delicacy. It is much known
in the City of Cabanatuan Nueva Ecija.
Bangus/Milk Fish Spaghetti - Chanos Chanos is a local family-run food stall that started serving baked
bangus to their patrons in 2015 and opened their second branch in 2017.
Buko Lumpia - One of the more unique items in the menu is Chiz Buco Lumpia, a regular lumpia filled
with strips of coconut, veggies, ham and cheese.
Festivals
Araquio Festival - Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija - The Arakyo is a traditional reenactment of Queen
Helena and King Constantine`s search for the cross where Christ was crucified garbed in colorful
costumes, prince and princess sing, dance and dramatize this centuries old tradition which features
sword fights between the Christian and the Moors.
Taong Putik Festival -Bibiclat, Aliaga- Most festivals of St. John the Baptist are about drenching from
water and getting wet on the streets. If you want to witness a festival on June 24 and you don’t want to
get wet while watching, you should visit the Nueva Ecija’s Taong Putik Festival. This is held on
barangay Biblicat in Aliaga, a travel of four and a half hours from Manila by land.
PAMPANGA
BRIEF HISTORY
Pampanga was founded by the Spanish conqueror, Martín de Goiti, in 1571. The name was derived from the
native Kapampangan words "pangpang ilog" meaning "riverside“.
Kapampangan men are known for their bravery and leadership while Kapampangan women are famous for
their beauty and skills in culinary arts.
The City of San Fernando is the capital of the province and serves as the government seat of Central Luzon.
General Information
Capital
Land Area
Population
2,609,744
Divisions
19 municipalities
2 component cities
1 independent city
Language/Dialect
Religion
MAJOR INDUSTRIES
Farming, fishing, manufacturing, handicrafts, poultry, swine, and food processing industries are
the main sources of livelihood in Pampanga.
The fertile plains are suitable to sugar cane, rice, corn, vegetables, and fruit trees. Rivers,
streams, and fishponds abound with milkfish (bangus), carps, catfish, shrimps, crabs, and other
marine products.
SISIG
Tugak is Kapampangan for frogs. The frogs used for batute are farm
raised, they’re not the poisonous bull frogs. The frogs are stuffed with
seasoned ground beef and deep fried.
May use half malagkit rice and half regular rice.The rice combination is
cooked in coconut milk and luyang dilaw (turmeric) which is
responsible for that yellow green color the cooked dish. Bringhe is also
laden with chickenof , topped with boiled eggs and red and green bell
peppers, making the dish not just tasty but likewise attractive.
Tocino or Pindang Babi
Cured Pork which is usually sweet. This is created to prolong the life of the food.
A tasty pancit of the province, you can taste the shrimps in the sauce of the dish
FESTIVALS
Details:
This is an annual lantern festival held every December in San Fernando City to celebrate Christmas.
Giant lanterns as high as 16 feet are displayed, bearing intricate designs infused with lighting
technology.
This fun festival (and the year-round availability of Christmas decoration) earned San Fernando the
name “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.”
The Giant Lantern Festival, also known as Ligligan Parul in the local dialect.
Ibon-Ebon Festival
Ibon-Ebon Festival, also called “Birds and Eggs Festival,” is a celebration held during the first and
second days of February in Candaba, Pampanga
This festival is also a celebration for another year of bountiful harvest.
It features the municipality of Candaba as the home of thousands of migratory birds from different parts
of the globe, and at the same time showcase its growing duck-egg industry.
SISIG FESTIVAL
The annual Frog Festival, also called Piestang Tugak, is one of the most captivating events in San
Fernando, Pampanga.
Betis Church
Located in Brgy. Sapang Bato in an area considered an Aeta ancestral land, Puning Hot Springs is a wellness
facility surrounded by green plants.
Visitors can relax by taking a dip in one of their 11 natural hot springs or two heated pools.
They also have a sand spa where visitors can cover themselves with hot sand, which is said to have healing
properties, or they can head to the mudpack area for a very unusual spa (using mud made from Mount
Pinatubo).
As a 50-hectare zoo and theme park, Zoocobia is more than just a place to visit and see various species of
animals.
