Libotero – Philippine Travel Photo Blog

Part 11 of the Libotero Pampanga and Malolos Heritage Series

DAY 3.

Located just a block away from 950 Condotel is SM City Clark.

SM City Clark has a huge atrium highlighted by a giant compass floor pattern

SM City Clark is located at M.A. Roxas Avenue in Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga. It is the second SM supermall in the province after SM City Pampanga.

SM City Clark’s Cinema Lobby

The mall has a gross floor area of 100,000 square meters. It features the SM regulars such as the Department Store, Hypermarket, Cinemas and other anchors such as Ace Hardware, SM Appliance Center, Our Home, Watsons, Surplus Shop and 300 other various shops and dining establishments.

Cyberzone, SM City Clark

It recently opened its own Cyberzone so techies in the area will be able to find all their favorite IT brands all in one place.

SM City Clark Cyberzone

Now here’s a fun fact. SM City Clark is actually one of the first SM Supermalls to feature an alfresco dining area and it is aptly called ‘The Meeting Place’.

This water fountain at The Meeting Place can easily be converted to a mini-stage to host concerts and other events at the alfresco area

If you think about it, this mall is among the trailblazers in the revolution of the SM mall experience.

The mall just turned 5 years old last May and it has already proven itself as a place of leisure the province of Pampanga can reach. This can be attributed to its strategic location being close to North Pampanga and South Tarlac.

The two-floor mall currently has 300 shops and dining establishments catering to Class A to D. Due to its success, it is set for expansion this year.

SM City Clark has a lot of dining establishments with some really interesting authentic Kapampangan restaurants. I really had a hard time choosing where I’d eat lunch. Having said that, I ended up eating in a fast food outlet. LOL. I regret not trying out the local cuisine. Part of me is Kapampangan but I’ve never really tried their food. They say that when you’re in some other place, you have to experience everything about the place, and that includes their food. Shucks. I can say that I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone in all aspects of travelling, alone, except for food. I need to muster up more confidence for that. Maybe next time..

(…to be continued)

Part 10 of the Libotero Pampanga and Malolos Heritage Series

DAY 3.

I had a very good sleep on my last night in Pampanga! My flight back to Cebu was still at 8:30pm and I had all the time to visit more churches (e.g. Sta. Rita, Minalin, Apalit, etc.) but then laziness took over me. My initial plan was just to visit seven churches anyway and I’m all good. And besides, I travel not just so I could have something to share with you guys but also for me to be able experience something new or actually relax somewhere away from home. For that, I declared my last day in Pampanga as my rest and relaxation day. LOL.

Anyway, as soon I woke up, I took a shower then headed to the rooftop to available of my free breakfast.

While in Pampanga, I stayed at 950 Condotel. 950 (“0″ pronounced as “Oh”) Condotel is located at the heart of the famous Fields Avenue in Angeles City. It is near Clark Freeport Zone, the North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

950 Condotel’s Restaurant

Robinsons Place Angeles as seen from 950 Condotel rooftop

Showing the proximity of SM City Clark as seen from the hotel’s rooftop

Anyway, their complimentary breakfast were all -silogs so I chose tosilog. In fairness, I loved their tocino but I forgot to take a picture of it..

After breakfast, I went back to my room to chat with some friends on Facebook. LOL.

Hallway leading to my room

Here are some photos of my messy room:

This is 950 Condotel’s standard room. At P1,530 per night, it is quite pricey but I guess it’s worth it considering its prime location at the center of Clark’s entertainment district plus the room was really very spacious with high speed free WiFi, a decent comfort room, a personal refrigerator and very cold airconditioning

After a few minutes spent online, I felt hungry again, so I decided to go to the nearby SM City Clark.

Fields Avenue

(…to be continued)

Part 9 of the Libotero Pampanga and Malolos Heritage Series

DAY 2.

After a brief visit to Barasoain Church, I took a tricycle back to the van terminal at Petron along the MacArthur Highway. It took at least 30 minutes for the van to get filled so I took the opportunity to take a nap. I was just back to my senses when the driver started to collect the fares then zoom, zoom, we were off to SM City Pampanga. On the trip, I fell asleep once more LOL.

