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City of Angeles Lungsod ng Angeles Lakanbalen ning Angeles
The Salakot Arch, next to Clark Freeport, has become a landmark of Angeles City.
Flag Seal
Nickname(s): Kuliat
Motto: "Sulong Angeles!"
Map of Pampanga showing the location of Angeles City Coordinates: 15°9' N, 120°35' E
City of Angeles Location in the Philippines
Coordinates: 15°9′N 120°35′E / 15.15°N 120.583°E / 15.15; 120.583
Country	Philippines
Region	Central Luzon (Region III)
Province	Pampanga
Districts	First District of Pampanga
Barangays	33
Incorporated (town)	December 8, 1829
Incorporated (city)	January 1, 1964
Government
- Mayor	Francis "Blueboy" Nepomuceno (NPC), 2007-2010
Area
- Total	66.16 km2 (25.5 sq mi)
Elevation	90.0 m (295 ft)
Population (2007)
- Total	314,493
- Density	4,753/km2 (7,629/sq mi)
Time zone	PST (UTC+8)
Area code(s)	38
Website	angelescity.gov.ph

Angeles City (Tagalog: Lungsod ng Angeles; Kapampangan: Ciudad ning Angeles), located within the province of Pampanga in the Philippines, is locally classified as a first-class, highly-urbanized city.^[1] The city administers itself autonomously from Pampanga and, as of August 2007, it has a population of 314,493.^[2]

Angeles is served by the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport inside the Clark Special Economic Zone (formerly Clark Air Base and now renamed Clark Freeport Zone), which is located in the northwestern part of the city.^[3] As the former home of the largest United States military facility outside of the continental United States, it was significantly affected by the base pullout brought about by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 as the economy of Angeles was heavily dependent on the American base at that time.^[4]

Angeles has been dubbed the "Entertainment Capital of Central Luzon."^[5][6] According to the Center for Kapampangan Studies, the dish sisig originated in this city and has been on the menu since the 1730s. Thus Angeles has also become well-known as the culinary center of Pampanga.^[7][8][9]

History

Spanish period

In 1796, the gobernadorcillo or town head of San Fernando, Don Ángel Pantaleón de Miranda, and his wife, Doña Rosalia de Jesus, along with some followers, staked out a new settlement, which they named Culiat because of the abundance of vines of that name in the area. The new settlers cleared the woodland and cultivated the area for rice and sugar farming. Don Ángel built his first house with light materials at the northwest corner of the intersection of Sapang Balen and the road going towards the town of Porac. It was later donated to the Roman Catholic Church and became a cemetery known as the "Campo Santong Matua," the site where the Nepomuceno Coliseum is situated.

On May 12, 1812, the new settlers tried to make Culiat a self-governing town but the friars resisted the move, led by Fray Jose Pometa. Ten years later, on February 11, 1822, Don Ángel filed a petition for the independent township of Culiat from San Fernando though it was denied. This was followed by another petition within the same year, jointly signed by Don Ángel, his son-in-law, Dr. Mariano Henson, and the latter’s father, Severino Henson. He donated 35 hectares for the construction of the first Catholic Church, a convent and a primary school while Doña Agustina Henson de Nepomuceno, the niece of who would become the first gobernadorcillo of Angeles in 1830, Don Ciriaco de Miranda, gave land for the new public market. Don Ángel paid the complete amount required by law just for the political separation of Culiat from San Fernando. There were only 160 taxpayers then but the law required that it should have at least 500 taxpayers.

Located some 10 miles (16 km) north of the capital town of Pampanga, Culiat became a barrio of San Fernando for 33 years and on December 8, 1829, it finally became a separate municipality, at which time it was renamed “El Pueblo de los Angeles” (The Town of the Angels, in English) in honor of its patron saints, “Los Santos Angeles de los Custodios” (Holy Guardian Angels), and the name of its founder, Don Ángel, coinciding with the rise of new barrios such as Santo Cristo (as the poblacion or town proper), Cutcut, Pampang and Pulong Anunas. The progressive barrios developed some new industries like a sugar mill and a wine distillery. The transition of Angeles from a jungle clearing to a barrio, to a town and finally to a city took 168 years and in all that time, it survived locusts’ infestations, wars, epidemics, volcanic eruptions and typhoons to become one of the fast rising towns in the country. When it received its first official municipal charter, the town contained some 661 people, 151 houses and an area of 38.65 km².^[4][10]

On March 17, 1899, General Emilio Aguinaldo transferred the seat of Philippine government to Angeles. It then became the site of the first anniversary celebration of the Philippine Independence, which was proclaimed a year earlier in Kawit, Cavite. It was highlighted with a parade, led by the youngest ever Filipino generals, Gregorio del Pilar and Manuel Tinio. It was viewed by General Aguinaldo from the Pamintuan’s residence, which became the Presidential Palace from May to July 1899 and now houses the Central Bank of the Philippines in Central Luzon. Aguinaldo’s sojourn was short however, for in July of this same year he transferred his government to the province of Tarlac following Angeles’ occupation by the American forces.

American period

On August 10, 1899, U.S. forces began the attack on Angeles confident in capturing it in a few days. However, the Filipino Army defending the town refused to give in so easily and fiercely fought back and for three months, they battled the Americans in and around the town. It was only after the battle on November 5, 1899 that the town finally fell into American hands. The Battle of Angeles was considered to be the longest in the history of the Filipino-American War in Pampanga. This led to the establishment of an American camp in Barrio Talimundoc (what is now Lourdes Sur), located next to the railroad station, in order to establish control over the central plains of Luzon. In January 1900, General Frederick D. Grant organized the first U.S. Civil Government in Angeles by appointing an alcalde or municipal mayor, thus it was the beginning of American colonization in Angeles.

In 1902, The U.S. Army studied relocating their post from Barrio Talimundoc to a fertile plain in Barrio Sapang Bato, which supposedly had better grass for their horses. A year after that, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt signed an executive order on September 1, establishing 7,700 acres (31 km²) of land in Sapang Bato as Fort Stotsenburg (which later would expand to 156,204 acres (632.14 km²) in 1908 to become Clark Air Base). It was centered on what was Clark Air Base's parade ground in modern years.^[11]

The Americans quickly commandeered the Holy Rosary Parish Church and converted it into an army hospital while the choir loft served as a dental clinic. The convent, which now houses Holy Family Academy, was the barracks for medical officers and enlisted men. The sacristy was the only portion where Angeleños could hear mass. When the Americans finally vacated the church in 1904 and relocated to Fort Stotsenburg, Rev. Vicente Lapus, the parish priest, listed a total of $638 for portions of the church destroyed, looted church items and treasures, and arrears on rentals.

World War II

Within hours of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan attacked the Philippines, targeting the American military presence, as well as the Philippine Army, and taking over the civilian government. During the Japanese occupation in the country, 57,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war passed the town of Angeles. They were forced to join the Death March going to Camp O'Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. Angeleños showed their sympathy by handing them foods, milk, boiled eggs, rice cakes, cigarettes, and water. Angeleños followed them up to the train station in Dau to give moral and spiritual support, and even helped the escapees.

War historians considered the bombing of Fort Stotsenburg on December 8, 1941 at 12:30 p.m. as one of the most destructive air raids in World War II because almost all the American war planes were wrecked on the ground. In thirty minutes, the air might of America in the Far East was completely destroyed.

On the early morning of the New Year’s Day of 1942, the first Japanese troops entered Angeles occupying it up to January 1945. During the Japanese invasion, another type of local government was set up on January 22, 1942. During the Japanese occupation, Clark Air Base then became a major centre for staging Japanese air operations. Japanese aircraft flying out of Clark participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, considered to be the largest naval battle of the Second World War.^{[12] [13]}

Clark Air Base was recaptured by Americans in January 1945, after three months of fierce fighting in the Philippines. After three years of atrocities committed by Japanese forces, the town and the rest of the Philippines were finally liberated by the combined United States and Philippine Commonwealth troops in 1945.

Independence and cityhood

After World War II, the Philippines gained independence from the United States on July 4, 1946 but then would be tied to a neo-colonial relationship. The "Treaty of General Relations" signed on independence day itself signified the Americans' withdrawal and surrender of possession, control and sovereignty over the Philippines, except the use of their bases. It was followed by the Philippine-American Military Bases Agreement in March 14, 1947, allowing the U.S. to maintain territorial integrity and sovereignty over Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base for the next 44 years. Clark occupied 63,103 hectares and served as the tactical operational U.S. air force installation in the entire Southeast Asian region that had the capacity to accommodate the U.S. military transport planes, which served the entire Western Pacific.