The park also boasts a labyrinth and garden maze full of animal topiaries as you find your way out of the garden
maze.
And probably the most fun of all is their Zooc, the first and only gravity car track in the Philippines.
National artist
BULACAN
History
The name "Bulakan" was derived from the Tagalog word "bulak" which is cotton in English. When the
Spaniards first came to the country's shore, they found cotton, among others, growing abundantly in
many places in Luzon, particularly in Bulakan.
The town of Bulacan, being the first capital of the province, was the hub of economic activities and the
inhabitants enjoyed excellent trade with Manila, primarily due to its proximity to the city and
accessibility through its wide and navigable river.
Bulakan was also the scene of battle between the Spaniards led by Simon de Anda y Salazar and the
British on January 18, 1763. The British sent an expedition of 400 Britishers, 300 Malabar Negroes and
2,000 Chinese allies. The Spaniards with the natives of Bulacan made a gallant stand but were defeated.
Industries
The Province of Bulacan is known for the following industries: Marble and Marbleized Limestone, Jewelry,
Pyrotechnics, Leathercraft, Aquaculture, Meat and Meat Products, Garments, Furniture, High-Value Crops, and
Sweets and Native Delicacies.
Sweets and delicacies have long been famed products of Bulacan. These generated income opportunities to
many Bulakenos knowing that this type of industry can be easily manufactured even at home.
Among the well-known manufactured sweet goods in the province are pastillas de leche, pastillas de yema,
pastillas de ube, macapuno/ube balls, minasa, inipit, ensaymada, cassava/rice cakes, puto, kalamay, suman, and
among others
Calumpit Libad Festival (Held during June 23-24) Calumpit, Bulacan
A fluvial procession of well-decorated pagodas is held on the river every 23rd of June right before the annual
town fiesta in honor of St. John the Baptist. Townfolks gaily sing, dance and frenzily douse water to "baptize"
passers-by - prepare to get wet.
Sto. Niño Festival (Held during Last Sunday of January) Malolos City, Bulacan
The biggest expression of devotion of the Holy Child Jesus in the Luzon island, celebrated every last Sunday of
January. The festivities begin with an exhibit of "Santo Niño" (Holy Child) and culminate in a grand procession
of hundreds of folk, antique and new statues of the Holy Child different manifestations, e.g., as sheperd boy, as
keeper of the world, as a sleeping child, etc.
The name Marilao originated from a plant (shrub) that abundantly thrived in swampy areas during Spanish era.
The matured plant bears light yellow flower & the edible roots are colored dark yellow (dilaw). The yellow
roots became famous and used for various purposes now we called "luya". The purpose of the festival aims to
inculcate to the residents & the youth, the love and appreciation of the origin of the town.
This is the cradle of Christianity in the province, where the first Catholic Mass was held by the Augustinian
friars, armed with cross in 1572.
Located at Paseo del Congreso, Plaza Rizal Malolos Bulacan, Casa Real Shrine served as the National Museum
and the National Printing Press during the First Philippine Republic. It is a government museum consisting of
relics from the First Philippine Republic. Memorabilia's of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo are also found here. First
class families of Malolos, their furnitures, old books, stamps, paper money and coin are also displayed in the
Shrine.
Casa Real is also one of Malolos oldest structure. The building contains exhibits, printing press of the Malolos
Republic and a display of the 21 Women of Malolos memorabilia. Also presented here are the photographs of
the 100 Filipino women. Each of them has distinct characteristics in their fields.
Historical, Heritage
Built in 1661, the Estacion de Guiguinto (Guiguinto Train Station) is the towns most acclaimed historical
landmark and heritage site. It was upon this site that the Katipuneros (Filipino guerillas during the Spanish
Regime) ambushed a train from Dagupan, killing six friars, including the parish friar of Guiguinto, Fr. Leocadio
Sanchez, and a Spanish doctor
Pinagrealan cave
This is a natural refuge used by Filipinos during struggle against Spain and the Americans and during the last
world war.
Year 1896 the cave was a site of secret meeting and a camp of the Filipino revolutionary forces during the war
against Spain.
