PHILIPPINE TOURISM GENERAL INFORMATIONS

Philippine Tourism slogans

 Fiesta Islands Philippines.
 WOW Philippines (2002)
 Pilipinas Kay Ganda (2010)
 It's More Fun in the Philippines!
 Experience the Philippines (2017)- present
Taglines of the Provinces in the Philippines
REGION I
ILOCOS REGION
Ilocos Norte – The Best of Culture and Nature
Ilocos Sur – Heritage Village of the Philippines
La Union – Pilgrimage Center of North Luzon
Pangasinan – Hundred islands and Hundred Flavors

REGION II
CAGAYAN VALLEY REGION
Cagayan – A True Spelunker’s Paradise
Isabela – Rice Granary of the North
Nueva Vizcaya – Watershed Have of the North
Quirino – Forest Heartland of Cagayan
Batanes – Land of the True Insulars
CAR
Abra – The Philippines’ Natural Dye Capital
Benguet – Salad Bowl of the Philippines
Kalinga – White Water Rafting Capital of the North
Mountain Province – Weaver’s Paradise
Ifugao – Land of the Eighth World Wonder
Baguio City – Summer Capital of the Philippines

REGION III
CENTRAL LUZON REGION
Aurora – Sanctuary of nature’s Splendor
Bataan – History Hub of Central Luzon
Bulacan – Land of the Heroes
Nueva Ecija – Rice Bowl of the Philippines
Pampanga – Culinary Center of the Philippines
Tarlac – Melting Pot of Central Luzon
Zambales – Wreck Diving Capital of the Philippines

REGION VI-A
SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION
Batangas – From the Lowest Volcano to the Deeper Dives
Cavite – A Place With a Glorious Past
Laguna – Resort Province of the Philippines
Quezon – Land of Thousand Colors
Rizal – Cradle of Philippine Art  

REGION IV-B
SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION
Marinduque - Lenten Mecca of southern Tagalog
Occidental Mindoro - Marine Wonderland of Luzon
Oriental Mindoro - The Islands' Loveliest Harbor
Palawan - The Philippines' Last Frontier
Romblon - Marble Country of the Philippines

REGION V
BICOL REGION
Albay – Land of the World’s Most Perfect Cone
Catanduanes – Eco-Adventure Paradise
Camarines Norte – Bicolandia’s Goldmine
Camarines Sur – World’s Smallest Fish and Higher Climbs
Masbate – Rodeo Country of Bicol
Sorsogon – Bicol’s Whaleshark Paradise

REGION VI
WESTERN VISAYAS REGION
Aklan – The Philippines’ Oldest Province
Antique – Marble Central of Panay
Capiz – Seafood Capital of the Philippines
Guimaras – Mango Country of Visayas
Iloilo – Heritage Haven of Panay
Negros Occidental – Sugar Bowl of the Philippines

REGION VII
CENTRAL VISAYAS REGION
Bohol – Splendor Underwater and Over Hills
Cebu – Queen of the South
Negros Oriental – Whale and Dolphin Haven
Siquijor – Marine Paradise of Central Visayas

REGION VIII
EASTERN VISAYAS REGION
Biliran – Paradise Undiscovered
Eastern Samar – Gateway to Philippine Discovery
Northern Samar – A Journey Back in Time
Western Samar – Splendor Between Mountain and Sea
Leyte – Land of History
Southern Leyte – The Centuries-Old Charmer   

REGION IX
WESTERN MINDANAO REGION
Zamboanga del Norte - From Orchid City to Shrine City
Zamboanga del Sur - The Colors of Ethnic Zamboanga
Zamboanga Sibugay - The Island's Seasnake Sanctuary

REGION X
NORTHERN MINDANAO REGION
Bukidnon - Pineapple Capital of the World
Camiguin - An Ancestral Homecoming
Misamis Occidental - Christmas Capital of Mindanao
Misamis Oriental - Mindanao'S Nature Front
Lanao Del Norte - Land of Beauty and Bounty

REGION XI
SOUTHERN MINDANAO REGION
Davao Oriental - The Island's Ethnic Charmer
Davao Del Norte - Beach Paradise of the North
Davao Del Sur - Land of the Heights and Flight
Sarangani - Acheologist's Paradise
Davao City
Compostela Valley - Nature's Work of Art

