Philippines Finest: Angeles City

[PeterG]

Angeles City is truly a wonderful place to be. Tourists from all over the world visit Pampanga because of the 'complete package' Angeles City could bring.

Philippines could have been 'resurfaced' in the international scene owing it to their boxing hero Emmanuel 'Manny the PACMAN' Pacquiao. Nonetheless, before even the 'PACMAN' was hailed boxing champion, Philippines has already been famous internationally because of the tourist spots this small country posses. Every tourist spot in the Philippines is defined by its creative, festive and historical celebration of annual ‘fiestas’ which has been a major attraction for all tourists around the world.

Destination: Angeles City

Angeles City, Pampanga is in Central Luzon region of the Philippines. Angeles City is characterized by its historical significance through old buildings and landscapes. The place’s cultural heritage is reflected by its unique traditions. Since becoming the seat of Philippine government under General Emilio Aguinaldo in 1899, the place has been a tourist destination. Angeles City, and the rest of Pampanga is known as the 'Culinary Center of the Philippines'

Accessibility

Angeles City, Pampanga is very accessible by plane, bus or car.

Through plane

Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) serves as the main airport for Angeles City. It is situated at Clack Freeport Zone which is more or less five (5) kilometers from the city proper. DMIA has satisfactory travel facilities, duty free shopping center, souvenir shops, free WI-FI access, tourist information center, travel and hotel agency representatives and care leasing services. Transportation is never a problem in this airport for taxis are available and their drivers would be the one offering their service at the exit of the airport.

By bus

From Manila, there are a lot of air-conditioned provincial bus lines that has Manila-Angeles route. Terminals are every across the metro vicinity. In average, it takes one-and-half hours to be at Angeles by bus. Setting expectation, travel time may be longer due to unpredictability of heavy traffic. Giving extra time for travel is suggested if one would be traveling by bus.

Via car

Taking North Luzon Expressway would be the best possible route from Manila to Angeles by car. North Luzon Expressway (or NLEX) extends until St. Ines in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Another alternate way is the McArthur Highway which passes the province of Bulacan to get to Angeles. In average, it would take forty-five (45) minutes to travel through NLEX but twice the travel time by McArthur Highway due to heavy traffic along the way. Rent-a-car is a common business all over Manila and Angeles if one is not familiar following the routes.

Getting Around Angeles City

Public utility vehicles such as jeeps, taxis and trikes (or tricycles) are available means of transportation. Colorful jeepneys are very common around the Philippines. Considered to be the 'King of the Road’ in the Philippines, jeeps connect town and cities together and they are available round the clock. However, tourists or visitors carrying bulky baggage should consider taking taxi instead because jeepneys would likely be overcrowded. Taxis are considered best for tourist within Clark Free Zone and transport to and from airport. Trikes (or tricycles) are also common in the city. These Motorcycles with a small passenger cabin are generally a safe mode of transportation because of their slower speed.


Angeles City: The place to be

Historical sites are the main aces that attract tourists as they visit Angeles City. Tourists can also bar hop around Angeles City. Bar hopping is said to be Angeles City’s famous attraction. Malls are also available for shopping needs. Thrift stores that sell all kinds of merchandises are also existent. Being a ‘culinary center’ is not just a simple title since for centuries since Spanish occupation, ‘Kapangpangans’ (native of Pampanga, in which Angeles City is in) learned and became accustomed quickly to Spanish foods using local ingredients. After having a tiresome day the sight seeing bar hopping and shopping, Angeles City provides safe places to rest exhausted bodies. Hotels, inns and apartelles are very common across the city for reasonable rates. Internet access is also available for business and personal needs. Police visibility around-the-clock guarantees safety and security for all tourists as they enjoy the beauty of Angeles City.

Angeles City is definitely one of the finest tourism gems of the Philippines. As a tourist, it is a must to see, to visit and to be at Angeles City.