Holy Angel University Angeles City College of Business and Accountancy

YKAMP
(CLUSTER 4 - Minalin, Masantol , Candaba)
Leader/Researcher: Balilu, Jheng Researcher: Alcantara, Karen Rapporteurs: Liscano, Recel Veruasa, Mariama Ann Michelle Technical Assistant: Mendoza, Muriel

A-434

Mr. Arnel Garcia

MINALIN
(The Egg Basket of the Philippines)
A. TOPONYM / EPISTEMOLOGY According to Don Mariano Hensons "The Province of Pampanga and Its Towns", the four founders of this town namely, Mendiola, Nucum, Lopez and Intal negotiated with the Datu of Macabebe to acquire an initial piece of land as far as the boundary now called Lacmit and named the place as Santa Maria in honor of the four founders respective wives named Maria. When a church was about to be built in Santa Maria and the lumber was piled up already, the flood waters carried the construction materials to another site called Burol (Hilly Place) where the church was finally constructed. Since then the community was called Minalis meaning moved to" until the 18th century when an error was made by Capitan Mayor Diego Tolentino who inadvertently wrote the name of the town as "Minalin" instead of the original name "Minalis".

B. TOWN HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY According to documents in the office of Ricardo G Santos, the current Municipal Planning and Development Coordination of Minalin, the present town originated as a Malayan settlement under the leadership of Kahn Bulaun, a descendant of Prince Balagtas. This settlement was called Tigip. Then, when the Spaniards came and looted the town and raped its women, they renamed the settlement Mina Linda de las Mujeres because of many pretty women they encountered there. A Chinese merchant from Wawa (Guagua) who established a general store in this town mispronounced its name as Minah Linah Neh Lah Muchel which the townspeople then shortened to Minalina. From 1722 to 1899 there were many more Minalin leaders who were designated as captain mayor, commencing with Don Tomas Tayag and ending with Don Juan Yabut, the last town executive to hold that government title. There was no organized municipal government in 1900 and 1901, because of the Revolution against Spain and the Philippine-American War. When the American civil government was established in 1902, Don Martin Mercado was appointed as Municipal President of Minalin.

When the town of Santo Tomas was created by the administration of Governor General Robert William Howard Taft in 1903, Minalin was annexed to Santo Tomas and placed under its jurisdiction. Gregorio Pineda was appointed as Municipal President. On July 26, 1904, for economy and efficiency, Minalin was consodilated with the capital town of San Fernando. However, through the effort and influence of Don Andres Lagman, Don Martin Mercado and a local revolutionary hero, Don Cristino Lagman, Minalin was returned to its former status as a separate municipality in 1909, when Governor Marcaro Arnedo of Apalit was still the provincial executive. Don Cristino Lagman, a brave Katipunan commander, served as Municipal President of Minalin during the American regime under the administrations of Governors General James F. Smith and W. Cameron Forbes. The people of Minalin are proud that Governor Eddie T. Panlilio made it to national prominence in May 2007. He was born 54 years ago in town and had an unremarkable childhood. BARANGAYS Minalin is politically subdivided into 15 barangays. Bulac Dawe Lourdes Maniango San Francisco, 1st San Francisco, 2nd San Isidro San Nicolas (Pob.) San Pedro Santa Catalina Santa Maria Santa Rita Santo Domingo Santo Rosario Saplad

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS Mayor: Mayor Arturo Katoy Naguit Vice Mayor: Edgardo Yambao Councilors: Cesar Magat Francisco "BOY" Batac Rito Isip C. ECONOMY AND LIVELIHOOD Minalin is one of the fastest growing economies in Pampanga because of its area that is very rich every year. Minalin Officials continue doing their best to maintain this economic status and in fact, just currently, Minalin has not been suffered from previous

flooding., Merchandising Farming and Fishing are usually source of living of Minaleos. Minalin is also known as the "Egg Basket of Philippines" because of its large scale production of eggs and chickens. Tilapia, sugpo, alimango are also major products of the town.

D. MAP LOCATION Minalin is a peaceful town of about 39,194 people, as recorded by the Philippine National Census of 2000. It has a land area of about 48.27 square kilometers and is located southwest of San Fernando City.