Through the years, although Fort Stotsenburg continued to expand to become what is now known as Clark Air Base, Angeles, despite its proximity to the American camp, did not progress fast and remained fairly small until the end of World War II. It was finally inaugurated on January 1, 1964 as a chartered city under Republic Act No. 3700 and then it entered a period of tremendous growth that has resulted in its present position as the "Premier City in Central Luzon." It was then Mayor Rafael del Rosario’s brainchild that Angeles became a city. He gained the distinction of being the last municipal mayor of Angeles. He was assisted in the preparation of the City Chapter by Attorney Enrique Tayag, a prominent resident of the town. Congresswoman Juanita L. Nepomuceno of the first district of Pampanga sponsored the bill in Congress, which was approved by then President Diosdado Macapagal, the ninth Philippine president and a native of the province of Pampanga.^[14]

Due to the presence of the U.S. base, Angeles has become home to a large colony of expatriates as many Americans chose to permanently settle in Angeles, particularly in the Balibago district. During the American colonial period (1898-1946), more than 800,000 Americans were born in the Philippines and a large concentration of Filipino mestizos or Filipinos with American ancestry were located in this city.^[15][16][17] It is said that aside from the high Amerasian population in the city, prostitution was another consequence of the U.S. bases' presence in the country. Since the early days of Clark Air Base, Fields Avenue, a honky-tonk area frequently visited by the U.S. servicemen, has been known as a center for prostitution,^{[18][19][20][21][22]} which increased greatly after the end of World War II.

Mount Pinatubo eruption and Angeles today

On June 15, 1991, Angeles was affected by the cataclysmic eruption of nearby Mount Pinatubo, with up to 60,000 people being evacuated from the city. It was the second-largest volcanic eruption of the twentieth century and, by far, the largest eruption to affect a densely populated area. Angeles and Clark were badly hit and the agricultural lands, as well as other businesses, were covered by tons of lahar.^[23] There were no casualties reported inside Clark since two days before the initial eruption, the 18,000 personnel and their families were transported to Subic Naval Base in Zambales and Guam, most of whom were returned to the United States.

The eruption of Mount Pinatubo forced the hand of the U.S. to prematurely abandon its military installation at Clark Air Base. This is in addition to the voting by the Philippine Senate in 1991 to no longer extend the Laurel-Langley Act, which allows the presence of U.S. military forces on Philippine territory, thus ending the long chapter of Filipino-American relations in the history of Angeles. The U.S. military never returned to Clark, turning over the damaged base to the Philippine government on November 26, 1991^[24][25][26]

In 1993, cleanup and removal of volcanic ash deposits began. The former base re-emerged as Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) approved by then President Fidel V. Ramos on April 3 of the same year and in 2001, Clark International Airport was renamed Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in honor of Diosdado Macapagal, the father of current President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The airfield infrastructure was improved and destined to be the premiere airport in the country in the next five years and one of the most modern in Asia.^[27] The creation of CSEZ has helped to offset the loss of income and jobs previously generated by the presence of the U.S. base in Angeles. Today, Angeles and Clark together form the hub for business, industry, aviation and tourism, as well as the entertainment and gaming center of Central Luzon.^[28]

Historical sites

The Santo Rosario Church was converted into a 2nd Division Hospital by the American troops during the Philippine Revolution.

The Pamintuan Mansion, site of the 1st year anniversary celebration of Philippine Independence, now houses the Central Bank of the Philippines in Region III.

The Bale Herencia (Ancestral House) as of 2009.

• Fort Stotsenburg, named after Colonel John M. Stotsenburg, a captain of the 6th U.S. Cavalry, was the location of the permanent quarters of the American forces in Sapang Bato, Angeles. It is also known as the "Parade Ground," which served as a venue for many important celebrations by the Americans before the Philippine-American Military Bases Agreement ended in 1991.

• Old Pamintuan Residence was served as the seat of government of the First Philippine Republic under General Emilio Aguinaldo from May to July 1899 and the Central Headquarter for Major General Arthur MacArthur, Jr., the father of General Douglas MacArthur. It now houses the Central Bank of the Philippines in Central Luzon.

• Founders' Residence (Bale Matua), located at the heart of Santo Rosario, is the oldest building in the city. It was built in 1824 by the city founder, Don Ángel Pantaleón de Miranda, and his wife, Doña Rosalia de Jesus, and was inherited by their only daughter, Doña Juana de Miranda de Henson. This house, which is made of high stone and an ornate gate, nostalgically symbolizes the glorious past of Angeles amidst the overwhelming onslaughts of modernization.

• Camalig was built in 1840 by Don Ciriaco de Miranda, the first gobernadorcillo of Angeles, and was used as a grain storehouse along Santo Rosario Street. It was restored in 1980 by Armando L. Nepomuceno and is now the site of Armando's Pizza and the historic Camalig Restaurant.

• Post Office Building (Deposito) is a building that was constructed in 1899 for the purpose of depositing religious statues and carriages of the Catholic Church, hence the name Deposito. It was also used as the headquarter of the 11th Film Exchange U.S. Army from 1946 to 1947 and was then used as a jailhouse for recalcitrant U.S. troops during the Philippine-American War. On February 6, 1967, the Angeles City Post Office moved to this building. It is now the site of Angeles Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center.

• Holy Rosary Church (Santo Rosario Church) was constructed from 1877 to 1896 by the "Polo y Servicio" labor system, a kind of forced labor imposed on Filipino peasants by the Spanish colonial government. It was used as a military hospital by the U.S. Army from August 1899 to December 1900. Its backyard was the execution ground to the Spanish forces in shooting down Filipino rebels and suspects.

• Holy Family Academy Building was once a convent and was served as a military hospital of the U.S. Army in 1900. It was later used as troop barracks, officers' quarters and arsenal by the Japanese Imperial Military Forces in 1942.

• Bale Herencia, built in 1860, is situated in Lakandula Street corner Santo Rosario Street. It is a picturesque house with the unsavory reputation of having been built for the mistress of a parish priest. The current owners now use it as a banquet hall.

• Juan D. Nepomuceno's Center for Kapampangan Studies houses a library, museum of archives and gallery, research center and theater, put up by the Holy Angel University in 2002 to preserve, study and promote Kapampangan history and culture.

• Lily Hill was a strategic observation post for monitoring Japanese movement in World War II. Remains of Japanese aircraft were found here at the end of the war. Along this hill can now be found Lily Hill Duty Free Store.

• Bayanihan Park (formerly Astro Park) is now home to a year-round mini-amusement park and it is an ideal spot for sports and recreational activities having basketball and volleyball courts and huge space for jogging and other recreational activities. This is where the famous and historical "Salakot Arch" is now located.

• Salakot Arch is a landmark of Angeles City. From 1902 to 1979, Clark remained a U.S. territory, guaranteed by the Military Bases Agreement in 1947. In 1978, the Philippines, under the dispensation of the former President Ferdinand Marcos, and the U.S. finally agreed to establish Philippine sovereignty over the U.S. bases and thus the Clark Air Base Command (CABCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines came into being, following the signing of a revised Military Bases Agreement on January 7, 1979. To commemorate this unprecedented and bold event, the government constructed a special structure based upon the design of a salakot or native hat, which soon became a widely recognized symbol of this renewed Filipino spirit.

District

Angeles City is divided into 33 barangays or barrios.

Pandan

Pandan has a population of 12,540 people and 2,715 households (info based from Angeles City Hall as of November 2008)^{[citation needed]} and 10,545 persons are registered with National Statistics Office (as of 2002) which accounts for 3.94 percent of the city population.

Sapang Bato

Sapang Bato is the largest barangay in Angeles City, with a total land area of 187,694 sq. meters and a population of 9,920. Located northwest of Angeles near Clark Air Base (a former U.S. military base), it is identified as the barangay in Angeles with the highest elevation of 750 feet above sea level. It is home to Fort Stotsenburg, also known as the "Parade Ground" of Clark Air Base. Apl D. Ap, member of the hip hop group Black Eyed Peas, hails from Sapang Bato, as does Chef Henry Pacheco—a Filipino chef known in the international cooking world.^[29]

Economy

In spite of the major challenges that were faced by the city, such as the removal of the U.S. Clark Air Base and the Mount Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991, all these have been surpassed by Angeleños. The improvement in the economy of Angeles was said to have been triggered by the transformation of the U.S. base into Clark Freeport Zone, the place where the city’s airport, Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, is located. It is also the home for the city's emerging technology industry. Because it is one of the few cities in the Philippines with an airport, Angeles is visited by foreigners all year round.^[30]

SM City, by Clark Freeport's main gate, is the largest chain of shopping malls in the country.

