REGION 111 CENTRAL LUZON

Aurora
Capital: Baler

CASIGURAN SOUND
Almost like a lake, Casiguran Sound is a bay nearly enclosed by the Casiguran
landmass and the peninsula of San Ildefonso. Only a kilometer-wide inlet connects it
to the sea. It protects the area from typhoons.

CEMENTO BEACH AND REEF

White sand, seashells, and crushed corals could be found along the stretch
of Cemento Beach. The waters are ideal for expert or professional surfing as the
waves are of the right-hand break type. The area is likewise suitable for body
boarding.

CHARLIE’S POINT
Ideal for surfing, with medium quality right-and left-break waves on a sand-and-
gravel bottom. The waves are best in December and January. The surf scenes from the
movie Apocalypse Now were filmed here.

COBRA REEF IN CEMENTO

The area produces excellent quality right-break waves over sharp reefs. It is one of the
spots most frequented by Australians, Europeans, and Japanese surfers in Aurora.

DICASALARIN
A place of multiple attractions, this natural cove boasts a kilometer-long white beach.
On the left side is a steep imposing hill while on the right is a peninsula and a cave.
Each attraction sis ideal for various recreational activities.

DINGALAN WHITE BEACH

This two-kilometer long beach has numerous shells and corals scattered along the
entire length of its southern half, which is approximately a kilometer long. It is
suitable for scuba diving because of the rich diversity of marine life living in its
waters.

DITUMBO FALLS
Approximately 140 feet high, the falls are surrounded by huge cliffs covered with tall
hardwoods, shrubbery, and vines while sprays of cool water seem to remain
suspended in the air.
QUEZON’S RESTHOUSE
This resthouse is a quaint blue wooden cottage where former president Manuel
Quezon and his family and relatives stayed during vacations in Baler. This place has a
wide lawn and a garden.

SAGBANG BEACH
Located on this long stretch of gray-sand beach are several resorts. The place provides
a good beachfront for swimmers and an expert challenge for windsurfers. Glassy right
and left waves can be caught in the morning.

BATAAN
Capital: Balanga

BALANGA CITY BIRDWATCHING

The coastal area of Balanga City has become an ideal site for birdwatching on the
months of October – February when thousands of migratory birds can be seen in the
area.

DAMBANA NG KAGITINGAN
Also called the Shrine of Valor, this structure consists of a giant cross on top of Mt. Samat, in an
area now declared a national park. It symbolizes   the bravery of the Fil-American soldiers who
fought against the Japanese forces during the World War II. There is an elevator that leads to the
upper section where window affords a view of the panoramic landscape and mountains nearby.

DEATH MARCH MARKER

The statue commemorates the resistant spirit of Bataan where historic Death March
commenced.

FALL OF BATAAN MARKER

The marker commemorates the fall of Bataan, a very important event in the country’s
history. It was also built to honor the Filipino soldiers, both living and dead, who
valiantly fought against the Japanese invaders.

LAMAO WORLD WAR II MARKER

The marker was erected in 1962, exactly 20 years after Gen Edward King signed the
papers surrendering the whole nation to the Japanese. It commemorates the courage
and bravery shown by the Filipinos during the World War II.
MT. MALASIMBO
This conical mountain is used as a weather forecasting device. Dark clouds covering
its summit indicates a coming of typhoon.

MT. NATIB
An active volcano rising 8,000 feet above sea level, Mt. Natib offers mountaineers, a
good climb especially with its abundant wildlife reserve. Reaching the summit takes
about four hours.

MT. SAMAT
Mt. Samat was the scene of the most heroic defense battle during World War II, in
which Fil-American forces were defeated by the Japanese. This is also where
the Dambana  ng Kagitingan is built.

BUGAC
The marker commemorates the start of the infamous Death March that also marks the
beginning of the Japanese control over the country.

Bulacan
Capital: Malolo

BARASOAIN CHURCH
This church is considered one of the leading historical spots in the Philippines. It was
the seat of the short-lived Philippine Republic and the site of the Malolos Congress in
1898.

BARASOAIN MUSUEM
This museum is managed by the National Historical Institute and houses religious
artifacts of the province.

BAIK-NA-BATO
This huge split boulder was the mountain hideout of the revolutionary forces during
the Spanish period and the place where the Malolos Constitution was signed. It was
also the site of the Biak-na-Bato Republic.
CALUMPIT BRIDGE
This bridge is the site of the first battle between the Filipino and American soldiers
during the retreat of Aguinaldo to the Ilocos Region.