LANDMARKS MINALIN'S STA MONICA PARISH CHURCH

Minalin's main year-round attraction is its old church - the Sta. Monica Parish Church in Barangay San Nicolas, which will be four centuries old in 2014.

Joel Pabustan Mallari of the Holy Angel Universitys Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS) notes that the church is one of the 20 first missions put up by the Augustinians when they came to the Philippines, but it is whose designs include motifs reflective of pre-Hispanic culture: Motifs that were carved include the ornamental heads of bulig (mudfish), naga (dragon) and dapu (crocodile) which are said to be sacramental figures of old Kapampangan belief system. These are comparable to the Muslim torogan of Mindanao. The spires decorating the bell towers depict a Moorish architecture, hinting of the old Islamic faith of early Minaleos. None of the other 20 churches have similar motifs.

Carbon tracing of details carved on the ancient wood beams in Minalins Sta. Monica Church and reproduced in the Centers in Architecture. The designs are said to be, among other theories, Mexican in origin or a depiction of mythological beasts galura (eagle), naga (serpent), and dapu (crocodile). MINALIN MURAL One specific tourist attraction at the Sta. Monica Church is a 400 year old map painted on its walls, referred to as the "Minalin Mural". The mural,89 inches wide and 113 inches tall, shows the flora and fauna of Minalin during the early 1600s. An expert from the Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS) describes the mural as [a] prehistoric landscape of riverine communities, marshes and swamps with birds, agricultural land with damulag (carabao) and a farmer at the background'.'The mural is made of argamasa - a type of cement used during the period which is made of lime mortal, fine river sand, and egg whites. The mural bears the date "1619", and is believed to have been made within five years of that date.

E. CULTURAL PROFILE, FESTIVALS, TRADITIONS

RELIGIOUS BELIEFS The Minalin town fiesta is held on the second Sunday of May, the feast of its patron saint Santa Monica. Mother of Saint Augustine, Sta. Monica was born in Tagaste, North Africa. The strength of her faith converted her pagan husband and influenced St. Augustines decision to become Christian. Thus, she is honored as the patron of wives and mothers. As viewed in the Minalin Parish Church, Sta. Monicas attributes include a girdle, tears and a handkerchief.

FESTIVALS Yearly, Minalin menfolk don womens dresses and stage hilarious acts, in a reenactment of the 73-year-old tradition called Aguman Sanduk (Fellowship of the Ladle). The only event of its kind in the Philippines, its revelers, organizers, local officials and town old timers took note of the low attendance in the 2006 Aguman Sanduk- a warning sign that such traditions are at risk.

"Aguman Sanduk" New Year's Celebration One major tourist attraction in Minalin is its "Aguman Sanduk" New Years Celebration in which the straight men of the town dress as beauty queens and ride through town on festive floats displaying not only humor but also the camaraderie and charity of each member of the community. The festival started in 1931, when a group of men decided to cross-dress or miblas babai to give joy to the townspeople. Some accounts from old residents mentioned that prior to 1931, Minalin suffered from drought, thus the people did not harvest enough for the coming year. People are used to celebrating the New Years Day in a festive way by preparing food for the guests. Because of the disaster, it would be difficult to face the New Year knowing that people dont have enough food not only for that special day but for the coming days as well. The celebration has also been referred to as the "Belles of Minalin" but Minalin natives prefer to continue calling the event "Aguman Sanduk", which translates literally as "Association of the Ladle". The event is differentiated from gay pride parades because the event is specifically intended for heterosexual males, and is intended simply to be an act of fun, rather than a statement about gender. This annual display of beautiful dresses and expertise in womens make up signifies that

this town follows the dynamic changes in womens fashion not only in the Philippines but also in Europe, Asia and in other countries.

EGG FESTIVAL On June 4, 2008, Minalin celebrated its fame for producing over a million chicken eggs per day by holding the country's first "Egg Festival." An exhibit of Minalin's egg produce was put up, and a taste test of 10,000 boiled eggs was held. Also, 70 poultry raisers donated 100,000 eggs to Typhoon Cosme's victims in the nearby provinces of Pangasinan and Zambales.

