When Mt. Pinatubo erupted in June 1991, it was heralded all over the world as one of the biggest eruptions of that century. Pampanga was one of the most damaged provinces, and many thought it was going to be the end of what once was a very progressive city.
But like a Phoenix that literally rose from the ashes and lahar, the province and the people of Pampanga proved their resiliency to restore the province and even exceed its former glory.
Today, Pampanga has become one of the must visit destinations north of Manila, rich in culture and attractions that promise an unforgettable experience.
We have compiled a list of activities which both local and foreign thrill seekers should try to make the most of their stay in this part of Central Luzon
1. Hot Air Balloon. A much-awaited event that showcases colorful and giant balloons. (http://www.philballoonfest.net/)
2. Sisig Festival. A display of the Kapampangans’ passion for good food through a festival dedicated to sisig.
3. Merry-making at the Tigtigan Terakan Keng Dalan – the Mardi Gras of Pampanga, and Fiestang Kuliat/ Apu – a two-day celebration every last Friday and Saturday of October. A must-see event beaming with several merry-makers and the country’s best bands.
4. Mt. Arayat trek. Marvel at the mountain that defines Kapampangan roots. Mariang Sinukuan, of the famous folktale, is believed to have dwelled in this mountain.
5. Shop ‘till you drop. Shopaholics will surely enjoy shopping for local and imported items at the most affordable prices in Duty Free Shops inside Clark Freeport Zone.
6. Visit the Founders’ House. Revisit Pampanga’s past at the oldest and best-preserved ancestral house in the city, known to have been built in 1824 by the town’s founder, Don Angel Pantaleon de Miranda.
7. Try the local cuisine. Apart from the mouth-watering “sisig”, Pampanga is known for its native dishes like “tocinong kalabaw” and “adobong kamaro” (crickets). Try these at 19 Copung-Copung, a 30-year old restaurant known for its native cooking.
8. Ligligan Parul (Giant Lantern Festival). Be dazzled by giant and brightly colored Christmas lanterns with lights that form a kaleidoscope of shapes and designs. Created as contest entries to the festival, different towns and barangays endeavor to outshine each other every year.
9. Get your game on! But if you really want an exciting adventure with all the thrills and maybe even get to win back the money you spent on your vacation you might want to check out Casino Filipino (CF) Angeles.
The three-decade old Kapampangan -themed gaming facility has been catering to thrill seekers and tourists who are looking for unparalleled fun in this part of Central Luzon. This year, CF is taking its entertainment and gaming offerings to a new level as it launches its new tagline, “We Never Stop”.
Branch Manager Redentor Rivera said the new tagline best describes what CF Angeles could offer to its clients.
“It is a reflection oF who we are because we never stop providing our clients with the best that we can give. We want our clients to see that we never stop delivering the best service; we never stop improving our facilities and we will never stop giving our customers, patrons and guests exciting surprises,” he said.
The recent improvements done by the branch included the installation of a new water- cooled air-conditioning system, a newly opened restaurant at the 2nd floor, setting up of a giant back-to-back LED wall in front of the casino building, the construction of a multi-level parking area, sprucing up the gaming venues and updating computer systems and equipment to better serve its patrons.
CF Angeles also beefed up its entertainment offerings by holding crowd-drawing celebrity shows.
“Guided by our tagline, ‘We Never Stop’, we have set our goal to transform CF Angeles into a one-stop-venue for gaming, leisure and entertainment in the North. Our goal is to go beyond client expectation. We want them to experience more than just gaming. We want our patrons to be able to watch top-notch celebrity performances, which are free most of the time,” Rivera enthused.
Part of the branch’s bigger entertainment offerings include big celebrities like Anne Curtis, Martin Nievera, Erik Santos, Richard Poon, Jose Mari Chan, Aiza Seguerra, Ariel Rivera, Aljur Abrenica, Antoinette Taus, Ray Ann Fuentes, Tillie Moreno, Top Suzara, Jinky Vidal, Sitti Navarro, Jimmy Bondoc, Freddie Aguilar, Sheryn Regis, Ellen Adarna and Sam Pinto during the second half of 2015.
“Our patrons can look forward to great music and entertainment. It’s not always easy to book a schedule with big celebrities like our guest perfor mers. But we have taken our entertainment offerings to a new level so our patrons will be able to experience what other gaming and entertainment venues have been offering,”Rivera explained.
“With these upcoming shows by famous celebrities, we will surely attract huge crowd including the millennial market or the yuppies who are avid supporters of these performers,”the CF Angeles head added.
Apart from celebrity shows and improved facilities, the branch also offers more exciting gaming events, such as the bingo sessions which are now being held daily to accommodate different market segments.
Another value-added service of the branch is the provision of shuttle services for its patrons from different parts of Northern Luzon including Nueva Ecija, pangasinan and Baguio.
“Currently, we only have a free 24/7 shuttle service for Korean players in Pampanga. But soon, we will provide more accessible modes of transportation for our local guests,”Rivera said.
He added that with all these improved services,”casino guests from Northern Luzon need not go to Metro Manila to enjoy and be entertained because they could already find what they are looking for here in CF Angeles.”
Rivera stressed that CF Angeles will ensure it maintains its competitive edge over other casinos by employing a more personalized approach in meeting the needs of their patrons.
“We owe our competitive advantage to our greatest asset-our employees. Because of them, CF Angeles continues to be the market leader in gaming and entertainment in Pampanga,” Rivera said.
For more details, please call the Branch Marketing and Concierge Office of CF Angeles at (045) 892-5073 local 219 or 119 and +63916-296-5714.