REGION XII
SOUTH CENTRAL MINDANAO
Cotabato City
Cotabato (North) Province - Land of the Highest Mountain
Sultan Kudarat - Tuna Country of Mindanao
South Cotabato - Conference Capital of Mindanao

REGION XIII
CARAGA REGION
Agusan del Norte - Land of the Antiquated Finds
Agusan del Sur - Treasures of Old
Surigao Del Norte - Surfing Capital of the Philippines
Surigao Del Sur - Nature Pride of Caraga

AUTONOMOUS REGION OF MUSLIM

Basilan - A Province to be Watched
Lanao Del Sur -
Maguindanao - The Seat of Muslim Mindanao
Sulu -
Tawi-Tawi - Wildlife Mecca of Muslim Mindanao

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

Kaloocan City - Home of Heroes
Las Pinas City - Salt Center of Metro Manila
Makati City - Wall Street of the Philippines
Malabon City - A Coastal Capital
Mandaluyong City - The New Tiger of Metro Manila
City of Manila - Cosmopolitan Capital of the Philippines
Marikina City - Shoe Capital of the Philippines
Muntinlupa City - Residential Haven
Navotas - Fishing Capital of Greater Manila
Paranaque City - Novena Mecca of Metro Manila
Pasay City - Cultural Center of Metro Manila
Pasig City - The Urban Rainforest
Quezon City - City of New Horizons
San Juan - Brave Men in History
Valenzuela City - Industrial Boomtown

List of festivals in the Philippines

January
Name Location Notes
Tudela, Misamis
Binalbal Festival
Occidental

Baggak Festival Bauang, La Union

Celebrates the municipality's founding
anniversary[6]
Kuraldal Festival Sasmuan, Pampanga Honours the town's patroness, Saint Lucy
Hinugyaw Festival Koronadal City Celebrates the city's founding anniversary
Lingayen Gulf Landing Lingayen, Commemorates the landing of General Douglas
Anniversary Pangasinan MacArthur and the Allied Forces in Luzon in 1945.

Feast of the Black

Quiapo, Manila
Commemorates the translation of the image of
Nazarene the Black Nazarene to Quiapo Church in 1789.
Name Location Notes
San Pablo City,
Coconut Festival
Laguna[ Festival lasts a week
Minasa Festival Bustos, Bulacan

Batingaw Festival Cabuyao City

Halad Festival [
Midsayap, Cotabato Honours the Santo Niño
Liturgical feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú according to
Feast of the Santo Niño National
the Philippine National Liturgical Calendar.
Cebu, Cebu City
(variants
in Kabankalan
City, Maasin
City, Balingasag
Misamis
Sinulog Festival Honours the Santo Niño de Cebú
Oriental, Cagayan
de Oro
City, Butuan City,
and Southern
Leyte throughout
the year)
Silmugi Festival Borbon, Cebu Honours the town's patron, Saint Sebastian
Commemorates the landing of the ten Bornean datus and
Bayluhay Festival San Joaquin, Iloilo
the historic barter of Panay Island[
Highlights the scarecrow (Ilocano: bambanti and celebrates
Bambanti Festival Isabela Province
the farmers' abundant harvest[
Honours the Santo Niño, and the legendary meeting of the
Ati-Atihan Festival Kalibo, Aklan
island’a aboriginal peoples with settlers from Borneo
Batan Ati-Ati Malakara
Batan, Aklan
Festival
Santa Rosa City, Honors the resilience and perseverance of the people of
Sikhayan Festival
Laguna Santa Rosa
Sablayan,
Dugoy Festival Occidental Celebrates unity in nature conservation in Sablayan
Mindoro
Feast of San Sebastian
Lumban, Laguna Honours the town's patron, Saint Sebastian
Martir
Longganisa Festival Vigan City Celebrates Vigan's accession to cityhood in 2001
Bulak Festival is San Ildefonso's official town festival.
Primarily, the festival is celebrated in honor of the town's
patron, San Ildefonso but it also gives honor to the "kapok"
San Ildefonso,
Bulak Festival plant, also known as "bulak" which played a very important
Bulacan
part in the town's history. BULAK is actually San Ildefonso's
old name when it was still just a barrio under the neighboring
town of San Rafael.
Feast of San Ildefonso Honours the patron of Barangay San Ildefonso, Saint
Tanay, Rizal
de Toledo Ildefonsus.
Celebrated as a token of gratitude of town residents to
Guiguinto,
Halamanan Festival Guiguinto's patron saint St. Ildephonsus (San Ildefonso and
Bulacan
showcases the town's garden and landscape industry.[
Paracale,
Pabirik Festival Celebrates the province's gold mining industry
Camarines Norte
Honours the Santo Niño and the pact between the island's
Dinagyang Festival Iloilo City, Iloilo
aboriginal peoples and migrant Bornean Datus
Ibajay Ati-Ati Municipal
Ibajay, Aklan Honours the Santo Niño
and Devotional Fiesta
Name Location Notes
Kannawidan 'Ylocos'
Ilocos Sur
Festival
Dinagsa Ati-Atihan Cadiz, Negros
Festival Occidental
Hirinugyaw-
Calinog, Iloilo
Suguidanonay Festival
Santo Niño de Malolos
Malolos City Honours the Santo Niño de Malolos
Festival
Liturgical Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin
Candelaria,
Candle Festival Mary or Candlemas according to the General Roman
Quezon
Calendar