HYMNO NING BALEN Title: Himno Ning Minalin Music: Rino Reyes Lyrics: Ambrosio Flores Sung by: Ernesto Viray

F. PROMINENT LOCAL FIGURES (MEMORABLE KAPAMPANGANS) Among many famous Minalenians who distinguished themselves in the 20th century are the following: Governor Eddie T. Panlilio, the former governor of Pampanga. Francisco Lagman, the first Minalenio to become a member of the Pampanga Provincial Board. Atty. Vicente S. Aquino, current executive director of the Anti Money Laundering Council (AMLC). Atty. Roberto M. Lagman, son of Francisco Lagman, current Associate Justice of the Sandigan Bayan. He served also as Assistant Provincial Fiscal of Pampanga, Senior Prosecutor in the Philippine Department of Justice and Judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court. Demetrio Munoz of barrio Santa Catalina, a philanthropist and successful businessman. He was a self-made multi-millionaire and a close adviser of the late President Diosdado Macapagal. He founded Munoz Press, DM Transit and Munoz Market in Quezon City. Santiago Lagman Ocampo, founder of the famed "Ocampos for Everything". He was a middle class citizen who rose to build a huge and successful business empire which extended beyond the territorial jurisdiction of Pampanga.

 Ruben P. Macapinlac, a scholar and public servant, became Undersecretary of Finance during the term of Secretary of Finance, Dominador Aytona. Arsenio Lopez of barrio San Francisco, a CPA topnotcher and a professor at the University of the East in Manila. He became a vice president of the Bank of the Philippines Islands and a high official of the Knights of Columbus and represents the said Catholic organization in international conferences. Rafael B. Pangilinan, engineer and businessman of barrio San Nicolas. Another self-made multi-millionaire and former jeepney driver turned businessman. He co-founded the AB Industries, Inc. in Cainta, Rizal, a big firm engaged in the manufacture of rock-crushing equipment, heavy machinery and conveyors. He is also a major poultry raiser and a civic spirited citizen. Dr. Manuel Macapinlac, a famous Philippine medical doctor of barrio Sta. Rita, a product of the University of the Philippines and took up postgraduate studies in medicine in the USA. Pacifico Lagman, a famous artist, noted architect and successful real estate developer and contractor in southern California and in New York. He designed two award winning floats for the town of Minalin and the province of Pampanga in the last Centennial Celebration and Parade in Los Angeles, California. Laureana Tayag Deang-Abano, CPA, model wife and loving mother. She was the first Filipina elected to the Board of Education in Piscataway, New Jersey and the first woman president of the Federation of Filipino Associations in the state of New Jersey, USA. Rondon Mercado, Economist and a Public servant. He graduated BA Economics in the premier University of the Philippines and Masters degree in Public Management in the same university. He represented the country to the training mission in Seoul, South Korea on December 2007. He is dedicated in skills development creating individual growth and his mission is to help Minalin to harness the potential of their human resources through training and labor market systems. Nancy Lagman-Tremblay, a long-term successful health care professional in Canada who carry on the public service legacy of her famous grandfather, Don Cristino Lagman. She returned to her hometown in early 1997 to establish a charitable organization and multi-purpose health center to help the poor people of Minalin who live in remote areas and do not have easy access to medical and dental care. Reverend Father Edgar Abano, one of many who were called to the service of God but few was finally chosen. He completed his degree in theology and ordained for the Catholic priesthood in the USA. He is now a parish priest in Piscataway, New Jersey and very active in the propagation and teaching of the Kapampangan language as well as in the study and research of Kapampangan culture and history. Reverend Father Rodel Balagtas, another loyal servant of God who serves as parish priest of the Catholic community in Valinda, California and officiates as Spiritual Director of Club Minalin USA. Chito D. Pabustan, a former star athlete in Calgary, Canada is the eldest son of the former Crescencia Deang of Minalin and Engr. Eduardo Pabustan of Bacolor.

