efore the coming of the Spaniards in 1521, Baliuag was just a wilderness inhabited mostly by animals

and wild birds. There were no good and passable roads but only meandering pathways that invariable
led to isolate huts. Some of these narrow pathways called "paraan", were fringed on both sides along
with trees and other greenery's. Work animals and sleds that were then the only means of land
transportation commonly passed the place.

The handful of people who occupied the isolated and lonely huts was paganistic people who worship
spirits called "Bathala". They believed the spirits dwell in caves so in these caves they held rituals and
made offerings of foods, perfumes and fruits to pay homage to them. These ancient Filipinos were so
steeped in superstition that they religiously believed in divination, auguries and magic harms. Thus they
always attached significance to such natural activities as the howling of dogs, the kissing of lizards or the
mere sight of a black cat darting across their path to mean bad things and death omen. These
superstitious beliefs were handed down from one generation to another and, are, in truth, still practiced
in many parts of Baliuag today.

The natives, of course, had their own language and social customs. Not unlike their contemporaries in
other towns, they conducted their own commercial activities through the so-called barter system.

With the Christianization of the Philippines, the Spaniairds built many Catholic churches. One of these
churches was established in Quingwa (now Plaridel), of which Baliuag was still a "cabecerria" or
barangay with no definite name. (Cabecerria or barangay is the modern-day barrio).

Because they had no other decent means transportation, the people either had to walk or had to ride a
banca all the way to Quinwa, a distance of nine kilometers to hear masses on Sundays and feast days. As
a consequence, the churchgoers from Baliuag often came late for mass. This habitual tardiness
eventually became the butt of jokes among the people of Quinwa, so much so that whenever they saw a
group of Baliuag folk coming, they would mockingly say; "Eto na ang maliliwag". (Here come the slow-
folks). Or, if the later comer was all alone, "Eto na si Ba Liwag". ("Ba" is a provincial title of respect for a
man).

Unfortunately, for the local folk, the uncomplimentary term "maliwag" (or Baliwag) stuck like glue. Even
the Spanish "cura" was announcing it from the pulpit in reference to them. Through the years the name
Baliuag evolved from it and by this name or appellation the town became known.
Baliuag was the 10th town founded by the Augustinians in the province of Bulacan.

Welcome to Bulacan, Philippines!

At the heart of Fareast Asia lies Bulacan—a province in the Republic of the Philippines, situated in the
country's Central Luzon Region, north of Manila, the nation's capital.

Bulacan prides itself for its rich historical heritage. In 1899, the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos City
(Bulacan's capital city) is the birthplace of the First Constitutional Democracy in Asia.

Bulacan is also the cradle of the nation's noble heroes, of great men and women; among them: Marcelo
H. del Pilar—"The Great Propagandist," and General Gregorio del Pilar"—The Hero of Tirad Pass."

Bulacan is also home to many of the country's greatest artists, with a good number elevated as National
Artists; among them: the legendary poet Francisco "Baltazar" Balagtas, the musician Nicanor Abelardo,
and the nationalist sculptor Guillermo Tolentino.

Today, Bulacan is among the most progressive provinces in the Philippines. Its people - the Bulakeño (or
Bulakenyo) - are highly educated, enterprising and industrious.

Bulacan is well-known for the following industries: Marble and Marbleized Limestone, Jewelry,
Pyrotechnics, Leather, Aquaculture, Meat and Meat Products, Garments, Furniture, High-Value Crops,
and Sweets and Native Delicacies, and a wide variety of high-quality native products.

Dubbed as the "Northern Gateway from Manila," Bulacan is indeed an ideal investment destination
owing largely to the following factors: Strategic Location; Highly Productive Human Resources; Abundant
Natural Resources; Well-Developed Infrastructure Support; Reasonable Cost for Doing Business;
Effective Government and Private Sector Partnership for Investments; Favorable Peace and Order
Situation; and Attractive Investments Incentives.

Bulacan has fast become an ideal tourist destination, owing to its vital role in Philippine history, and its
rich heritage in culture and the arts. The province is popularly known for its historical sites; nostalgic old
houses and churches; idyllic ecological attractions; religious attractions; colorful and enchanting
festivals; swimming and various themed attractions; and a wide selection of elegant native crafts and
sumptuous delicacies. It is also home to numerous resorts, hotels, restaurants, and other recreational
facilities.

The Province of Bulacan, Philippines offers everything that you can ever hope for. An ideal and peaceful
community. A committed government. A haven for business and investments. A perfect vacation
getaway.

We invite you to please come and visit us. Experience only the Best. Experience Bulacan.