February
Name Location Notes
Bambanti Festival Isabela province Scarecrows and harvest festival
World War II
World War II sites
Anniversary
Pista Sintura Cotabato City
Kaamulan Festival Malaybalay City, Bukidnon gathering of Bukidnon's ethic tribes
Hamaka Festival Taytay, Rizal
Pahimis Festival Amadeo, Cavite
Paraw Regatta Festival Iloilo City features racing events between local outriggers
Kalilangan Festival General Santos City
Hot Air Balloon Clark Special Economic
annual tournament of balloonist
(Clark Festival) Zone, Pampanga
Chinese New Year nationwide
Festival of Hearts Tanjay City
The Philippine
International Arts
nationwide
Festival
(PIAF)
Sumilang Festival
(Our Lady of Candelaria Silang, Cavite Honours Our Lady of the Candles
Feast)
Honours San Pedro Bautista (a Franciscan
Martyr) who lived in Quezon City and Founded
Pedrista Festival (Feast
Quezon City San Francisco del Monte (Frisco); San Pedro
of San Pedro Bautista)
Bautista is one of the Patron Saints of Quezon
City
Bicol Arts Festival[ Legazpi City[
National Arts Month nationwide
Suroy sa Surigao Surigao City
Salakayan Festival Miag-ao, Iloilo
Lavandero Festival Mandaluyong
Honours the city's patron, Saint William of
Pamulinawen Festival Laoag City
Maleval
Dagkot Festival Cabadbaran City
Panranumag Festival Corcuera, Romblon Simara Island
Feast of Our Lady of Jaro, Iloilo
Nuestra Señora de Candelaria
Candles or Iloilo City
Name Location Notes
The International
Las Piñas 10-day series of cultural events
Bamboo Organ Festival
Guling-Guling Festival Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Kali-Kalihan Harvest Salvador Benedicto, Negros
Festival[ Occidental
Fiesta Tsinoy[ Legazpi City
Utanon Festival Dalaguete, Cebu
Kalesa Festival Laoag City
Pagoda sa Daan &
Pateros
Pandangguhan Festival
Fistahan Davao City
Davao Chinese New
Davao City
Year[
Mandaluyong Liberation
Day & Cityhood Mandaluyong
Anniversary
San Enrique, Negros
Bulang-Bulang Festival
Occidental[
Patunob Festival Binuangan, Misamis Oriental
7-day event showcasing artistry and
Taytay Hamaka Festival Taytay, Rizal
craftsmanship
Bod-bod Kabog Festival Catmon, Cebu
Aquero Festival Aglipay, Quirino
Pabalhas sa Tablas Candoni, Negros Occidental
Spring Festival
(Chinese Lunar New Iriga City
Year)[
Iriga City
Tinagba Festival harvest festival, Our Lady of Lourdes
(Bicol)
Palanyag Festival Parañaque
Tiburin Horse Race Pasay
Pamaypay ng Caloocan
Caloocan
Festival
Sambalilo Hat Festival Parañaque
Local Media
Cagayan de Oro City
Familiarization Festival[
Feast Day of Santa
Pasay
Clara
Pasayaw Festival Padre Burgos, Quezon
Suman Festival
(Aurora Foundation Baler, Aurora
Day)
Ollalion (Ullalim) Festiva
l
Tabuk City celebrates the Kalinga culture
(Kalinga Foundation
Day)
Serenata Pasay
Apayao Province
Apayao
Foundation
Timpuyog Festival Kiamba, Sarangani
Name
Menajak Festival
Sorteo Grand Festival
Tawo–Tawo Festival
Malasimbo Music and
Arts Festival
Laguimanok Festival
Kap'yaan Festival
Sinacbang Festival
Babaylan Festival
(Babaylanes)
Dapil Festival
(Bangued Town Fiesta)
Mutya ng Caraga
Balsahan Festival
Asinan Festival
Sampaguita Festival
Buybuy Fest/Burgos
Town Fiesta
Wow Araw ng Caraga