FLUVIAL FESTIVAL OF BOCAUE

festival held in honor of the Holy Cross of Wawa, which is said to have saved an old
woman from drowning. The main event is floating of the Pagoda, a gaily decorated
structure bearing the Holy Cross of the Bocaue River. The festival is held every first
Sunday of July.

MADLUM CAVE
St. Michael, the town ‘s patron, is said to have appeared in this cave. It has three
grand portals leading to 50-meter-long cavern. Large pinnacled vertical rocks abound
on the banks of nearby Madlum River.

OBANDO FERTILITY RITES

This event, held every May 15 to 19, is attended mostly by childless couples who
dance before the Virgin of Salambao, San Pascual Baylonand Sta. Clara in the hopes
that they would be granted a child. Maidens and bachelors also dance alongside
husbands and wives.

PULILAN FIESTA CARABAO FESTIVAL

During this occasion, thousands of work animals, mostly carabaos, are led on parade
down the street of the town to honor its patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. Shaved and
decorated by garlands, the carabaos are made to kneel in front of the church. This
event is celebrated every 14  and 15  of May.
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Nueva Ecija
Capital: Palayan

ARAQUIO OF PENARANDA
The Araquio, held every first week of May, is a traditional reenactment of the search
of Queen Helena and King Constantine for the cross where Christ was crucified.
Similarly, the komedya or moro-moro carries on in the barrio of Kita-Kita, San Jose
City and in Sta. Rosa.

GABALDON FALLS
Gabaldon Falls is the lure of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. It is located at the 200-
hectare Sabani Estate Agriculture College. The 10-foot waterfall with its ice-cold
waters is surrounded by huge rock formations.

GAPAN CHURCH
This old Roman Catholic church with its Byzantine architecture was built in a span of
16 years (1856-1872 by Augustinian missionaries, who first came to Gapan in 1595.
It stands beside the old municipal hall, which was also built during that period.

MINALUNGAO NATIONAL PARK

This park features a breathtaking view of the narrow but deep Peñaranda River, as
well as a cave with a yawning pit, antechambers with flowing stalactite draperies, and
a magnificent hall adorned with natural chandeliers.

PANTABANGAN DAM
This dam, the country’s first multipurpose infrastructure, is truly a feat of Filipino
engineering. Cutting across the rich valley floor, it tames the waters of the Pampanga
River for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectric power.

TANDUYONG FESTIVAL
Every April 4, the people of San Jose dance through the main street in a colorful,
enchanting celebration of the harvest.

TAONG PUTIK OF ALIAGA

This ritual is celebrated every June 24, the feast of St. John the Baptist, patron saint of
the residents of Brgy. Bibiclat. Men and women smear their faces and cover their
bodies with mud to conceal their identities.

Pampanga
Capital: San Fernando

APUNG IRU FLUVIAL FESTIVAL

“Apung Iru” is a life-size ivory image of St. Peter. During the feast of St. Paul and St.
Peter (June 28-30) the Pampagueños take part in a fluvial parade. Aboard
decorated bancas and motorboats they float down the Pampanga River to
bring Apung Iru back to his shrine at Capalanagan.

CANDABA SWAMP
This large wetland is one of the major stopover points for the migratory birds using
the Asian flyaway.

CLARK SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE

This former US Air Force Base was once the biggest American military installation outside the
United States. It served as the home of the US 13  Air Force and the 3  Tactical Fighter Wing.
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Among the many places of interest inside are the Base Cemetery and the numerous tourist and
recreation facilities.

CUTUD LENTEN RITES

Held every Good Friday, these rites revolve around the reenactment of Christ’s
passion, culminating with the actual nailing of at least three flagellants on wooden
crosses atop a makeshift Calvary.

FURNITURE AND WOODCARVING INDUSTRY

Woodcarving is one of the oldest enterprises in the town of Lubaoand the people have
become highly skilled in this art of woodcarving.

GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL

The festival is a showcase of giant lanterns made or colored crepe paper and the Japanese paper,
with frames of intricate tinwires containing electrical mechanisms and thousands of light bulbs.
The lantern dance, blink, and twinkle in kaleidoscopic patterns. The main event is held every
4  week of December.
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KAMIKAZE EAST AIRFIELD

It is from the airfield that first Kamikaze pilots took off in October 1944 for their last
mission as official human bombs.

