To The Hard Working Cooks, Their Assistants and Food Suppliers

We thank you for all the hard work you put into the food that we eat. 

Have a wonderful day. We pray that you have a relaxing rest after a hard day or night work. 

Have a lovely evening or night.

Some Local Buffet Restaurants in San Fernando, Pampanga

There are two buffet restaurants along the MacArthur High-way in San Fernando, Pampanga that serve local traditional Filipino and Capampangan dishes that you can enjoy for about P200 pesos (PHP), excluding taxes in 2019, for Pipanganan Capampangan; and the other one is at Bale Capampangan at P295 for lunch and P195 for dinner (excluding taxes) for their November promo this 2020 if you are dining in the restaurant or shop. Most recently the meal price is now at P239/pax. The regular price of Bale Capampangan meals is between P345 to P395. The food that you can eat depends on your appetite. You can eat as much as you can until you are full. The food they serve includes several kinds of meals that some locals of Pampanga and neighbouring provinces love to eat. Pipanganan menu includes:

Some of the food at Bale Capampanganu includes: 

Adobong Balut (Adobo of duck eggs), sisig (finely chopped fried pork face with onions, soy sauce, chillis and other ingredients, crispy pata (deep-fried pork leg), lengua (cow tongue with creamy sauce and corn kernels), bistig baka or damulag (baka-cow, damulag-ox) boiled in sauces like soy sauce, fish sauce and sometimes with calamanci, fried kangkong with flour and beaten egg, Kare-kare (boiled beef with peanut sauce, string beans, and eggplant), calderata (which is sometimes beef or pork with a bit of chilli, sauces and some potatoes). They also have some mango salad and local condiments to complement it (like shrimp paste, soy sauce, fish sauce) and there are other dishes like fried catfish, and other local recipes. 

Holidayland and Partyland are other buffet restaurants that also serve unlimited (eat all as much as you can) meals. They also have some of their own version of adobong balut and also chicaron (fried pork skin), dinuguan (pork with pork blood and chillis), amplaya or bittermelon with pork, lumpiang shanghai (pork rolled up in flour or rice wraps), fermented rice dips for fresh mustard leaves and eggplants, they also have their own version of lengua, boiled tahong dish (mussels), fern salad with tomatoes, onions and salted egg, tofu with pork and some veggies and other dishes. The price of the buffet is usually at P188 per person (excluding taxes). Holidayland can be found along the JASA road (Olongapo-Gapan Road) while Partyland has a shop inside the SM Pampanga.

Holiday and Partyland Dishes

There is also the Viking's buffet restaurant inside SM Pampanga. Viking serves several kinds of dishes that may not only be indigenous to Pampanga but recipes from various parts of the world. Various kinds of sushi, meat and beef meals, steaks, pizzas, pieces of bread, cheeses, noodles, pasta, various kinds of desserts, and drinks. They also serve a variety of cakes and other kinds of baked goods. Buffet meals  (eat as much as you can promo) are at P600 pesos. They even have a promo for your birth month where you can bring four people and have one of your meal for free. 

There is also Ningnangan where food is usually grilled, barbequed or fried. The food here is usually sold or paid per piece or grams. There is a buffet table where diners (or if you want them for take-out) can pick the food they want, pay them at the counter, have them cooked in the manner they want it cooked like fried, boiled, grilled, or if they want it to have some soup (especially for the local sinigang soup - sour soup for salmon dishes that locals like). 

There is also Yakimix in SM Pampanga and Tabehoudai in San Agustin (along the MacArthur High-way) in Pampanga. If you are looking for Japanese food, then, these are the places to go to. 

Tabehoudai

Have a lovely day or night.

