Bacolor Municipal Hall
Bacolor, Pampanga
Former site of the house of one of Bacolor's most illustrious families, the venturas. Construction was completed in July 8, 1953 under then Mayor Manuel de Jesus, a project of Sen. Pablo Angeles David, another favorite son of the town.
Bale Herencia
Angeles City, Pampanga
The house, located on the corner of Lakandula and Sto. Rosario Streets, was built in 1860 using carpenters from Vigan, Ilocos Sur.Local lore has it that the imposing house was built by Fray Guillermo Masnou, O.S.A., a parish priest of Angeles. Restoration was started in 1988 by the owner, Mr. Jose G. Paras, Jr., and continues to this day. Currently it serves as a banquet hall managed by Mr. Paul M. Santos. Due to its colonial ambience, Bale Herencia is a favorite venue for many functions.
Bale Matua
Angeles City, Pampanga
The residence of the founders of Angeles City, Don Angel Panteleon de Miranda and his wife Dona Roselia de Jesus, was constructed in 1824.The highlight of the structure is a high stone wall with an ornate gate. The house nostalgically symbolizes the glorious past of Angeles amidst the overwhelming onslaught of modern civilization. In 1840 the house was inherited by Dona Juana de Miranda de Henson, the only daughter of the founders. Restoration began in 1980 by the Vicente N. Henson, Sr. Foundation, and continues to this day. A marker placed by the National Historical Institute can be seen on its front adobe wall.
Camalig
#292 Sto. Rosario St., Angeles City, Pampanga
A restored grain storehouse, the Camalig ("shed" in the Kapampangan vernacular) was built in 1840 by Don Ciriaco de Miranda, Angeles' first gobernadorcillo (mayor), as a farm shed of light materials (and later upgraded in the early 1900s to its present form by the town's first post-colonial mayor, Capitan Juan Nepomuceno). It was restored in 1980 by the late Mr. Armando L. Nepomuceno. Camalig is now the home of Armando's Pizza and Restaurant where live bands continue to entertain guests. for further information, please contact Marco Nepomuceno, Tel. No. (63 45) 322-5641/888-1077 Email: [email protected] Website: www.camalig.com
Clark Air Base
Clark, Pampanga
The former Clark Air Base (now Clark Freeport Zone) is the biggest American military installation outside the United States.The area occupied by the former military base covers some 33,653 hectares and is composed of flat, rolling rugged and even mountainous terrain. It used to be the home of the US 13th Air Force and 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing whose peace-keeping mission covers the entire Pacific region. It is endowed with a 2,500 hectare aviation complex equipped with two 3.2 - km parallel runways that remain unmatched by any other airport in the country today. Clark is envisioned to become an Aerotropolis - an airport-driven development. This blueprint of progress is aimed to trigger the growth in Central and Northern Luzon through the full utilization of the airport as a premiere gateway.
Clark Air Base Hospital
Clark, Pampanga
Prior to the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991, this hospital was the US Air Force's best and most fully-equipped hospital in the Asia-Pacific region.Years after the Americans left Clark, the place became desolate and awaiting reconstruction.
Clark Air-raid Bunker Tunnel
Clark, Pampanga
Situated at the northwest corner of the Kamikaze west airfield in a hill called "babang dapu" (meaning "crocodile jaw") as named by the Aetas.This is the only known Kamikaze tunnel that remained intact after World War II. It was constructed quickly as an air raid bunker for Cmdr. Taimai Asaichi - commander of the 201st Air Group, 1st Air Fleet, Imperial Japanese Navy, the very first Kamikaze unit of World War Il. It was constructed in late October 1944 and provided protection for Cmdr. Tamai and some of his Kamikaze pilots during deadly U.S. air raids. A marker was installed by the Clark Development Corporation on September 1, 2002.
