Tarlac City and Province

[allan_dude]

image hosted on flickr
image hosted on flickr
image hosted on flickr
image hosted on flickr

CREATION OF TARLAC

May 28, 1873

Early in the dawn, of history,what come to be know as Tarlac today once a thickly-forested area, people by roving tribes of nomadic Aetas said to be the aboriginal settlers of the Philippines.The name 'Tarlac' was derived from a 'Talahib'like weed called by by the Aetas"Matarlac". Along the year, the word 'MALA' was removed and shotened to 'TARLAC'

Tarlac was the last province in Central Luzon created by Spanish Colonial Goverment.Tarlac started as a Spanish Commandancia Militar(establish in Tarlac town in 1860} which policed the towns of Mabalacat,Porac,Magalang, Florida Blanca, Bamban, Concepcion, Capas, Tarlac and Victoria, all town of Pampanga, In 1871, ny virtue of a royal decree,the above named town were grouped together to form newly created province of Tarlac. In 1873, further reorganization was made.Mabalacat, Porac, Magalang and Florida Blanca were separated from Tarlac Province and returned to mother provincce Pampanga.On the other hand,then the Pangasinan town of Anao, Gerona, Camiling and Paniqui were transferred to Tarlac.On May 28,1873, Tarlac was inaugurated as an 'ALCALDIA' or a regular province Philippines

In Beweeb the year 1874 and 1874 a margin of 23 years Sta Ignacia and Mayantoc and San Clemente, all barios of Camiling, became independent towns, O'Donnell and Murcia, from Capas, Moriones of the town of )'Donell, Pura of Gerona, Moncada of Paniqui, nad Lapaz of Tarlac.These added to the existing nine towns. The new set-up did not last long.On recommendation of the Philippines Commision 0f 1902 (American Administration{ the smaller town were turned barios to be made integral parts of town close to them.With this reconversion, important record and documnets of the respective towns were turned over to town they were attached.

In 1907 and 1922, San Manuel (bario of Moncada)and Ramos (of Paniqui) became towns, respectively. With the exception of O'Donell. Moriones, and Murcia, all towns reconverted into barios by the Philippines Commision of 1902 were to regain their township.

In January 05 1990, by the virtue of Republic Act. No. 6842 The Municipality of San Jose was created. The province was subsequently divided into three congressional district.

In April 1998, by virtue of R.A. No. 8593, the capital town of Tarlac was converted into a componnet City. Thus, the Province has the "Melting Pot of Central Luzon"

HISTORY

The terrain formerly belonging to Pangasinan and Pampanga makes the territory of what is now the Tarlac province. This Central Luzon province was the last to be organized under the Spanish Regime. In 1874, its nuclei were the towns of Concepcion, Capas, Bamban, Mabalacat, Magalang, Porac, Floridablanca, Victoria and Tarlac (now City) which constituted the military "Commandancia".

Some of these municipalities were returned to Pampanga but the rest were incorporated into the new province of Tarlac, together with municipalities from the province of Pangasinan.

Tarlac became briefly the seat of the Philippine Republic headed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo when he abandoned Malolos, Bulacan in the face of the advancing American Forces. Pacification was considered complete when civil government was instituted by the Americans in the whole Archipelago on February 18, 1901.

It was in Tarlac that President Aguinaldo issued the now famous "Rosena Verdica de la Revolucion Fajardo. This was the first history of the revolution ever published, and it gained significance because it contained an indictment against the abuses of the American Expeditionary Forces in the country.

It was in this province that Apolinario Mabini was appointed Foreign Minister of the Philippines, and on the same year, Msgr. Gregorio Aglipay , protesting against the abuses of the Friar Church, established a local church that was to become the Philippine Independent Church.

Likewise, the first paper money and the first coins of the Independent regime were issued in Tarlac.

The province was again much in the public eye in 1942 when thousands of wounded, sick and starved American and Filipino soldiers marched on foot after their surrender in Bataan across rough, sun-drenched roads resulting in the death of hundreds on their way to Capas. Camp O’Donnell became so overcrowded that many Allied prisoners died of hunger and disease. The infamous "Death March" of World War II ranks high among the most inhuman acts committed by the Japanese Imperial Army.

Text source: DOT Website

ABOVE: Photo credits (L-R)
Flickr.com photos by remzamora, webzer, frs_111, & carolskie007

ECONOMY

The economy of Tarlac is dominantly agricultural. Principal crops are rice and sugarcane. Other major crops are corn and coconut; vegetables such as eggplant, garlic, and onion; and fruit trees like mango, banana, and calamansi.

