Angeles, Pampanga

Our niece requested we go to this restaurant in Pampanga. She saw it on the video blog of a famed YouTuber so she was curious. She heard they serve delicious pizzas in that restaurant. The road trip was set on a Thursday because the next day we are coding so we can't use the vehicle.

Strange enough as we were about to fetch them from their AirBnb in BGC (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig), the a/c of our car didn't work. No cold air just a blower type ventilation. But they were still game and it was the last few days of their vacation here so off we went to Angeles, Pampanga with the windows rolled down and our hair flying all over our sweaty faces. Hehe.

You see my mother hails from Pampanga even though she grew up in Manila. When I was still in high school, our family would visit my mom's relatives in Bacolor. The visits lessen when we lost touch with them as we were stationed abroad. The last time we visited Pampanga was years ago when we searched for the tombstone of my grandfather (my mom's dad) which was impossible to find as the entire cemetery was buried under Mount Pinatubo's volcanic ashes.

Yes Pampanga is a special place so I was excited to re-visit it albeit a different town in this province known as the culinary capital of the Philippines. After one hour and about 40 minutes, we reached the small city of Angeles. It was bustling with activity from the tricycles, the jeepneys, people going about their normal daily routines  - a typical provincial town/city.

Our first stop was at the imposing church (The Holy Rosary Parish) located at the far end of a cobblestone street, in the heart of the plaza, near the city hall and a museum which was presently being renovated.

Then it was time to have lunch. The Camalig Restaurant was walking distance from the Church, along a small busy road teeming with people, transport vehicles and commercial establishments.

After our tummies were filled with pizza, sisig and pancit a la Pampanga, it was time to head back to Manila. It was a fun trip, till next time ... Angeles City.

Rizal Shrine Museum, Fort Santiago

The last time I visited this museum was nine years ago. We are newly wed and  the hubby was my tour guide because he teaches "The Life and Works of Rizal" and can probably teach it with his eyes closed.

This time he served as the tour guide with running commentary to his niece and her fiance who were curious to learn more about our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.  

The museum seems smaller as certain sections were being renovated but it was still a nice (re)visit as it was cooler inside the air conditioned premises. A welcome break from the scorching sun and uncomfortable humidity, outside.

As I was reading the tableaux with the information about Rizal's life, this middle aged woman came near me and was talking loudly to her companion and told her 'ito Tita mga anak ni Rizal, marami siya mga anak'.  

I was aghast and couldn't control myself I had to say something to correct this misinformation. I told her 'hindi po mga anak ni Rizal mga yan, marami po siyang mga kapatid hindi mga anak'. She goes 'ah ganoon ba? Ohh Tita mga kapatid pala niya ito hindi mga anak'

I don't know if she was ignorant or perhaps wasn't listening to her teachers when she was in school but misinformation is like fake news and it shouldn't be tolerated, condoned nor justified, at all.

Intramuros: Fort Santiago

I believe it is imperative for a citizen of any country to know about their rich historical past. As well as the heroes (both men and women) who fought valiantly (either through the power of the pen or the mighty sword) for them to enjoy their rights as a freedom loving population of a democratic nation.

One of my favorite things to do is to visit museums so I can get a broader sense of its history and how it has evolved through the years to its current state.

So I was really glad when Dong's nieces suggested we visit Intramuros (the Walled City) because it proves they too are keen on acquainting themselves with our glorious and significant past.

Manila Cathedral

It was early Sunday morning but the sun was already blazing. The high humidity level sent beads of sweat rolling down my haggard face and my back as we explored on foot. Entrance fee to Fort Santiago is 75 pesos/ adults.

Fort Santiago Entrance

The Rizal Shrine Museum inside Fort Santiago deserves a separate post ... so to be continued ... also it is time for me to exercise. =)