He is a young and innovative architect who is currently making a name for himself in structural design, real estate development and building construction in Canada. He earned two degrees in Architecture and Environmental Science from the University of Waterloo and became a partner in a big architectural firm with expertise in landscape, architecture and environmental planning after three years of employment. Rona Y. Mercado, lovely daughter of Remigio and Rachel Yujuico Mercado. Endowed with intelligence and exceptional beauty, she is an outstanding newsletter editor, civic-spirited youth leader and an honor student at California State University at Long Beach. She was honored by Mayor OConnor of San Diego, California by bestowing on her with a Leadership and Courage Award for her active support to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and as a patient advocate for the terminally ill. SOURCES: http://www.rtbot.net/minalin http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minalin,_Pampanga http://minalin.gov.ph/minalin/ http://minalin.gov.ph/minalin/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=103&Itemid=77 http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=0zOwFW8wMxo&feature=player_embedded http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=mqHcftLgocA&feature=player_embedded#! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsRpRg-C4rw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7IPo62BEAM The Kapampangan Mystique (2009) Rudy Ordoez

MASANTOL
A. TOPONYM / EPISTEMOLOGY As to the origin of the towns name, legend has it that a Spanish missionary arrived in the area when santol trees were heavy with fruit. Masantol thus got its name from the proliferation of santol trees in the area, and its succulent fruit in the market. To this day, foreigners wonder at the delicate sweet-sour white pods of this seasonal fruit, harvested in the summer months of June to August. Since santol has more appeal than any other native fruit in the concoction of the national dish called in the vernacular sigang thus the place became flooded with santol fruits which in no time gave the name MASANTOL.

B. TOWN HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY Originally named San Miguel de Masantol and a part of the town of Macabebe, Pampanga, three of the town's leading patriarchs - Manuel Fajardo, Gregorio Bautista, and Juan Lacap - filed a motion on June 26, 1877 to separate the barrios of Bebe,

Bulacus, Caingin and Nigui from Macabebe thereby creating a new Spanish pueblo called San Miguel. This new pueblo was approved by Spanish Governor General Domingo Moriones y Murillo and was inaugurated on May 1, 1878. On November 30, 1893, the Catholic Parish of San Miguel was formally acknowledged through a Royal Decree. On July 26, 1904, Masantol once more became part of Macabebe. However, in 1907, Masantol was again reinstated as a separate independent municipality and this lasted up to the present.

TIMELINE 1853- Masantol was then a barrio of Macabebe, barrio no 4. June 26, 1877- Separation of the barrios Bebe, Bulacus, Caingin and Nigui from Macabebe to erect them in a town May 1, 1878- the town was inaugurated bearing the name of San Miguel. November 30, 1893- parish of San Miguel Masantol was approved by royal decree no. 1271. *In the later years the name San Miguel reverted to Masantol as was originally and is nowadays. January 1904- the town was consolidated with Macabebe. August 7,2009- 26 villages submerged in flood Oct 4, 2011-Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda appealed to President Benigno Noynoy Aquino III for the immediate dredging of the Pampanga River and mouth of Pampanga Bay in Masantol town to minimize the widespread flooding and its adverse effects in the fourth district towns of the province. July 13,2012-Governor Lilia Nanay G. Pineda convenes with the village chiefs in Masantol town for the disaster preparedness program in the area. BARANGAYS and BARRIOS Masantol is politically subdivided into 26 barangays and 2 independent/dependent barrios. BARANGAYS:

Alauli Bagang Balibago Bebe Anac Bebe Matua Bulacus San Agustin (Caingin) Santa Monica (Caingin) Cambasi Malauli Nigui Palimpe

Sagrada (Tibagin) San Isidro Anac San Isidro Matua (Pob.) San Nicolas (Pob.) San Pedro Santa Cruz Santa Lucia Matua Santa Lucia Paguiaba Santa Lucia Wakas Santa Lucia Anac (Pob.) Sapang Kawayan Sua