As soon as we arrived at the SM City Pampanga transport terminal, I then took a jeepney to Clark Friendship Gate. Fare was P24. We took the North Luzon Expressway so we arrived in Clark in less than 20 minutes. The Clark Friendship Gate is just a few meters walk from where I was staying, 950 Condotel (read as nine-five-oh) so I just took a lazy stroll towards the hotel. Back in the hotel, I just freshened up for dinner at MarQuee Mall.

Now how would I get to MarQuee Mall? I had two options. First, I could have contracted a tricycle. That would have cost me P70-P100, depending on your haggling skills. But then I was lucky that when I went out of the hotel, a MarQuee Mall shuttle was parked just right across. Weeee! MarQuee Mall provides a free shuttle to/from Clark Friendship Gate and other strategic points several times a day, everyday! How convenient! So I quickly hopped in. We waited a few more minutes for the van to be half-filled at least and off we were to MarQuee Mall.

Marquee Mall is Ayala Malls’ first foray in Central Luzon. Turning 2 years old this September, it has already redefined the shopping, dining and entertainment experience in the region.

MarQuee Park

MarQuee Mall’s Interactive Water Feature. What’s amazing about this is that you’re actually allowed to play and get wet here so don’t get surprised if you’ll be seeing kids running around with their ‘yayas’ going after them.

MarQuee’s 2 hectare park

MarQuee Mall is a regional shopping center that brings together a rich and unique experience reminiscent of a lively town plaza, infused with an urban vibe. Its contemporary indoor and outdoor design provides a perfect setting that showcases an exciting mix of choice and select Manila-based shopping, dining and family entertainment choices. The mall is home to the first provincial branch of Krispy Kreme!

It celebrates as well the best of the region’s arts, crafts and cuisine. With its Marquee Park, it also serves as a social and civic center for the community. Infusing these local flavors with the Ayala Malls experience, Marquee Mall redefines Central Luzon’s lifestyle as it becomes its favorite gathering place.

Here are some daytime photos of MarQuee Mall:

As soon as I arrived at MarQuee, I went straight to Red Ribbon and ordered my favorite Crispy Chicken (as of this posting though, Crispy Chicken is already phased out! BOOO!). After dinner, I spent some time at the MarQuee Park, near the water fountains, just to breathe after a very long day of church-hopping. I also wanted to observe how the locals have grasped the entry of the first Ayala Mall in their area.

At 9pm, the mall closed but the alfresco area was still bustling, but I was feeling very sleepy already so I took the last shuttle trip back to Clark Friendship Gate. As I entered my hotel room, I jumped to the bed and shut my eyes… Zzzzzz..

(…to be continued)

MARQUEE MALL
Angeles Exit, North Luzon Expressway, Angeles City, Pampanga
Tel. No.: +6345-304-0806

Mall Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Part 8 of the Libotero Pampanga and Malolos Heritage Series

DAY 2.

From SM City Pampanga, I was planning to visit Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan. I searched around the transport terminal looking for any means of transportation that would bring me to the historically significant church.

Since I was a child, I’d always look at the Barasoain Church in the ten-peso bill and say to myself, “I’ll go there someday” and my Pampanga trip was the perfect opportunity to make a short stopover at Malolos.

Fortunately, there are several jeepneys and vans that serve several points in Bulacan. A GT Express service was available for Malolos so I immediately hopped in. Fare was at P40, not bad.