Because the province is landlocked, its fish production is limited to fishponds. On the boundary with Zambales in the west, forestlands provide timber for the logging industry. Mineral reserves such as manganese and iron can also be found along the western section.

Tarlac has its own rice and corn mills as well as sawmills and logging outfits. It has three sugar centrals. Other firms service agricultural needs such as fertilizer. Among its cottage industries, ceramics making has become important because of the abundant supply of clay.

DEMOGRAPHICS

As of the 2000 census, Tarlac has a population of 1,068,783. Its population density is 350/km². Pampango or Kapampangan is spoken by more than half of the population followed by Ilocano spoken by 41%. Tagalog is widely understood. -Wikipedia

Map:

Map courtesy of globalpinoy.com

City

• Tarlac City

MUNICIPALITIES

• Anao
• Bamban
• Camiling
• Capas
• Concepcion
• Gerona
• La Paz
• Mayantoc
• Moncada
• Paniqui
• Pura
• Ramos
• San Clemente
• San Jose
• San Manuel
• Santa Ignacia
• Victoria

[allan_dude]

The town of Tarlac has had a colorful and significant history. Its story may very well be story of Tarlac province itself, which came into being only in 1873-74, eighty six years after Tarlac town was formally founded in 1788.

From Bacolor, Pampanga came intrepid leaders, namely Don Carlos Miguel and Don Narciso Castañeda who, years before 1788, with their families and followers trekked through the forests and hills of Porac and Bamban before finally settling down in what is now known as the town of Tarlac. They cleared the forest and tilled the fertile soil until a settlement emerged along the bank of the river which flowed across the township.

The community grew rapidly with settlers coming from Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and elsewhere. The Pampanga dialect became the lingua franca in the community, as it was part of Pampanga province in those days. The two leaders, Miguel and Castañeda succeeded in carrying out their pioneering venture through benevolent leadership, which elicited the cooperation of their followers. Thus roads were built, barrios were established without monetary expenditure, only through the common efforts of everyone. It also marked the beginnings of Tarlac as a “melting pot” of Central Luzon, with a mixture of divergent people working mightily for the common good.

Peace, happiness and self-sufficiency reigned during those early days. Enough agricultural and fish products were supplied by a rich soil and a flowing river, waiting for the hands of its hardworking settlers.

Later, it was unanimously agreed by the growing populace to request the authorities in Manila to convert the community into a town. Don Carlos Miguel prepared the needed resolution and forwarded it to the Spanish authorities. In 1788, a decree was issued by Captain General Don Felix Berenguer de Marquina, proclaiming Tarlac as a town under territorial jurisdiction of Pampanga, whose capital then was Bacolor.

The first governadorcillo (later called municipal) was Don Carlos Miguel in 1788 who, together with Don Narciso Castañeda, established the foundation of Tarlac town. He was followed by Don Luis Briones 1789. It was during his term as the second governadorcillo that the “legend of San Sebastian” started. It is said that sometime that year, an armed band of tulisanes were stopped from marauding the town by a young boy who turned out to be no less than San Sebastian himself.

Tarlac is represented prominently in the eight rays of the Philippine flag because it was among the first provinces to join the revolution in 1896. The K.K.K. of Andres Bonifacio found early adherents among Tarlaqueños, headed by Don Francisco Tañedo, after whom the town’s principal thoroughfare is named. Don Francisco Tañedo was killed in an encounter with the Spanish guardia civil at the outset of the revolution. His early death inflamed the citizenry and his relatives and followers were bent on capturing the town by any means, but were dissuaded by Don Eusebio Tañedo Iro, who volunteered to see his friend, General Monet, former politico-military, governor of Tarlac and at the time the highest military official in Pampanga. Denying that Tarlaqueños were involved in the revolution, Don Eusebio was able to obtain orders from General Monet to stop military operations in Tarlac. However, peace did not reign long in Tarlac because Generals Francisco Macabulos and Jose Alejandrino already started their offensive against the Spanish forces. On June 25 1898, Spanish soldiers surrendered in Tarlac.

The Miguels, descendants of one of the pioneers of the town, Don Carlos Miguel, changed their family name to Tañedo in 1872 upon the promulgation of the Claveria decree on surnames. It is said that the Miguels preferred the masculine version of Castañeda, and Tañedo was also in compliance with the designated starting letter for all Tarlac surnames- it is therefore, not surprising that many Tarlaqueños to this day bear such surnames as Taala, Taar, Tabamo, Taban, Tabaquero, Tabasondra, Tamayo, Tamondong, to name a few.