If You Want To Satisfy Your Cravings For Brownies and Other Sweet Delicacies In San Fernando, Bacolor and Guagua, Pampanga

If you want to satisfy your cravings for brownies (chocolate flavoured cakes with some nuts) in San Fernando, Pampanga, you can always go to these shops:

(Photo from Pines' Facebook Page)

https://www.facebook.com/pinesdelicacies/videos/276849406855552

Pines' Brownies and Delicacies serves various kinds of chocolate flavoured baked goodies that can help you satisfy your sweet chocolatey cravings with the bonus of carbohydrates (from the flour). If you like to wash down them down into your tummy, these baked goodies are best, a warm drink or cool drink can help you enjoy them even more. Milk, coffee, tea, juices or some cool freshwater can make you feel good after munching on the tasty meal. The variety of baked sweet goodies at Pines will help you satisfy your cravings for sweetness on a day when you really need or want something sweet for a change in your meals. They have chocolate cakes, carrot cakes and chocolate crinkles that can help satisfy your sweet cravings. Their shop in San Fernando is located at the corner of MacArthur High-way Jose Abad Santos Avenue (JASA or Olongapo-Gapan Road) FF Paras Building near Jollibee intersection across Jenra Mall San Fernando, Pampanga. They also have a shop in Guagua, Pampanga along the Olongapo-Gapan road of (JASA)

 (Photo from Lailen's Facebook Page)

Lailen's Pastries also have their brownies and other sweet delicacies that can satisfy your cravings for something sweet, or nutty. Lailen's also serves a variety of designed cakes for your various party needs. They also have other delicacies that you may want to try for your cookie, nutty and sweet cravings. If you are in the northern part of San Fernando, they have a shop at Essel Commercial Complex Telabastagan. You can also place your orders or buy from their shop in Aurea Subdivision, Sta. Lucia, San Fernando, Pampanga.

(Photo from Granda's facebook page)

Granda's Sweets and Delicacies which serve several baked goodies that you also might want to try is in Don Honorio Ventura Street, Cabambangan, Bacolor, Pampanga. Their shop can be found near the cemetery of the San Guillermo Church. They have chocolate silvanas, toasted mamon, araro cookies, sans rival and other baked sweets and goodies that you can take out from their shop. Some of their products can also be found in LA Bakeshop along the MacArthur High-way, SM Pampanga Olongapo-Gapan Road (JASA) and SM Telebastagan going to Angeles City through the MacArthur Highway.

Have a good day or night.

What Some People Do When They Lose the People They Deeply Love

When we lose people we love, there are many things that we may feel and do because of the loss. These are some of the things that people do when they lose someone they love.

In our towns, localities or communities, there are times when deaths happen because of various things. These may either be because of natural disasters, wars, plagues and many other things, with this we sometimes lose people whom we love. When they are gone, we can still reminisce the time that we had with them. Remember the lessons they have taught us, and they will always be in our memories or our hearts. And they will always be remembered. It is deeply a sad thing to remember how they have gone and passed but their spirits will always be with us. Like the warmth of the breeze, the coolness of the air, the freezing cold weather or the rain that seems to be like the cry of a thousand souls. 

Their laughter and chuckles will be in our minds and their caring gestures will remain with us, in our memories and our psyche as we trek the world. Some people even feel stronger when their loved ones have gone and passed, because they feel more confident with the knowledge that had been passed on to them by the people who have raised them and cared for them. Some feel more confident, wiser and fearless. They are able to accomplish some of their goals because of the inspiration they get from the loss and work at trying to be better at what they do, while others do the things that are important to them. 

There are some who fall helpless and fall into a deep depression or do things that may not be beneficial for their health, well-being, family, welfare or they fall ill because of deep sadness and grief. However, if a community or living relatives will try their best to care for those who fall into this trap, they can still live and perhaps recover from the loss that they have experienced. 

However, some who have committed criminal offences (maybe because of vengeance or other intentions) end up in jail and fall deeper into a much difficult challenge. They become exposed to people whom they have not encountered before who may have the same story as them. They then sometimes form friendships with their inmates or make enemies at times. Once, they do, some have a tendency to either go back to living a good civilian life, plan their future once they are out of jail, while some simply eat and sleep to let each day pass and simply think about how the people they love are.

Loneliness happens deeply in the walls of a correction or rehabilitation facility and once it does, sometimes chronic depression could set in, especially when there is no activity or no mental stimulation at all. However, there are some who survive because of their strong will to survive and because they may still have plans to see their loved ones and be with them once they get out of the facility.

