Biyaherong Barat

Back in college, I used to spend almost my entire week in Laguna and no time (and money, in my case) to go back home spend time with, or attend friends’ birthdays. On the other hand, Laguna seemed like a stone throw away when friends come by and visit. Such small occasional visits are really something. Now, I’m back here, and some friends outside the metro. It’s my turn to give them the heart warming visits I felt back then. For us, birthdays are really hard to miss and personally, it’s sad to celebrate ones birthday alone. Today, I’m visiting a friend, some place not far North to celebrate his birthday and take the opportunity to see life in a city outside THE city. Today, we’re going to get lost… lost in Angeles – Angeles City, Pampanga.

So later that afternoon, we took a Bataan Transit bus at the Five Star terminal in Cubao and got off in San Fernando Junction. From the intersection, we rode a jeep to Angeles City. Being caught by the rush hour got us a three-hour trip but we were asleep anyway. When we arrived that night, we greeted happy birthdays and spent the occasion over a few drinks before we went out for a late night cap in Angeles. Though out of regular city night spots, we found ourselves knocking back shot glasses in one of the Metro’s popular bars, Central BBQ Boy Grill – Angeles City Branch. On its wooden picnic tables, we sat and drank their trademark cocktails as we celebrate the annual occasion. After a few pitchers, we called it a night and went to the hotel.

Mr. Birthday Boy and cousin in Central BBQ Boy Grill – Angeles Pampanga.

That morning, I got up on my travel toes and peeped through the east window. An thin line of amber stretches out over the horizon. Light was good, weather was fair, I grabbed my packed and went out for a shoot.

Aside from attending my friend’s birthday, I took the opportunity to go around, and see for myself what Angeles City has to offer. I left the hotel alone and took a jeep towards Bayanihan Park then rode another jeep to the Holy Rosary Parish Church of Angeles City. Distinct for its symmetrical characteristic from exterior to interior, this two-towered church it stood as Angeles City’s most famous landmark. Not just an architectural marvel but it also witnessed history unfold in this Pampangueño city. Spanish colonials imposed the construction of this structure through “polo y servicio” wherein our brothers from Angeles City were the victims of this inhumane act.

The twin towered facade of Holy Rosary Church.

Church gates’ arch.

The Holy Rosary Church’s symmetrical feature from it’s arches, windows, pillars, etc.

Bird’s eye view of the church’s interior.

Across this historical church is the 1920 vintage Museo Ning Angeles telling stories of the town’s heritage, traditions and culture.  I’m a bit too early for the opening hours so instead, I researched bits and pieces of history of this building. Once the Municipio Building since the American Colonial days during the term of Atty. Juan Nepomoceno, a significant and interesting person in Angeles City’s history, and yes, they started Nepo Mall.

Museo Ning Angeles

In search of the famous sisig, I started walking around to ask directions. Different people gave me different instructions on which jeep to ride or should I walk. Finally, I asked a kind local police officer who even hailed a color coded jeep for me and talked to the driver where to drop me off.

If Narra is the Philippine national tree, and Sampaguita is the national flower, the nation’s widely known Sisig is a cut above all the other beer matches in the menu. Most, if not all, bars in the country serves the old Kapampangan dish as a complement to beer lovers, thanks to Lucita Cunanan, popularly known as, Aling Lucing. Angeles made its way to the maps because of her dish made from  minced grilled pig’s cheek, some liver, onions, and chili. Located by the old railroad tracks, Aling Lucing’s Sisig still continues to serve this well-loved dish by the Filipinos since 1974.

Aling Lucing’s Sisig

Earlier on my way to the church, I passed by this interesting park and decided to drop by instead before I went back to the hotel. As I walked through Bayanihan Park‘s ground that sunny morning, there were lots going on, everyone was minding their own business and activities. This park seems to be everybody’s place where people from all walks of life spend or kill time, doing what they have to do. Some were jogging and exercising, others simply sat on benches reading, while some preferred to sit down under the comfort and shade of this huge tree.

Aside from being just a park, it also has amenities like basketball and volleyball courts, a path for joggers, and wide ground area for holding occasions and events such as Close Up’s Lovapalooza. Bayanihan Park, foremerly known as Astro Park, also has a stage called Salakot Arch since the roof is shaped like a ‘salakot’ (a traditional wide-brimmed hat made from rattan).Bayanihan Park is definitely some place locals should be proud of. I hope we could have a same kind of park here in Cainta.

Bayanihan Park Marker & Salakot Arch

Path for joggers.

Benches under a shade.

Tree all dried up somewhere in the middle of the park grounds

Seek shade under this huge tree

I love going to the beach, but exploring new places like a city or a province also gives me the thrill. Seeing something new excites me. Angeles City is a city away from THE city. I just love the city-province vibe. The next time I’ll be here, I would feature food and other Kampangan’s delicacies.

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Now, here are some fast facts that may help you on your trip:

1. To reach Angeles via commute, take a Bataan Transit Bus or Genesis bound to Mariveles, Balanga, or Bataan which will pass by San Fernando, Pampanga. Get off at the intersection and ride a jeep to Angeles.

2. Go around the city by tricycle or their color coded jeepneys which varies upon destinations.

3. More photos in Biyaherong Barat Multiply.

4. Enjoy and have a safe trip.

Happy Birthday, Majmaj!