Celebrate Christmas like a ‘cabalen’

From the beautiful ‘parol’ to the delicious food, there’s nothing quite like a ‘Paskong Pinoy sa Pampanga’

IT’S the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s plenty to be grateful for: the aroma of bibingka and puto bumbong, Simbang Gabi, Christmas parties at school and work, and most of all, reuniting with loved ones—along with Noche Buena, of course!

As the holiday season approaches, Filipinos from all over the country (and abroad) begin preparations, from making wish and gift lists to decorating homes with Christmas trees, the belen, and the iconic parol. Coming from the Spanish word farol, this yuletide lantern was first created in 1908 in Pampanga by Francisco Estanislao. With bamboo sticks, coconut fiber, and kalburo (carbide) to provide light, the five-pointed star illuminated their paths going to the Misa de Gallo. 

Today, thanks to our unwavering love for this Christmas decoration, the parol has evolved through time. Pampanga’s dedication to improving on the star over the years gave us the papel de hapon version, the durable plastic kind, and the classic Capiz parol with flexi-lights, which we still see today. And because of the progress in light technology, Christmas is now brighter than ever.

Christmas capital

Are you ready for the most dazzling nights? Get ready to visit San Fernando City, “The Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” with your loved ones to experience the Giant Lantern Festival.

This annual event, also known as Ligligan Parul, is an inter-barangay competition where displayed parol can reach 20 feet in diameter, made of different materials, colors, and lights. The WeAreAyala Business Club (WAABC) Central Luzon chapter shares that excitement levels are high every year. As the Kapampangan say, ‘Balu mung balu, apin na ing Pasku’ (Alam na alam mong Pasko na). Last 2019, a total of 12 barangays joined the competition.

See this year’s participants on December 17 at San Fernando, Pampanga and visit their nightly exhibitions from December 18 until January 1, 2023. You may also find the giant lanterns at Marquee Mall, Angeles on December 29 and 30. 

Kapampangan tip: If you want to bring home a parol of your own, head over to the Dolores Junction, where you’ll find a row of stores and meet the original parol makers. Prices range from P1,400 to P4,000 only.

Feeling festive already? There’s more to love about Christmas in Pampanga; aside from amazing sights, cabalen (which is what Kapampangan call each other) also have a lot to offer when it comes to tasty treats, especially this season.

Check out our Top 5 WeAreAyala Community-approved places to eat!

1. Cely’s Carinderia
According to Cher Magtoto, Globe Assistant Retail Manager, this humble restaurant is “known for [its] authentic Kapampangan dishes. Adventurous foodies can try their adobong kamaru or crickets!” Ever tried that before? Now’s your chance!

Whether it’s sisig, papaitan, or any other Kapampangan dish, you can count on Cely’s Carinderia to give you that Noche Buena excitement with their appetizing flavors. Visit them at Lazatin Boulevard, San Fernando, or at Cutcut, Angeles.

Cely’s Carinderia San Fernando Branch – tel. no. (0918) 959-2868

Cely’s Carinderia Cutcut Angeles Branch – tel. no. (0997) 840-8904

2. L.A. Bakeshop
For 37 years, this crowd favorite has been serving their classic cheese bread, among many other artisanal pastries. Bring home the perfect pasalubong to your friends and family, or take them to the store in San Fernando City for a jolly food crawl.

Visit the main L.A. Bakeshop branch at 318 Abad Santos St., Sto. Rosario, San Fernando City, Pampanga.

Call them at tel. no. (0916) 362-8063

Follow them on Facebook (@la.akeshop1985) and Instagram (@labakeshoppamp).

3. ‘Bibingka’ stall in San Fernando
You know a place is truly famous when it’s popular even without a name! Located along McArthur Highway in front of the Capitol, this bibingka stall is actually open all year round and sells their delicious dessert for less than P100. So if you want to feel like Christmas every day, take a bite of their bibingka and let your taste buds do the caroling.

4. Susie’s Cuisine
Kakanin, palabok, or halo-halo, anyone? If these are some of your favorite Filipino treats, then you’re definitely in for one at Susie’s Cuisine. According to the website Tsinoy Foodies, they “surely live up to their promised tagline” of being the best in Pampango kakanin. They also offer a variety of classic Filipino pasalubong delicacies such as the uraro, lengua de gato, and more.

Follow them on Facebook (@susiescuisineph) and see more of their locations on their page.

5. Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy
For many years, Milagros Gomez (Apung Mila) has been serving her mouthwatering Kapampangan dishes to Filipinos, such as the Sizzling Sisig and their signature Tokwa’t Baboy. Though it may look like an ordinary canteen, this restaurant on San Andres St., Angeles City has been featured in many articles and vlogs of celebrities like Marvin Agustin.

If you’re in the mood for more food adventures, you can check out these restaurants at Marquee Mall, Angeles that serve authentic Kapampangan dishes:

1. Apag Marangle
They are most known for their kamaru and leche flan. Visit their website to learn more: https://apagmarangle.business.site/

2. Ikabud
This resto is known for being “proudly Pinoy,” from their decor down to their tasty meals. Customers can now also order through mangan.ph.

3. Toll House
For homegrown goodness in Pinoy food, cakes, and desserts, you can check out Toll House. Visit their website to learn more: https://www.tollhousefood.com/

4. Nathaniel’s
Everybody loves Nathaniel’s! Complete your Noche Buena dessert portion with their famous buko pandan salad to end your Christmas dinner in the best way. See more of their menu and follow them on Instagram: @nathanielsph.

All of these festivities and yummy food aside, the true spirit of Christmas lies in our togetherness as a family and community. What better way to connect and show gratitude to fellow Filipinos (or surprise Kapampangan WeAreAyala Community) in Pampanga than learning a few common Kapampangan phrases?

• Kalago! – “So beautiful!”

• Nyaman na ken! – An expression used when someone is excited

• Nananu ko pa, mangan ta na! – “What are you waiting for, let’s go and eat!”

• Adali me ken abe  – Confirming; telling a person that they are correct or on point

Nyaman na ken! Time to plan your trip to Pampanga with our WeAreAyala Business Club Central Luzon Chapter. Masayang Kapaskuan (Have a Merry Christmas) this 2022!