There are others who engage in productive activities than instead of dwelling on the thought of death, go on with their lives, move on and think that it was just any other day. They continue doing business as usual, continue with whatever their plans are, and have a strong mindset that there will still be another day to live. They continue to do their usual routine while others have the traumatic scars in their minds and psyche lingering with them, especially, in the case of wars. 

As humans, we grieve as we lose people we love, but we also have that spirit of living our lives to continue caring for the people whom we care for and are still alive with us. It is indeed a very depressing event when the people we love pass away or leave us. However, it is in our genes to survive and try to compose ourselves and go on for the ones who still need us. They may either be our children, siblings, relatives or friends. We sometimes simply need to do our best to make things work out for the people we still have with us.

Have a lovely day or night.

What To Do When You Feel Betrayed

In relationships, people sometimes feel that they have been betrayed by the people whom they trust the most. When betrayal happens, it can be devastating to the person who gave his or her undoubtful trust. 

To recover from this betrayal, try to find out the reasons why for the betrayal. There are various reasons why people betray their partners or associates. Some involve dissatisfaction to jealousy and because of disloyalty. 

If you were betrayed by an associate or a co-worker, learn to let it go and move on. There are other associates that you can learn to build better relationships with and they might be better for you and the business that you are in. You will have an opportunity to build a new and more fulfilling relationship with these individuals, instead of dwelling on the issue of betrayal by your associate or co-worker. Keep working to make yourself better at learning more and becoming better at what you do and your job. The betrayal is a sign that this person is not someone who values your relationship. Try to build relationships with the other people whom you can build better relationships with or who are more trustworthy instead of dwelling on the unpleasant feeling of being betrayed.

If you were betrayed by your partner, lover, or spouse, try to find out the reason why he or she has betrayed you. Once you have found out, evaluate the reason and see if you have contributed to this reason. If you have, that the betrayal was caused by reasons that you may have caused that resulted in the betrayal. Learn to forgive and try to move on. Give yourself some peace of mind and leave the event in the past. We do all have our faults but we can only move on with our life if we are not holding heavy grudges in our psyche or hearts. Holding grudges can only hurt us even more. So, think of happy thoughts instead and enjoy life with the people who care and love you. Spend time with the people who care for you and the feeling of being betrayed by the person who betrayed you might be eased in some way.

If you were betrayed by a trusted friend, sibling or relative, you might think that it is very difficult to get over. These people are ones whom we consider as our blood or non-blood brothers and sisters. When you have cared for each other for several years, you may feel hurt when some or one of them betrays us. The feeling will tend to linger and the thought may feel devastating for some. Learn to forgive and move on. There are other people who care for you, perhaps, in greater ways, like perhaps your other siblings and relatives. You can confide in them, and they might be able to ease the feeling and help make you feel better. They even might be able to help you better in ways than the other could.

When a trusted confidant betrays you, it is perhaps one of the worst things that could happen. When it does, you can choose to end the relationship and move on with your life. It is obvious that this person is someone whom you cannot trust. So, it is best to get on with your life, have a choice to end your relationship with them, find someone else whom you can truly trust or make an agreement with them that will settle matters or business that you have with them. Be optimistic when someone leaves you in order to pursue other things. For example, people leave their jobs or move to other companies because of various reasons. Some may be struggling with family issues or need to settle things that we do not know of. We simply have to think positively about the situation and make the best out of what we have. Always attract positive energies and be optimistic that you will get a confidant whom you can truly trust.

There are some reasons why some people betray us. Some because they are dissatisfied with the way things are. Some are not happy about the conditions that they are in and some are simply not interested or happy in the situation that they are in. When someone breaks our trust, it should be a lesson to learn and to remember. Forgiving and forgetting may not be easy because of the damage that it may have caused. But you can always, try to let go of the feeling so that you will feel better. Put your trust in someone or to the people who care and understand you. Give your other relationships a chance instead of dwelling on the betrayal. There are more things to do, more beautiful memories to experience with people who value what you put in the relationship they have with you and learn to treasure those.

Have a wonderful day.

