Mabalacat City is a city in the province of Pampanga, Philippines.

Mabalacat was formerly a barrio of Bamban

which at that time was a town of Pampanga. In 1792, it became a separate town named after the Balacat Trees that
grew abundantly in the area. In the Kapampangan dialect, Mabalacat means “full of Balacat trees”. It has a population
of about 293,244 people determined by the 2020 Census distributed over 27 barangays, and a land area of more than
2,000 square kilometers. It is known for its Balakat Festival formerly known as Caragan Festival, which celebrates the
city’s name, history, and culture. Balakat means fortitude, stability, and resilience in Kapampangan, the local language.
The city also supports and promotes arts and culture through cuisine, which is famous for its variety and flavor.
Festivals, which reflect their religious devotion and native traditions. Language, which is one of the significant
languages in the Philippines, and also various projects and programs, such as museums, heritage sites, cultural centers,
and events.

Proverbs, sayings, and folkways are essential ways of preserving and passing down cultural heritage in any
community, including Mabalacat City in Pampanga. Proverbs and sayings are short expressions that convey wisdom,
values, or advice based on common sense or experience. Folkways are traditional behaviors or customs that are shared
by a social group and provide a mode of conduct. These forms of expression reflect the history, identity, and beliefs of
the people who use them. They also help to educate and socialize the younger generations about their culture and
norms.

These folkways express the religious devotion, artistic creativity, and culinary heritage of the people of
Mabalacat. Some examples of folkways in Mabalacat City are: “Celebrating the Caragan Festival and change into
the Balacat Festival”, which honors the city’s founder, Caragan, and showcases the city’s history and culture through
street dancing, parades, and exhibits. “Eating sisig” is a chopped pig’s head and liver dish seasoned with calamansi,
onion, and chili pepper. It is considered the signature dish of Pampanga.

Mabalacat City is a city in the province of Pampanga, Philippines, where the Kapampangan language is
spoken. Kapampangan proverbs are traditional sayings or maxims that express the wisdom and culture of the
Kapampangan people. Here are some examples of Kapampangan proverbs and their English translations:

The phrase “Nung kakaung ya ing asu, Ating daratang a tau” shows the symbiotic relationship that exists
between humans and animals, in which animals are seen as having an uncanny ability to sense things that humans
cannot.It can be interpreted as a warning or a sign of something happening. It can also be translated to Tagalog as
‘Kapag tumahol ang aso, may darating na tao’. It speaks of how humans can use animals as an early warning system,
either of danger or of opportunity. It’s a metaphor for being mindful, of not taking nature or other animals for granted,
as they can be indicators of events coming both good and bad.

The phrase “Ing camalian ning macualta Mabubulang lang mata ra.” is a Kapampangan proverb that means
‘the richness of the tracks is what makes people lose their way.’ It is a saying that warns about the dangers of being
arrogant, greedy or foolish because of wealth. It implies that a rich person may not see the truth or reality clearly
because of his or her own mistakes or biases. This serves to further reinforce the notion that having wealth can make
richer people forget about the importance of their journey in life.It also suggests that wealth is not a guarantee of
happiness or wisdom. This proverb is rooted in an old Mexican saying reminds us of the importance of remaining
humble and content with what we have in life. It places an emphasis on leading a life of simplicity and moderation over
ostentatious showmanship.

The phrase “Eka mamaronga nung eka bisang mituran” ‘Do not cast stone if you do not want to be stroke’
is a wise proverb that is used in many cultures and contexts. It reminds us to think twice before acting, to consider the
potential outcomes of our actions before engaging in them, and to avoid engaging in a useless tit-for-tat battle. When
taking any action, we should remember that we cannot control the consequences of our words and acts, and should
therefore consider them carefully. It is a way of saying that one should not do harm to others if one does not want to
receive harm in return. It is similar to the English saying “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. The
proverb reflects the Kapampangan culture of being respectful and fair to others.
 “Mamie ka ban midinan ka.” ‘Give and you will receive’. It expresses the idea that generosity will be
rewarded, and that one should not be stingy or selfish. It is similar to the biblical verse “Give, and it will be given to
you” (Luke 6:38). The proverb highlights the idea of 'karamazampiro', which is a concept rooted in Malagasy culture,
that as humans, we are all responsible for helping and caring for one another. In the proverb, the words ‘ban midinan’
mean literally ‘give and receive’. It emphasises that when a person gives something, either material or immaterial, he or
she will be rewarded accordingly, as the act of giving causes a chain reaction that brings rewards to both the giver and
the receiver. By practising generosity, empathy, and generosity, we can create a world of mutual respect and
understanding. We can use this proverb as a reminder that we are here to help each other and serve the community, and
that solidarity and co-operation is one of the keys to a better world.

