Module 4: Region 3: Central Luzon PDF

WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] MODULE 4: REG...

WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] MODULE 4: REGION 3: CENTRAL LUZON LOCATION Central Luzon, designated as Region III, is an administrative region in the Philippines, primarily serving to organize the 7 provinces of the vast central plains of the island of Luzon, for administrative convenience. The region contains the largest plain in the country and produces most of the country's rice supply, earning itself the nickname "Rice Granary of the Philippines". Its provinces are Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. CENTRAL LUZON AT A GLANCE Envisioned to become the industrial heartland of the Philippines and the Asia Pacific; an international transshipment hub; and a showcase of a vibrant and competitive agriculture sector, Central Luzon is the logical destination for investments and leisure. AURORA Location: Central Luzon Region Capital City: Baler Before 1979, Aurora was part of the province of Quezon. Aurora was, in fact, named after Aurora Aragon, the wife of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon, the president of the Philippine Commonwealth, after whom the mother province was named. FAMOUS TOURISM DESTINATIONS SABANG BEACH Sabang Beach is the most frequented Baler tourist spot because of its soft sand and towering waves that could reach up to 14 ft. during peak surfing season. There are many resorts, bars and restaurants lined in the two- kilometer stretch of beach. DINGALAN MOUNTAIN VIEW Aurora is also dubbed as Batanes of the East. It’s because of the breathtaking Dingalan Mountain View that almost looks the same as Racuh A Payaman in Batanes. Once up there, you’ll get the most iconic view of town on one side and the jaw-dropping view of the sea on the other.  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] BATAAN Location: Central Luzon Region Capital City: BALANGA The Battle of Bataan is famous in history as one of the last stands of American and Filipino soldiers before they were overwhelmed by the Japanese forces in World War II. The Bataan Death March was named after the province, where the infamous march started. FAMOUS TOURISM DESTINATIONS LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the Philippines’ first-ever heritage resort located in Bagac, Bataan. This 400- hectare picturesque resort showcases over 30 heritage homes from different parts of the Philippines fully restored brick-bybrick to their glory days. This living museum started with just one restored casa (house), the Casa Cagayan. This traditional Filipino home dates to the early 1900s and served as the family vacation home of Jose Acuzar, the resort’s owner. MT. SAMAT SHRINE OF VALOR Located at the peak of Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan, the Shrine of Valor is probably the most important and recognizable World War II site in the Bataan map. Also called the Dambana ng Kagitingan, the Shrine of Valor is a memorial cross that pays tribute to the heroism of the Filipino and American troops when the Japanese army attacked the Philippines during the said war. BULACAN Location: Central Luzon Region Capital City: MALOLOS It has 569 barangays in 21 municipalities and three-component cities (Malolos the provincial capital, Meycauayan, and San Jose del Monte). Bulacan is located immediately north of Metro Manila. MT. MARANAT Unbeknownst to many, Mt. Maranat is the name of the falls at the foot of Mt. Oriod. Instead of reaching the summit, you’re descending to reach the campsite where the falls await you. During your descent, you will pass through stunning scenes of green forests, rolling terrains, streams, and pools. While all that will elevate the experience, the highlight of your trek will surely be the majestic falls framed by fruit-bearing trees and fallen logs waiting at the end of the path.  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] KABAYUNAN VIEW DECK Set against a backdrop of mountain ranges, there are several viewing decks available for many Instagramworthy photo-ops. There is a heart and star-shaped deck, a huge spider web nest and a triangle hut viewing deck, to name a few. PAMPANGA Location: Central Luzon Region Capital City: SAN FERNANDO The name La Pampanga was given by the Spaniards, who encountered natives living along the banks (pampáng) of the Pampanga River. Its creation in 1571 makes it the first Spanish province on Luzon Island (Cebu in Visayas is older as it was founded by the Spaniards in 1565). FAMOUS TOURISM DESTINATIONS SANDBOX PAMPANGA Sandbox is popular for the youngsters as the place is full of recreational activities that barkada, families and even employees on team building can enjoy. This is where Asia’s first roller coaster zipline and the tallest giant swing in the Philippines are located. Other fun outdoor activities in Sandbox include archery, allterrain vehicle (ATV) or utility task vehicle (UTV) driving. AQUA PLANET Located just two hours away from the metro, Aqua Planet Pampanga is a great destination for travelers looking for some thrill and chill. It holds 38 different slides that you and your friends can all take. From the small ones to gigantic slides, everyone will surely have fun and you’ll keep wanting for more best road trips near Manila. NUEVA ECIJA Location: Central Luzon Region Capital City: PALAYAN a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Central Luzon region. Nueva Ecija borders, from the south clockwise, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya and Aurora. The province is nationally known as the Rice Granary of the Philippines, producing the largest rice yield in the country. FAMOUS TOURISM DESTINATIONS PHILRICE INSTITUTE It is a government entity attached to the Department of Agriculture to develop modern farming techniques for Filipinos to produce more rice. Inside the property is the PhilRice Museum. The exhibits are mostly including materials of rice farming community, farming machines, variety of seeds and artworks.  