Local Bakeshops In San Fernando, Pampanga Where You Can Find Some Of The Best Baked Goods

(Photo courtesy of LA Bakeshop)

(Photo courtesy of A la Creme)

(Photo courtesy of GeeCee Bakeshop)

(Photo courtesy of  mangan.ph)

(Photo courtesy of NeuBake)

There are several local bakeshops around San Fernando, Pampanga. You simply have to know where to go to get some of the cheapest goodies to enjoy tasty baked goods.

If you are looking for various kinds of baked goods, several bakeshops sell this product including GeeCee, LA Bakeshop, Aurely's and small bakeshops all over town. Some new and not so new entrants to the market include A la Creme, Mr. Park's, Pan de Manila, Red Ribbon and Goldilocks. 

If you are working out in the Sport's Complex along High School Boulevard there is a bakeshop near the corner of Lourdes street. The best seller in this shop is its pandesito and pandelemon which used to be P5 pesos per piece in 2019. Another shop that sells Spanish bread can be found in Villa Barosa Phase 3 behind Puregold Cafe Fernandino, along MacArthur Hi-way (another landmark to look for is the Caltex gas station in front of the Monumento Fernando).

Another popular bakeshop in San Fernando is LA Bakeshop. This shop is popular for its cheese bread and other baked goods. They are also distributors of Granda's baked goods which is also popular in Bacolor, Pampanga. Granda's baked goods include sylvanias, their own version of butterscotch mini-cakes, and other kinds of baked goods.  

GeeCee is also an old bakeshop in San Fernando which sells various kinds of goods including cakes, hopia, coconut pie, monay and locally made candies. It has a branch along the MacArthur Hi-way in front of the Jose B. Lingad Regional Memorial Hospital in from of Jollibee JBL. If you are looking for a quick snack or a San Fernando locally made cake, this is one of the places to go. It also has another branch near China Bank in Downtown San Fernando.

Essel bakeshop is also one of the oldest bakeshops in San Fernando. It can be found in its supermarket along the heritage street in downtown San Fernando. It also has a branch along B. Mendoza street if you are headed downtown from Angles City. It is famous for its hopiang kundol (hopia with winter melon filling), brownies and other baked goodies.

A la Creme is also another local bakeshop where you can buy various kinds of cakes. Their most iconic one is the ube cake (purple yam cake). The shop and restaurant can be found along the MacArthur Hi-way. It also serves various kinds of the recipe including seafood pasta and steaks.

Aurely's Bakeshop also sells various kinds of baked goods including their own version of mocha cakes with sweet buttery icing, cheese topped chiffon cakes, brownies, sylvanias, chocolate cakes and other baked goods. They also serve various kinds of pancit (noodles) and other kinds of local Kapampangan dishes if you want to dine in. They also have their own version of braso de Mercedes, pastillas and other kinds of candies. Their shops are located along MacArthur Hi-way. One store is at San Agustin and the other on B. Mendoza Street near San Fernando downtown. The shop also sells loaves of bread and the prices of their cakes, and some of their baked goods, are also cheaper compared to other bakeshops.

De Luxe bakeshop is popular for its local cookies, pianono or Filipino Sponge cake roll in this town and its loaf bread in the '80s. It still continues to sell various kinds of baked cakes, cheese and sell other products in its grocery store. The shop is located in the public market. 

Nathaniel's bakeshop has its own restaurant where you can dine and buy your preferred baked goodies like cakes. They are also popular for their buko-pandan snack which is a local favourite among locals. They also serve various kinds of local meat recipes that you can taste including pork dumplings or siomai. Their shop is located along Jose Abad Santos Avenue or Olongapo-Gapan road.

There are other smaller bakeshops all over town and some sell their products at cheaper prices. Sometimes you just have to keep looking and you just might find a good place to snack on a baked snack that will satisfy your cravings for baked goodies. The public market also has its own stalls of baked products and some sell at lower prices. Some slices of cakes sell for as low as P5 pesos as well as chocolate crinkles and other baked goods.  