President Emilio Aguinaldo proudly proclaimed the Philippine Republic on January 23, 1899 in Malolos, Bulacan. Assemblance of an independent government was formed, with a lawmaking body, the Malolos Congress, a cabinet headed by Apolinario Mabini ( who was foreign affairs minister), a judiciary, and of course, an army led by General Antonio Luna. A State University, the Universidad Literaria de Filipinas, was also opened.

By July 1899, however, with the tides of war turning against Aguinaldo, Tarlac became the last capital of the short-lived republic then on the run. Among the deputies who were in Tarlac to attend sessions of Congress were Fernando Ma. Guerrero of Manila, representing Leyte; Daniel Tirona of Cavite, representing Batanes; Tomas Mascarado of Batangas, representing Sorsogon; Servillano Aquino of Tarlac, representing Samar and Francisco Macabulos of Tarlac, representing Cebu.

The Aquinos, forebears of the late Benigno Aquino, Jr., came from lower Pampanga like most Tarlac settlers. The family of General Servillano Aquino settled in the town of Concepcion, still then a part of Pampanga. Present – day Aquinos trace their Tarlac, Tarlac connections to one of the “original” families of this capital town, the Tañedo’s General Aquino married Doña Lorensa Tañedo Quiambao and later, when he lost his wife in one of the tragic episodes of the revolution, married his wife’s widowed elder sister Doña Saturnina Tañedo-Quiambao de Estrada, grandmother of former Senator Eva Estrada-Kalaw. The latter’s bloodline is therefore not Aquino but Tañedo –Quiambao, which she shares with the late Ninoy Aquino, her second cousin.

It is said, “the past is a prologue to the future”. This brief account of the town’s colorful history is by no means complete. Since 1788, the town has progressed significantly, leading to its becoming the nucleus of Tarlac province. It has encountered countless hardships in the course of its existence, including those precipitated by earthquakes, cholera and other epidemics, great fires, devastating floods and similar calamities. Through the years, Tarlac’s ability to survive wars, economic difficulties and political turmoil among others, has been proven by its consistent re-emergence as a stronger and better town, eager to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Tarlac upgrade to cityhood started way back in 1996, with the filing of a bill in Congress to convert the town into a component city. House Bill No. 6863 was passed on November 17, 1997, subsequently; Senate Bill No. 2340 was approved on February 23, 1998. Then, on April 18, 1998, through a plebiscite the citizenry overwhelmingly supported the conversion of Tarlac town into a component city with affirmative votes of 21,378 out of 26,020 votes. It was proclaimed as a component city on April 19, 1998 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8593 to be known as the City of Tarlac.

Its present leaders, led by the Honorable Mayor Genaro M. Mendoza, together with all his co-workers in the city government can stand tall and proud of Tarlac’s 2000 years of glorious history as a source of inspiration to aspire and work only for the best, because Tarlac City deserves no less than the best.

ATTRACTIONS

The chief festival of the city is the Festival of San Sebastian, in honor of the city's patron saint. This week long series of activities takes place during the third week in January and includes a beauty contest, a parade, balls, cultural presentations and sports competitions.

The newly created Rice Cake Festival commemorates the granting of city hood of Tarlac, with prizes awarded for the most delicious rice and sugar concoctions.

The Luisita Golf & Country Club is one of the finest in the country. It is an 18-hole championship course, it has magnificent slopes and lagoons, with a crystal clear water winding through manicured fairways. The Luisita Golf & Country Club holds the distinction of being the only one in the Philippines designed by the world-renowned golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones, Sr.

Aside from Las Haciendas de Luisita's clubhouse, another clubhouse specially catering to the golfers has been built. A two-storey structure of Spanish-Mexican architecture, it is perched on tree-laden knolls, offering a panoramic view of the gently-sloping golf course. The clubhouse has dining facilities, a function room, a golfer's lounge, a pro shop, lockers, shower rooms, and other service areas.

Year-round maintenance and recent renovations assure excellent playing conditions and a most enjoyable golf course of international standards.

The main natural attraction of the city is Dolores Spring Well, located seven kilometers away from the city center. The spring well is cemented, with grotto containing an image of the Virgin De Lorosa, which is said to have medicinal healing powers.


Starbucks Tarlac courtesy of mymanila.net

image hosted on flickr

Tarlac Ecotourism Park
Photo courtesy of DOT Region III

[gurugeri]

It's nice to know there's a Tarlac thread. I went to Baguio early this year and we had a stopover at Tarlac City. I was impressed! I checked the Wikipedia article about the city and was surprised to know Tarlac is a third class component city. I don't think so. With that population and the bustle at the city proper, the city is actually highly urbanized--and not third class.

