When Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991, Angeles was one of the areas that were badly affected – it was about 20-40 kilometers from the summit. This wasn’t the only blow suffered by the city in 1991: Americans officially turned over Clark Air Base – a former US military facility – to the Philippine government which meant income and job loss for those who depended on American presence in the area.
After being neglected for years, the former American Air Force base was cleaned up and turned into the Clark Special Economic Zone (now Clark Freeport Zone) which also includes the Clark International Airport. Today, it forms a major center for business, industry and tourism together with Angeles City.
Located close to a former American base and having connections to the Spanish period as well, Angeles is packed with culture and history that are definitely worth exploring. As a highly urbanized city, visitors can expect to find a number of amusements to make their sojourn a memorable one.
Attractions in Angeles, Pampanga
- Salakot Arch. An Angeles Landmark, this structure stands as a symbol of friendship between the Philippines and the United States. It sits near the entrance of the Clark Freeport Zone.
Salakot Arch Photo by: Pancit Canton Media/Wikimedia Commons - Holy Rosary Church. Constructed through forced labor during the Spanish Occupation of the Philippines, this church had many uses since it was built in the 19th century. Filipino rebels were shot down in the church’s backyard and the church itself was used as a military hospital when the Americans came.
Holy Rosary Church Photo by: Judgefloro/Wikimedia Commons - Museum of Philippine Social History. Housed in the more than century old Pamintuan Mansion in Miranda Street, the museum showcases various aspects of the social life of Filipinos, including how the colonial times shaped the influences of Filipino people.
Pamintuan Mansion Photo by: Judgefloro/Wikimedia Commons - Museo ning Angeles. Located across the Holy Rosary Church, the museum is the go-to place if you want to learn the history of Angeles City.
- Bale Herencia. Reputed to be built for a parish priest’s mistress back in 1860, the structure as it is today is occupied by various tenants but its architecture has been preserved.
Events in Angeles, Pampanga
- Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Festival. Held each year between January and February, this is a colorful time of the year as over a hundred balloons rise up to the sky.
Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Festival Photo by: Ninjakeg/Wikimedia Commons - Big Bite! Northern Food Festival. This annual event is the time to sample various dishes from the northern portion of the Philippines. The star, of course, is sisig which has roots in Angeles City.
This is just a small sliver of what Angeles has to offer. Simply exploring the city will take you to barangays like Anunas where you’ll find a number of Korean establishments along the Fil-Am Friendship highway; or to Balibago and Malabañas where lots of entertainment options including SM City Clark are located; and Pampanga and San Nicolas which features several public markets.
The good part is that you don’t have to fly into Manila to get to Angeles – just pick an airline that has flights to Clark and you’re good to go! And while you’re in the area, why not check out surrounding places such as San Fernando, Bacolor, Mexico and Mabalacat which all have unique things to offer.