Clark Barn Houses
Clark, Pampanga
These barn houses were built from 1910 to 1913 at a cost of $1, 309.90 each and used then as officers quarters.Following a tropical style of architecture, these barns were built of Oregon pine shipped from the United States. They were the first permanent structures to be built inside the fort after it was founded by the 5th U.S. Cavalry Regiment in 1902. Over the years until 1922, hundreds of barns were built inside the fort. However, constant battle with termites, typhoons, and humidity made maintenance impractical. By mid 80s, most of these barn houses were demolished. The barn houses along the Parade Ground (officers row) remained and is now called the centennial block. The huge Acacia (monkey pod) trees shading the barns were also planted in 1903. A marker was installed by the Clark Development Corporation on September 1, 2002.
Clark Cemetery
Clark, Pampanga
Located in Clark, this is the hallowed ground where the remains of close to 8,000 US military and civilian personnel who died during the Spanish- American War and Philippine-American War are interred. Opened in 1950, it also contains the remains of members of all branches of the armed forces, American civilians and their families, members of the Philippine Scouts, Philippine Constabulary, Japanese civilians (not associated with World War II), and Chinese and Vietnam refugees. It is the only place in Clark where the Philippine and American flags are proudly hoisted side by side. For further information, contact American Legion Post 123, Angeles City, Tel. No. (63 45) 893-0188. RELATED INFORMATION: VFW Post 2485 supports and maintains the final resting place for some 2,030 fallen American soldiers including at least 638 Philippine scouts from the pre-WWII era. The Clark Air Base Cemetery was formed between 1947 and 1950 by moving the headstones/markers and remains from at least four other U.S. military cemeteries (Fort Stotsenberg 1 and 2, Fort McKinley and Sangley Point Naval Cemetery) to the new 20.365 acre, 12,000 plot cemetery located just inside the Main Gate of Clark Air Base. All WWII dead were moved to the American Cemetery, Manila. The cemetery contains the remains of U.S. Veterans from the USA, USN, USMC, USCG, USAF, Philippine Scouts (PS) and their dependents. Some, but not, all were veterans of the Spanish/American, Philippine Insurrection, WWI, WWII (died after the war), Korean and Vietnam Wars. The largest category interred is civilian, mostly U.S. and Filipino, all of whom worked for the U.S. Government and their dependents. In addition, nationals from France, Spain, Canada, Japan, China, Vietnam and India are buried there. It is only because of the continuing generosity of the many people from around the world that support the work of VFW. We do not receive any kind of federal funding or other government support. Please help us to continue this good work by joining the Grave Diggers. Additional contributions can me made by sending a check made out to "VFW Post 2485" with a memo of "Cemetery Maintenance Fund" and sent to:VFW Post 2485, PSC 517, Box RCV FPO AP 96517-1000 (Source: www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery.htm) Or contact Clark Veterans Cemetery Restoration Association at www.cvcra.org for your donation to the maintenance of the cemetery.
Commander's House
Clark, Pampanga
Fondly known as the "White House" because of its color, this was the residence of the base commander of the US Air Force. It now serves as the Presidential Guest House.
Dayrit Front Yard
Angeles City, Pampanga
Once a public square during the US Regime, this was where US Army Private George Raymond was executed for desertion.
Deposito (former Angeles Post Office)
Angeles City, Pampanga
This concrete building was utilized by the US Army as a jail for recalcitrant USV troops between the years 1899 - 1910. It was also used as the headquarters of the 11th Film Exchange of the US Army between 1946 - 1947.It was constructed in 1899 for the purpose of depositing religious statues and costly silver-gilt floats or carriages in between the town's several religious processions, hence the name "deposito." On February 6, 1967, the City Post Office moved to this site. Today, a rehab center occupies the place.
Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts & Trade
Bacolor, Pampanga
Formerly known as the Escuela de Artes y Oficios de Bacolor, it is believed to be the oldest vocational school in the Far East. It was founded on November 4, 1861 by Rev. Fr. Juan P. Zita and Don Felino Gil.It was built in honor of Honorio Ventura, a Pampanga politician, philantrophist, and former Secretary of the interior (born in 1887). It was destroyed by fire in 1869 and reconstructed in 1892. It was used as barracks for Filipino soldiers of the Spanish army in 1896; as a munitions factory in 1897; as a provincial capitol of Pampanga 1901 - 1904; as Pampanga Trade School, 1909; as barracks for Japanese soldiers, 1942 - 1944; burnt in December 1944; and rebuilt with US AID 1946.It was converted into a regional school of arts and trades on October 28, 1956.