Panagtitimpuyog
Caraga Anniversary
Mahaguyog Festival
Cebu City Charter Day
Sibug-Sibug Festival
Caragan Festival
Panagbenga Festival
(Baguio Flower Festival)
Hil-o Hil-o Festival
Death Anniversary of
Baldomero Aguinaldo
Dia de Zamboanga
Itik-Itik Festival
Nangkaan Festival
Maniambus Festival
Sambayan Festival
March
Name
Salubong at Ang Pasko ng
Pangkabuhay
(Feast of the Resurrection)
MAHAGUYOG Festival (Mais,
Halaman, Gulay at Niyog)
Location Notes
Calamba, Misamis Occidental
Carmona, Cavite
Bayawan City
Puerto Galera, Oriental
Mindoro[
Padre Burgos
Jose Abad Santos, Davao
Occidental
Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental
highlights the culture of the first settlers of Bago
Bago
before the Spanish colonization
Bangued, Abra
Butuan City
Sibunag, Guimaras
San Lorenzo, Guimaras
San Pedro City, Laguna (in Honor of St.Peter.)
Burgos, La Union
Caraga (regionwide)
Nagtipunan, Quirino
Caraga
celebrates the abundance
Santo Tomas, Batangas of mais, halaman, gulay and niyog, and
highlights General Miguel Malvar
Cebu City
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay foundation day of Zamboanga Sibugay province
Mabalacat, Pampanga
Baguio flower festival
Ma-ayon, Capiz
Kawit, Cavite
Zamboanga City
or Zamboanga Sibugay
Pasig native duck (itik)
Maigo, Lanao del Norte
Negros
Occidental (provincewide)
Tobias Fornier, Antique
Notes
Location
(commemoration/main attraction(s)
Parañaque
Santo Tomas, week-long celebration of seven-day feast in honor
Batangas of St. Thomas Aquinas
 Notes
Name Location
(commemoration/main attraction(s)
Island Garden City of Samal Samal, Davao del week-long celebration of Samal's founding
Festival Norte anniversary
Hinatdan Festival Cebu City
Witches Festival Siquijor
Sumbrero Festival Biñan, Laguna
Say-am Festival Calanasan, Apayao
Payvanuvanuan Festival Mahatao, Batanes
Turumba Festival Pakil, Laguna seven-day feast in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows
Banga, South
Banga Anniversary Fiesta
Cotabato
Dinagsa Festival Muntinlup
Tinikling Malaybalay City
Araw ng Island Garden City of
Island Garden City of
Samal
Samal
(IGACOS Festival)
Araw ng Tagum City Tagum City
Parade of Festivals Muntinlupa
Sugbahan Davao City
Malasimbo Music and Arts
Puerto Galera, Oriental
Festival – the Mangyan
Mindoro
Cultural Festival
Pacto de Sangre
New Washington,
(Blood Compact of New
Aklan
Washington, Aklan)
Council of Balabago
Culasi, Antique
Reenactment
Manchatchatong Festival Balbalan, Kalinga
Puerto Princesa Foundation
Puerto Princesa City
Day
Ses'long Festival T'Boli, South Cotabato
Ayyoweng de Lambak ed Tadian, Mountain
Tadian Province
Braulio E. Dujali,
Tilapia Festival
Davao del Norte
Norala, South
Kamayadan Festival
Cotabato
Boling-boling Festival Catanauan, Quezon
Nabunturan, Davao de
Bulawan Festival
Oro
Abrenian Kawayan Festival formerly known as Arya! Abra Festival; celebrates
Bangued, Abra
(Abra Foundation Day) the founding of Abra province
Panagtagbo Festival Tagum City
Nabunturan, Davao de
Al-law ng Kalumunan
Oro
Anibina Bulawanun Festival Davao de Oro eight-day multi-themed annual festival
Anilag Festival Santa Cruz, Laguna
Holistic Festival Labrador, Pangasinan