In the 2000s, the local government of Angeles and Clark Development Corporation rebranded the Fields Avenue tourist belt as a high-end destination with fine restaurants and luxury hotels and resorts.^[31][32] The finishing of roads, such as the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, has improved trade and transport.^[28][33][34] The project connects the industrial, transport and business hubs of Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan and Tarlac. The project is crucial to bolstering growth in Central Luzon.^[35][36]

The city has cottage industries producing rattan furniture, coconuts, and charcoal briquettes. It also has many thriving export businesses in handicrafts, metal crafts, toys, houseware and garments.^[37] Apart from the Clark Freeport Zone, industrial areas include the Angeles Livelihood Village and the Angeles City Industrial Estate.^[38]

Call centers present are e-Telecare, ^[39] CyberCity, Sutherland and IRMC, plus other American IT industries are major employers as well.^[3][40][41] The establishment of a number of shopping malls also fueled the city's economy, including SM City-Clark, Robinson's Place, Jenra Grand Mall, Nepo Mall, Saver's Mall and the Ayala Marquee Mall, next to the City Hall.^[42][43]

In 2007, Texas Instruments began work on a $1-billion semiconductor facility inside the Clark Special Economic Zone.^[44] There is also a proposal of constructing a new Formula One quality circuit in a 2,000-hectare lot fronting the North Luzon Expressway between Angeles City and Subic Bay, from which the country may soon play host to prestigious international car-racing events and possibly bid to become one of the venues of the world-renown Formula One series.^[45]

Education

Angeles University Foundation.

Systems Plus College Foundation.

Jocson College

• Achievers Special Education Center
• Angeles University Foundation
• Holy Angel University
• University of the Philippines, Extension Program in Clark
• Republic Central Colleges
• Philippine Women's University, Extension Program in Angeles
• Mother of Perpetual Help Institute
• Holy Family Academy^[46]
• Wagner High - Clark Air Base
• Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon^[47]
• Westfields International School
• O.B. Montessori Center
• Clark Institute of Aviation - Clark Freeport Zone
• St. John Integrated School, a La Salle Consultancy School
• Noblesse International School
• Brightwoods School

• Angeles City Science High School
• School of the Holy Child, Angeles, Inc.
• Asian Institute of College Studies
• Asian Institute of E-Commerce
• St. Augustine School of Nursing
• Jocson College
• AMA Computer College - Angeles
• STI College - Angeles
• Systems Plus College Foundation
• Computer System Specialist, Inc.
• Integrated Computer School Foundation
• Philippine International Bible Institute
• Christian Friendship Learning Center
• Chevalier School
• Mega Computer College
• AMA Computer Learning Center - Angeles
• Narciso School
• Angeles City National Trade School
• L'Altra Montessori School, Inc.
• J.F. Kuzma School, Inc.
• C.C.E.M.I. (Christian, Charismatic, Ecumenical, Ministries, International) Academy
• Shepherd's Baptist Christian Academy
• Angeles Lip Lin School
• Hillcrest Baptist Academy
• Royal International School (formerly LL Layug School)
• Springhill Montessori School
• C.F.C.S.F.I. (Clark Field Christian School Foundation, Inc.)
• Proverbsville School, Inc.

Climate

Angeles City experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season from November through April, with a wet season from May through October. From 1953 to 1991, the mean daily low was 73.6°F and the mean daily high was 88.1°F, with April being warmest and January coolest. The average annual rainfall is 78.39 inches. Typhoons tend to approach from the east during the summer and fall. Many damaging storms struck the city, including Typhoon Irma on November 28, 1974 (generally considered to be the strongest one); Typhoon Rita on October 27, 1978; Typhoon Irma on November 24, 1981; Typhoon Ruby on October 25, 1988; and Typhoon Yunya on June 15, 1991 which coincided with the Mount Pinatubo blast. In July 1972, Central Luzon experienced a month of nearly continuous rain, resulting in 96 inches falling on the plain around Angeles.

Welfare groups and NGOs

• The Philippine Children's Fund of America is an American charity dedicated to provide educational, medical, health and nutritional programs to needy children while addressing community empowerment through the provision of training and livelihood opportunities to many Filipino families.^[49][50]
• Bahay Bata Center is a project launched by the Clark Centennial Rotary in 2001. It is an institution that seeks to uplift the welfare of the said children, placing them in a safe and caring environment and giving them all the basic necessities of life like education, psychological support and spiritual guidance.^[51][52]
• Women’s organizations include Women’s Legal Bureau, Ing Makababaying Aksyon Foundation,^[53] the Nagkakaisang Kababaihan ng Angeles City Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NKAC or United Women of Angeles City Multi-Purpose Cooperative)^[54] and the Women’s Health Care Foundation (WEDPRO), which actively sponsors a clinic in the city.

Festivals and local celebrations

Preparing for the Octoberfest 2009 along McArthur Highway in Balibago district.

• Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta is held annually between January and February at Clark Field, Angeles City, Pampanga. Considered to be the biggest aviation sports event in the country, it features multicolored hot-air balloons with more than a hundred balloon pilots from around the world.^[55]
• La Naval Fiesta is held every second Sunday of October in commemoration of the Virgin of the Holy Rosary, whose intercession saw the victory of the Spanish fleet over the Dutch invaders. The city celebrates this fiesta with typical religious programs and homes display the finest traditions of hospitality in entertaining guests with the finest food and drinks.^[56]
• Tigtigan Terakan keng Dalan (Music and Dancing in the Streets) is held every last Friday and Saturday night of October. It is the biggest street party held each year in the city, which lasts up to the wee hours of the following day. Attended by celebrities and citizens alike, it features music from amateur and OPM bands.^[57]
• Apu Fiesta (Piyestang Apu) is held on the last Friday of October. Devotees from all over Pampanga flock to the Apu shrine every Friday to venerate the supposedly miraculous image of Jesus Christ lying in the sepulcher. It is also every Friday when people buy household items, clothes and audio-video equipment in a makeshift market called tiangge at bargain prices.^[58]
• Sisig Festival (Sadsaran Qng Angeles) is also held every year in the month of December, celebrating the Kapampangan dish, sisig. It is now held at SM City-Clark but it was usually celebrated along the stretch of McArthur Highway in Balibago.^[59]

Notable Angeleños

• Lea Salonga is a Tony Award-winning singer and actress who is best known for her portrayal of Kim in the musical, Miss Saigon. She spent the first six years of her childhood in Angeles City before moving to Manila.^[60][61]
• apl.de.ap, born Allan Pineda Lindo in Sapang Bato, Angeles City, is a member of the Grammy-award winning group, The Black Eyed Peas. He is famous throughout the Filipino community after the release of his life story of his homeland Philippines in a song called "The Apl Song" found on the Peas' 2003 album, "Elephunk."^[62][63]
• Servillano Aquino was a Filipino general during the Philippine Revolution against Spain (1896-1898) and the Philippine-American War (1898-1902). He served as a delegate to the Malolos Congress and was the grandfather of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr.
• Vanessa Minnillo is an American television personality born in Clark Air Base, Angeles City and raised in Seattle, Washington and Charleston, South Carolina. She was Miss Teen U.S.A. 1998 and was a host on MTV's Total Request Live.^[64]
• Efren "Bata" Reyes, referred to as "The Magician," is a very popular Filipino pool player. He is a former world champion and considered to be one of history's greatest practitioners of pool.^[65]
• Hilda Koronel, born Susan Reid, is an award-winning actress who starred in around 45 films, many of which are critically acclaimed, since 1970. Her father is an American who was a serviceman in Clark Air Base.^[66][67]
• Pepe Smith is a Filipino singer-songwriter, drummer, and guitarist and is considered an icon of original Filipino rock music or "Pinoy Rock."
• Cris Judd is an American actor and popular choreographer to Michael Jackson and Usher, but he is best known for his failed marriage to American actress, Jennifer Lopez. He spent his childhood years in Clark Air Base.^[68][69][70]
• Arwind Santos is a local basketball player, playing for Far Eastern University in the UAAP and the Magnolia Ice Cream Spinners in the Philippine Basketball League. He was selected PBL's Most Valuable Player (2004), two-time UAAP's Most Valuable Player (2004-2005) and one-time UAAP's Most Valuable Player (2005).^[71][72]
• Donita Rose is a famous local television host and a former MTV VJ in Asia. Although born in the U.S., she moved to Angeles City, where her American father was stationed at the U.S. base, when she was five years old.^[73][74]
• Rodolfo Luat is one of the highest-ranking pool players of the Philippines. Popularly known as "Boy Samson" since the 1970s because of his powerful break, he holds many Asian individual and team titles.^[75][76]
• Peter Valdes is an American-based Software Entrepreneur who was awarded one of the 10 Most Inspiring Technopreneurs in the Philippines in 2006. He was a co-founder of the globally successful Tivoli Software (an IBM Company).^[77][78][79]
• Kristine Johnson is a co-anchor at WCBS-TV, making her the first Filipino-American to serve as the face of a major network newscast in New York and the entire U.S. East Coast. She was previously an anchor of Early Today and Weekend Today. She was born in Clark Air Base and is currently residing in New Jersey with her husband and two children.^[80][81]

References

External links

• Angeles City travel guide from Wikitravel
• Interactive street map of Angeles City area
• Explore Philippines, Philippine travel community

From Wikitravel

Angeles City is in Pampanga province in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. The city is rich in history and heritage, with old and historical significant buildings dotting its landscape, but these days it is perhaps best known for its vibrant adult nightlife.