RELATED ARTICLE:
(by www.wikianswers.com)
The DON HONORIO VENTURA COLLEGE OF ARTS AND TRADES (DHVCAT) started when an Augustinian friar, Fr. Juan P. Zita, dreamed of helping young lads of Bacolor. Aided by equally benevolent civic leader Don Felino Gil, the school was officially founded on November 4, 1861 upon the approval of its statutes by Governor-General Lemery as "Escuela de Artes Y Oficios de Bacolor"
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Through the generous contribution of several civic spirited Pampangueños of R33,882.00 the school started its operations in a house donated by Father Zita.
The school was renamed Bacolor Trade School in 1905. It was again renamed the Pampanga Trade School in 1909 and became popularly known as the "Trade School" or the "Poor Man's College." Its secondary curriculum was offered in 1922 and produced later the first batch of graduates in ironworks, woodworking and building construction for boys and domestic science for girls. By virtue of Republic Act 1388, the school was converted into a regional school of arts and trades and was renamed Pampanga School of Arts and Trades (PSAT). Technical education courses were also offered in October 1957.
In 1958, the two-year Technical Education curriculum was phased out and the three-year Trade Technical Education was offered. In 1964, the school was renamed Don Honorio Ventura Memorial School of Arts and Trades (DHVMSAT) in honor of Don Honorio Ventura, a prominent son of Bacolor who was a statesman and philanthropist. The renaming was signed by then President Diosdado Macapagal, a protégé of Don Honorio who sent him to school and became instrumental in the former's successes, especially during his (Macapagal) struggling years.
The Teacher Education curriculum leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education (BSIE) was offered in July 1966 with concentration in Shopwork, Industrial Arts and Mathematics. The first batch of BSIE graduates were conferred their degrees in April 1969.
Through the priceless assistance of former Solicitor-General and Minister of Justice, Estelito P. Mendoza , the school was converted into a State College on May 5, 1978 by virtue of Presidential Decree 1373.
With initiatives coming from all members of the academic community and ably led by president Ernesto Nicdao, former Pampanga Congresswoman Andrea Domingo authored a bill in 1993 in the House of Representatives calling for the conversion of DHVCAT into a state university to be called the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU). Then Representative Oscar Rodriguez pursued the bill converting it into Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU). However, this did not materialize because of the calamity that hit the school.
The school's woes were confounded when Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991 and the second wave of trial befell on it in 1995. Eruptions and lahar flows rendered Bacolor a ghost town but teachers and administrators of the College did not abandon DHVCAT. The flame to serve never stopped and the torch of education stayed as warm as ever. Amidst tests, be it human or natural, its strength, excellence and power are here to stay to serve poor but deserving students in Pampanga and in nearby provinces.
PRESENT TIMES
Officials envision DHVCAT as a center for learning in Central Luzon that will provide highly accessible educational opportunity to its clientele in order to produce continuously improving, better-educated workforce, professionals and leaders and thereby contribute to personal prosperity of the citizens and a strong socio-economic development for the region.
DHVCAT is committed to provide access to higher vocational, professional and technological instruction and training, undertake research and extension services and provide advanced studies and leadership in the fields of trade, industrial and technological education to meet the demands of the ever-changing occupational patterns in the country.
The enactment of Republic Act 8292 otherwise known as Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997 entirely revolutionized the Philippine educational system which provides representation of the different sectors of academic community to the highest policy making body of state universities and colleges. Such innovation could be traced from the University of the Philippines' system giving opportunity to student, alumni, faculty and private sector to voice up grievances and actively participate in all the deliberations.
Pursuant to Section 15 of Memorandum Circular No. 04, Series of 1997, known as the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Republic Act 8292, the composition, manner of appointment and term of office of the Governing Board were established and followed.
