SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA 

San Fernando, Pampanga which is christened as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, is located at the heart of the province. San Fernando is endowed with the most surprising places of interest, sites, and structures that played a part in Philippine history. As one of the first provinces established by the Spaniards, Pampanga boasts of a long and rich history, just waiting to be rediscovered.

The main focus of this site is not on the province itself but on the capital city of Pampanga which is San Fernando. San Fernando was established as an individual municipality on August 15, 1754 during the term of Spanish Governor General Pedro Maneul de Arandia.

When people think of Pampanga, they almost always associate the province with food. But Pampanga is also blessed with natural wonders. There is something for everyone in Pampanga, and you will never run out of things to do.

The capital city truly boasts a rich culture that would attract the attention of not only tourists but of residents as well. From the lively festivities to the sumptuous dishes all the way to the historical and natural sites, you can find it all in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Those living in Arayat, Lubao and other relatively undeveloped areas in the province speak Kapampangan. But those in urbanized centers like San Fernando and Angeles particularly the younger generation who are affected by other cultures such as the center which is Manila don’t speak the language. The conscious and unconscious decision of families in not passing on their language and culture is considered the biggest threat to Philippine languages. These families opted to have their children learn and become fluent in the national language to have a better place in society. In the process these children lose their identity.

Trivia: The city is named after Fernando VI of Spain. Its patron saint is Saint Ferdinand III of Castile and León. It is known as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines". The city holds the annual Giant Lantern Festival every December where large lanterns are displayed in competition.

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Traditions and customs are part of every nation’s culture. It is through these two that we are defined as a people of a particular country. Like the Philippines for example. Our tradition of Noche Buena during Christmas, recreating the Passion of the Christ during Lent, and various festivals to commemorate and honor the beliefs of indigenous tribes make us who we are and set us apart from other nations and their celebrations. And since the Philippines has many provinces, each province has its own particular culture that makes them stand out from the rest. San Fernando, Pampanga is known as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines because of the lantern production, hence the Paskuhan Village and the Giant Lantern Festival. This has given San Fernando its identity.

San Fernando, Pampanga is a festive and lively city. The Giant Lantern Festival isn’t the only festival under its name. If you’re planning to party Pinoy style, check out these other festivals that San Fernando celebrates.  Every 30th of May Fernandinos gather to celebrate the town’s fiesta in honor of St. Ferdinand, the namesake of the town. It is commemorated the Filipino way by a succession of masses and a grand procession. Never straying away from food, native Filipino cuisine is served during this festival as well as Kapampangan goods that really define the province.  No doubt these traditions are purely significant to the Kapampangan’s especially the Fernandino.

If you’re planning to party Pinoy style, check out these other festivals that San Fernando celebrates.

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TUGAK FESTIVAL

As mentioned on the food page, tugak is frog in Kapampangan and indeed there is a festival to honor this jumpy amphibian and it is celebrated every October. Daigdig Pinoy (2007) says that the reason San Fernandinos commemorate the frog is because when Mt. Pinatubo erupted, their city was devastated and became destitute because of the lahar flow. The frogs however were able to survive as well as most of the people in San Fernando. To them, the frog symbolizes them as a people because they can stay strong no matter what the challenge.

-The entire city comes alive when they celebrate the Tugak Festival as much as when they celebrate other festivals. There are frog catching contests and frog races for the young children who take their pet frogs and make them compete against other frogs through these games. Frog mascots, street dancing, and parades are also part of this grand celebration that only San Fernando can offer. All this celebrating can make one hungry but they have got that covered. Native treats like rice cakes as well as the famous betute tugak which is a deep fried, stuffed frog. Culinary students battle it out in cooking contests, whipping up some dishes made with, you guessed it, frogs!

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SINUKWAN FESTIVAL

Another December festival that is celebrated in San Fernando is the Sinukwan Festival in honor of the ancient mythical god Aring Sinukwan. This festival is a celebration of everything Kapampangan, from food to culture to dances. It is during this celebration that trade fairs, cultural pageants, and street dancing are done. The partakers in the festival dance in the streets in their elaborate white and yellow costumes to the Kapampangan song “Atin Cu Pung Singsing”.