Understand

Angeles is a thriving city comparable to the Philippine capital and largest city, Manila. In 1899, it became the seat of the Philippine government under General Emilio Aguinaldo and the site of the first anniversary celebration of Philippine Independence.

The city has a booming nightlife and is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination, particularly from South Korea. Its center, Balibago, is especially known for its fine restaurants, hotels and shopping malls. Within Balibago is neon-lit Fields Avenue, known for its bars, nightclubs and what may be one of the world's largest concentration of go-go bars. Adjoining Clark Freeport Zone is the site of world-class resorts, casinos, duty-free shops and beautifully landscaped golf courses. The city, and the rest of the Pampanga region, is known as the "Culinary Center of the Philippines."

Get in

By plane

Angeles is served by the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark Freeport Zone, approximately 5 kilometers from the city proper. It has adequate travel facilities, a duty free shopping center, souvenir shops, free wireless internet, a tourist information center, hotel and travel agency representatives, and car rental services. The airport is where budget airlines like Air Asia (from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu), Tiger Airways (from Singapore and Macau) and Cebu Pacific (from Singapore and Bangkok) fly to. Also, it receives direct flights from Hong Kong and Korea from current carriers like Asian Spirit, Asiana Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Cebu Pacific, South East Asian Airlines and Tiger Airways. Domestic flights are offered by Cebu Pacific and South East Asian Airlines.

Because DMIA is a small airport, containing only one terminal, it is often considered a more efficient gateway into the Philippines than through heavily-congested Manila. The roadways around the airport is fairly rural, making transport between the airport and the city quick and hassle-free. Don't worry about finding transport as taxi drivers will heavily solicit you for patronage as you exit the airport. They, however, tend to charge quite steep (for Asia) fares of, normally, P300 for just several kilometers ride to Fields Ave. area. If alone, it is best to find a fellow traveler to share a taxi. When going back to the airport from the Fields Ave. area during the daytime, jeepneys parked near the Clark AFB entrance are also an option. They're often not going to the airport itself, and normally wait until the jeepney is full - but by paying the higher price (P200 if you charter an empty one, less if you just want the driver to make a short detour to the airport) these inconveniences are resolved easily and cheaper than by hiring a taxi.

By bus

This is the most common and economical way to get to Angeles from Metro Manila. Several air-conditioned bus lines ply from Manila to Angeles route with terminals scattered across the metropolitan area. It normally takes one-and-a-half hours to get to Angeles by bus. However, travellers are well advised to consider the unpredictable effect heavy traffic and downpours will have on the commute. In short, give yourself plenty of time to travel by bus. Provincial bus companies have scheduled trips from Manila to provinces to northern provinces and key cities.

By car

The best way from Manila to Angeles via car is taking the North Luzon Expressway which extends until Sta. Ines in Mabalacat, Pampanga. You may take either the Angeles Exit or Dau exit to get there. Another motorway, though narrow, is the McArthur Highway and visitors need to pass through the province of Bulacan to get to Angeles on both routes. It usually takes about 45 minutes to travel but it is twice the travel time if you plan to take the McArthur route due to heavy traffic along its stretch. Rental car companies can be found all over Manila and Angeles. If you don't know the routes, you can hire drivers by asking the attendant of the rent-a-car shop.

Get around

By jeepney

To hop on a colorful jeepney (small bus) is certainly the most affordable way to get around downtown. It is available 24 hours a day and it is the most famous mode of transportation in the country, which connects towns and cities together. Since jeepneys tend to be overcrowded with passengers, tourists carrying bulky luggage should consider traveling by taxi.

By taxi

Though more convenient for tourists, taxis are less common in Angeles and not normally used for travel outside the city. Rather, they are primarily used to tour around the Clark Freeport Zone and for transport to and from the airport. Simson's taxicab terminal can be found particularly next to Clark's main gate (opposite Jollybee's) and SM City-Clark mall in Balibago.

By trike

Trikes (or tricycles) are motocycles with a small attached passenger cabin. They are restricted to low-speed roads and not permitted to enter the area surrounding the airport. Passengers of larger physical stature may find riding in them uncomfortable. Nevertheless, because of their slower speeds, trikes are generally a safe mode of transport.

• Fort Stotsenburg, named after Colonel John M. Stotsenburg, a Captain of the 6th US Cavalry, was the location of the first permanent quarters of the American forces in Sapang Bato, Angeles. It is also known as the "Parade Ground," which served as a venue for many important celebrations by the Americans before the US-RP Military Bases Agreement ended in 1991.

• Old Pamintuan Residence was served as the seat of government of the First Philippine Republic under General Emilio Aguinaldo from May to July 1899 and the Central Headquarter for Major General Arthur McArthur. It now houses the Central Bank of the Philippines in Central Luzon.

• Founders' Residence (Bale Matua), located at the heart of Santo Rosario, is the oldest building in the city. It was built in 1824 by the city founder, Don Ángel Pantaleón de Miranda, and his wife, Doña Rosalia de Jesus, and was inherited by Doña Juana de Miranda de Henson, the only daughter of Angeles City’s founders. This house, which is made of high stone wall and an ornate gate, nostalgically symbolizes the glorious past of Angeles amidst the overwhelming onslaughts of modernization.

• Post Office Building (Deposito) is a building that was constructed in 1899 for the purpose of depositing Catholic religious statues and carriages of the church, hence the name Deposito. It was also used as the headquarter of the 11th Film Exchange US Army from 1946 to 1947 and was then used as a jailhouse for recalcitrant US troops during the Philippine-American War. On February 6, 1967, the Angeles City Post Office moved to this building. It is now the site of Angeles Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center.

• Camalig was built in 1840 by Don Ciriaco de Miranda, the first gobernadorcillo or town head of Angeles, and was used as a grain storehouse along Santo Rosario Street. It was restored in 1980 by Armando L. Nepomuceno and is now the site of Armando's Pizza and Camalig Restaurant.

• Holy Rosary Church (Santo Rosario Church) was constructed from 1877 to 1896 by the "Polo y Servicio" labor system, a kind of forced labor imposed on Filipino peasants by the Spanish colonial government. It was used as a military hospital by the US Army from August 1899 to December 1900. Its backyard was the execution ground to the Spanish forces in shooting down Filipino rebels and suspects.

• Holy Family Academy Building was served as a military hospital of the US Army in 1900 and later as the troop barracks, officers' quarters and arsenal by the Japanese Imperial Military Forces in 1942.

• Museo ning Angeles used to be a municipal hall and it periodically features exhibits on the history, culture, the tradition of the city and its people.

• Bale Herencia, built in 1860, is situated in Lakandula Street corner Santo Rosario Street. It is a picturesque house with the unsavory reputation of having been built for the mistress of a parish priest. The current owners now use it as a banquet hall.

• Juan D. Nepomuceno's Center for Kapampangan Studies houses a library, museum of archives and gallery, research center and theater, put up by the Holy Angel University in 2002 to preserve, study and promote Kapampangan history and culture.

• Lily Hill is a strategic observation post for monitoring Japanese movement in World War II. Remains of Japanese aircraft were found here at the end of the war. Along this hill can now be found Lily Hill Duty Free Store.

• Mount Pinatubo is now an inactive volcano that brought devastation by its eruption in 1991 and forced the US military base to abandon this city. Trekking the volcano's slope and dipping into the crater's turquoise-blue waters is truly an adventure of a lifetime.

• Apu Chapel is the shrine of the Our Lord of the Holy Sepulchre (Apung Mamacalulu). Devotees pay their homage to the shrine every Friday.

• Expo Pilipino is where the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 was held. Today, its 35,000-seating capacity amphitheater is a favorite venue for concerts, ecumenical services and political rallies. Nayong Pilipino is adjacent to this site.

• Nayong Pilipino offers a good and educational alternative road trip destination in the country.

• Kapampangan Museum (Clark Museum) features the history of the US military in the Philippines, Philippine military history and a Mount Pinatubo exhibit. It also showcases Clark as a former US military base and its metamorphosis into a special economic zone and then as a world-class aviation and business metropolis as depicted in pictures, dioramas, replicas, murals and artifacts.