Thus, the governing board of DHVCAT now is headed by Dr. Carlito Puno, Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as Chairman and Dr. Ernesto Nicdao president, as Vice-Chairman. Other members include: the Chairman of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the House of Representatives, Rep. Cynthia Villar; the Chairman of the Committee on Education, Culture and Arts of the Senate, Senator Juan Flavier; the Regional Director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Hon. Remigio Mercado; the Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Dr. Conrado Oliveros; the Faculty trustee, Engr. Ariel Mallari; Student trustee, Hon. Paul Buan; Alumni trustee, VP Enrique Baking, and the two private sector representatives, Atty. Ananias Canlas Jr. and Engr. Arturo Manahan. The private sector representatives were selected through a search committee and later on appointed by the DHVCAT Governing Board.
The board became instrumental in charting new courses especially on efforts of rehabilitating the century-old college. Developments are ongoing in all phases on infrastructure, curricular programs, faculty and staff development, research and production. In an effort to strengthen its numerous educational, research and extension programs, the institution established linkages with various local and foreign schools and agencies. Among these are: DC - SUC III/ CIRPS, DOST and LGUS, AACCUP, GEACCUP, DepEd - CHED supervised schools, NGOs and POs, DOLE, CLIERDEC, NEDA, LSC, MIRDC, Prince Technologies Corporation, Sheffield Employment Agency PTD LTD and Toyota Motors Philippines Foundation. Educational institutions where the College has consortia are the Bulacan State University and De la Salle State University.
Linkages and networking in local and foreign agencies and educational institutions even reached nearby countries such as South Korea, with Hannam University, Yeung Jin Junior College, Daegu City and with North West University Peoples Republic of China, and the Xian Institute of Physical Education in the Peoples Republic of China.
Kamikaze East Airfield
Mabalacat, Pampanga
In World War II, Mabalacat was known as the birthplace of the kamikaze, the dreaded Japanese suicide missions which claimed the lives of more than 1,200 Japanese pilots and an untold number of Allied soldiers. The idea of sending self-sacrificing Japanese pilots to deliberately crash into enemy positions—an idea as horrible as it was sublime—was hatched by Japanese military officers in the house of Marcos Santos near the town plaza. Serving as kamikaze command outpost was the Colafrica Hill, an outcrop in the middle of an open field in Brgy. Tabun, known for the mansion sitting on top of it and its famous resident, Doña Africa Ventura Santos, daughter of Don Balbino Ventura of Bacolor (friend of Jose Rizal who financed the printing of El Filibusterismo), sister of Don Honorio Ventura (benefactor to Diosdado Macapagal) and mother of Don Teodoro Santos, who founded the Mabalacat Institute (MI) in 1950. In the northernmost town of Mabalacat is a memorial marker to remember the first Japanese Kamikaze pilots called Shimpu Special Attack Corps under Lt. Yukio Seki who took off for their last mission as official "human bombs" on October 25, 1944. A garden shrine has been built by the local tourism office to symbolize the Philippine-Japan friendship ties. In Clark, Japanese forces staged the same air operations from the so-called west airfield by using kamikaze (divine winds) tactics against American and allied forces. (Source: Robby Tantingco, Holy Angel University Center for Kapampangan Studies)
Kamikaze West Airfield
Clark, Pampanga
An airfield that the Japanese pilots (called human bombs) used to stage the same air operations (as in the west airfield in Mabalacat) by launching kamikaze (divine winds) attacks against American and allied forces during the last world war.
Kelly Theater
Clark, Pampanga
This heavily damaged building was erected in 1953, but the present structure is actually the second Kelly Theater. The original was built in 1947.It was intended to be a gymnasium, but was later converted into a theater. President Manuel Roxas gave his last speech here on April 15, 1948 before succumbing to a cardiac arrest shortly after. Both theaters were named after Capt. Colin Kelly, a B-17 pilot, who died in combat against the Japanese forces in 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Kelly as the first American hero of World War II.