Puti BARRIOS: Bebe Arabia Sagrada 2 C. ECONOMY AND LIVELIHOOD

Santo Nio

The peoples livelihood is largely based on agriculture and fishery. Masantol, rated as a 4th class municipality, is one of the poorer towns on the basis of tax collections in 2000. One of the secrets of Pampanga is found along the shores of Manila Bay. These are the mangroves of Masantol where the water is quite shallow, perfect for kayaking and bird watching. The best part of the cruise is watching the renowned Manila Bay sunset from a different place, far from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila. As the boat speeds back to Apalit and civilization, the Philippine sun colors the sky with a dapple palette, a perfect close to a relaxing day with nature In 2006-2007, a 170-meter stretch along the riverbank in this town was turned into a port wharf. Representative Ana York Bondoc-Sagum reports that the project will benefit the maritime-based livelihood of Masantol and nearby towns along the Pampanga River. By early 2009, the Masantol Wharf Projects Phase I - the Bagsakan Trading of Prawns and Mud Crabs was underway; President Arroyo unveiled the project marker for the Phase II of the Masantol Wharf Project. Costing P19 million Rep. Bondoc-Sagum forecast that the port will boost business, tourism, transportation, and the peoples everyday life in general. She also noted that Masantol could become a first-class municipality when the port is fully operational.

D. MAP LOCATION Located at the southeastern-most part of Pampanga, the town had a population of 48, 000 in 2000, on an area of 13,764 hectares.

LANDMARKS

ST. MICHAEL ARCHANGEL PARISH CHURCH The church was built by the parish priest of Macabebe who attended to the spiritual needs of Masantol. The center bell tower is of renaissance influence. The cemented faade contrasts with natural texture and color of the original stones at the sides. E. CULTURAL PROFILE, FESTIVALS, TRADITIONS RELIGIOUS BELIEFS The feast of St. Michael the Archangel, Masantols patron saint, is marked every September 29. Described in the book of Revelations as the leader of the victorious heavenly armies against Satan, San Miguel Arcangel is represented as trampling a dragon underfoot, an iconography that has been in existence since the 15th century. His role as an angel is to receive souls and weighs them in the balance, which made him patron of grocers. Holding a sword and a shield made him patron of the military and security personnel as well. Historian Alex R Castro reported in his blog site that Masantol holds the distinction of being the first town visited by Pampangas patroness, Virgen de los Remedios, in the days of Cruzada de Caridad, which was organized by the first Bishop of San Fernando, His Excellency Cesar Ma. Guerrero. This was on 15 April 1952 .To mark this event, the portrait of the Virgin was installed in the patio of the church.

OTHER FESTIVITIES Viva San Miguel Arkangel - May 8, All Masantolenos Viva Sto. Nino - every last Sunday of January. - Brgy. Sto. Nino Viva Santa Monica - every 3rd Sunday of April. - Brgy. Santa Monica Caingin Batalla and Talangka Festival of San Roque - every 3rd Sunday or 4th Sunday of April if Lunar year. - Brgy. Bebe Anac, Bebe Matua, and Bario Bebe Arabia Batalla Festival of San Miguel - every May 8 of the year. - Masantol Town Proper Feast of Apung Kulas - every May 12 of the year. - Brgy. San Nicolas Feast of The HOLY ROSARY - every 2nd Saturday of October in BULACUS MASANTOL Fiesta de Santa Lucia - every December 13 of the year. - Brgy. Santa Lucia Wakas, Matua, Anac Viva San Agustin - every August 28 of the year. Brgy. San Agustin Caingin The Labas Larawan (Celebration of the Saints) in each barrio/barangay celebrating their patron saint for one week in January. A weeklong "Barrio Fiesta" for each barrio scattered throughout the year.

HYMNO NING BALEN O, Masantol! by Kragi (2008)

F. PROMINENT LOCAL FIGURES (MEMORABLE KAPAMPANGANS)

One pride of Pampanga National Artist hailed from Masantol. Manansalas paintings won him plaudits both here and abroad yet; most of his works are now in the hands of private collectors. His most productive period spanned the years after World War II till his passing in the 1980s. Some of his paintings may be found reproduced in coffee table books and retrospectives in better bookstores.

SOURCES: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masantol,_Pampanga http://www.rtbot.net/masantol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0yro9WEXR8 The Kapampangan Mystique (2009) Rudy Ordoez

CANDABA
(The Fruit Basket of Central Luzon)
A. TOPONYM / EPISTEMOLOGY Candaba, as told by Dr. Juan P. Gatbonton, one of the more knowledgeable chroniclers of the town, derived its name from Candawe, a name of a place close to Sitio Culumanas in Candaba. Candawe was later corrupted by Spanish derivation to Candaba. Another school of thought, based on lore perpetuated by word of mouth through the years, traced the origin of the word Candaba from 'Cang Daba' or' Brother Daba. ('Daba' was a term used for a big earthen jar and obese people were teased by likening them to a 'daba') Before long, it came to pass that every out-of-towner buying fish and famed 'buru' (pickled fish) was almost invariably referred to Cang Daba. The town, later on, came to be called Candaba.