MT. ARAYAT NATIONAL PARK

The 3, 564-foot-high Mount Arayat is a favorite destination among domestic tourists and
picnickers. A cool breeze blows there even on a hot summer’s day, and from a hundred springs
flow clear and cool water that runs down the mountainside to a public resort facility located at the
foot of the mountain.

ST. PETER’S SHRINE

The permanent residence of a life-size ivory image of St. Peter called “Apung Iru” by
the townspeople.

Tarlac
Capital: Tarlac City

CAMILING CHURCH
The Catholic convent of Camilingis the site of the execution of General
Pedro Pedroche and his men (who were charged with rebellion) in the hands
Francisco Makabulos and his revolutionary troops.

CAMP GENERAL SERVILLANO AQUINO

Formerly called Camp Ord after Lt. Col. James B. Ord, who died in an airplane crash
in 1938, this camp is now the home of the 5 Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
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Adding to the historical significance of the place is the Eisenhower tree, which was
planted on July 4, 1939.

CAMP O’ DONNELL
O’Donnell is a former concentration camp that now serves as burial ground for
thousands of Filipino soldiers whperished during World War II.

CAPAS DEATH MARCH MONUMENT

This monument is a historical marker of the infamous concentration camp where
nearly 30,000 Filipino and American soldiers who participated in the Death March
perished in 1942.

CARLOS P. ROMULO MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Established in May 9, 1952 during the administration of Governor Antonio E. Lopez,
this institution was originally named after the late President Manuel A. Roxas, and
was later renamed in 1990 after the prominent statesman.

TARLAC
Although there are as yet no tourist facilities in the area, people of all ages flock to the
Dolores Springs to bathe in its waters, which are said to be medicinal.

LUISITA INDUSTRIAL PARK

Phase I of Luisita Industrial Park is 120 hectares of prime land mapped out for a
variety of light, labor intensive, nonpolluting manufacturing, and service industries.
The park will be serviced by an efficient designed road network.

MAYANTOC
The summer capital of Tarlac Province, popularly known for its panoramic river
views. The center of attraction is the Town Hall.

PARADISE ISLAND
Paradise Island is all of half a hectare in the middle of a five-hectare man-made lake.
The lake is teeming with fauna and abundant flora live in the island.

SANTO DOMINGO DEATH MARCH MARKER

The site where about 60,000 Filipino soldiers cramped like sardines in closed boxcars
were unloaded to start the second phase of the tragic Death March.

Zambales
Capital: Iba

AGNAEN BAY
The place is ideal for fishing, snorkeling, and other beach activities. It is best to go
there in the late afternoon, when one can have a better view of the South China Sea.

BALON FALLS
These falls have clean, clear water and is surrounded by boulders as big as houses.
Situated in an area of lush greeneries, the falls provided a cool, tranquil retreat from
nature lovers.

BINABAYANI
This festival, held in honor of Saint Andres, the town’s patron saint, is celebrated every November
30. The province’s version of the Ati-atihan, it is mainly celebrated through dance and
commemorates the war between the Christians and the Aetas. It is believed to help bring about a
bountiful harvest.

CAPONES ISLAND
The whole island is surrounded by white-sand coral beaches. There are also beaches
inside caves that can only be explored by experienced divers.

IBA
More than 20 resorts are lined up along this 8-kilometer stretch of whitish-sand beach
with crystal-clear water from the South China Sea. During the summer, the whole
stretch is flocked by both domestic and foreign tourists.

INA POON BATO

Enshrined in the church is the miraculous image of Ina Poon Bato. The image was
transferred here in 1992, after the original barangay where it was once located was
submerged in lahar.

MT. PINATUBO
This mountain was made famous by its eruption in June 1991. It has since become an
important tourist destination in the province. Hikers often climb up to the two-mile-
wide crater which still emits sulfur dioxide.

SAN SALVADOR ISLAND

The place has been awarded the 1996 Galing Pook Award for its marine conservation
project. It is endowed with powder white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

OLONGAPO CITY
This huge complex first served as Spanish Naval Station before being ceded to the
United States in 1898. It then became home to US Seventh Fleet. It was also occupied
by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945, then was eventually turned over to the Philippines
during the presidency of Corazon C. Aquino.