Lily Hill
Clark, Pampanga
The name "Lili" was given to the Americans by Aetas which means "lost" in Kapampangan because it stands apart from nearby hills and mountains. The Americans changed it from "Lili" to "Lily".Since 1903, the Americans used Lily Hill as an observation post and the Japanese followed suit when they occupied Clark. Major Higuchi Tsugisaburo, the base commander of Clark Field from 1942 to 1945 dug several tunnels for air-raid shelters and storage. During the last battles for Clark Field in 1945, Major Higuchi with 800 of his men (the 31st Support Group) fought bitterly for a last stand battle against a U.S. Army Force from the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, where more than 600 Japanese soldiers died. In 1955, the Americans opened some tunnels and found two Japanese warplanes and plenty of war materiel attesting to Japan's strong defense of Clark. A marker was installed by Clark Development Corporation on September 1, 2002.
Lily Hill Japanese Tunnel
Clark, Pampanga
A Japanese tunnel and garden was built in the middle lower portion of the Lily Hill with the permission of the U.S. Air Force.This was a sign of friendship extended by the U.S. Air Force to the Japanese whose relatives died here during the intense war when the Americans took back Clark Field from the hands of the Japanese in January 1945 where over 600 Japanese soldiers died here. The marker which the Japanese inscribed in this sacred garden of worship reads as follows:" TO THE MEMORY OF THE GALLANT JAPANESE SOLDIERS WHO DIED DURING THE BATTLE FOR CLARK FIELD IN 1945." It is the same place where the Statue of World Peace Shrine - the great statue of the Goddess of World Peace - was installed on October 25, 2002 by the Municipality of Mabalacat in cooperation with the Japanese war veterans and their families.
Malig Residence
Bacolor, Pampanga
Located in Brgy. Cabambangan, Bacolor, it is believed to be the oldest house of its type in the town. Built by the Spaniards who came first to the Philippines, it was the home of the friars who established their church in the town.
Nepomuceno Ancestral House
Angeles City, Pampanga
The home of Don Ciriaco de Miranda, Angeles' first gobernadorcillo (mayor). Built in 1840, it was inherited in 1868 by Don Ciriaco's niece, Dona Agustina Henson de Nepomuceno.The ground floor of the second oldest structure in Angeles is currently occupied by commercial establishments. The rest of the house is closed to the public.
Old Holy Family Academy Building
Angeles City, Pampanga
The building was constructed in 1910, but on its site once stood the so-called convento, built in 1873, as an annex to the nearby Holy Rosary Parish Church.The convento was used by the US Army from 1889 to 1902 as a military hospital and later as troop barracks, officer's quarters and arsenal by the Japanese Military Forces in the early part of 1942.
Old St. Scholastica Bldg.
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Completed in 1931, it was the former building of the famous academy in Pampanga - the third Benedictine school in the Philippines.
Historical
Pamintuan Mansion
Angeles City, Pampanga
The building served as the viewing area during the first anniversary celebration of Philippine Independence led by General Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy on June 12, 1899. The historic event featured civic and military parade participated by more than 2,000 troops led by two youngest generals of the Philippine Republican Army namely, Gen. Gregorio H. del Pilar and Gen. Manuel Tinio of Bulacan and Nueva Ecija, respectively. The parade started from Barrio Talimunduc (now Brgy. Lourdes Sur) where the town square was then situated. The building served as the central headquarters of Major General Arthur MacArthur in May 1899. Eventually, it served as the seat of the First Philippine Revolutionary Army under General Emilio Aguinaldo as the President and Commander-in-Chief. The first Flipino General to use the house as headquarters was Gen. Venancio Concepcion. Gen. Antonio Luna used it as a general headquarters of the First Filipino Army, drawing plans for the defense of Pampanga against the Americans. Today, the building serves as the Central Bank Clearing House.
Pampanga High School Building
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Built in 1912, it was the main building of the Pampanga High School up to 1935, and counts President Diosdado P. Macapagal as among its alumni (Class 1929). It is one of the so-called Gabaldon buildings built and named after Assemblyman Isauro Gabaldon of Nueva Ecija who authored Act 1801 that set aside P1 million for the construction of such schoolhouses all over the archipelago. Known as the "Parthenons of of the golden years of Philippine public education system, it is in these buildings that three generations of Filipinos learned the Three Rs.