B. TOWN HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY One of the oldest communities in pre-Hispanic times, Candaba was settles way before the first Spanish encomendero took hold of the town in 1593. In fact, a stone-age adze (sudsud) was reported to have been unearthed in the area in the 1930s, now kept at the Philippine National Museum. This artifact is proof of the existence of a boat-building society and trading economy along the great Pampanga River and the adjoining Manila Bay. Moreover, part of its territory is a shallow swamp (pinac), the largest in Luzon. Not surprisingly, Candabas economy in the modern times continues to be anchored largely on fisheries and agricultures Candaba was founded in 1575 from an already prosperous settlement called Candawe with 600 residents. Its population increased more than three-fold by 1583. Candabas history was a troubled one. Revolts against the Spanish were many and the very first one was staged by Juan de Manila in Candaba. Both he and his cohorts were executed in 1586. One, Apung Ipe, fought against the Americans but this resistance petered out by the early 1900s. During World War II, Candaba became infamous for the hundreds of comfort women dragged off by the Japanese army after killing their husbands and children right in the poblacion. A handful of these women are still alive and a few have told their sordid stories. Due to its many-sided exits and huge swamps, Canda in the 1940s 1960s was a principal refuge and hideout of guerillas and Huks in Central Luzon. Luis Taruc, Castro Alejandrino and company used it as hideout during their active resistance. TIMELINE 1766- Construction of an old church April 27, 1784- a colony of 200 Christian Chinese was established at Pinac (the swamp) to promote the towns industry 1816- Completion of the construction of the old church after various reconstructive attempts 1923- Labor leaders began to exploit the purse and the mind of the laboring class March 19,2012-The latest recipient of motorcycle patrols from Governor Lilia G. Pineda are the 33 barangays of Candaba, all for improving the capability of barangay officials in securing their areas from potential threats and danger. May 15, 2012- CANDABA, Pampanga Thousands turned up for the first fluvial procession in Pampanga River on Monday, which highlighted the 60th founding anniversary of the Crusade of Penance and Charity.

 July 25, 2012-Gov. Lilia Nanay Pineda stops over a vendor in Candaba to include

her as one of the beneficiaries for the NEGO-Kart Project of the Provincial Government and DOLE. BARANGAYS Candaba is politically subdivided into 33 barangays. Bahay Pare Bambang Barangca Barit Buas (Poblacion) Cuayang Bugtong Dalayap Dulong Ilog Gulap Lanang Magumbali Mandasig Mandili Mangga Mapaniqui Paligui Pangclara Pansinao Paralaya (Poblacion) Pasig Pescadores MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS Mayor: Jerry L. Pelayo Vice Mayor: Daniel C. Gallardo DEMOGRAPHICS Candaba, where Candaba Swamp (Pinac, Pinak) is located absorbs most of the flood flows from the western slopes of a portion of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range Sierra Madre (Philippines), and the overflowing of the Pampanga River (The Grand River of Pampanga) via the Cabiao, Nueva Ecija floodway. This area is submerged during the rainy season - Wet season. But is relatively dry during summer - Dry Season, hence, making the land suitable for many agricultural productions. Candaba is noted for its farmlands which produce watermelon. The swamps are communal fishing grounds encompassing some 430 km of highly arable farmlands. Here the province's best produce, watermelon, muskmelon, which find their way to world markets are produced. Candaba swamps are very fertile due to its sustained deposits of humus and decaying vegetable residues. Migrant wild ducks and various wildlife bird escape winter winds from China, Siberia, New Zeland, Mongolia, Western Hemisphere, and other parts of Asia making Candaba their yearly sanctuary. Candaba represents the lowest point in Central Luzon. Pulong Gubat Pulong Palazan Salapungan SanAgustin(Poblacion) Santo Rosario Tagulod Talang Tenejero Vizal San Pablo Vizal Santo Cristo