• Bayanihan Park (formerly Astro Park) is home to a year-round mini-amusement park and it is an ideal spot for sports and recreational activities having basketball and volleyball courts and huge space for jogging and other recreational activities. This is where the famous and historical "Salakot Arch" is now located.

• Salakot Arch is a landmark of Angeles City. From 1902 to 1979, Clark remained a US territory, guaranteed by the Military Bases Agreement (MBA) in 1947. In 1978, the Philippines and the US agreed to establish Philippine sovereignty over the US bases and thus the Clark Air Base Command (CABCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines came into being, following the signing of a revised MBA on January 7, 1979. To commemorate this event, the government constructed a special structure based upon the design of a salakot or native hat, which soon became a widely recognized symbol of this new spirit in the long tradition of Philippine-American relations.

• Clark Freeport Zone (formerly Clark Air Base), now the site of the Philippine Air Force and once the largest US military base outside of the United States, is home to a number of resorts, golf ranges, casinos and high-class hotels. Duty free shops, foreign and local investment companies, and a number of call centers can also be found inside the freeport.

• Barhopping on Fields Ave. is arguably Angeles City's most famous attraction, offering male tourists a large selection of female companionship. Surrounding Fields Ave., Santos St., Real St. and Raymond St., there is perhaps the largest concentration of go-go bars in the world, numbering 60-70 within a few city blocks. Although some bars are opened 24 hours, most don't open until late afternoons and close during the wee hours of the morning. There is no cover charge to enter the bars (except for special events) and drinks will cost P50-200. Lady drinks are normally triple that amount. At any given moment, each bar can host between 20 to 100 dancers, most of whom are available for take-out in exchange for a "barfine", a payment to the bar for the priviledge. Barfines can range from P500 to P2000, depending on the bar and the duration in which the buyer wants companionship. Patrons are not obligated to pay a barfine and can simply sit, drink and watch the dancing.

• Tigtigan Terakan Keng Dalan (Music and Dancing in the Streets) which started in 1992, is an annual all-night party along MacArthur Highway, Balibago, held on the last friday & saturday of October. Restaurants & bars set-up tables & chairs along the streets, and serves over-flowing food and drinks. It features non-stop music from amateur and national bands and is attended by celebrities, out-of-towners and locals alike. This event is used to celebrate the Octoberfest. Phone: (63)(45) 625-8525 (Department of Tourism); E-mail: celtour@yahoo.com.

• Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta is held every year between January and February at Clark Special Economic Zone. It features multicolored hot-air balloons with more than a hundred balloon pilots from around the world and considered to be the biggest aviation sports event in the country. Phone: (63)(45) 599-5524.

• Sisig Festival is held annually in the month of December, celebrating the Kapampangan dish, sisig, which said to have been originated in this city. Phone: (63)(45) 625-8525 (Department of Tourism); E-mail: celtour@yahoo.com.

• Mount Pinatubo Trekking is highly recommended for trekking or hiking enthusiasts who like to have the most memorable trip to this once deadly volcano. One would have the experience to board a 4x4 which will head to lahar country passing some rough terrain, gray, barren mountains interspersed with green, lush mountains. Upon reaching the summit, you would definitely enjoy the spectacular clear blue, pristine waters surrounded by mountains. Phone: (63)(45) 892-7975 (Dream Treks), (63)(45) 781-12582 (R & J Pinatubo Trek) and (63)(45) 602-5133 (Swagman's Mount Pinatubo Adventure Treks). Current cost for the trip is PhP8,000 and it is good for 4 persons. This might be a problem if one is traveling alone, as it might be hard to find company for this trip as most of the tourists in Angeles are there for totally other reasons. This is for short 9 hours or one-day trip. Hiking part is being anything between 3 and 6 hours depending on the fitness of the group. There are also overnight trips available.

• Mount Pinatubo Tour : an adventure trek provided by tripinas includes AC transfer from Manila or angeles, * Round trip A/C Van transfer (Manila-Tarlac-Manila) inclusive of toll fee and gas * 4x4 wheel drive to Mt Pinatubo * Local guide * All applicable fees (conservation, local guide) * lunch and drinking water (500mL) * Certificate of Conquest * Tour coordinator. For more information email tripinas@gmail.com or view [1]

• Philippine Adventures provides an exciting day trip to Mt Pinatubo from Manila. The tour includes air-conditioned transfers. Use of 4x4 Jeep. Packed lunch. Private local guide leading a trek to the crater and lake. For further information email info@philippineadventures.com or view [2]

• Mount Pinatubo Aerial Tours is for you if you want to have the best seat to view the volcano that once ravaged Central Luzon. Considered one of the largest eruptions of the 20th century, the eruption affected global weather patterns. Having been dormant for centuries, Mount Pinatubo erupted anew in 1991, spewing an ash plume that spread across the globe. Have a bird's-eye-view of the crater, surreal ash canyons and the remnants of the once-devastating lahar flows. Flights depart out of Omni Aviation Complex at Clark Field. Cost is $55 per person, flying time for 1 to 2 persons is 45 minutes while for 3 or more is one hour. The best time to fly is early in the morning (sunrise-10AM) and in the late afternoon (3PM-sunset). Phone: (63)(45) 599-5524.

• Parachuting/Skydiving has to be one of the very best ways to view the surrounding countryside. The Tropical Asia Parachute Center (TAPC) operates from Clark Freeport Zone. The center provides student training, including both tandem and static line parachuting, and advanced training. Costs are very reasonable and if you have considered trying this sport before, take advantage while visiting the Philippines. Phone: (63)(45) 599-6246; Fax: (63)(45) 599-6245; E-mail: ville@mozcom.com.

• Ultra-light Flying is one sport that is definitely growing. If you want your senses get heightened and your heart pound as the wind whistles through your hair, this is for you! This is organized by the Angeles City Flying Club. The area also offers many additional attractions, from diving to cycling to hiking to night clubbing. Phone: (63)(918) 231–5266; Fax: (63)(45) 332-3311; E-mail: acfc@mozcom.com. http://www.angelesflying.com/

• Drive Off-Road is an off-road challenge where you can take on a wild, bumpy, ride in old four-wheel-drive jeeps in a safari-like journey across the dusty expanse of the valley to a campsite. It is organized by the Angeles City Four Wheelers Club and is ideal for trekking and be able to see the lahar canyons, Gate of Heaven and other sites in Mount Pinatubo. Phone: (63)(45) 599-5000.

• Golf, world-class golf courses, such as Holiday Inn Golf and Resort, Fontana Resort, Angeles Sports and Country Club, and J&K Golf are the recommended golf courses for those so inclined. Phone: (63)(2) 845-1888 or USA toll-free: 1-888-465-4329 (Holiday Inn), (63)(45) 599-5000 (Fontana), (63)(45) 892-6358 (Angeles Sports and Country Club) and (63)(45) 599-7888 (J&K Golf).

• Lawn Bowling is the only one in the country and is offered at the Hidden Vale and Angeles Sports and Country Club, a mature 11.34 hectare site which includes a nine-hole golf course, luxurious penthouse suites and driving range. Phone: (63)(45) 625-8525 (Department of Tourism); E-mail: celtour@yahoo.com.

• Visit the Pool Resorts, though Angeles has no beaches, it has a number of resorts to choose from, including Clearwater Country Club, Angeles Beach Club (ABC), Fontana, Oasis, Holiday Inn Resort, Amando's, Villa Alfredo's, Villa Antonina, and Greenville, some just slightly outside the boundries of the city. Phone: 599-5949 (Clearwater), (63)(45) 892-2222 (ABC) and (63)(45) 599-5000 (Fontana).

• Drag and Go-Kart Racing is organized by the Angeles Hot Rod Association (AHRA), the oldest drag racing in the Philippines. You can find this attraction at the Omni Aviation inside the Clark Ecozone. AHRA is where you will find most of the big V8 muscle cars, as well as many "bangers." In addition to race meets, they also organize and run regular classic and custom car shows, swap meets, social events and more. Phone: (63)(45) 599-5524 or (63)(45) 599-6246; E-mail: ahra@nt1.ph.

• Gambling, being renowned as a city with high concentration of casinos, such as Casino Filipino-Angeles, Casino Filipino-Mimosa, Fontana Casino, and Casablanca Casino, Angeles offers a variety of activities that will keep leisure travelers definitely happy. Phone: (63)(45) 332-1196, (63)(45) 332-1198, (63)(45) 892-5073, (63)(45) 892-5074, or (63)(45) 892-4182 (Casino Filipino-Angeles) and (63)(45) 599-6020 (Casino Filipino-Mimosa); E-mail: cfangeles@comclark.com.

• Play Pool in a city of great champions like Efren Reyes and Rodolfo Luat. Angeles has an abundance of pool tables to play all along the Fields Avenue and hundreds of other places in the city.