[allan_dude]

^Yes, i have to agree you, Tarlac City's category should be elevated as Highly Urbanized. From what i remember, there were moves before to reclassify the city, however it wasn't that popular among the populace. According to NSCB, Tarlac is already a 1st Class component city. It is also classified as a partially urban. This might be the case due to the huge land area of the city and is used mainly for agri-business or forest reserve.

Tarlac really is the ultimate pit stop when going to Baguio, Ilocandia, Pangasinan, Northern Zambales and Northwestern Nueva Ecija. I enjoy riding the bus going home whenever the bus stop would be at Siesta or TG.

[pau_p1]

boy.. I remember staying for four days there in Tarlac City with friends and we stayed in Gradma's Hotel and Restaurant there which is owned by my friend who invited us there for free.. hehehe...

[Rence]

When i went to Tarlac a few months ago people there were very friendly and hospitable.

[lightsaber46]

Cojuangcos sell mall to Gokongwei firm
09/10/2007 | 10:16 PM


Gokongwei-led Robinsons Land Corp. has acquired the Cojuangco family’s Plaza Luisita Center in Tarlac City, Robinsons Land President and Chief Operating Officer Frederick D. Go told BusinessWorld.

The deal was signed by former president Corazon C. Aquino, Luisita Realty Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer Josephine C. Reyes, Luisita Realty Chairman Don Pedro Cojuangco, Mr. Go, and Robinsons Land Vice-Chairman and Deputy Chief Executive Lance Y. Gokongwei.

"It will be a redeveloped mall and become part of our chain of malls," Mr. Go said. He declined to disclose the purchase price and how much the company will spend to redevelop the Plaza Luisita mall.

BusinessWorld tried to reach the Cojuangcos for comment but they were not available as of press time.

The Plaza Luisita Center is a two-storey business and shopping complex. The first shopping complex in central Luzon, it has a multi- cinema complex, boutiques, fast food outlets, grocery stores, an appliance store, and other shops.

Robinsons Land said last month it would jointly develop with Federal Land, Inc., the property arm of the George S.K. Ty-led Metrobank group, a two-hectare prime property on EDSA corner Pioneer Street in Manda-luyong into a residential condominium complex.

The Links, which will be composed of five towers, is expected to churn P15 billion in sales.

Federal Land President Alfred V. Ty said the Tys’s property is right next to Robinsons Land’s Cybergate building.

"It is very natural to work as partners rather than develop it separately. We are both excited about this new venture," he said.

The commercial centers division of Robinsons Land accounted for 41% or P2.46 billion of the company’s gross revenues for the three quarters starting October 2006 to June 2007.

The increase in revenues was principally due to rental escalations and strong rental income from almost all Robinsons malls, particularly Robinsons Place Cainta, Robinsons Place Pioneer, Robinsons Metro Bacolod, Robinsons Place Lipa and the Galleria Mall in Ortigas Center.

Robinsons Land reported a nearly 50% increase in net income during the three quarters, at P1.82 billion from P1.23 billion.

Gross revenues for the nine-month period rose 23.4% to P5.96 billion from P4.83 billion.

The Robinsons Land group is 60.01% owned by JG Summit Holdings, Inc., one of the country’s largest conglomerates with interests in branded consumer foods, agro-industrial and commodity food products, telecommunications, petrochemicals, air transportation and financial services.

On Monday, Robinsons Land shares closed 2.78% weaker at P17.50. — Ruby Anne M. Rubio/BusinessWorld

[allan_dude]

New Tarlac City public market nears completion


Isaac R. Kliatchko Jr.


TARLAC CITY — The city’s public market on F. Tanedo St. is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year, City Mayor Genaro "Aro" Malvar Mendoza announced here.

Construction of the new public market is being undertaken by a private contractor and is being supervised by the city government, Mendoza also said.

The capital city would now have two public markets, making it more convenient for market goers and shoppers.

This could be the most welcome development in recent years for both consumers and the trading sector here. The restoration of the public market at the heart of the commercial district will also distribute the traffic and pedestrian flow and likewise serve as a balancing factor for the proposed construction of an SM Mall at the capital city.

The years that preceded this development had been "problematic." The original public market had been burned by suspected arsonists at least twice during the term of Mendoza’s predecessor, Gelacio "Ace" Manalang.

Instead of constructing a new one on the same site, Manalang had transferred the site of the public market across the commercial district, near the Tarlac River dike apparently to provide "flavor" to the value of real estate in that area.

To provide a come-on for the transferred market, the former mayor spearheaded the construction of an adjacent "giant" store.