Pampanga Lodge & Restaurant
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Residence of Asuncion Santos, daughter of Don Teodoro Santos, Sr. (Dorong Tola), who married Andres Eusebio. It was the first site of the Pampanga High School when it first opened in 1908. Later became the site of the Harvardian College and the Pampanga Hotel and Panciteria, now Pampanga Lodge and Restaurant. It later held the distinct honor of hosting Gen. Douglas MacArthur for one night. (Source: Ivan Henares thru Heritage Conservation Soceity)
Pampanga Provincial Capitol
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Seat of government of the province of Pampanga, the original building was constructed after the provincial capital of Pampanga was transferred from Bacolor to San Fernando in 1904.It was the site of a major battle between guerilla forces and the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. The building dates back to the 1930s.
Pampanga River (Rio Grande de Pampanga)
Province of Pampanga
Río Grande De Pampanga rises in several headstreams in the Caraballo Mountains and flowing south for about 120 miles (190 km) to empty into northern Manila Bay in a wide, swampy delta. The Candaba Swamp, covering more than 200 square miles (500 square km) when flooded, has been formed north of the delta where the Angat River joins the Pampanga. Other major tributaries are the Chico Pampanga and the Lubao. There are extensive fishponds and a large-scale irrigation project on the lower course of the Pampanga. (Source: www.britannica.com)
Pampanga river was once a major thoroughfare before roads were constructed and host to major prehistoric settlements along its pampangs. Hence the name Pampanga. Its source is in the mountains of Nueva Ecija, flowing down to the Pampanga towns of Arayat, Candaba, San Luis, San Simon, Apalit, Macabebe and Masantol at the mouth of Manila Bay. In the genteel and once elegant barrio of Sulipan in Apalit, there is a boat yard which rents out boats of different sizes from kayaks to two-storey airconditioned houseboats for various purposes such as rest and recreation, sight-seeing and birdwatching, or sports such as angling and kayaking (please check it out for availability of boats). Heritage stops along the river include the churches of San Luis and Apalit. Take a detour in Candaba and visit the Candaba Bird Sanctuary which is host to to migratory birds. There are also mangroves in Masantol where the water is quite shallow, perfect for kayaking and birdwatching. The best part of the cruise is watching the renowned Manila Bay sunset from a different place, far from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila. For further information, please contact Holy Angel University Center for Kapampangan Studies, Tel. No. (63 45) 888-8691/2514/625-9620/888-8691 loc. 1311, c/o Director Robert Tantingco, Email [email protected], www.hau.edu.ph/kcenter (Source: Ivan Henares: Ivan About Town Blog)
Sta. Rita Town
The town of Santa Rita brings to mind images of delicious confections and pastries like sans rival and turrones de casuy—favorite pasalubong ideas for relatives and friends abroad. For all its reputation as the town that offers “sinfully sweet” indulgences, Sta. Rita is also a town noted for its devout spirituality, and, much like Betis, is known for producing a large number of religious priests and nuns.
The future town of Sta. Rita actually started as a clearing in a place called “Gasac”, which is now Barrio San Isidro. It was known early as Sta. Rita Baculud or Sta. Rita de Lele, in reference to its proximity to Bacolor, where townsfolk did their daily marketing via barrio Sta. Barbara. Its history is also closely linked with Porac for Sta. Rita was near the Esterillo Viejo, or Sapang Matua, a creek that originated from the Porac mountains. For a while, one priest—Fr. Pedro de San Nicolas—was assigned to serve the spiritual needs of both Porac and Sta. Rita. It was only in 1770 when Sta. Rita secured its political/spiritual independence from Porac, due largely to the efforts of Fr. Don Vicente Eustaquio Polina, a secular native priest. 1770, thus, is regarded as the town’s founding year, also coinciding with the assumption of office of Juan Balatbat, Sta. Rita’s 1st gobernadorcillo.
