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Angeles City History, Philippines

For an exciting trip to the Philippine Archipelago, Angeles City is a sure ball among domestic and foreign tourists for it fuses great entertainment, good food and historical significance.

The so-called “City of Angels” is a first-class, highly urbanized area of Pampanga that was once a base site of the United States Air Force from 1903 until 1991. The forces pulled out after the alarming eruption of Mount Pinatubo. Call it a blessing in disguise; it didn’t pull the city’s spirit down at all. After congenial agreements with big players in global business, Angeles put forth a series of developments. The former Clark Air Force Base was transformed into Clark Special Economic Zone, now called the Clark Freeport Zone.

The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport inside the zone shortens our distance to the world and provides exceptional opportunities for selected flights. Angeles was a former barrio of San Fernando that has progressed tremendously in terms of commerce and trade because of the eco-zone. What used to be the backbone of American’s fight during the Vietnam War is now Asia’s most affordable gateway, not to mention a house to several Duty Free shops, product manufacturers, big plants, restaurants, coffee shops and other business centers.

Angeles was named in honor of its titular saints “Los Santos Angeles Custodios” or the Holy Guardian Angels. Its population of 267,788 (as of 2000 census) has been tested for bravery and tolerance after a series of volcanic threats by Mt. Pinatubo. This trial, however, hasn’t discouraged the city to earn prestige for being the “Entertainment Hub of Central Luzon” and “Culinary Center of Pampanga”. Night entertainment comes alive just as the sought-after sisig (pork dish) sizzles on the platter. This dish was originated in the city in 1730’s and is still part of the menu up to now.

Truly historical, Angeles is home to the first seat of Philippine Republic government under General Emilio Aguinaldo. It also enclosed the central office of US Major General Arthur MacArthur, Jr. At present, it has the Central Bank of the Philippines.

It’s a fact that quite a number of influential Westerners have set foot in Angeles, but it has not lost its very-Filipino sense of hospitality, calmness and congeniality. These values allow its people to forge smooth partnerships with countries around the globe. Make it your hub for business and leisure, too.

You don’t want to be left behind, do you? Block your calendar off with the City of Angels listed somewhere!