And because canals and sewers underneath the transferred public market had been perennially clogged by garbage, undrained rain water spawn flash floods which have become regular occurrences in the vicinity. This created chronic and big problems for commercial establishments along the prime commercial area here.

"Whenever it rains hard, undrained rain water floods the ground floor of establishments in the area, resulting to losses on our part. Konting ulan lang, baha na, mababasa mga appliances kung di namin ilipat. We are always forced to move our wares everytime it rains," said Juanito Que, owner of Northern Marketing and director of the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

The public market’s transfer also caused an inconvenient re-routing, and the public had no choice but to adapt to the new setup -- to which the people had somehow gotten used to through the years.

The mayor is optimistic that with the new, restored public marketplace right at the heart of the city’s commercial district, "there will be many good changes that would be felt by every resident."

Residents here had waited too long for the construction of the public market at its original site. It was burned about two decades ago, and was leveled again after some years when suspected arsonists torched its back side.

"Its completion shall serve as a reminder to every concerned Tarlaqueno that under my administration, we always seek to find and deliver the best options for the city’s constituents," Mendoza said, adding that "the new public market is one example."

Every interested person or party may apply for a stall or stalls, which shall be designated to the lucky applicants through a supervised and open raffle.

Following standard procedures, old-time stall owners will be given priority.

Construction had started early this year on the request of stall owners. (With reports from CIO Jerry Hernandez)

[Sinjin P.]

^ Any photos?

[allan_dude]

Wala pa. I'll try to take a shot next time na madaan ako sa city center.

[le Reine]

may mga kamag-anak kami dito sa tarlac. may kilala ba kayong castaneda surname?

[sonnyville]

I'm proud of my hometown of Paniqui, and my province of Tarlac.

http://www.paniqui.gov.ph/home/
I noticed that in the census, there is a very important dialect that was completely forgotten, Pangasinan. Yes, we speak the Pangasinan dialect in Tarlac too. There is a saying in our hometown, "Hinde nyo puedeng maloko ang mga tiga Tarlac, kasi marunong sila mg Kapangpangan, Ilocano, at mg Pangasinan." Which is true, my grandparents spoke all three dialects fluently, including Tagalog, and the majority of the people in the town are abled speakers of all three dialects.


Historical Places in Tarlac

Tarlac Provincial Capitol and Maria Cristina Park (Tarlac City)
An imposing historical landmark in the province is the seat of provincial government, the Capitol building, built in 1906. Giving more grandeur and beauty to the place is the Maria Cristina Park, fittingly named after a Tarlac beauty queen, Maria Cristina Galang, Ms. Philippines1952.

Capas National Shrine (Capas)
A concentration camp subsequently serving as the burial grounds for thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who perished during WW II. The site was the ultimate destination of the infamous Death March.

Capas Death March Monument (Capas)
The historical marker of the infamous concentration camp where nearly 30,000 Filipino and American soldiers who participated in the Death March perished in 1942.

Sto. Domingo Death March Marker (Capas)
The site where about 60,000 Filipino soldiers camped like sardines in closed boxcars were unloaded to start the second phase of the tragic Death March.

Maria Clara Museum (Camiling)
Preserved and displayed in this museum are the priceless mementos of Leonora Rivera, the sweetheart of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Leonora Rivera is immortalized as the heroine Maria Clara in the novel of Rizal.

San Sebastian Cathedral (Tarlac City)
The site of the revolutionary congress. The demolished Tarlac Catholic Convert had once become the highest Filipino seat of learning when the Literario Sciantifico Universidad was transferred from Malolos, Bulacan to Tarlac on March 31, 1889.

Accolalao (Paniqui)
It was in this old townsite of Paniqui where Ali Madin, deposed Sultan of Sulu, formally embraced the Christian faith on April 29, 1750 and assumed the name, Don Fernando Ali Mudin I.

Camiling Church (Camiling)
Its convent was the place of death of General Pedro Pedroche and his men in the hands of General Francisco Makabalos and his revolutionary troops upon the order of General Antonio Luna on charges of rebellion.

Cultural

Aquino Center
(Tarlac, Tarlac) The Aquino Center offers modern conference facilities, spacious functions rooms, convention hall, library containing books and memorabilia of former President Corazon Aquino and the late Senator and patriot Benigno Aquino, Jr. The museum offers a vivid display of the life and works of the late Senator with a mini-theater depicting in visual drama his illustrious life. Tour of Tarlac is never complete without a memorial visit to the center.


Carlos P. Romulo Memorial Library
(Tarlac, Tarlac) Established on May 9, 1952 during the administration of Governor Antonio E. Lopez, this institution was originally named after the late President Manuel A. Roxas, and was later renamed in 1990 after the prominent statesman.