Lourdes

Vizal Santo Nio

INFRASTRUCTURE Candaba due to its geographic location and nature of the lands have few paved roads. The area totally gets submerged during wet season - Wet season or Monsoon Season. C. ECONOMY AND LIVELIHOOD Candabas economy to this day is defined by seasonal rains and floods. The swamps in Candaba produce all kinds of fresh water fishes and crustaceans in the wet season, yielding its rich topsoil to the cultivation of watermelon and other vegetables in summer. For decades, Candaba-grown watermelons and wild birds were much soughtafter in public market, even hawked at times along the local highways. Candaba is environmentally fit for raising and breeding koi (Japanese carp). An aquarium fish, koi is in big demand according to a 2006 report. Mayor Jerry Pelayo is actively pushing further development of the koi industry within its scope. Several hectares of fishponds in the towns, previously utilized for tilapia growing, are now being used to raised hybrid koi. If successful, the high value added will mean more income and employment for Candaba residents. Candaba is considered as the Fruit Basket of Central Luzon because of its melons and watermelons. Farmers turn fishermen when the swamp is flooded, it is estimated that about 20,000,000.00 are raised from the swamps of its fish, melons and rice productions annually. They also export Honeydew melons to Japan. ECOTOURISM It is a major potential of Candaba, given the Rio Grande and the thousands of migratory birds that fly from China from October to January. In conjunction with the mayors of the other towns along the river, the plan is to transform the river into an alternative artery of transportation, creating a tourist destination with Venice-like gondolas and houseboats. Candaba will link up via the river with Arayat and Masantol at the mouth of Manila Bay.

D. MAP LOCATION With 26,800 hectares, Candaba ranks as the second largest town in Pampanga. Its population in 2006 stood 86,000and rated a third class town. Its borders are Pampanga River and the town of San Ildefonso, Bulacan to the east; Cabiao, Nueva Ecija to the North; Baliuag, Bulacan to the south; and a portion of Sta. Ana,Pampanga to the west. LANDMARKS ST. ANDREW PARISH CHURCH Simplicity and scarcity of ornamentation are the main traits of the faade of this church: a triangular pediment with a protruding center. A new feature of the faade is the depressed three-centered arches of the windows on the second level, separated by a cornice decorated with geometric designs.

HANGING BRIDGE

Also known as the Candaba Suspension Bridge, the bridges design and framework were patterned after the famous San Francisco Bridge in the United States. PINAC, a wildlife reserve Heaven on earth aptly describes the 70-hectare Candaba Swamp and Wildlife Preserve, where thousands of wild birds congregate. A natural sanctuary for thousands of birds migrating from China to flee the winter. The 2006 Asian Waterbird Census recorded more than11,000 birds and more than 80 species in only three hours of counting one February morning. The Bird Sanctuary of Candaba is a paradise waiting to be discovered hopefully by bird watchers and not by bird hunters. Migratory egrets and indigenous birds, like the rare salaksak and batala, can be observed here especially during the dry months when large formations of egrets descend on shallow pools teeming with snails and small fish. The best sight-seeing time to visit the swamp is from October to January when these wintering fine feathered creatures make Candaba their home.

Egrets

White- Breasted Waterhen

Herons

E. CULTURAL PROFILE, FESTIVALS, TRADITIONS

RELIGIOUS BELIEFS The towns patron saint is St. Andrew, whose feast day is celebrated on November 30. It will be recalled that Andrew was the first of Jesus apostles, a fisherman from Bethsaida in Galilee. Thus, among the emblems displayed in Candaba parish church are fish and fishing nets, symbolizing San Andres occupation. St Andrew, who was martyred by being bound to an X-shaped cross in Greece, is also the patron saint of Russia and Scotland. One of the most famous religious sites of this town is to be found in a small farming barangay called Pulong Gubat. Every year, especially during the Holy Week, a lot of pilgrims and devotees flock to this small village believing that Nuestra Seor dela Pacencia (Apo), its venerated statue of Jesus Christ, will cure their illness or grant their wishes. Apo shares many features with the Black Nazarene - Black Nazarene in the church: Quiapo Church of Quiapo, Manila. They are both the image of the dark-skinned Jesus Christ, share the same annual feast day which is on 9 January and both have miraculous attributes.