Name
Bantayan Festival
Eid al-Fitr
Penetensiyahan
Araw ng Dabaw Celebration
Anao Town Fiesta
Pintados de Passi Festival
Delfin Albano Patronal Town
Fiesta
Sikaran Festival
Bacao Festival
Semana Santa sa Iguig
Calvary Hills
Homonhon Landing
Anniversary
Lugahait Festival
Magallanes Festival
Pasayaw Festiva
Anitap Festival
Death Anniversary of Pres.
Ramon Magsaysay
Paynauen Festival
Banana Festival
Peñablanca Patronal Town
Fiesta
Diadi Town Fiesta[
Strawberry Festival
Soli-Soli Festival
Carabao Festival
Tabak Festival
Baykat Festival/Aritao Town
Fiesta
Sulyog Festival
Barotorera Festival
Mango Festival
San Jose Fiesta
Sinigayan Festival
Araw ng Panabo
Pindangan Festival
Saginyogan Festival
Sabutan Festival [
Notes
Location
(commemoration/main attraction(s)
Guimbal, Iloilo
Region XII
Rosario, Batangas
celebration of Davao's Foundation Day as a
Davao City
chartered city
Anao, Tarlac
Passi City, Iloilo history of Passi City
Delfin Albano, Isabela
Baras, Rizal
Echague, Isabela
Iguig, Cagayan
Homonhon, Eastern
discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan
Samar
Lugait, Misamis
Oriental[
Guiuan, Eastern
Samar
Canlaon City, Negros
Oriental
Kapangan, Benguet
Castillejos, Zambales
Iba, Zambales
Baco, Oriental Mindoro
Peñablanca, Cagayan
Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya
La Trinidad, Benguet strawberries and strawberry products
San Francisco, Cebu
San Jose, Romblon Formerly known as Jones
Tabaco City, Albay
Aritao, Nueva
Vizcaya[45]
Bongabong, Oriental
Mindoro[
Gingoog City
Iba, Zambales mangoes and its by-products
Davao de Oro
Sagay City Shell craft art
Panabo City
San Fernando City, La
Union
Alcantara, Romblon Tablas Island
Palanan, Isabela
 Notes
Name Location
(commemoration/main attraction(s)
Calapan City, Oriental
Kalap Festival
Mindoro
Alimango Festival Lala, Lanao del Norte
Torugpo Carigara, Leyte
Malaybalay City Chartered
Malaybalay City
Day
Tabacco Festival Candon City
Ani Festival Dingras, Ilocos Norte
19 Martyrs of Aklan Kalibo, Aklan
Salubong sa Angono Angono, Rizal reunion of the Risen Christ with the Virgin Mar
Kisi-kisi Festival Negros Occidental
Manok ni San Pedro Festival San Pedro, Laguna
Marcos Town
Marcos, Ilocos Norte
Fiesta/Mannalon Festival
Tobacco Festival Candon City tobacco
Katkat sa Dipolog Dipolog City
Senakulo / Holy Week Rituals
nationwide
& Processions
Cuaresma San Jose, Antique
Parpaguha Festival San Andres, Romblon Tablas Island
Balot sa Puti Festival Pateros
Gawagaway-yan Kawayan
Cauayan City
Festival
Malibay Cenaculo Pasay[
Bangus Festival Panabo City
Sinugdan
Limasawa
(Commemoration of the First commemoration of the first Christian mass
Island, Southern Leyte
Christian Mass)
First Easter Mass Celebration Butuan City
week-long event honoring Jesus Christ's death on
Holy Week nationwide
the Cross
believed to be the origin of Marinduque's Moriones
Centurion Festival General Luna, Quezon
Festival
carabao-pulled carts, thanksgiving and harvest
Kariton Festival Licab, Nueva Ecija
festival
Boac,
Moriones Festival part of Holy Week; commemorates Saint Longinus
Marinduque
Pagtaltal sa Guimaras procession of flagellants and devotees in biblical
Jordan, Guimaras
(Ang Pagtaltal) attire
celebrates the meeting of the Risen Christ and the
Sugat Kabanhawan Festival Minglanilla, Cebu sorrowful Mother Mary (Sugat), and
the resurrection of Jesus (Kabanhawan).