• Mount Arayat Trek is available November through May. Prices range: day trips (minimum of 3 persons, P800 per person) and overnight trips (minimum of 3 persons, P2500 per person). Phone: (63)(45) 892-6239.

Buy

If you like to shop, Robinsons Place, Jenra Grand Mall, Nepo Mall, Saver's Mall and the SM City Clark are the places to go. These are mostly shopping malls with decent boutiques, department stores, supermarkets, hardware stores, movie theaters and over a hundred shops and restaurants.

Duty-free stores are to be found inside the Clark Ecozone, namely Pure Gold, Oriental, Parkson, Clark Interiors, Liberty, and Arjan that sell imported housewares, cooking items, snacks and branded clothes. Most of which are surplus so they are actually cheaper. Some of these stores have an extensive selection of cigarettes and perfumes as well.

The barratillos (cheap or thrift stores) crap the likes of which you cannot imagine. If you really want a native experience, go to one of these open-air "flea markets," there are several of them around town. Hop on a jeepney and have someone take you. There are many other fun places to shop household items, clothing, including audio-video equipment in a makeshift market called tiangge at bargain prices at Apu district every Friday. Twenty-four hour convenience stores, like 7-11, are also found in the city from city proper to Balibago. Most locally owned stores, which they call sari-sari, sell retail items, especially the cigarettes that you can buy per stick or per pack.

Handicraft stores sell locally good and export-quality craftwork. The Rosa's Handicraft Gift Shop and Mhea's Custom Woodcraft have a large selection of gift items and are conveniently located in Balibago district. Stores selling souvenir shirts, woodcraft and other local stuff are also dotted along Fields Avenue and they are sold for cheaper prices.

For more Angeles souvenirs and products, you may get in touch with the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry at (63)(45) 323-4145.

Eat

Angeles is known for being the "Culinary Center of the Philippines." This reputation reportedly goes back to the Spanish colonial times where it is said that the Kapampangan cook learned very quickly to improvise on Spanish dishes using local ingredients.

The culinary adventure in Angeles is sure to be an experience of a lifetime. A must-eat dish is "Sisig", which Angeles is famous for. From its humble beginnings in Aling Lucing's Eatery along Angeles' railroad to its present top-of-the-menu ranking in Manila's bars and nightclubs, sisig has come to conquer the Filipino drinkers' palate. It has become the quintessential pulutan fare — the default order that comes with every round of beer.

Other not-to-be-missed local mouth-watering cuisines are Dencio's kare-kare (another Kapampangan menu, which is a Philippine stew made from peanut sauce with a variety of vegetables, stewed oxtail, beef and occasionally offal or tripe), fresh papaya lumpia, tilapia in tausi sauce, adobong pugo, morcon, tortang bangus (milkfish stuffed with ground pork), Everybody's Cafe's camaru (fried cricket adobo), kilayin baboy (pork meat and lungs pickled in a marinade of vinegar or calamansi juice, usually along with garlic, onions and hot/sweet peppers), bringhe (local Spanish paella), bulanglang (meat or fish broth soured with guava fruit), Aling Luring's batute (a frog stuffed with ground and seasoned pork, then deep fried to a crisp), burong isda (fermented rice with fish or small shrimps), pork and carabao tocino, Bale Dutung's burong talangka (the fat of salted little crabs, very rich and laden with cholesterol but hard to resist), Filipinized pizza in a bilao at Armando's Pizza, brazo de mercedes, halo-halo from Razon's and Corazon's (a popular dessert that is a mixture of shaved ice and milk, added with various boiled sweet beans and fruits, and served cold in a glass or bowl), Susie's Cuisine's famous pancit luglog (palabok), tibuk tibok (made from carabao's milk and also known as "maja blanca"), tocino del cielo (a richer version of leche flan) and turron de casoy.

If you are a person inclined to drinking beer and eating barbecue, then Frank & Jim, Ikabud, Whythaus Grill, Wishing Well, Marisol Steakhouses and the eateries along Angeles railroad crossing are certainly the spots for you. Street foods, such as fishballs and kikiams on sticks, are a must-try at Nepo Compound vendor stands.

If local cuisine is not your type, no need to worry as the city has a wide range of pretty decent restaurants to choose from. Fine restaurants and eateries that serve international menus are C Italian, Maranao Grill-Oasis Hotel, Salvatore's, Zapata's, Rodizio-Holiday Inn, Cottage Kitchen, Red Crab Seafood & Steaks, Shanghai Palace, House of Bamboo, Subdelicious, Rumpa, VFW, Chic 'N Ribs, A la Crème, Rib Eye Steak House, Fortune Seafood, Perfect Loaf, Four Season's Grill, Angeles Fried Chicken, Bretto's, Mar's, Toll House, Hana-mi, Didi's, Peking House, Mister Frosty, China Jade Seafood and Dimsum House and a host of other American, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican and Korean restaurants.

A number of coffee shops are also to be seen even in the outskirts of the city, such as Beatico Coffee, Zulu Coffee & Tea, Ciocollo, The Coffee Academy, Starbucks, Northern Brew, Coffee Overdose, and Mequeni Cafe-Holiday Inn, that serve drip regular coffee, decaff, brewed coffee, espresso-based hot drinks, other hot and cold drinks, and snacks.

• Young's Bookstore, Miranda Street, Angeles City (infront of San Nicolas Public Mall), ☎ +63456259178, [3]. 830AM-630PM. Retail and Wholesale dealer of School and Office Supplies, Paper supplies, Computer Supplies  edit
• Angeles Fried Chicken, 1992 Marlim Ave.,Diamond Subd.,Balibago, Angeles City (near Casino Filipino-Angeles--- 2 kms away from Clarkfield), ☎ +65-453224448. The oldest Restaurant in Angeles City. A must try when in Angeles City. Offers wide array of food at very reasonable prices. Famous for its juicy chicken (crispy or regular)with coleslaw and gravy that everybody loves.... Recommended/ Bestsellers:gambas,sisig,calamares,japanese fried chicken,pancit canton,bihon, clubhouse sandwich & their famous Iced Tea--an afc trademark!  edit
• Mother's Cakehouse & Restaurant, 1982 Marlim Ave.,Diamond Subd.,Balibago Angeles City. (near Casino Filipino- 2 kms away from Clarkfield.), ☎ +63-456257593. The oldest Cakehouse in Angeles City. Known for its traditional and personalized cakes... The restaurant is so cozy that gives you a home-y feeling ambiance with pink and white motiff. Its baked macaroni is to die for! Other must try: spareribs, sisig dinuguan, palabok, tacos, spaghetti, salisbury steak and a lot more... Good thing about this restaurant is that, since it's a sister company of the famous Angeles Fried Chicken, you can also order foods from Angeles Fried Chicken--which they would cross over for you to fill your crave...  edit

Drink

The infamous nightlife scene in Angeles originally sprung up to service nearby Clark Air Force Base. The US military left in 1991 after nearby Mt. Pinatubo erupted, but a crackdown on prostitution in Manila promptly restored the industry's fortunes, and today Angeles has the biggest nightlife scene in the Philippines.

Balibago district is home to many bars and karaoke joints. It has of a number of clubs which fit any budget and personality. There are traditional clubs with DJ's and the live band clubs. For endless evening of dancing and pulsating music, head for the bright lights of Balibago. Fields Avenue and McArthur Highway are the places to head for go-go bars, comedy bar shows, sing-along or karaoke bars, nightclubs and drinking beer - it is a non-stop pleasure seven days a week, everyday of the year.

• Sax Bar, Diamond Service Road, McArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ 63 (45) 892-3574.  edit

• Whythaus Grill & KTV, Severina Lim Avenue, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, ☎ 63 (45) 892-7077.  edit

• Wishing Well Music Lounge (KTV & Grill), Severina Lim Avenue, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, ☎ 63 (45) 322-4857.  edit

• Spencer's Fusion Bar & Restaurant, Saver's Mall, McArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 892-5826 or (63)(45) 323-6888, local 183.  edit

• R&B Music Venue, Don Juico Avenue, Malabanias.  edit

• S.O.S., Fields Avenue, Balibago.  edit

• Skytraxx, Fields Avenue, Balibago (Next to Subdelecious). One of the best Hip hip clubs in Angeles City with friendly bartenders, waiters and waitress.  edit

• The London Bar, 4370-B Arayat Street, 1st Floor, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago.  edit

• Topsy Turvy, 4370-B Arayat Street, 1st Floor, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago.  edit

• Klub Caterva, 4370-G Arayat Street, 2nd Floor, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago.  edit

An up-to-date (according to the site author) map of the entertainment areas of Angeles can be found here: [4].