Tarlac Museum
(Tarlac, Tarlac) Tarlac Museum has an extensive collection of official documents of the different revolutionary personalities like the letters of Francisco Makabulos and Gen. Servillano Aquino. This museum stages exhibits every 45 days such as the National Costume of Luzon and many other themes that depict the history and life in the province of Tarlac.


Nature

Mt. Pinatubo
Made famous by its catastrophic eruption in 1991, now a source of travel and study among tourists and travelers visiting Central Luzon.

Bueno Hot Springs (Capas)
Located within the reservation area of Clark Air Base. The terrain is mountainous and the place can be reached only by trail.

Dolores Spring (Tarlac City)
Its water is believed to be medicinal.

Anao Quinabutok Creek (Anao)
Rich with aquatic resources and a favorite site of picnic goers and excursionists for fishing and swimming.

Religious
St. Rose of Lima Church
(Paniqui, Tarlac) Built during the Spanish colonization, and one of the oldest in the country. This structure underwent extensive reconstruction in the early 1970s.


San Sebastian Church
(Tarlac, Tarlac) Located in front of the Municipal Hall, the church was the site of the revolutionary congress. The demolished Tarlac Catholic convent had become the highest Filipino seat of learning when the Literario-Sientifico Universidad of Malolos, Bulacan was transferred to Tarlac on March 31, 1889. The first graduation ceremonies on Sept. 29, 1890 were held inside the Catholic Convent premises. Diplomas then were signed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.


Man-Made
Bamban Park
(Bamban, Tarlac) The park was carved along the hilly area near the national highway in Tarlac and is quite visible from the road with its imposing grotto of Virgin Mary pedestalled on a hill. One has to hurdle a 100-step stairway before reaching the grotto. The area is characterized by stretches of roadside mini-restaurants and bonsai farms - all catering to commuters bound for the north. People visit the place to pay homage to the Blessed Mother or do mountain trekking on the side.


Tinang Site Voice of America
(Concepcion, Tarlac) This radio transmitting facility was used by the Voice of America, the International Broadcasting Service and the U.S. Information Agency in communicating to the world for over 30 years.


Magsaysay Dam
(Mayantok, Tarlac) This dam, named after the late Pres. Ramon Magsaysay, boasts of crystal-clear water from the mountain and a scenic view of surrounding areas.


San Bartolome Treehouse
(Mayantok, Tarlac) Located in Brgy. San Bartolome, this treehouse, constructed through the initiative of the barangay council in 1973, is one of the most interesting attractions in the province.


Tarlac Sugar Mills
(Paniqui, Tarlac) The province of Tarlac takes pride in having two large sugar mills, namely CAT Sugar Mills in Tarlac City and Paniqui Sugar Mills in Paniqui town. These sugar mills help boost the economy of the province.


Diwa ng Tarlak
(Tarlac, Tarlac) A civic and convention center built during the time of Gov. Federico Peralta, it houses a convention hall, ballroom, trade exhibit hall and dining facilities. It is a favorite venue for special functions such as seminars and conferences.



Hacienda Luisita
(Tarlac, Tarlac) The Cojuangco-owned hacienda in Tarlac City houses the famous Tarlac Industrial Park where a growing lists of international export producing companies are located. It boasts of an 18-hole championship golf course, shopping malls, world-class restaurants, hotels, a Beverly Hill - type of residential estate and a vast sugar plantation. Also located in the complex is the Aquino Center and Museum.


Luisita Golf and Country Club
(Tarlac, Tarlac) Located within a sugar plantation owned by the Cojuangco Family. Designed by the world-renowned Robert Trent, this place is a magnificent landscape of verdant slopes and restful lagoons.


Plaza Luisita Center
(Tarlac, Tarlac) A modern and masterfully designed commercial and business complex for shopping malls, offices, retail shops, food establishments and recreational centers. It houses such retail food outlets like Max's Restaurant, McDonald's, Jollibee, Pancake House, Greenwich, Cindy's, Travieza and Chow King

Festivals
Mt. Pinatubo Trek (30 November 2004)
(Capas, Tarlac) An annual trekking event is held every November 30 to commemorate the world-famous eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Hundreds of local and foreign visitors on board all-weather vehicles drive for one hour along the rocky and watery streambed in O' Donnell, Brgy. Sta. Juliana in Capas, Tarlac only to take on a 2-hour walk to the crater of the volcano to witness the tranquility and peacefulness of Mother Nature. Participants join the annual event to contribute part of their resources for the benefit of the conservation and local infrastructure development projects of the host community of Sta. Juliana. The event is participated in by the Angeles City Four Wheelers Club with support from other motoring groups. The project is organized by the Department of Tourism - Region III as part of their mission to "build better quality of lives thru travel and tourism."