For the entire duration of the trip, I was asleep, so I had no idea where we passed through, but I was quite sure we did go through the North Luzon Expressway. 30 minutes later, Manong Driver was poking me already as we had arrived at the van terminal in the Petron station along MacArthur Highway, Malolos City and I was the only passenger left inside the van. I felt quite embarrassed so I quickly jumped off the van, LOL. I immediately walked away and started looking for locals whom I could ask for directions. Passing by BPI, Greenwich and Chowking, I reached an intersection and then saw a queue of tricycles so I approached them. “Manong, sa’n po ba dito ang Barasoain Church? Malapit lang po ba? Pwede n’yo po ba akong dalhin du’n? Magkano po ang pamasahe?”, (Manong, where is the Barasoain Church? Is it nearby? Can you take me there? How much is the fare?) I asked. This old driver I asked gently replied, “Dayo ka ano? Malapit lang naman. Labinlima lang. Sige sakay na” (Hmm, you’re a tourist? Well, it’s just near. [Fare's] P15 only. C’mon hop in). And so I did. The engine started and we crossed the MacArthur Highway towards Paseo del Congreso St. We basically travelled just a straight line, about a kilometer long and in less than five minutes, we were already by the entrance of the Barasoain Church!

The Barasoain Church (also knows as the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish) was built in 1630 in Malolos. It has earned the distinction as the Cradle of Democracy in the East and one of the most important religious structures in the Philippines and the palace of General Emilio Aguinaldo.

The church is also known for its architectural design and internal adornments. The original church was burned during the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution. However, it was renovated.

The church became a witness to three significant historical events, among them are:

- The convening of the First Philippine Congress (September 15, 1898)
- The drafting of the Malolos Constitution (September 29, 1898 to January 21, 1899), and
- The inauguration of the First Philippine Republic (January 23, 1899).

Because of this, the church was proclaimed as a National Shrine by President Ferdinand Marcos on August 1, 1973 by virtue of Presidential Degree No. 260.

Aside from the three events listed above, General Emilio Aguinaldo and Former President Joseph Estrada were also inaugurated in the Church as duly-elected president of the Republic of the Philippines during their time.

Right in front of the Barasoain Church is an imposing statue of Emilio Aguinaldo. He is the first president of our country and he made the church his home during his term of office. Behind his statue, are the flags used by the Philippines from the oldest to the current flag.

Even though the church isn’t part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List, I was very glad to have finally visited the church as it is the most important church in our country’s history. Some of you might find it weird that a 20-year old like me is more interested on old churches than bumming in the beach but that’s me. Although I really love the beach, and other natural attractions, I also really appreciate structures with historical value.

* The Barasoain Church is located approximately 42 kilometers north of Manila.

(…to be continued)

Part 7 of the Libotero Pampanga and Malolos Heritage Series

DAY 2.

From the San Guillermo Church in Bacolor, I walked back to the main highway and took a jeepney to SM City Pampanga. The trip only cost me P10.

SM City Pampanga may be the only mall which is shared by two local governments. The mall’s east wing falls under Barangay Lagundi of Mexico, Pampanga, while the rest of the mall is located under Barangay San Jose, City of San Fernando. Cool!

SM City Pampanga is the very first SM Supermall in Central Luzon when it opened in 2000. It is now the biggest mall in Central Luzon, and the longest mall in the Philippines, with more than 820 meters sprawl of mall shopping area after it was expanded thrice to accommodate more shops in Pampanga’s ever bustling economy. It is said that Kapampangans have one of the highest purchasing power among Filipinos! The mall also sits on the largest land area for any SM Supermall with 31.6 Hectares of land!

Loooooooong!

After opening its newest annex a few years ago, SM City Pampanga now has more than 700 shops and boutiques to satisfy every consumer’s needs.

As I got inside the mall, I was really shocked as it was really very long! Although it is the longest mall in the country, it isn’t the largest though as the title belongs to SM City North EDSA. Most of the mall is only made of one level. Only the original building which houses the foodcourt and cinemas, is three storeys tall. Even the department store is only one level. That explains why the mall is very long.

SM City Pampanga main building, shares a lot of similarities with SM City Fairview’s main building, SM City Davao, SM City Cagayan de Oro and SM City Batangas, all built within the same time period

When you think about it, navigating through 700+ shops scattered on just one level, across 820 meters is quite a hassle but since SM City Pampanga is the best performing SM provincial mall, it gets all the updates first.

The mall is among the first few provincial SMs that sport the most recent SM Department Store design featuring the new unified SM logo.

SM City Pampanga is also the first provincial SM mall to be equipped with an interactive digital directory.