Other brands of baked goods from the other towns in Pampanga

If you are interested in making sandwiches, you can also buy various kinds of baked bread loaves from most grocery stores and supermarkets all over town like the Neu Bake Gardenia loaf which sells for as low as P39 pesos in the local market. Other Gardenia products are available in the public market, groceries, and malls. These loaves can be good for snacks, breakfast, lunch or even dinner. You simply have to be creative in how you want your sandwich. They can be good with eggs, meat, fish, veggies and even peanut butter or jams. 

If you are in town, you can buy some baked goods, candies and other dishes from these shops and enjoy.

Have a lovely day or night.

Some Places To Visit When In Pampanga

            (Photo courtesy of PreventionWeb)

(Photo courtesy of  Trip Advisor - Fontana Leisure Parks)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrhmfEguA7U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsnnW0kO-4k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYeCG0YM76c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gVlnGixHRw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ejNpKz6kGk

https://www.facebook.com/greengoldfarms/

When you are in Pampanga, you have the option to visit some of the historical places in town like the old churches scattered all over the province. Some of these are old churches, fortresses, and graveyards. If you are interested in history and architecture, you can visit these places. There are also more contemporary or modern-day architecture expressed in some of the homes and other structures that exist in the province today. 

If you are interested in nature trips or a visit to the forest reserve, the Mt. Arayat forest reserve is a place where you can see some of the sights of the province by climbing up the mountain. There is a fee to use some of the facilities in this place. The mountain has swimming pools and some of the oldest trees indigenous to the town. 

If you are interested in viewing or buying local produce, you can go directly to the towns where these products are sold. Or, you can simply head to various restaurants, food shops, markets and malls where there are consumer goods that you might be looking for. However, some of the products in some of these markets may be a little pricier than those from the direct supplier because of the retailer's cut,  percentage, and profit for the goods sold. 

If you are looking for rice, corn, peanuts, cassava and other agricultural and fishery products, several town farm products can usually be found in the towns of Apalit, Arayat, Bacolor, Candaba, Floridablanca, Lubao, Mabalacat, Macabebe, Magalang, Masantol, Mexico, Minalin, Porac, San Fernando, San Luis, San Simon, Sta. Ana, Sta, Rita, Sto. Tomas, and Sasmuan. Some towns close to the swamp, and those that have existing waterways that supply water to their farmlands, plant rice and other kinds of agricultural products as mentioned earlier. There are also various kinds of fruits found all over the province, including the favourite of some people, mango.

If you want to go fishing or sight-see using water transport, some creeks have small boats that you can take ride-on or go to your destination. Boat fees have to be paid to get to these places and if you want to buy goods that are being sold in these coastal villages. 

If you simply want to enjoy a bit of fun away from the barrios and want to experience the big city life, Angeles City is the place to go. It is between the town of San Fernando, Mabalacat, Mexico and Porac. There are several amusement parks here, including swimming pools, malls, sports centres, and other amenities. Clarkfield or the Clark City has its own airport, hotels, hospitals, and supermarkets. There are also several restaurants and other facilities like hotels, hostels, and other amenities outside of  Clark City. Some parts of Clarkfied also have their own greenhouses where various kinds of vegetables, crops, and fruits are grown. Some parts are used as places where cows and sheep graze.

Good day. 

What To Do When You Are On A Tight Budget

Most of us have a certain budget for our daily needs and expenses. Sometimes our budget may be limited, especially if we are only earning minimum, and when we have bills to pay every month and when the prices of consumer goods and services are rising. 

If you have little money to spend because you are not earning much money, then you can also cut down on the costs of things that you are spending on. Spend your money wisely on things that you only need. If you do not need a new pair of shoes, a new pair of pants, a new pair of slippers, a new pair of glasses, a new pair of shorts, a new dress, a new shirt, a new bag or anything that you do not need at the moment, then do not head to the stores and buy the item. 

Buy the things that you need and don't buy the ones that you don't need. However, if there is an item that you think you will need in the future, and you already have the money for it, and if it might be out of stock soon, then it would be a wise decision to purchase the product. But make sure to not spend more on your next pay.