In the year 1898, during the Filipino-American war, it was used as hideout of General Emilio Aguinaldo (The
first President of the Philippines).
Artists
Francisco Balagtas
Francisco Baltazar y dela Cruz, known much more widely through his nom-de-plume Francisco
Balagtas, was a prominent Filipino poet, and is widely considered as the Tagalog equivalent of William
Shakespeare for his impact on Filipino literature. The famous epic, Florante at Laura, is regarded as his defining
work.
Francisca Reyes Aquino is acknowledged as the Folk Dance Pioneer. This Bulakeña began her research
on folk dances in the 1920’s making trips to remote barrios in Central and Northern Luzon. Her research on the
unrecorded forms of local celebration, ritual and sport resulted into a 1926 thesis titled “Philippine Folk Dances
and Games,” and arranged specifically for use by teachers and playground instructors in public and private
schools.
Nicanor Abelardo
Nicanor Sta. Ana Abelardo was a Filipino composer known for his Kundiman songs, especially before
the Second World War. Among his works were "Nasaan Ka Irog," "Magbalik Ka Hirang," and "Himutok." He
died in 1934 at the age of 41, leaving a collection of more than 140 works.
Most Popular Sheet Music
AURORA
HISTORY
The Province of Aurora, with Baler as its capital, was founded by President Ferdinand E. Marcos in
August 13, 1979 by virtue of Batas Bambansa Blg. 7. This act was the fulfillment of the prayers of the people
of the former Municipalities of Baler and Casiguran to be truly independent from the Province of Quezon for
the first time since the Spanish occupation.
Early History
In 1572, the Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo became the first European to visit the region that would be
known as Aurora while he was exploring the northern coast of Luzon. Salcedo reportedly visited the towns
of Casiguran, Baler and Infanta.
It wasn't until after World War II, however, that this part of Quezon Province languished in extreme isolation
from neighboring provinces and cities. It was Mayor Pedro V. Guerrero, with the prodding of Doa Aurora
Aragon Quezon, who sought the creation of a Sub-Province of Aurora, named in honor of Doa Aurora, as a
stop-gap measure to pave the way for the eventual creation of an independent province when the required
number of municipalities was attained. Guerrero was appointed Lieutenant Governor in recognition of his
accomplishment.
In 1951 the municipalities of Baler, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dipaculao, Dinalongan, Dingalan, Maria Aurora
and San Luis were officially formed into the Sub-Province of Aurora by virtue of Republic Act 646.
February 14-19
The most awaited event during the celebration of the annual Aurora. Foundation Day is the so-called 'Karansa':
a Street Dancing Competition where the concept of cooperation and unity called 'Paatag' prevails as the overall
theme of the day's hilarious activities. The weeklong activity includes singing and dancing competition, parade
of the eight towns of the province with matching thematic floats and beauty queens, Search for Bb. Aurora and
a streetside tourism and investment exhibits. The festival culminates in a beach party and fireworks display.
SUMAN FEST
The celebration includes a parade of uniquely designed floats, trade exhibits, fairs, and competitions. The
suman is a sweet sticky native rice cake, and it is used to decorate the main streets and houses in Baler during
the festivity.
SABUTAN FESTIVAL
Highlights the importance of growing palm trees locally called Sabutan on the community’s economic
wellbeing. The raw material is used to weave a variety of useful products and ornamentals like hats, placemats,
fans and even native dress. The festival features native dance presentation among school children, trade fair,
cultural shows and exhibits.
The Baler Catholic Church is a historic church constructed from stone and brick which is found in the town of
Baler in the province of Aurora. Originally constructed in 1611, the church is dedicated to San Luis Obispo de
Tolosa and is known as the site of the Siege of Baler, which took place from 1898-1899 shortly following the
end of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The current church was built in 1939 but authentic original
details may be seen inside, including the old bell, La Campana de Baler.
Diguisit Beach is really not perfect in swimming or snorkeling but the rock formations will surely capture your
attention. This is a perfect destination for sightseeing and taking pictures of the amazing rock formations
continually clashing with the waves. Rock hopping and climbing are good too but just be careful while taking
good shots.