Sleep

There are many nice hotels around the city, furnished with the luxury of modern day living with upgraded facilities to accommodate your needs. Some can be found along the Clark Perimeter Road while others within the Clark Freeport Zone. Lower-cost accommodation in the main entertainment area near Fields Ave., however, tends to be expensive by Asian standards, with prices starting around P800-1000, and the cheapest places are often fully booked. If you look for the budget options, while still in the bar area and walking distance from Fields Ave. proper, head along the Fields Ave. to the west, where it is no more traffic-free and continues along the Clark Freeport Zone fence as the Perimeter Road (Don Juico Ave.). Numerous cheap (P400-700) rooms can be found here, as well as more upmarket hotels (ABC Hotel. for example, which is also a well-known landmark in the area). The Perimeter Road is quite busy even at night, and so is relatively safe to walk home late, compared to the other streets around. Another option is to accept tricycle driver's "cheap hotel" tout - but, as everywhere, this may mean overpricing due to the driver's commission, more concerns about hotel security, and a P50 or more for a trike ride every time you go in and out (or a long walk, which may be not safe in the night time also).

• Holiday Inn Hotel and Resort - Mimosa, Mimosa Drive, Clark Field, ☎ 63)(2) 845-1888, (63)(45) 599-8000 and 1-888-465-4329 (hircf@comclark.com, beeline@beelinetravel.com, fax: (63)(45) 843-1363), [5]. The region's only Holiday Inn Resort, it has deluxe rooms which range from about $60/night on up. This is by far the largest hotel in the Angeles area, having over 300 rooms, suites and villas. It is located at the Mimosa Leisure Estate, which has the best golf course in the region and a casino. This is a business-class convention hotel for Clark. No problem bringing in a guest (or two). It has smoking and non-smoking rooms. Government rate is generally the lowest available. This location within the Clark Freeport Zone is only a few miles away from the entertainment district. Taxi service is available 24/7 for P150 to the bar area.  edit

• Angeles Beach Club Hotel (ABC Hotel), Don Juico Avenue, Malabanias, ☎ (63)(45) 892-2222 (info@angelesbeachclubhotel.com), [6]. It is a five-star hotel situated in the entertainment zone across from SM shopping mall. Its swimming pool has a white sandy beach. For $90 per night, it includes free breakfast, free shuttle service to and from Clark Airport and around town, 3 extra movie channels, 3 adult channels and free internet. 'Beachfront Suites' and 'Penthouse Suites' are also available.  edit

• Oasis Hotel, Clark Perimeter Road, Clarkview Compound, Malabanias, ☎ 63)(45) 322-3301 (reserve@oasishotel.com.ph, oasishtl@comclark.com), [7]. Once a favorite of visiting US Air Force officers, this quiet, respectable hotel is located within a secure residential compound. The hotel has all the services you will need including a 24-hour room service, 24-hour foreign currency exchange, 24-hour high security and dual-key safe deposit boxes, laundry service, a beautiful swmimming pool, a business center with internet access and a gift shop. The hotel restaurant, Maranao Grill, is open 24 hours and there is an English pub. Standard and deluxe rooms are offered, but if you are going to stay here, take a P2750 junior suite and ask for a discount. The suites are among the largest rooms in Angeles. Each suite is available with one king or two queen-size beds and has a large, clean bathroom. This is a place where you can bring your wife and kids if you are not able to leave them at home.  edit

• Fontana Leisure Park, C.M. Recto Highway, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 599-5000 or (63)(45) 599-8118 (resortsales@fontanaleisureparks.com), [8]. It features a world-class wave pool that can electronically produce various types of waves and three giant aqua thrill slides. The park also has other attractions like the mad scientist water laboratory, the buccaneer ship and the lazy river. A prelude to the coming 18-hole championship course, the pitch and putt of the golf course is a perfect place for golfers to practice their game. It also has a casino which offers over a hundred slot and video machines and 40 gaming tables with games like Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette and Pai-Gow.  edit

• Clarkton Hotel, 620 Don Juico Avenue, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 322-3424 or USA toll-free: (866) 978-4962 (info@clarkton.com), [9]. This is a German-managed hotel that has 93 rooms. Large suites are available on the 3rd floor. It has an excellent restaurant, on-site go-go bar, a 24-hour room service and a large, clean pool. The pool area is a popular gathering place. Single deluxe room is P1650 while a suite is for P2500 or P2800.  edit

• Hotel Stotsenberg, Gil Puyat Avenue corner A. Soriano Street, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 499-0777, [10]. This resort, with a casino, enjoys the best of worlds as it is a serene sanctuary, yet only a breeze away from an exciting nightlife. Just five minutes away from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, the hotel is accessible from all points in Greater Luzon via the North Luzon Expressway and other arterial highways - making it an excellent base for the discerning business as well as leisure travelers. Deluxe room is $83, executive suit is $98, Clark suite is $263 and Stotsenberg suite is $299.  edit

• Marlim Mansions Hotel, MacArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ 63)(45) 322-2002 or 63)(45) 322-2393 (marlim@digitelone.com, fax: (63)(45) 722-2972), [11]. A five story full-service hotel, Marlim Mansion Hotel is one of the biggest hotels located at downtown Balibago with a total of 100 rooms. Standard room is $25, deluxe room is $29 and junior suite is $19.  edit

• Pacific Breeze Hotel and Resort, 1888 Vian Street, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45)625-6494, (63)(45) 625-6495 and (63)(45) 892-5293 (info@pacificbreezehotel.com, fax: (63)(45) 892-5680), [12]. It offers the most complete set of services and it is one of the better facilities in Angeles. With the completion of the Oahu Wing, they have also added a large conference rooms that may be rented for meetings, parties or other social functions. Here is a brief list of some of the amenities that await you: a 56 guest-room main building with elevator access to the roof top; a 50 guest-room Oahu Wing annex; and a large rooftop conference room for meetings, or other social functions.  edit

• Oxford Hotel, M.A. Roxas Avenue corner N. Aquino Avenue, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 599-7888, [13]. It features small function and meeting rooms and a very large convention hall which can accommodate approximately 2,500 business, personal company team building or political guests. Stay at this hotel and get Mount Pinatubo Trek discounts.  edit

• Hotel Royal Amsterdam, 648 Fields Avenue, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 892-3392 (info@hotelroyalamsterdam.com), [14]. It is one of the newest hotels in town. Built from the ground up, room rates range from $20 to $150.  edit

• Mo's Place, Fields Avenue corner A. Santos Street, Balibago, (63) (45) 892-0509, [15]. Budget hotel with its own sports bar, swim-up bar and swimming pool. Rooms are a bit worn, and extra towels will cost you 30 pesos each. It has an in-house travel agency that can arrange tours around Angeles. Rooms rates start at about $36.  edit

• Clark Hostel, Ninoy Aquino Avenue corner M.A. Roxas Avenue, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 599-7500 or (63)(45) 599-7501 (fax: (63)(45) 599-7462), [16]. Stay in a cozy, unique boutique condotel with many amenities and most importantly, good old fashioned warm and friendly Filipino hospitality. If you are planning an extended trip to Clark, this is the place to lodge. It is a favorite lodging facility for budget minded games-of-chance players as various casinos abound in and around the area, some within walking distance. It has a coffee shop, bar and grill with seating capacity of 200 persons at the garden coffee shop/bar with live music performances Friday nights.  edit

• Swiss Chalet Hotel, A. Santos Street corner Real Street, Balibago, at the site of the former ''Lollipop Bar'', ☎ :(63)(45) 888-2618 (info@swisschaletph.com), [17]. This is a new hotel built from the ground up. Rooms are priced from P1400 to P2850. It has no swimming pool but has an excellent restaurant.  edit

• Orchid Resort, 109 Raymond Street, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 322-0370 or (63)(45) 892-2653 (info@orchid-inn.com, fax: (63)(45) 322-2790), [18]. This resort has 84 rooms in the heart of the Balibago entertainment area. The resort has three buildings: the 24-room original inn, a 27-room extension and a third building, a 33-room annex completed in November 2001, called the Jasmine Wing. The family superior deluxe rooms, located in the extension, are huge. A large tropical garden of lawn and shrubs surrounds the new 50 feet by 25 feet swimming pool. 24-hour room service is available from the hotel restaurant. Safe deposit box access is available 24 hours. Orchid rooms are priced from $32 to $66.  edit

• Wild Orchid Resort, A. Santos Street corner Johnny Street, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 625-6335 (info@wildorchidresort.com, fax: (63)(45) 625-6267), [19]. Prices range from $80 to $100. The resort is situated in the center of the entertainment district for easy walking to all of Angeles' finest clubs.  edit