In my opinion, this is the festival that truly defines Pampanga because as mentioned, it is a celebration of everything Kapampangan and with all the fusion of cultures, colors, tastes, and sounds, you get to see Pampanga and the best of it all in one festival.

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EL CIRCULO FERNANDINO

Every first Sunday of May, people from San Fernando come together to celebrate a culminating event known as El Circulo Fernandino. It is during this festival that all glamour and class meet, women flaunting their lavish gowns and expensive jewelry and men would look their best in barongs and spend the night dancing. This elite club was created for young men and women to socialize and meet new people. Pampanga’s finest and richest people celebrated this throughout the 19th century all the way to the early 20th century. It, however had to come to a stop upon the dawn of the Second World War but resumed after the war. In 1987, the organization had to come to a stop but was revived once more in 1997 by Engineer Angelo David and Dr. Leticia Cordero Yap.

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SAN PEDRO CUTUD LENTEN RITES

From the name itself, you know that this festival is observed every Lenten season. It is simply known as the Passion of Christ. Practiced every Good Friday, brave men recreate the Passion of Jesus Christ from the scourging to the bearing of the cross and the highlight of the event, the crucifixion. And they do it before a crowd of devout Catholics who follow them throughout the bearing. The crucifixion is actual, with nails being hammered into their palms and their feet, their ankles and wrists being tied and the cross being planted on the ground, the men bearing the pain brought about by their previous sufferings, from the self-scourging to the bearing and the heat of the tropical country sun. Blood, tears, and sweat indeed, all for the Glory of God and the commemoration of Jesus Christ’s death!

Of course, the crucifixion is not done in the same brutal manner that was done to Jesus. It is executed in a much safer way but there is still no denying of the dangers and the pains that this practice could bring.

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GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL

When I said that there are more festivals aside from the Giant Lantern, we cannot possibly leave San Fernando’s signature festival out. Plus, I think it’s fitting to talk about this since the yuletide season is upon us. The Giant Lantern Festival is celebrated the Saturday before Christmas eve, displaying a wide variety of giant lanterns crafted by locals themselves. You can just imagine how bright it must be, with blinding, colorful lights shining from the lanterns. No wonder Pampanga was named the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. These parols with their lights remind us how Christmas in the Philippines really feels.

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A rich and fertile valley in Central Luzon, this Philippine province has a lot to offer to locals and tourists alike. It should come as no surprise that the province would be somewhat of a foodie’s haven given the province’s selection of unique and delectable cuisine and food items. However, dining and food aside, Pampanga is worth the visit because it is rife with a myriad of things to do that you would hardly get bored.

In fact, you can fill a three-day travel itinerary with the activities you can do in the province. From a slew of churches, amazing festivals, and thrill-seeking activities, there is so much to do in Pampanga. So, if you are looking for a glimpse of what the life up north is like, you might just want to take a trip to the dubbed culinary capital of the Philippines—and not just to sample their food but to experience the province as a whole as well.

“Mekeni tuki ka. Mamasyal ta Pampanga!”

The Kapampangan slogan above means “Come, join me. Let’s travel Pampanga.” Pampanga Tourist Attractions are among the most exciting places and events in the  Philippines.

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Paskuhan Village

Perhaps, we should start our discussion with the Paskuhan Village. The village is mainly a Christmas-themed park, the only one in Asia. The village has star-shaped pavilions as well as crafts shops where souvenirs can be bought. Every year, Kapampangans head to San Fernando for Ligligan Parul (Giant Lantern Festival), which is held at the Paskuhan Village. The festival showcases the biggest, most colorful, most innovative and most meaningful lanterns. Each barangay of the city creates a giant lantern to showcase their talent and craftsmanship.

Inside the Paskuhan Village are other attractions namely:

The Secretary’s Garden Nature’s Sanctuary Rock Climbing Poinsettia Hall It was now called Hilaga Philippines since it features arts and crafts from Central and North Luzon, but the locals are more comfortable with its first name. Don’t forget to take home a Paril Sampernandu (San Fernando lantern). The lantern is usually made from handmade papers, capiz or fiberglass.