FESTIVALS IBUN EBUN FESTIVAL One of the biggest events in the Philippines, Candaba, Pampanga celebrates Ibon-Ebon Festival during February 1-2. Foreign and local guests are encouraged to take part in witnessing the grand celebration. Known government officials both local and national also join the annual festivity. Held in honor of the local patron saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino, the local government and the people of Candaba aim to boost food production, and promote eco-tourism. The feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino has been believed to be in connection with the migration of tarat (bird specie known as the Brown Shrike) to Candaba. Also known as the Birds and Eggs Festival, as Ibon means birds while ebon means eggs, nevertheless, bird watchers and nature-lovers are expecting to see no more than things about birds and eggs, although Ibon-Ebon Festival is more

than just Candabas showcase of different species of birds and thousands of eggs laid. Lined up in this two-day activity are presentation of high school talents, exhibits, and trade fair featuring products of Candaba. Booths are put up in the trade fair that feature agricultural products of varieties of freshly harvested vegetables from rich lands of the region, and fishery and other aquatic produce such as tilapia, hito, and dalagang bukid, among many others. Along with these activities are the parade of participants clad in different duck costumes competing for the best duck costume at the town plaza, street dancing, duck race, bird program and an art contest, a bird kite exhibition, and a variety show.

CULINARY SPECIALTIES Candaba represents the lowest point in Central Luzon. It is noted for its wide and scenic swamps, the habitat of mudfish and catfish. Before the age of refrigeration, surplus catch of fish and shrimps led to the preservation by fermentation. The popular "burong isda", a distinct Kapampangan fermented delicacy, is made from catfish or mudfish. Burung asan and burung babi were made to preserve summer and flood season harvests. The former, while loved by the addicts, describe by others as cats vomit. Aficionados, however, swear by most unique taste of burung asan, one of Candabas most famous delicacies.

Interesting things about Candaba: Centuries-old, Spanish-type houses filled with relics and antiques like paintings by Simeon Flores and Malantic. Communal Fish Pond for farmers as vast as 12,000 hectares which is planted with melons during dry season. Home-made bamboo crafts, sweets and pastries, salted watermelon seeds (butong pakwan) and fermented fish (burung isda). Wild duck hunting areas in the swamps. Candaba swamps, verdant meadows, fishpond teeming with fish.

 Awitang carangay has been launched. Basultuhan is now again practiced, School newspapers and the local publication (Candaba Mini Times), encourage literary participation both in Pilipino and the Vernacular.

PROMINENT LOCAL FIGURES

Exact replica of a stone tool found in Candaba, dating back to 3000 years before the birth of Christ. It was used for carving boats, which may indicate the early Kapampanagans sea faring ways.

Paligue Archeological Site

F. PROMINENT LOCAL FIGURES (MEMORABLE KAPAMPANGANS)

Victorio Punla- war veteran but has not received a single centavo from the government

Teodulo Yabut Turla- awarded by the Muncipal Government of Candaba and the fiestang Kuliat Foundation Committee on October 24, 1933 at Nepo Square, Angeles City Jose Mauro Manapul Gallardo- awarded by the Aguman Talasulat Kapampangan (AGTAKA) on September 20, 1979 in Angeles City

SOURCES: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candaba http://www.eksite.com/balen/candaba.html http://www.rtbot.net/candaba http://www.geocities.ws/mun_of_candaba/introduction.htm http://www.philippinefiestas.com/pampanga-festivals/ibon-ebon-festival-ofcandaba-pampanga-the-birds-and-eggs-festival/ http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=Gw6dY9nBZ94&feature=player_embedded http://www.youtube.com/watch? feature=endscreen&v=6xaiFX0Yd0w&NR=1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glhc8l6NLvY http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=H2laRkepAYE&list=UUKU7etZGZP8Mo0QHbB4Jalg&index=3&feature =plcp http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=SJKzvGtfRqg&feature=player_embedded The Kapampangan Mystique (2009) Rudy Ordoez