• Central Park Hotel, 261 Real Street, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 892-0256 (reserve@centralpark-ac.com, fax: (63)(45) 892-5680), [20]. It has 48 rooms in the heart of Balibago nightlife. Central Park rooms were extensively renovated in late 2003. Rooms are kept quiet by double-pane windows. If you are interested in taking a swim or sitting around a pool, it is a short walk to Kokomo's. A standard room is $25, standard plus is $33 and premiere is $35. This hotel used to be named Park Chicago.  edit

• Montevista Villas, Mimosa Drive, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 599-3333 or (63)(2) 845-2493 (mgahotel@portalinc.com, fax: 63)(45) 599-2531), [21]. A renovated former USAF housing, the Montevista Villas are located within the Mimosa Resort amidst stately Mimosa rain trees, the former residential grounds and golf club. It is a good place for a long-term stay if you have a car. Their rate ranges from $78 to $129.  edit

• Century Resort Hotel, MacArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 322-7454 (century@comclark.com, beeline@beelinetravel.com), [22]. The Casino Filipino-Angeles and Klownz Comedy Bar are just right next to this hotel and it is very accessible to Angeles' vibrant nightlife of Balibago district. Rate ranges from P1440 to P2880.  edit

• Maharajah Hotel, Texas Street, Villa Sol Subdivision, Anunas, ☎ (63)(45) 625-6973 (mahatel@mozcom.com), [23]. Price ranges from P1050 to P2000.  edit

• Phoenix Hotel, 1810 Malabanias corner Perimeter Road, Malabanias, ☎ (63)(45) 888-2195 or (63)(45) 888-2196 (info@phoenixhotel.com.ph, fax: (63)(45) 322-2074), [24]. This hotel has 33 spacious, comfortable rooms including non-smoking rooms. Each room is fully carpeted and includes cable TV, mini-bars, air-conditioning, telephones and a 24-hour room service with a full international menu. Same day laundry and dry cleaning service are available.  edit

• Swagman-Narra Hotel, S.L. Orosa Street, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45)322-5133 (bookings@angelescity.info), [25]. Named after the national tree of the Philippines, the Narra tree, it offers a spa, swimming pool, a bar and restaurant, pool, karaoke stage, barbecue cooking area and excellent food with a variety of steaks and seafood as well as Australian, Filipino, Thai and Chinese specialties. As an added bonus, there are night-time specials and a Sunday lunch roast. Fine wines are always available.  edit

• Blue Bianco Suites, C.M. Recto Highway, Clark Field, ☎ 63 045 599-3956. checkin: 12:00 NN; checkout: 11:00 am. 1300+.  edit

• Patio Inn, 4410 S.L. Orosa St. Diamond Subd. Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 322-4272 or (63)(45) 892-0890 (patioinnhotels@hotmail.com, fax: (63)(45) 332-1771), [26]. With 16 well appointed rooms, a 24-hour bar and restaurant, library and business center, the Patio is where you can escape, relax but still be in touch, when you want. It also has top-quality car rentals, van, trucks and motorcycle rentals. This is a series of hotels, which cater to American and Australian travelers, mostly men. Patio V is named after the American VFW post, which is just situated next door.  edit

• Bluefields Hotel, 1239 Malabanias Road Pladirel I, Malabanias, ☎ (63)(45) 892-7290 (reservation_bluefileds@yahoo.com). checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Quite decent budget option at the Perimeter Road end. Standard room with bathroom, aircon and TV is for only PhP975. It also has a swimming pool and free internet. It's a little barred but staff is friendly.  edit

• Hotel Vida, 5414 M.A. Roxas Avenue, Clark Freeport, ☎ (63)(45) 499-1000, [27]. A tropical paradise hotel in Clark Freeport, this deluxe hotel is set in a lush green landscape of acacia and palm trees, where natural light and ventilation were given emphasis to achieve a breezy atmosphere. A host of first-class recreational facilities and accommodation amenities await travelers and guests.  edit
• Donald Paul Apartelle (& Country Kitchen), Surla Street, Angeles City (Across from the city hygiene, near the casino, a few steps away from Fields Avenue.), ☎ (045)322-5569 (the_donald_paul_apartelle@yahoo.com). checkout: 1200. A new establishment, in a very convenient, but quiet location. The Donald Paul Apartelle offers queen and king size rooms, as well as two apartments that both have two bedrooms and a lounge. The whole building is brand new and very clean. The hotel has a swimming pool, free wifi / computers, and a kitchen that is open "24 & a half" hours with room service available around the clock. The staff are exceptionally friendly. Rooms start from 1600 a night.  edit

Contact

Internet cafes have become a common sight along university roads, at the malls, hotels and different establishments. You will have no trouble finding cheap and fast internet access. Usual rate ranges between PhP15 and PhP30 an hour. You will also find cheap gaming stations aside from internet access.

Prepaid SIM cards of local GSM operators (Globe, Smart, Sun) are widely available and cheap (P50-100). International calls, however, are not particularly cheap (though still much cheaper than roaming rates) and usually cost around US$0.40 per minute ($0.30 for Sun, but at the expense of network coverage quality). However, often they have promotions with lower call/SMS rates to the chosen countries - just ask the dealer about that.

Stay Safe

The tourist and entertainment areas are generally safe as it is filled with pedestrians and police around-the-clock. Although you will likely get heavily solicited by street vendors pitching Viagra, cigarettes, pornographic DVDs and trike rides, they are usually nothing more than minor nuisances. They aren't persistent as long as you show disinterest. It’s the same with the begging population, which is small but visible.

However, venturing into the Perimeter bar areas (around the ABC Hotel) after dark is not recommended or along Santos Street south of Wild Orchid Resort. The rule of thumb is, if it's not well-lit at night, don't go there.

Furthermore, be extremely vigilant of street strangers pretending to know you. These scammers, often middle-aged men, usually target solo tourists. With an extended hand, they would say something like "Hi, my friend, I met you at the hotel last night" or "Hey, remember me? I was your driver". Their initial goal is simply to get you talking and drawing down your guard. But their ultimate goal is to transport you to an illegal gambling den or to set you up for theft or mugging. Ignoring random street strangers is essential advice. And definitely never go anywhere with them or show your wallet.

Get out

Explore the Philippines and more of Angeles City. There is still life outside of Fields Avenue and Clark Ecozone.

• San Fernando, Pampanga, only 16 km south of Angeles, is the provincial capital. It is well known for its giant lanterns and it annually holds a Giant Lantern Festival in December. Among legions of Catholics, it is known for its annual re-enactment of Christ's crucifixion on Good Friday (Cutud Lenten Crucifixion), which is dramatized in Barangay San Pedro Cutud. Also, Hilaga Philippines (formerly Paskuhan Village) is found here. It is a tourism village where the wealth, character and cultures of the four Northern Regions of Luzon are pooled together to provide every visitor the virtual experience of a visit to the North.

• Mabalacat, Pampanga has an airfield where the first Kamikaze suicide attacks were launched on October 20, 1944 commanded by Vice-Admiral Takjuro Onishi in an attempt to destroy hundreds of ships of the Allied Forces in the Pacific Ocean, killing thousands of US soldiers during World War II. The Memorial and Kamikaze Peace Shrine marks the site of the old runway and it is frequently visited by tourists, especially Japanese.

• Porac, Pampanga is known for its natural sites such as the Dara and Miyamit Falls, as well as the Porac Highlands. It is equally popular for being a lahar-stricken town brought about by the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption and subsequent flooding of rivers with lahar (a mixture of rainwater and volcanic ash and outfall) that severely eroded river banks and destroyed bridges and low-lying areas. Trekking through Porac is another way to reach Mount Pinatubo's peak, a seven-hour trekking safari to the slopes of Mount Pinatubo via the Pasig-Potrero river in Barangay Mancatian while traversing fast streambeds, prolific waterfalls and fantastic lahar landscapes.

• Arayat, Pampanga is known for its majestic Mount Arayat and a natural park complete with exquisite swimming pools, spa, recreational halls and picnic huts. One would be delighted to experience the cool breeze and natural spring water that falls from the mountain. Have an optional tour of Mount Arayat National Park for a short mountain climb and swimming in natural pools.

• Candaba, Pampanga is known for its Bird Watching Tour, the staging and wintering area for thousands of birds from October to April of every year and it offers the only organized bird watching tour in the region. It serves as a bird sanctuary and a haven for migratory birds, such as egrets and wild ducks during winter in China. Indigenous ones like the rare salaksak and batala are to be seen as well.

• Guagua, Pampanga takes its pride for having Pampanga's oldest church, Betis Church, which is a fascinating work of architecture with its classic altar in antique-carved design and decor blending with religious frescoes reminiscent of neoclassic works of European art. Built in 1754, this church has impressive paintings on its ceiling and walls with fine sculpture and paintings in gold dust.

If leaving by airport, remember to carry enough cash for the P600 departure tax (P150 for domestic flights).