Keep your daily needs simple. The food that you eat doesn't always have to be expensive or costly. Some bread or rice, some viand cooked in your own kitchen will do. Spare the expensive meal when you have enough money to spend on it. If you want coffee, try the cheap coffee from your local grocery store. You can indulge in more expensive drinks or meals once you have the cash to do so. Use clothes or shoes that are not yet torn or worn out. Save your best dresses or clothes for events that require them. However, if it is necessary for you to dress up for an occasion, then by all means do so. Dressing up for an occasion or event is also necessary sometimes. It helps show that you also know how to appreciate good or great clothing. 

Limit the time that you spend on the more expensive restaurant or take out food. There are some who can afford daily take-outs in their favourite restaurants and pricey coffee shops. But there are others, who cannot afford these. What you can do is perhaps save money for the food that you want to eat and once you have enough, then you can go out with either your family, friends, co-workers or associate and treat yourself or yourselves to the meals that you want. You might also want to experiment at home and try cooking with the ingredients you have inside your refrigerator. Or, buy cheaper food ingredients in your local public market where, most of the time, the goods are cheaper. Once you have saved up some money for that food that you want to eat, celebrate and enjoy.

Set money aside for consumables, utility, maintenance bills like food, water, internet, phone and electricity bills. These bills usually have to be paid on a monthly basis, so, make sure to have them paid every month to keep having and using these consumables and services in your homes. If you are living with your family or siblings at home, you can split the bills together or divide the bills as you have agreed on. This will be beneficial for all the members of the home and be beneficial for everybody living in it. The cost of running the home, will not only be reliant on one person. Therefore, the burden of paying the bills will not be difficult for one person alone, if everyone pays their own share.

If you do not have a lot of money, buy cheap product brands that have good quality. There is no need for you to buy luxury goods if you want to save for other things that you want to spend on. Clothes, shoes, bags and jewellery are nice to have but they do not need to be expensive all the time. Indulging yourself with very expensive items will only hurt your budget and maybe even leave you hungry or with an empty bank account. If you have a collection of good quality clothing or bags that are still intact and not worn out, you can either sell them for a cheaper price. If you feel that you can afford to donate them to people who want them, then, by all means, do so. Instead of these things being stuck in your closet, others who need them will benefit from them.

Take public transport if you are commuting to go to work or school. This is perhaps the cheapest way to get to work or school. However, public transport fares vary from the kind of transport you wish to hitch a ride on. If there is a way for you to use the cheapest form of public transport, then by all means, use this form of transport. If not, try to use the one that you can save on. If your workplace or school is close to your home, you can also walk to work to not pay any more money to get to work, or if your a student going to school. If your destination doesn't have a lot of public transport, you can choose to carpool with your colleagues or friends that are going to the same destination and have a safe trip. Split the gas bill so that you can all save on transportation cost as well.

Ask your boss or employer if you can work from home. If he or she agrees to this, then you will be able to save on transportation cost and even on other costs like canteen meals, quick take-outs or avoid the temptation of buying food from food shops. You will also be able to save on work clothes because you can work at home with a simple shirt on, your shorts, pyjamas or your home clothes. Dress up when you need to talk to your co-workers or employer or if you need to see them in person and report to the office. This can save you money for clothing and other related expenses necessary when going to the workplace or office.

If you cannot work from home because of the nature of your job, try to find a place close to the workplace or school. A small room or a room shared with other renters can help you save on rent. Sharing a space with others is usually cheaper than having the entire place for yourself. All you need is to get your own mattress, pillows, blankets and perhaps some other accessories to help you enjoy a good night's sleep. Most of the time, rooms have their own lockers where you can keep your belongings. Keep the locker key safe and have a duplicate copy just in case you lose one. Do the same for the door key and the bathroom key if you have one.

Save some portion of your earnings for emergency expenses. Emergency expenses sometimes must be used for emergencies that happen. So, it is important to have some money saved somewhere just in case you need to use them. 

Save money for Social Security contributions. These are necessary so that you can benefit from them when you retire or when you need to make loans either for health reasons or for other purposes. Once you retire, you will get your monthly pension. You can pay the most basic amount and still get a pension when you retire.

Save money for trips that you and your family would want to have in the future. Some people like going places, so, save money for these trips and make sure to take photos of the place you went to and share them with the rest of your family or friends. Your photos or videos will help them be able to get a feel of the place that you went to, and perhaps, go there and visit these places as well when they can. 