The saying “Eka mamie dalan ban eka midalanan” ‘Do not give way to avoid being rail raide’d. It is a
metaphor for standing up for oneself and not letting others take advantage of you. It also implies that giving way or
compromising can lead to losing one’s rights or being oppressed. The word dalan means road or way, and the word
midalanan means to be run over by a train or rail raided. A reminder for people to maintain their resolve in the face of
adversity and not to give in to the pressures or demands of others. It urges people to stand their ground and keep their
goods and property out of the hands of unscrupulous merchants. Takes on a more complex meaning in a modern
context. In a world where corporate interests often take precedence over individual ones, this saying acts as a reminder
to protect one’s own interests even if it means standing against powerful forces. In today's society, the spirit of “Eka
mamie dalan ban eka midalanan” still rings true. It is an essential reminder for individuals to adhere to their principles
no matter what the cost and to refuse to accept the coercive tactics of those who threaten their autonomy.

the phrase “Ing pusang mepali na, Marimla man tatakut ya” ‘A cat, after being burned, will be afraid even of
ashes.’ This is a Kapampangan proverb that means a person who has had a bad experience will be afraid of anything
related to it. It is similar to the English saying “once bitten, twice shy”. An important reminder that once a person has
been hurt, there can be long lasting effects. It is also a warning to treat others with respect and to be sensitive and
understanding, so that no one has to endure the fear of emanating from past wounds.

The phrase “Ing matuas a mabie, e ya mabie king anak na” is a Kapampangan proverb1 that means, ‘A
parent who is good will not be good to his child.’ Some possible contexts where this proverb can be used are: When a
parent scolds or punishes their child for doing something wrong, they can say this proverb to explain that they are
doing it for the child’s own good. When a child complains or resents their parent for being strict or demanding, they
can be reminded of this proverb to appreciate their parent’s care and guidance. When someone observes or comments
on another parent’s parenting style, they can use this proverb to express their opinion or advice. This proverb also
emphasizes the need for parents to be aware of the potential consequences of their decisions and how those
consequences may affect their child. Parenting is often a difficult task and requires parents to be mindful of their
actions and their effects on the individual child.

These proverbs teach lessons about caution and discipline, which are important values in Kapampangan
culture. These are just some of the traditional expressions and proverbs commonly used in Mabalacat City. Not only are
these sayings and proverbs full of wisdom but they also reveal the unique culture and character of the people living in
Mabalacat City.
References:
https://www.philatlas.com/luzon/r03/pampanga/mabalacat.html
https://www.tagaloglang.com/kapampangan-proverbs/
https://www.bing.com/search?q=folkways+definition&toWww=1&redig=DD243E591C75466DB81D3C5DDC5E3F1C
https://www.bworldonline.com/features/2018/06/22/167614/pampanga-a-beacon-of-philippine-culture-history-economy/
https://sage-answer.com/what-are-the-culture-of-pampanga/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabalacat
https://joyofmuseums.com/museums/asia-museums/philippines-museums/philippines-filipino-proverbs/
https://www.tagaloglang.com/kapampangan-proverbs/
https://rodrigosicat.wordpress.com/2011/08/26/tarlac-proverbs-riddles-and-superstitious-beliefs/
https://www.tagaloglang.com/kapampangan-proverbs/
https://quizlet.com/721607347/kapampangan-literature-flash-cards/
https://www.tagaloglang.com/kapampangan-riddles/