What is Like to Have Christmas in Pampanga, Philippines?

It is a very proud moment for Filipinos particularly those from the Province of Pampanga to be included in the top destination by CNN for Christmas festival as most of Kapampangans are practicing Roman Catholic.

Christmas in Pampanga, Philippines, is a vibrant and festive celebration that highlights the province's rich cultural and religious traditions. Pampanga is often regarded as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines" due to its long-standing history of elaborate and unique Christmas customs. Here are some notable features of Christmas in Pampanga:

1. Parols (Lanterns)

• Pampanga is famous for its beautiful, intricate parols (Christmas lanterns), which are crafted by skilled artisans. The parol symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and is an important part of Christmas decorations. These lanterns are often made from bamboo and colorful paper, but more elaborate versions are created with glass, capiz shells, and even LED lights. Every year, towns like San Fernando host parol-making festivals, where artisans showcase their craftsmanship.

2. Simbang Gabi (Night Mass)

• Simbang Gabi is a traditional nine-day novena that takes place before Christmas. Starting on December 16, the masses are held early in the morning, and many people participate to prepare spiritually for Christmas. The Simbang Gabi is an important tradition, and it is a time for families to gather and reflect on their faith.

3. Noche Buena

• Christmas Eve in Pampanga is celebrated with a grand feast called Noche Buena. Filipino families gather after attending midnight Mass to enjoy traditional holiday foods. Pampanga is known for its delicious culinary offerings, and the holiday spread often includes local delicacies like lechon (roast pig), bibingka (rice cake), puto bumbong (purple rice cakes), and other Kapampangan specialties.

4.  Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando

• The City Government of San Fernando, Pampanga, through its City Tourism Office hosts an annual Giant Lantern Festival or "Ligligan Parul" that draws both locals and tourists. This event features a stunning display of Christmas lights and decorations, showcasing the local talent in creating spectacular light shows. It's a festive place to visit, with food stalls, entertainment, and vibrant displays that highlight the Christmas spirit
  

5. Christmas Food

• Christmas in Pampanga is a gastronomic celebration. Aside from lechon, suman (rice cakes), puto (steamed rice cakes), and tamales are often served during the holiday meals. For dessert, kakanin (sweet rice delicacies) and bibingka are popular choices. The food served during Christmas is not just tasty but often symbolizes the hospitality and abundance of the season.

6.  Kapampangan Spirit of Giving

• The Filipino culture is deeply rooted in the value of bayanihan (community spirit), and Christmas in Pampanga is no exception. Families, communities, and organizations often organize charity events to help the less fortunate. The spirit of giving is deeply felt, with people exchanging gifts and donations to ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday season.

8. Christmas Day Festivities

• On Christmas Day, families continue the celebration with mass, festive meals, and visiting relatives and friends. It’s a day for togetherness, with children receiving gifts and enjoying games and activities. The day is filled with joy, warmth, and love shared among family members and friends.

Conclusion

Christmas in Pampanga is a beautiful, culturally rich celebration that is filled with light, food, music, and family gatherings. The province’s emphasis on craftsmanship, tradition, and community spirit makes Pampanga one of the most unique places to experience Christmas in the Philippines.

Greeting You all A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Things To Do in Pampanga: Explore Our Province Up North

It's 2020 now. Are you having thoughts driving up north yet? Try something new for a change?

What's in Pampanga?

I have these questions during my childhood and adult years what with my home province? There is not much to go around to these place which is almost an hour ride via North Luzon Expressway. Back then, Pampanga is much of a sleepy agricultural yet historical province that has transformed into a combination of agro-industrial, commercial and residential enclaves with recent infrastructure developments happening around early 2000s attributed to former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's initiative of a "W Growth Corridor of Central Luzon Development Plan" after the recovery of the province  from the Mt. Pinatubo's eruption a decade after.

Pampanga went a long way and survived, thrived and flourished in many ways after many tragedies. The Kapampangans had their resolve and resilience in their hearts and minds during the hard times of the onslaught of the lahar flow that affected and displaced thousands of families in early 1990s.

What's Up: An Exclusive Look Inside New Clark City.

Last 19th February 2019, we were given the privilege to have a tour inside New Clark City. New Clark City or NCC is  9,450 hectares of carefully masterplanned urban mixed use development located in Capas, Tarlac. It is almost a similar development with Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City. Let’s see more video of this development located above.

What's Up: The Trains Are Coming to the North (Part 2)!

This is a continuation from the first part previously published last April 16, 2019 (see link ).

The Golden Years of  Philippine Railways (1950s, 1960s and 1970s)

After World War II, the Philippine railways was rehabilitated by the U.S. Military before the Philippine independence of July 4 1946. The U.S. Army had paid a  total amount of US$ to compensate for the use of the railway for transport of men and equipment during World War II in Asia - Pacific region (1941 - 1945). Surplus of equipments 

By 1950s, the MRR fleet of trains shifted from steam engines to diesel powered engines. Later on, the company was given charter under Republic Act 4156, creation of the modern-day Philippine National Railways (PNR).




The Light Railways of the 1980s

During the Marcos regime, President Marcos would be credited for the establishment of Manila Light Railway Transit Sytem Line 1 or “LRT 1” for most of those living in Metro Manila which starts from Monumento Station, Caloocan City to Baclaran Station in Pasay City.  The Central Terminal to Baclaran route was inaugurated in 1^st of December 1984 and an extension connecting from Central Terminal to Carriedo Station going to Monumento Station was formally opened on 12^th of May 1985.