For its titular patroness, the town chose Santa Rita de Casia, a 15th century Augustinian saint invoked by desperate people beset with seemingly hopeless problems like troubled marriages and domestic violence. Sta. Rita was married to an ill-tempered husband who was subsequently murdered. Her two children vowed revenge, but Sta. Rita, through her intense prayers, averted her children’s criminal plot. The two fell sick and died before they could carry out their vengeance. Thus without a family, Rita joined the Augustinians but only after several unsuccessful attempts. She led a life of mortification and, in a moment of fervent prayer, received the stigmata of the Lord on her forehead.
The actual construction of the church was deferred until the late 19th century. An 1835 document asserts that a certain Don Alejandro Rodriguez, member of the town principalia, was accepted as a brother of the Augustinian Order for having been a benefactor of the church. It may be that Don Alejandro donated either land or money to initiate the building of the church.
Credit for the construction of the church of Sta. Rita as we know it today goes to the town prior, Fr. Francisco Royo who started the masonry in 1839. It was completed by Fr. Juan Merino in 1869 (one of the church’s 5 bells is inscribed with his name). Both priests were also responsible for opening roads linking Sta. Rita with Guagua and Porac.
The last Augustinian priest was Fr. Celestino Garcia who figured in the Revolution of 1898. At the height of the unrest, he was hidden by his loyal parishioners. Later, he was captured by Gen. Maximino Hizon in Bacolor. Taken prisoner, he was spirited away to Lepanto. He managed to elude his security however, and fled back south where the prominent Asingan family of Pangasinan gave him refuge. The 1st native priest was Fr. Braulio Pineda. Others who served the parish include Frs. Nicanor Banzali, Tomas Dimacali, Pablo Camilo and Genaro Sazon.
The original church measured 55 meters long by 13 meters wide. Its height was around 10 meters. The church has marked baroque influences as seen from its triangular windows, despite its solidity. Notable features include a large transept , a spacious portico and a short but squat 4-storey bell tower. Its pediment showcases a small retablo flanked by small bell towers. The Church of Sta. Rita is another fine example of the Catholic Church’s material heritage and any one who enters its portals will be glad to know that this pisamban and its walls still reverberate with the sweet memories of a proud Kapampangan town. (Source: http://viewsfromthepampang.blogspot.com/2007/12/61-pampangas-churches-sta-rita-de-casia.html)
Sta. Rita Town Heritage Bells
Sta. Rita, Pampanga
Old church bells have become Sta. Rita town’s latest crowd drawer. There are five heritage bells in this town: the Señora de la Cornea was installed at the belfry in 1869; Dolorosa bell in 1878; and the bells of Virgen de Lourdes, San Jose and Santa Rita—all installed on May 20, 1911. The installation of these bells was initiated by Fr. Braulio Pineda, the first Filipino priest of the town and a native of Sta. Rita, before the 1898 Revolution against Spain broke out and after the cessation of the Filipino-American war in 1903. At that time, the bells announced weddings, processions, feasts, floods, fire, deaths, the Angelus and the end of the 8 p.m. recitation of the rosary. Their agunyas (the sound made by the bell) for the dead is gender-specific. The Santa Rita bell announces the death of a man, while the Dolorosa does so for a woman. (Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer, by Tonette Orejas, 5/22/11)
San Fernando City Hall
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
The current structure was completed in 1917 during the administration of Mayor Antonio Abad Santos. It was restored in 2003 by Mayor Rey B. Aquino.
San Fernando Heritage District (Tour Itinerary)
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Downtown San Fernando is home to the city’s historic poblacion which was zoned into a heritage district in 2004 by its Sangguniang Panlungsod. The first stop is the city hall of San Fernando where one boards a kalesa that would take him to some of the heritage houses along Consunji Street.
The first heritage house is the Santos-Hizon House, a turn-of-the-century Victorian-style house built by the couple Teodoro Santos and Africa Ventura. It was later purchased by Maria Salome Hizon, a volunteer of the Red Cross during the Philippine Revolution. The property was acquired by her brother Ramon Hizon and is currently owned by the heirs of his son Augusto Hizon.