REGION III- Central Luzon

Central Luzon (Kapampangan: Kalibudtarang Luzon, Pangasinan: Pegley na
Luzon, Tagalog: Gitnang Luzon, Ilocano: Tengnga ti 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 (the largest island), 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

Etymology
Current name of the region is in reference to its position on the large island of Luzon.
The term was coined by American colonialists after the defeat of the First Philippine
Republic. There have been proposals to rename the current Central Luzon region into
the Luzones region. The proposed name is in reference to the old name of Luzon
island, Luções, which was later used to refer to the central area of the island, stretching
from Pagasinan in the north, all the way to Pampanga in the south. The term Luções
literally translates into Luzones.
Geography
The region of Central Luzon is located north of Manila, the nation's capital. Bordering it
are the regions of Ilocos and Cagayan Valley to the north; National Capital
Region, Calabarzon and the waters of Manila Bay to the south; South China Sea to the
west; and the Philippine Sea to the east. Pangasinan is historico-culturally and
geographically an integral part of this region, but was politically made part of the Ilocos
Region by President Ferdinand Marcos on June 22, 1973 .There are fourteen cities in
the region: Balanga in Bataan; Malolos, Meycauayan and San Jose del Monte in
Bulacan; Cabanatuan, Gapan, Muñoz, Palayan and San Jose in Nueva Ecija; Angeles
City, Mabalacat and San Fernando in Pampanga; Tarlac in Tarlac; and Olongapo in
Zambales. Central Luzon produces the most rice in the whole country. Excess rice is
delivered and imported to other regions of the Philippines. The City of San Fernando,
provincial capital of Pampanga, is designated as the regional center. Aurora was
transferred from Region IV through Executive Order No. 103 in May 2002

Administrative divisions
Central Luzon comprises 7 provinces, 2 highly urbanized cities, 12 component cities,
116 municipalities, 3,102 barangays

Cities
The Central Luzon Region has fourteen cities. San Jose del Monte is the city with the
most population while Angeles City is the most densely populated city in the
region. Tarlac City is the largest based on land area.
Languages
The native languages of Central Luzon are:
Kapampangan, spoken in the entirety of Pampanga and southern Tarlac, as well as
southeastern Zambales, northeastern Bataan, western Bulacan, and southwestern
Nueva Ecija.

 Pangasinan, spoken in northern Tarlac, northeastern Zambales, and northwestern

Nueva Ecija.
 Tagalog, spoken in Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Bataan, and
Zambales. It is the regional lingua franca.
 Ilocano, spoken in northern Nueva Ecija and some parts of Tarlac, Zambales, and
Aurora.
 Sambal, spoken in a majority of Zambales and a few scattered areas in Bataan and
Pampanga.
Religion
Eighty percent of the population of Central Luzon is Roman Catholic. Other religions
represented are Protestants (including Evangelicals), Islam, Iglesia ni Cristo,
and indigenous Philippine folk religions. There are also other denominations such as
Jesus Is Lord, Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ, Ang Dating Daan, Jesus Miracle
Crusade, United Methodist Church and others.