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] MT. KEMALUGONG (PAASA PEAK) a newly explore mountain climbing destination in Nueva Ecija standing 1,750+ meters above sea level. On 17th of January 2016, a group of explorers named Nueva Ecija Backpackers and Mountaineers Community – Exploration Team (NEBMC), explored and reach the highest peak in Nueva Ecija called Paasa Peak in Mount Kemalugong. Mount Kemalugong is in Laur, Nueva Ecija. During the exploration, mountaineers thought several times that they have reached the summit, only to realize it is still far, hence the name Paasa Peak. TARLAC Location: Central Luzon Region Capital City: TARLAC CITY Early in history, what came to be known as Valenzuela Ranch today was once a thicklyforested area, peopled by roving tribes of nomadic Aetas who are said to be the aboriginal settlers of the Philippines, and for a lengthy period, it was the remaining hinterland of Luzon's Central Plains. FAMOUS TOURISM DESTINATIONS MONASTERIO DE TARLAC A peaceful and quiet monastery situated on top of a mountain surrounded with landscapes and greenery. It is where the iconic 30-foot statue of Jesus Christ stands and stretches both arms overlooking the woodlands and mountainous parts of the province. The Sacred Relic of the True Cross of Jesus Christ is enshrined in the chapel which refers to physical remains or fragments which are believed to be originated from true cross where Jesus was crucified. CAPAS NATIONAL SHRINE Capas National Shrine is one of the notable landmarks in Tarlac, a tribute to the Filipino and American soldiers that briefly survived the Bataan Death March but died at Camp O’Donnell. The area where the shrine was unveiled is the former internment camp of the Prisoners of War in WWII known as the Camp O’Donnell. Thousands of prisoners died there out of starvation, disease, or brutality. ZAMBALES Location: Central Luzon Region Capital City: IBA CITY Zambales is the second largest among the seven provinces of Central Luzon after Nueva Ecija. The province is noted for its mangoes, which are abundant from January to April.  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] FAMOUS TOURISM DESTINATIONS MT. PINATUBO Often called the “beautiful disaster”, you’ll stand in awe once you see Mt. Pinatubo. To see its magnificent crystal-clear waters of Crater Lake, you will have to ride the 4×4 or an ATV. What makes this trip even better is that you can interact with one of the oldest indigenous tribes in the Philippines, the Aetas, and experience their culture. POTIPOT ISLAND It is a small island with gradually sloping fine and creamy white sand beach and crystal-clear waters. The island has many trees providing good shades from the blazing sun and good sites to pitch a tent. There are no resorts in the island but there are few cottages, shower rooms and toilets. ANAWANGIN COVE It is a beautiful crescent cove with white sand beach and crystal-clear waters. The Agoho trees near the shores and rugged mountains makes a good backdrop. Few years back, Anawangin Cove is just a rocky beach but after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, ashes covered the area and Agoho trees began to grow. Delicacies in Central Luzon Sisig: Angeles, Pampanga Sisig is a popular Filipino dish made by boiling, chopping, and grilling parts of pig's head such as ears, cheeks, and jowls, which are then seasoned with salt, pepper, and vinegar. The meat is combined with fried onions, sili, and chicken livers, and the whole concoction is traditionally topped with a raw egg. Originally, sisig had no meat in it, and was first described in a 1732 Kapampangan dictionary by Fr. Diego Bergano as a salad consisting of guava or green papaya. Belekoy: Bulacan Belekoy is a traditional Filipino dessert originating from Bulacan. It's usually made with a combination of glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, water, apple juice, vanilla, and toasted sesame seeds. The rice flour is toasted with the sesame seeds until both turn light brown. Both are then transferred to a pot with boiling water, sugar, apple juice, and vanilla. The mixture is cooled, cut into desired shapes, and rolled over sesame seeds before it's enjoyed. Batutay: Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija The origin of the batutay is credited to Mrs. Dorothea Lajares, who formulated the recipe for it. She started Aling Otya’s Longganisa in 1952 at the Cabanatuan Public Market. Aling Otya’s is one of the more famous purveyors of longganisa in Cabanatuan. The batutay is a beef-based longganisa with a distinctive sweet taste, commonly found in Cabanatuan and other nearby areas in Nueva Ecija. Cabanatuan in general are known for their longganisa products.  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] Festivals in Central Luzon Sabutan Festival: Aurora (August 13-19) The Sabutan Festival in the town of San Luis, province of Aurora highlights the importance of growing palm trees locally called Sabutan on the community’s economic wellbeing. The raw material which grows on mountain terrain and forest land is used to weave a variety of useful products and ornamentals like hats, placemats, fans and even native dress – all made of Sabutan. The exclusive art of weaving Sabutan is handed down from one generation to the other. The festival features native dance presentation among school children, trade fair, cultural shows, and exhibits. Pawikan Festival: Bataan (November) Pawikan is an annual festival held at the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong, Bataan. The festival is celebrated with an advocacy to help in the preservation and protection of sea turtles which are locally known as Pawikan. The festival starts with a night patrol followed by activities such as festival dance competition, environmental forums, body painting competition, trade fair and beach party. Kasilonawan Festival: Bulacan (May 17-19) This Bulacan Festival is a 3-day celebration in honor of 3 patrons: Nuestra Senora de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Salambao, San Pascual Baylon, and Santa Clara (St. Clare of Assisi). On this occasion, childless couples dance on the streets during the parade to honor and beseech the patrons for their intercession. Everyone is invited. Single ladies and men dance for life partners. On the other hand, farmers join the procession to offer thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Locals and pilgrims sway to the fandango dance while singing the hymn, “Santa Clara Pinung-Pino” (Saint Clare, Most Refined). Belinisimo Festival: Tarlac (September – December) Tarlac, known as the “Belen Capital of the Philippines” holds the annual “Belenismo sa Tarlac”. It is a belen making contest which is participated by establishments and residents in Tarlac. Giant versions of the belen with different themes are displayed in front of the establishments and roads of Tarlac for the rest of the Christmas season.