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Sky Ranch Pampanga

If your family (or kids) are a huge fan of rides, Sky Ranch Pampanga is a destination you definitely need to check out. Located in SM City Pampanga, Sky Ranch Pampanga is filled with rides that are kid-friendly, like the Double Decker carousel, Kangaroo Jump and Express Train. If you’re looking for something a little bit more thrilling, you can scream as loud as you can on the Space Shuttle, hold on tight to your seat while on the Loop Roller Coaster, or go as high as you can on the Bungee Jump. Families can also ride the Pampanga Eye, the biggest and tallest Ferris Wheel in the entire Philippines. You can also play games and win prizes, and when you’re craving for some munchies, you can head over to the food stalls inside the park.

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San Fernando Train Station

San Fernando Train Station looks like it came from a completely different era: and it did. It no longer functions today, but it was fully functioning back in the years prior to the early 1900s up until the second world war. Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, even stepped foot into this train station when he visited San Fernando and Bacolor! Now, it has a museum with photos, memorabilia and statues commemorating the time when San Fernando Train Station was alive and bustling. It also has a Bataan death march marker, to give honor to the lives lost during the Japanese occupation. Because of its historical significance, San Fernando Train Station was declared a historical landmark by the National Historical Institute – and a must-see attraction by many visitors.

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Arzobispado De Pampanga Church

You can spend your Sunday morning attending mass here, or you can simply marvel at the fine architecture that encapsulates the place. It’s for this reason as well that Arzobispado De Pampanga Church is a famed weeding venue! Arzobispado De Pampanga Church is open to all guests and does not have any entrance fee whatsoever.

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Villa Alfredo’s

Villa Alfredo’s is the place to be in San Fernando City if you want to spend your family bonding weekend splashing around in the water and having fun. Located in Barangay Baliti, Villa Alfredo’s allow its guests to swim around in its vast swimming pools, enjoy its waterslides, sing to their favorite songs on its karaoke machines, and awe at nature’s wonders by checking out its exotic bird sanctuary, botany garden or marine aquarium. Your family can spend a good afternoon here!

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Relax at Citronnelle Spa & Café

Located on the 2nd floor of ESSEL Commercial Complex along MacArthur Highway, Citronnelle Spa and Café offers guests the chance to relax and unwind without burning your pockets. So if you get tired from all the adventures in San Fernando City, you can head over to Ctronnelle Spa & Café for a relaxing one-hour massage at only 200 PHP (4.00 USD). They’re open from 10 am – 12 mn, and offer other pampering and relaxation services such as body and facial care treatments, steam room access, and waxing services as well. What a perfect way to end the day than to treat yourself to that hard-earned massage.

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Jump Yard Indoor Trampoline Park

The Jump Yard Indoor Trampoline Park in San Fernando, Pampanga is the best fun for athletic families. The facility is strong on safety and there’s a special warm-up area. Lockers are available. Inside the main trampoline area, numbers of people are controlled. Kids under five-years-old are allowed, but only in the toddler area. Visitors can register online at their website or at the counter. There are many fun things to do, like a climbing wall and bouncy basketball. Jump and fall, land in the giant foam blocks. This is simply good family fun-time at a unique entertainment center in Pampanga.

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Sandbox

Wall Climbing in Sandbox in Porac, Pampanga Blow off the stress from the week and go on a weekend of thrilling activities at Sandbox in Porac, Pampanga.

The outdoor adventure park has a number of adventure zones you can choose from, such as the Giant Swing, the Aerial Walk Challenge, the Avatar One, and the Adventure Tower, which includes the wall-climbing zone. Sandbox also offers ATV and mini-ATV rides, camping sites, and kiddie playgrounds for those who opt to stay on level ground.

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Through the years, Pampanga has been known to serve some of the most delicious and ingenious dishes the Philippines has known. Thanks to Kapampangan classic dishes such as sisig and kare-kare, and exotic favorites like kamaro (fried insects) and fried farm frogs, Pampanga has been dubbed as the country's culinary capital.

Local Kapampangan cuisine is said to be legendary and different from the other cuisines around the Philippines. According to historians, Spanish friars and sailors taught the locals how to cook Spanish dishes. Kapampangan cuisine has a long, rich, and flavorful history that helped the province earned the title of Culinary Capital of the Philippines. Even if many Pampanga restaurants are offering different cuisines, including Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Italian, German, and Spanish, here are some of the best Kapampangan dishes you should taste when you visit San Fernando, Pampanga.

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