Make wise investments. If you are planning to have your own home, condominium or flat, it is best to set aside money for these big expenses. Some of us do not have enough money to buy our own home, but there are always places where you can rent and lease for a period of time. Some people have to work two jobs to make these investments happen. Others venture into businesses that help them make extra income. These are helpful in bringing you more cash in the bank or help you make more savings to pay for the costs of your investments. 

A tight budget may be tough to handle but a lot of people get by with it. This is why if you are in one, you're not the only one in this situation. There may be others like you. Sometimes you simply need to put your money where it needs to be and be careful in the choices that you make.

Have a lovely day or night.

What To Do If You Feel Depressed Because Of Recent Events That Has Affected Your Life

                                        

Some may become depressed or feel lonely because of losing a job that they like to do, losing people they love, losing their homes, losing in a business venture, becoming homeless, losing money, losing things or people that are valuable to them and some lost their freedom to live a life as they please because of some constraints.

If you feel depressed, think happy thoughts. Some medical doctors prescribe anti-depressants to patients with extreme or chronic depression to make them feel better, while psychologists encourage patients to participate in activities that can potentially be beneficial to them. Attracting positive energies and positive thoughts (or thinking positively) is going to make you feel better. Sometimes negative thoughts may plague our minds but if you look at the bright side of things or the situation that you are in at the moment, then you will be able to make your days less depressing.

Find a hobby that you can do in the place where you are at. If you have some materials or things in the place where you are at, you can make or innovate things out of them. Some of the artworks and artistic creations that are sold in markets and stores are sometimes born out of innovations. These were made by people who were trying to spend some of their time doing something that will make their day feel better or worthwhile. Some people create very interesting and crafty artistic and innovative things while others come up with useful things. Others create unique things and others create beautiful artistic, creative, and useful items that can be sold in the market and perhaps make you earn a living out of them. 

Make yourself busy by doing things you are interested in doing and, if possible, share what you have completed with the people you love or who matter to you. When you are busy, you tend to lose track of time, and perhaps, you will be able to accomplish things that you intend to complete in a day. Some people even earn money when they make themselves busy. Taking on a job or learning a new skill that you have always wanted to learn about, can make you do things that can potentially make you earn an income that will help you finance your daily needs.

Reach out to your family if they are there with you in the location where you are at or communicate with them through messengers, video calls or phone call. If you have to work and have little time to spend with the family, spend some time with them at the end of the day. This can either be by a quick talk, a quick message, a quick meal together or simply ask how they are. If they are having troubles, ask how you can help. Otherwise, ask them how they can help you out instead. When you have more time on your hands, spend or make more good memories with them and try to treat them with something that you have made. Either it is a meal that you have cooked, a creative item that you or your team has made, a gift that they can use or provide a service that they cannot do by themselves.  

Enjoy the time that you have to make more new things that you could potentially earn an income from. You can also make more happy memories with the people you love or those who have helped you out all these years. These people may be our families, friends, co-workers, team or associates. Once you are able to do this, you will learn to treasure the moments that you have done together as a team. You will have beautiful memories together, or apart from each other, that will always be remembered. Sometimes, things do not go as smoothly as you please but hope for the better and things just might work out well.

Treat yourself to a meal that you like, a good massage, a good bath, a good relaxing time alone or with friends. This is necessary to make yourself feel good even for just a short amount of time. Some people have various things in mind that will make them feel good and feel happy for them to keep themselves sane. Some are interested in making music, some are interested in cooking meals that they like, while others like writing, solving problems and the list can go on. Doing things that you love will sometimes make your day worthwhile. But make sure that the thing that you are doing is not against the law, otherwise, you will also get into trouble and put to jail for a crime that you have committed.

Spend some time alone and think things through. You can start planning for your future, plan to do things that you hope to do when you have the means to do so or do some research on things that you want to embark on. This may be a business, a job that you want to have, a skill that you would like to learn or a task that you want to complete. All these things can be completed once you have thought of ways on how to do or complete them. Then do your plans and execute them.