A short walk across the street is the grand Hizon-Singian House. This bahay na bato was declared a heritage house by the National Historical Institute in January 2003. Currently owned by the heirs of the late businessman and civic leader Gerry H. Rodriguez, the house was built in 1870 by the couple Don Anacleto Hizon, gobernadorcillo of San Fernando from 1877-1879 and 1886-1887, and Victoria Singian de Miranda y de Ocampo. It was later occupied during the 1896 revolution by Spanish General Antonio Ruiz Serralde, appropriated by the Japanese Imperial Army to serve as a military hospital and barracks from 1943 to 1944, and served as headquarters of American General Walter Krueger of the 6th American Army during the liberation period until the end of 1945.
At the Hizon-Singian House, cocktails may be served - upon prior notice - featuring an exciting array of Kapampangan inspired hors d’oeuvres and drinks created by Kai chef Gilbert Pangilinan, himself a true-blue Fernandino. Pica-pica includs tocino, brown rice and itlog na maalat stuffed in tomato, chicharon Guagua with atchara, kilayin baboy on bananas, and gatas damulag rice with hipon.
Available upon request is a serenade courtesy of ArtiSta. Rita, a Kapampangan cultural group headed by Whiplash and Miss Saigon choreographer Andy Alviz, who may transform the ambiance in the centuries-old house into a that of a turn-of-the-century party.
After the well-received musical presentation, one again boards his kalesa to take him to the last stop for the day, the charming Lazatin House, another of San Fernando’s NHI-declared heritage houses. Built in 1925 by the couple Serafin Lazatin y Ocampo, sugar farmer and former president of SFELAPCO, and Encarnacion Singian y Torres, the house was appropriated by the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War to serve as a residence of the 14th Army Commander of the Japanese Imperial Army, General Masaharu Homma, in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Behind the house is an air-conditioned function hall which is stylishly decorated with local flora enhanced by long garlands of fragrant sampaguita, the perfect setting for the candle-lit sit-down banquet featuring dishes from all over Pampanga prepared by Pangilinan and the kitchens of Kai. On the menu is lumpiang papayang hubad, pako salad, chicharong bulaklak, pindang damulag, paksiw na pata, lengua, morcon, alimango in taba ng talangka, lagat kamias at hipon, and fried hito with buro.
To cap the itinerary, the best desserts may be ordered from all over Pampanga which includs popular tibok-tibok (made of pure carbao’s milk, this is Pampanga’s version of maja blanca), plantanilla (sweetened coconut rolled in egg crepes) from the Dayrit-Santos famil y, tocino del cielo(a richer version of leche flan) of the Lazatin clan, sansrival and ube halayan. (Source: Ivan Henares: Ivan About Town Blog)
San Fernando Train Station
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Standing amid residences in Barangay St. Nino in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, are the ruins of what was once a busy and historic train station of the Manila-Dagupan Railway.Unknown to many, the station was silent witness to every turning point of the town's history, from its inauguration in 1892, up to the infamous Bataan Death March. It most definitely played an essential role in making the town boom into a great city - one that is rooted in its rich heritage and culture. It was opened on February 23, 1892, as part of the Bagbag-Mabalacat stretch of the Manila-Dagupan Railway System and was inaugurated by Governor-General Eulogio Despujol and Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda. On June 27 of the same year, Dr. Jose Rizal stopped over in San Fernando to recruit members to the Liga Filipina. Late afternoon of December 31, 1941, the Japanese Army bombed an ammunition train said to be parked in front of the station, ready to be transported by the United States Armed Forces in the Far East to Bataan. The Japanese Zero flew at around 4 0' clock in the afternoon and dropped three bombs which caused fire to some portions of the station. In April of 1942, thousands of Filipino and American prisoners-of-war, most of whom were dying of hunger, fatigue and various illnesses, were stuffed like sardines into the box carts, and sent to their final destination at Camp O' Donnell in Capas, Tarlac (Capas National Shrine).
Tabacalera House
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Originally owned by Tabacalera to house its representative Don Ramon Lopez, the first floor served as the office of Tabacalera. It was later purchased by Simeon Ocampo. During the Japanese Occupation, it served as the headquarters of the Kempeital.
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