Regio III – Central Luzon

Group 6

Introduction

Known as the:

• FERTILE CENTRAL PLAINS• RICE BASKET OF THE

PHILIPPINES

It is called as such because it produces most of the country’s dining staple: rice. The abundance of rice and vegetables make their cuisines, delectable and superb, from the Kapangpangan biringhe and sisig to Bulacan sweets.

History

• One of the earliest areas converted to Christianity through conqueror, Hernando Magallanes for 50 years after he stepped on the Philippine soil.

• The region produced the most noble fighters and heroes in the history of the Philippines, who fought for freedom against the oppressors.

• The presence of medieval churches made the region a witness of a dramatic history:

• BALER (a 17th century building) - the LAST Spanish bastion in the Philippines

• Barasoain Church in Bulacan – made from adobe and lime; it witnessed the signing of the Fist Philippine Republic and the first democratic constitution in Asia.

Barasoain Church

Baler

A filipino movie casted by Anne

Curtis, (a Filipina) and Jericho Rosales, (a

Spanish soldier who fell in love with a Filipina)

• Culture here is number one and there are incredible fiestas that reflect each town’s distinct culture, from the Giant Lantern Parade in San Fernando, Pampanga, to the Fertility Rites in Obando, Bulacan.

• For stunning nature, the province of Aurora has a stunning 328-kilometer coastline where beach and surf rule.  In San Jose, Tarlac, right before the Monastario de Tarlac, experience whitewater kayaking in Bulsa river!  Mt. Pinatubo, which straddles Pampanga, Zambales, and Tarlac is quite a sight, especially when you get to the neon-blue caldera lake via Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac.

Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s a one-day food trip or several days of

adventure, head for Central Luzon. It’s closer than you think!

Natural Natural ResourcesResources

Natural Natural ResourcesResources

It produces one third of the country’s rice supply

Forty one percent of the region’s total land area is devoted to agricultural purposes with rice as the major crop.

Other products produced by the region

Forestland comprises 23% of its land area.

• Central Luzon is rich in both timber and mineral resources.

• Both metallic and non- metallic resources are found in the region.

Aurora is known for its

timber

Zambales for its

refractory chromite,

copper and nickel

deposits

BulacanMarble

PampangaSand and Gravel

Nueva Ecija feldspar

Tarlac - Manganese

Melon patches

and fishponds can also be found

along rivers and tributaries.

It has rich marine

resources and accounts for the third

largest aquaculture production in

the Philippines.

Mount Pinatubo is a 1485 meters high volcano localized at the borders of 3 provinces: Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales. The last eruption of the volcano happened in 1991. To visit it’s turquoise crater lake you will have to trek 3 hours to reach it. It’s also possible to a sky tour if you prefer to see the volcano from the air.

Anawangin is a pristine beach cove in the Zambales province.The best option is to spend an overnight there. Camping is allowed.

Subic is a famous diving spot for wrecks. Subic was a former US naval base and is easily accessible from Manila by Public transportation.

Zoobic is a park in Subic where you can watch exotic wildlife, as tigers, or crocodiles.

If you’re into surfing don’t miss Baler. This spot has some huge waves especially during the monsoon.

Mount Samat in the province of Bataan is a popular trek for veterans as it has a shrine on its summit to remember the soldiers who died died during the second world war.

Capones Island can be reached from Pundaquit Zambales. You need two days to complete this adventure.

This festival happens every December in San fernando, Pampanga . People will parade some giant lanterns all over the town . A great event for photographers.

Bulacan prpovince has several interesting caves including Biak na Bato, the most famous.

Each February , Clark hosts the hot air Balloons Festival.