DIMATUBO
Famous for its name as the Mother Falls - being the tallest waterfall in Aurora Province is located at Barangay
Ditumabo, San Luis, Aurora, is one of the best places to visit when you are at Baler. The Ditumabo Falls is
about fifty meters high and falls on a 30 meter wide basin which provides a natural cold swimming pool. This
falls is the best way to refresh yourselves on a hot summer day in Baler after you already had an overdose of
salt water when surfing along the shores of Sabang Beach.
The Mother Falls or Ditumabo Falls jump-off is about 15 kilometers away from Sabang Beach, the famous
beach strip of Baler as being the birthplace of Philippine surfing. Along the Nueva Ecija - Baler road at
Barangay Ditumabo have tricycles and motorcycles will offer you a bumpy and rocky ride worth P100 to the
jump-off of Ditumabo Falls. From there, it is a 2.6-kilometer or a 50-minute gradual hike to the water falls.
Museo de Baler or Baler Museum is where you can find amazing artifacts in Baler that are well-preserved.
There you can find old jars, porcelains, old bells, amazing paintings and more! There you can see some
historical preserves from Spanish period.
Ampere Beach is located in the municipality of Dipaculao, Aurora in the Philippines. It is a beach where
tourists go not for swimming but for its magnificent sight it has to offer. The beach is known for its smooth
rocks of various sizes and colors, massive waves and breathtaking view of sunrise.
The beach area is called Bunga Point or Ampere Point, where at a certain time local residents go to Okotan
Cave to forecast the weather. The waves, upon hitting the shoreline cave, produce an explosion, the intensity of
which, according to local knowledge, determines the intensity of the incoming weather.
The Asia's largest and oldest tree is a Balete tree AKA Millenium Tree
600-year-old huge Balete Tree in Aurora is one of the creepiest trees in the Philippines. It is very huge that
would take 60 adults holding hands to encircle the entire tree. Many dare to climb the tree and found it
awesome and it is also possible to go inside the roots. If you are really that brave, you may want to test your
bravery here.
Artists
Bitancor’s present oeuvre consists of two-dimensional exploration of linear, planar and textural compositions in
a non-representational manner. His concerns consist of not only unifying chaotic elements in abstract
compositions, but also injecting them with symbolic references to social realities.
Tareptepism means putting motion to visual representation of emotion and soul through manipulation of lights,
colors, textures and lines.
ZAMBALES
(Written Report)
HISTORY
The area now occupied by Zambales was first explored by the Spanish in 1572, led by Juan de Salcedo.
Among the earliest towns founded were Subic (1572), Botolan (1572), Masinloc (1607), Iba (1611), and Santa
Cruz (1612).
Masinloc became the province's first capital. However, the capital was moved among the last three towns above
during its history before finally settling in Iba, due to its strategic location. Seven of the province's original
northern towns, which included Bolinao, Infanta and Alaminos were later transferred under the jurisdiction of
Pangasinan because of their distance from the capital. The first civil governor of Zambales during the colonial
American era was Potenciano Lesaca from 1901-1903.
MAJOR INDUSTRIES
Zambales is basically an agricultural province. The chief products are rice, corn, mango, vegetables, and root
crops. Major industries include farming, fishing, and mining.
The Olongapo area, once the site of the biggest U.S. naval base in Asia, is fast developing into an industrial
and tourism zone under the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
INHABITANTS
The inhabitants are composed of three principal ethnic groups: the Ilocanos, Tagalogs and Zambals.
The forebearers of the Zamabals where the Malay migrants from Celebes who settled in the north.
The Tagalogs came from the east and settled at the southern end, while the Ilocanos occupied the areas between.
These newcomers drove the aborigines to the hinterlands.
FESTIVALS
FOODS
Bagnet
Ginipang
Pastillas
Bonuan Bangus
Sisig
Mango
TOURIST DESTINATIONS
Mt. Pinatubo
Nagsasa Cove
Capones Island Lighthouse
Mt. Tapulao
Barrio Barreto
Mt. Balingkilat
Silanguin Cove
Subic Spanish Gate
Subic Fiesta Carnival
Mapanuepe Lake
CHURCHES
ARTIST