TOURIST SPOT
Capas National Shrine, Capas, Tarlac
The shrine, located on a 54-hecatre property in Brgy. O’ Donnell, Capas, Tarlac was the
first prison camp for the men who survived the “Death March” at the hands of the
Japanese during the last world war in 1942. The Camp O’ Donnell Memorial Monument
was built by the organization known as “The Battling Bastards of Bataan” to honor the
Americans and Filipinos who died at Camp O’ Donnell, while prisoners of the Japanese.
The Cement Cross is a replica of the original cement cross built by the POWs. The
monument is adjacent to the memorial for the Philippine Army dead. The “Cross” was
built as a memorial to the thousands who died in that camp. It is as much a part of
Bataan as the participants in that battle. The inscription on the base of the “Cross” reads
“Omnia Pro Patria”: All For Country. On the wall behind the “Cross” are inscribed the
names of the men who died at Camp O’ Donnell. The original “Cement Cross” is now on
display in the National Prisoner of War Museum, at the Andersonville National Historic
Site, Andersonville, GA. It was brought to this country by Bataan survivors. An outdoor
nook features a wall inscribed with the names of the fallen Americans. An adjacent
museum called Defender’s Hall consists of a modest collection of photos that document
the Death March and travails of POWs in prison camps. It has preserved one of the
remnants of wartime atrocities – a boxcar that transported survivors of the Death March
from San Fernando, Pampanga to Capas. Measuring six feet long, eight feet wide and
six feet high, it had once been a freight car of the Manila Railroad Company before the
war and could fit only 50-60 people. But Japanese soldiers forcibly squeezed in 150-160
using rifle butts and bayonets. The captives, whose only source of ventilation was a slit
on the door, suffocated in the virtual cover under the tropical heat. Many of them died in
their upright positions, their bodies giving up on constricted space which had been
polluted with excrement, urine and vomit. A 70-meter obelisk, built to offset the grim
history of Capas, symbolizes peace among Filipinos, the Japanese and Americans.
Camp O’ Donnell, Capas, Tarlac
The camp re-creates in memory the infamous Death March of the Filipino and American
soldiers held captive by the Japanese imperial forces during World War II in 1942.
Located in Camp O’ Donnell, seven kilometers west of Capas, it was the final stage of
the tragic death march and a concentration camp with an open field which served as the
grave site of nearly 30,000 Filipino and American soldiers who died with debilitating
diseases. An obelisk and a museum stand tall to immortalize the memory of the heroes
of democracy and freedom.

Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City, Tarlac

The Cojuangco-owned hacienda in Tarlac City houses the famous Tarlac Industrial Park
where a growing list of international export producing companies are located. It boasts of
an 18-hole championship golf course, shopping malls, world-class restaurants, hotels, a
Beverly Hill – type of residential estate and a vast sugar plantation. Also located in the
complex is the Aquino Center and Museum.

Mt. Pinatubo Wellness Spa

Found in Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas,  it is a fascinating oasis amidst a picturesque
pastoral environment framed by rolling hills and mountain ranges.  This new product in
health tourism offers a first-of-a-kind model in fitness therapy and wellbeing: from a
relaxing body wrap on sulfur-laden hot volcanic sand, to a revitalizing dip in a thermal
bath and foot spa, and finally to a soothing Shiatzu body work in a 100-pax capacity
massage parlor – all made possible after a day’s sweltering trek to Mt. Pinatubo. The
wellness center also serves Korean/native cuisine cum grillery in a 200-seat capacity
open-air restaurant plus a souvenir shop and soda fountain serving health products to
the intrepid explorer.

Pinatubo Trek:  Trek to the crater of the world-famous Mt. Pinatubo. Spectacular views,
towering lahar canyons, cool mountain springs and cascading waterfalls make that trip
up the volcano an experience to remember. Drive on board an all-weather vehicle for
one hour, disembark and trek for maximum of two hours to the crater, view the tranquil
yet majestic 2.5-km crater-lake. Or bathe in any of the six sulfur-filled thermal pools at
Sitio Tarukan. Cap your day with a generous fishing expedition at Tambo Lake before
proceeding to the wellness spa.

Tarlac Ecotourism Park, Brgy. Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac

In the early months of 2001 under the leadership of Governor Jose “Aping” Yap, a
project was launched to find a place in the province where people and nature can co-
exist in harmony with each other. Soon after, a 278-ha forested land that would
eventually serve as a sanctuary for the environment and nature lovers was established.

Located at an altitude of 308 meters above sea level, 30 kilometers from Tarlac City, the
said place boasts of perfect climatic condition with natural ecosystem of plants,
disterocarp trees, convenient habitat for native and migratory birds and wild animals.
The place is a perfect place for camping holidays.

On April 12, 2004, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 602
officially declaring the Tarlac Ecotourism Park as “ecotourism park and campsite.” Vic
Yap, in-charge of Special Projects Office, facilitated the construction of concrete roads,
electricity, water system, eco-park buildings and other amenities for the campsite.

Timangguyob Waterfalls, San Clemente, Tarlac

A magnificent fall tucked in the middle of nowhere. This natural wonder is quite unique
that the water flows down on an extraordinarily vast boulder carved and shaped by
nature – like a basin – through many years of exposure to the continuous flow of water
pouring from atop at 50 feet in height. The basin-like solid foundation, where the water is
generously maintained at maximum of 5 feet is in essence indigenous but beautifully
crafted swimming pool. The journey offers an invigorating experience, giving a luxurious,
healthful escapade to the people brave enough to find their way to the majestic
Timangguyob.