But besides all those, the reason why I visited SM Pampanga is because it is a major transport hub. Jeepneys to all points in Pampanga, and even other modes of transport to Bulacan, Tarlac, Zambales, Nueva Ecija and other nearby provinces, can be found here!

(…to be continued)

Part 6 of the Libotero Pampanga and Malolos Heritage Series

DAY 2.

From the Church of Santa Lucia in Sasmuan, Pampanga, I walked back to the main highway and hired a tricycle back to Lubao. This time, to my surprise, the driver only asked for P15. Weird, but good for me, hihi.

I waited across the Lubao Municipal Hall for a jeepney that would take me back to Guagua. I didn’t wait that long as jeepneys passed by every few minutes. In less than 30 minutes, I already found myself back in Guagua, Pampanga. From there, I looked for a jeepney bound for San Fernando as it’d pass by the next church on my list, the San Guillermo Church of Bacolor, Pampanga.

Finding one wasn’t that hard as there were tens of jeepneys to San Fernando that were lined up around the Guagua Town Plaza. A few minutes later, I was already in the town of Bacolor. Jeepney fare was P7.

Bacolor is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 25,238 people in 3,029 households.

From the main highway, I already saw the massive church of Bacolor. I still had to walk at least 500 meters to reach the church. It was a very hot afternoon and I was kinda dehydrated already. Good thing I came across a convenience store halfway through the church. I stopped for a while and enjoyed ice cold softdrinks, lol. Once I got pumped up again, I continued walking towards the church.

Just before the Bacolor Church stands this interesting old house whose entire frontage has been covered by “talahibs”. I wonder if it has some historical significance.

A view of the massive belfry just a few meters before I reached the church grounds

I walked a few more steps and I finally reached the gates of the San Guillermo Church and from where I was standing, I was blown away by what I saw.

The Church of San Guillermo is one of the oldest and largest churches in Pampanga. The church was originally built in 1576 but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1880. The church was rebuilt on 1886 using baroque architecture. On September 3, 1995, lahar flow from the slopes of Mt. Pinatubo which erupted on June 15, 1991, literally erased some towns of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. The town of Bacolor was not spared and the church was buried at half its height of 12 meters!

The Church was named after the town’s former patron saint San Guillermo Ermitaño (St. William the Hermit). In November 1786, the town’s patron was changed to La Naval de Bacolor in honor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.

The main door of the church used to be the ornamented windows of the choir loft and has been its new entrance since the tragic event. As I entered the church, I noticed some openings on the ground. I was amazed to see windows right on the ground. These actually used to hold some stained glasses before lahar covered the town.

The church’s floorings are made of pure concrete, that covered the layers of lahar beneath the surface.

As I was taking this photo, I just imagined how grand the church interior was before it was half-buried

Fortunately, the church’s main retablo, which is coated in gold leaf, survived the mudflow. After the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, the people of Bacolor persistently dug up the altar and retablo and relocated them under the Church dome in order for the tall wooden retablo to fit in vertically. As a result, the church feels much, much smaller now.

The retablo’s niches feature centuries-old statues which were saved from destruction of the lahar. The citizens of Bacolor take much pride in their rich heritage which is why they really took the effort to restore the church altars and preserve them in mint condition.

The church was already a famous tourist destination even before the lahar tragedies, more so even after the eruption. But just last year, tourist arrivals in Bacolor skyrocketed exponentially after the church was used as one of the main venues of the ABS-CBN primetime series May Bukas Pa. Visitors would often explore the rooms where the show’s lead character “Santino” used to play around. Many also want to see “Bro”, an image of the risen Christ who often communicates with Santino in the story.

Bro

The old convent at the right side of the church has since then been converted to a museum. Among the interesting stuff at the museum are old photographs of the Bacolor Church before, during, and after the tragic series of mudflows. The museum also features religious images from all over town, that were spared from the lahar.

An adoration chapel can also be found inside the museum.

After exploring the Church, I checked out the back portion of the Church but did not stay long as the tall grass gave me an eerie feeling LOL

(…to be continued)