Special Interest
Conquer Mt. Pinatubo
Trek to the crater of the world-famous Mt. Pinatubo. Spectacular views, towering lahar canyons, cool mountain springs, and cascading waterfalls make the trip up the volcano an experience to remember. The tour may be taken via Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac.

[allan_dude]

Originally Posted by sonnyville

I'm proud of my hometown of Paniqui, and my province of Tarlac.

http://www.paniqui.gov.ph/home/
I noticed that in the census, there is a very important dialect that was completely forgotten, Pangasinan. Yes, we speak the Pangasinan dialect in Tarlac too. There is a saying in our hometown, "Hinde nyo puedeng maloko ang mga tiga Tarlac, kasi marunong sila mg Kapangpangan, Ilocano, at mg Pangasinan." Which is true, my grandparents spoke all three dialects fluently, including Tagalog, and the majority of the people in the town are abled speakers of all three dialects.

True. Kaya tawag nila sa Tarlac: "Melting Pot of Central Luzon". Mga kamag anak namin sa Paniqui, Moncada and Camiling nakakapagsalita ng Pangasinense. Tama ba, dating part ng Pangasinan (Bayambang town) mga bayan na yan? Yun kasi sabi ng mga matatanda at nakasulat rin sa history ng town namin. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[igi_master]

Taga La Paz Tarlac ako bro, ung nagiisang Private high school duon ay pagaari ng mga Castaneda.

Originally Posted by XP

may mga kamag-anak kami dito sa tarlac. may kilala ba kayong castaneda surname?

[igi_master]

Tarlac Hero

Francisco Macabulos
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Francisco Macabulos (September 17, 1871-April 30, 1922) was a Filipino patriot who led Katipunan revolutionary forces during the Philippine Revolution against Spain in 1896.

He was born in La Paz, Tarlac and organized the first Katipunan group there after he was inducted into the secret society by Ladislao Diwa in 1896. When the revolution broke out in 1898, he liberated Tarlac and established town councils in areas he liberted.

Macabulos refused to honor the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, which called for a truce with the Spanish colonial government, and continued operations in Central Luzon. But on January 14, 1898, he disbanded his troops and accepted amnesty after receiving P14,000 as part of Spanish reparations to Filipino revolutionaries. Macabulos distributed the money to his men.

However, he resumed operations against the Spanish and on April 17, 1898, an assembly of citizens representing the town councils Macabulos established, calling themselves representatives of Central Luzon, met and drafted a provisional constitution. They created a government that was to exist until a revolutionary government is established. Macabulos' government was headed by a general executive committee, consisting of a president, vice president, secretary of interior, secretary of war and a secretary of the treasury.

Macabulos dissolved his government after the First Philippine Republic was created by the Malolos Constitution, which he also signed. He also led his men to free nearby provinces, like Pangasinan where he led revolutionists in the Battle of Dagupan.

[sonnyville]

Well, to those who are involved and active in their hometown associations.... Mga tiga Paniqui, We just had our Paniqui USA Association Christmas Party here in Southern California. Wish we could be back home there in Tarlac and our hometowns to celebrate with relatives at mga kababayan, it's not the same kasi eh. Mas masaya kung nasa tahanan. To everyone in Paniqui and our wonderful Province of Tarlac... Maligayang Pasko at Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat! God Bless!

[sonnyville]

Originally Posted by allan_dude

True. Kaya tawag nila sa Tarlac: "Melting Pot of Central Luzon". Mga kamag anak namin sa Paniqui, Moncada and Camiling nakakapagsalita ng Pangasinense. Tama ba, dating part ng Pangasinan (Bayambang town) mga bayan na yan? Yun kasi sabi ng mga matatanda at nakasulat rin sa history ng town namin. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Yes, it's true. Natanong ko sa lolo ko kasi he lived most of his life sa Tarlac, tilled the soil of Tarlac till he retired, hangat ngayon nandito na kame sa States, umuuwi pa rin para lang makita ang bayan namin at mahawakan ang lupang pinagtataniman nya nung araw. hehe. True, at one point parts of it was Pangasinan province, but the boundary lines have been redrawn several times in the course of Tarlac's history and the history of our country itself. Names of places, such as Accolalao, derived ata sa Pangasinan dialect din ata yun eh. Acolao in the Pangasinan dialect means matanda (elders, elderly..mga lola at lolo). Not so sure, since nobody ever records local history properly and in detail, most of it is by word of mouth from our elders, who have been there all of their lives.

