Events to remember, Filipino, Filipino Bloggers, OFW Journey, Philippines
Welcome to Pampanga!
I remember exchanging chat messages with Tita Che via the social network, about my first ever trip to Pampanga. There were so many things that I wanted to do on my visit to the province and that made me more excited. I experienced nearly overlapping schedules during my homecoming but special thanks to accommodating people and proper time management of course, each day went on smoothly. With time fleeting so fast, the day for my Pampanga trip came without boredom.
Tita Che and her husband Tito Ci met me at Robinson’s, thus, began my “vacation”. Along the way to their home, we passed by a restaurant and Tito bought sansrival (my favorite!) and bottled buko pandan juice. I was quite starving (didn’t have time to make baon )so the treat was very much welcome.
From San Fernando, Tita and Tito’s home in Betis was about 30 minutes away and even before we arrived, Tita Che told me that my puso ng saging with shrimps was waiting for me and a cozy room too where I could take a rest. As soon as we arrived, I asked Tita for WiFi access because I needed to check my e mails (while eating) and Tito even char grilled a huge Dory fish…sarap po!
I dozed off to sleep until past 6 pm, and as soon as I went downstairs, dinner was ready. It was around 7:30 pm when we left for Robinson’s for the giant lanterns display. It was an amazing spectacle as I watched in awe, the different bulbs blinking and lighting different colors, shapes and themes! I could only laud the people behind each giant lantern; most probably electrical engineers or experienced folks. This is what Pampanga is most famous for and they all made it happen.
I only stayed for two days with Tita Che’s family but the memories created will forever remain in my heart. “Thanks much Tita and Tito for everything po.”
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A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books. Read more: About DiaryNiGracia
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What I most like to do when in Pampanga is to taste the Kapampangan food.
An ideal place to have Visita Iglesia because of Spanish era churches and to have a culinary trip because of their mouth-watering delicacies such as sisig and the crickets.
We had a quick stop in Pampanga last December and had missed the Giant Lanterns in San Fernando. Looks like a you have great time in your homecoming.
The sans rival looks really delicious. You should try Sizzling Plate’s Sans Rival in Baguio. It’s crust melts in your mouth and has the just the right amount of sweetness.
I have yet to explore Pampanga but I’ve been there a few times either when I was just passing through or for work related activities. But Pampanga seems like a good place to explore.
My wife’s from apalit, and we spent almost seven years in the place. Maganda ang mga Kapangpangan and add to that the girls surely know how to cook. I miss their ‘buro’ and ‘kamamaro’
I was just in Pampanga for the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta! I actually do want to go back there so that I could at least go on a food trip, as I love kapampangan food. What your hosts cooked for you, was definitely mouthwatering. 🙂
Eat.. eat..eat, is one of the best things you can do in Pampanga hehehe!.. manyaman itang “Sisig Pusung Saging”.. hehehe.
I have a friend who is from there. She wanted to invite me there however, snags always get in the way. Oh well. Maybe soon.
I miss Pampanga. Its been years since the last time I visited some of my cousins there.
You really have a good time there sis. How I wish I could visit Pampanga too.
We only have short encounters in Pampanga and primarily they were only stopovers when we go to Subic. I didn’t know there’s such a barren land there. I thought the place is already too commercialized just like a city.
Sarap ng puso ng saging, i can smell it from there. For OFW there is nothing better than going back home for a vacation.
The Buko pandan juice also looks real good and refreshing.
Pampanga truly is a nice place, my uncle is from there and he shares interesting story about your food and your people and as well as your dialect.
Your post is soooooo amazing, I just realize this is my 3rd comment… I LUV PAMPANGA!! an interesting place to visit… you sure are a handful!
I want to try that puso ng saging with shrimps dish! I’ve never been to Pampanga pa 😛
It has been a very very long time since I ate puso ng saging. Your photo makes me hungry. 🙂
Pampanga cuisine is the best! you didn’t tried sisig?
Yeah! I miss some of their best like sisig and halo-halo.
I have an office mate who gets her lantern decorations in Pampanga.
Puso ng Saging is one of the vegetables that I love. Back in the province, we just put it on an open fire for the instant grill.. it’s perfect with a few chili and salt.
I appreciate simple things, I don’t mostly sleep during a long travel just to see the rice field and the mountains, I’m pretty sure everything looks nice during the travel.
I dont know if I made the comment before this but a warning says I am making a duplicate comment already. Hope this went well.
This Lenten season, we will go there para sa mga ipapako sa Kruz.
Yes, I think Tito has been to the place ; Tita Che never went pa.
Let me taste this oozing Dory Fish Gracia. 🙂
I visited Pampanga once for a certain part time job. The place is great, lots of greens (farm and trees) as well. Great place to stay in terms of relaxing vacation.
seeing this post totaly made me feel homesick! i feel the rural life back in laguna seeing this green grass and all the foods too! xx
what a great vacation you had in Pampanga with your relatives. Pampanguenos are known for good food.
Food is definitely one of the reasons why one should visit Pampanga. But aside from that, I’m sure there are many places to enjoy in this province
I never been to Pampanga, pro I heard good cooks came from there and they make really sumptuous meal.
I really wanted to visit Pampanga too and taste authentic Kapampangan foods.. soon 🙂
I ate another version of puso ng sagign and it is delicious indeed
Or those from Nathaniel’s? I love their Tibok-Tibok ang custard pies. You should try going to Everybody’s cafe, it’s in San Fernando, they serve the best Capangpangan dishes.
When I think of Pampanga, SISIG will always the first thing pop-ups on my mind… next will be all the Mekeni Products especially Tocino! 😀
I like that huge piece of land. So far I haven’t tasted any Kapampangan food, but eating other puso recipe I had tried.
My officemates are mostly from Pampanga and I am hoping that I could join them to the next vacay trip!
LEGAZPI FAB MODA
Kapampangan food is one of the best. The place also is a great place to do joy rides.
having relatives in different parts of the country is a blessing..you get to visit different places while getting to know them..I would love to taste the puso ng saging with shrimps..Yahweh bless
having relatives in different parts of the country is a blessing..you get to visit different places while getting to know them..I would love to taste the puso ng saging with shrimps… Yahweh bless.
I’m not really a fan of all pampanga food. But i love their sisig. Its really different from the others. My friends love pampanga food.
I really want to visit Pampanga and try their delicious cuisine.
Sansrival from nathaniels? Yum!
I’ve been there once. It was quite an experience for me. I love Pampanga’s Lechon Kawali 🙂
It was my first time also to visit the province; truly unforgettable. Kapampangans really cook great food 🙂