You know what's really shameful is, yung mga matatanda natin, marami silang alam, di lang natin pinapansin. Lalo na historya ng bayan natin. It should be written down. You'd be surprise how much they know. I'm surprised my lolo knows everyone in our hometown, and those who were originally there since his time. Kakilala nya pati yung mga tiga neighboring town... Moncada at Gerona. Believe talaga ako.

[Animo]

By Russell Arador
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:14:00 12/25/2007

TARLAC CITY -- The campaign to create an annual tourist attraction for Tarlac has gained ground with the launch this year of “Belenismo sa Tarlac,” a project that seeks to transform the province into the “Belen capital” of the Philippines.

Belenismo in Spanish means the art of making Belen, a representation of the Nativity scene in which the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus) is visited by the three wise men who came to the manger through the guidance of a star.

This year’s Belen Festival ran from September, when the first Belen-making workshop was conducted, to Dec. 16, the day the winning entries were chosen and awarded.

Organizers have intended the festival to become an annual event in the province.

Belen-making competition

“The [Belen-making] competitions brought out the very best in Tarlaqueños,” said Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, who led the project. “I am pleasantly surprised to discover how truly creative we are as a people.”

Suntay, sister of former Ambassador Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., is president of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, a non-government organization.

Aside from Suntay, the organizers include Tarlac Gov. Victor Yap; businessman Jun Baron, president of the Tarlac Conventions and Visitors Bureau; and Fr. Alex Bautista, head of the Tarlac Diocese’s Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church.

About four months ago, the organizing committee of the “Belenismo sa Tarlac” started holding lectures and workshops where participants were taught to make Belen using various materials like styropor and carton.

“The project was conceptualized to help create an annual tourist attraction for Tarlac, develop a Belen-related cottage industry and, of course, preserve the religious importance of remembering the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Bautista.

On Dec. 16, Sen. Loren Legarda led the awarding of 16 winners in five categories -- personal, grand, monumental, municipal and diorama.

Life-size

In the “personal” and “diorama” (closed Belen with three sides) categories, entries were transported to the judging site and submitted by individuals.

In the “monumental” category, entries were life-size, while entries in the “grand” category were at least three meters high.

In the “municipal” category, participated in exclusively by municipal governments, the entries were larger than life-size.

The Tarlac police office, led by Senior Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, won the first prize in the grand category with its Christmas lights-rich entry placed along the Barangay Salapungan portion of MacArthur Highway in Tarlac City.

Bartolome said their Belen was built by at least 24 policemen, “some of whom had been trained as architects, engineers, artists and carpenters before they joined the [police] service.”

The entry by Asiaten Hotel, located in Barangay San Sebastian in Tarlac City, placed second. It caught the judges’ eyes because it is made up entirely of abaniko (native hand fan). The entry by restaurant Coconut Grill was third.

In the municipal category, the top prize went to Victoria town while San Clemente town was second. The towns of Ramos and Capas tied for third place.

Personal category

In the personal category, Larni Castro of Barangay Padapada in Sta. Ignacia town tied with Roland Rigor of Tarlac City, for the top prize. They were followed by Ma. Rachelle Simon of Barangay Maliwalo, also in Tarlac City.

In the monumental category, the winners were St. Josemaria Escriva Parish, first place; Metrotown Mall, second; and Estipona High School in Pura town, third.

In the diorama-making contest, the first prize winner, Albert Dancel, placed the Holy Family inside a clay pot and seen through a crack shaped like the map of Tarlac.

Equally interesting is the second prize winner created by provincial government employee Ramon Espinosa, who set the birth of Jesus Christ in front of the lobby of the Tarlac capitol.

To house the collection of dioramas, the provincial government put up the Museo de Tarlac, located a few meters from the Diwa ng Tarlak Building in Tarlac City.

Bautista, who teaches liturgical arts at the University of Santo Tomas, said although Makati City is also holding Belen contests yearly, Tarlac’s activity is unique.

Tradition of Belen

“Ours is different because it’s not just a contest. We’re starting a tradition of Belen. For example, during Holy Week we can start visiting Belen sites, Visita Belen, and pray before them. There are prayers for Visita Belen, translated into different local languages like Ilokano, Kapampangan and Tagalog, meditating on the mystery of the incarnation of our Lord,” he said.

“Hindi lang siya mababaw na palabas (It’s not only for show). People are invited to pray. That’s why the Museo and the Belen exhibits were blessed because the principle is that they are objects for you to pray. So that you will remember the mystery of the birth of the Son of God.”

[Jarenz]

[SUV111]

image hosted on flickr