Be more optimistic, hope and pray that things work out well. Try doing things that will help you accomplish your recovery goals. Have a positive mindset so that it will help you get a better feeling, feel good about yourself and what you have accomplished in your life. You may have few accomplishments but all these things contribute to where you are today. So, do not grieve or fret. If things do not work out well as you want them to, think of other things that you can do to improve your situation and plan a way on how you can reach your goals. 

If someone you love or close to you is part of the cause of your depression, learn to forgive. Move on and forgive them if possible. Holding a grudge will only make you feel even more depressed. Let go of that feeling and think of new things that will come your way. You might also meet new people along your journeys and might make new and trusted friends who will be able to help you better with the burden that you are feeling. So, be happy. 

If disagreements with family, friends, associates, co-workers or loved ones are causing your depression, tell them about it. Tell them about what made you feel depressed. Let them know about the things or words that made you feel depressed. Some may not like to address the problem, but things will work out better if you can talk about it together. If you know each other's quirks, you will be able to understand how you can make things work out well between you and your family, friends, associates, co-worker or loved ones. Try to make an agreement on how you can help each other out with the things that you need to accomplish together. Care for each other and love each other. If another member fails to reciprocate, there might be a bigger reason why. Perhaps, you can ask them about it and offer help that you can provide. The help that you give might be reciprocated in the future and your relationships will become more fruitful.

Have a lovely day or night. 

 

What To Do When You Visit The Town Of San Fernando, Pampanga

(Photo: Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org - Patrick Roque, Ramon F. Velasquez)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI12BF_pW34&t=5s

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San Fernando, Pampanga is the Capital Town of the Province of Pampanga. When in town, you can enjoy a visit to the local public market or 'palengke' and buy fresh vegetables, fruits, meat products, fish and other aquatic products which you can cook at home, or at the place where you are staying.

If you are staying in a local hotel or want to go on a food trip, you can sample local cuisine by visiting some of the local restaurants which serve local recipes indigenous to Pampanga. Some of these local restaurants are located on the MacArthur Hi-way. Some notable Kapampangan restaurants that serve local recipes include Bale Capampangan, Pipanganan, Capampangan Island, Holidayland, Partyland (inside the SM Pampanga), Susie's Cuisine, and Cabalen. If you are looking for cheaper meals, you also go to the public market stalls like Apung Jung and other small shops by and inside the 'palengke'. There are more restaurants along the Dolores area along the MacArthur hi-way that you can try like City Grill, the bakeshop and restaurant Ala Creme, Mr. Park's, Jun-Jun's, and several others. 

If you are going to the Lazatin boulevard, you can also dine it at Laza Seafood Market and Grill, Souq, Bubusuk, Barney's Burger, Cafe Rustico, and others. These restaurants serve various kinds of meals that are either inspired by foreign cuisine (like American cuisine and Chinese Cuisine). If you are looking for something that is not local, then you can try going to these food shops. The prices of the food here can also be affordable compared to fine dining in an expensive hotel or buffet restaurant.

If you are in a rush and need a quick meal, there are several fast-food chains along the Jose Abad-Santos avenue or OG-road and other areas all over town. There are several Jollibee's, MacDonald's, and KFC that offer drive-thru service for their customers. If you want to go shopping and dine, there are also malls like SM and Robinson's Starmills. These malls have various goods from food to clothes to hardware, electronic equipment and more products. Other popular grocery and shopping destinations include Garbes-Dizon, Essel, Jenra, Puregold, All Day and Vista Mall.

If you want to see the sights of San Fernando, you can choose to walk by the Pampanga Capitol Boulevard to see the old architecture of the Provincial Capitol of Pampanga. This is one of the oldest structure in Pampanga which was built in 1904 when the provincial government was transferred to San Fernando from Bacolor, Pampanga. You can also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, which is in front of the Municipal Hall. The cathedral was built in the year 1948. This cathedral is a catholic church where masses and gatherings for Catholics in the town are usually held. You can also pass by the Iglesia ni Cristo Church along the B. Mendoza street if you are headed to downtown San Fernando.

If you want to have a little bit of nature walk or have a bit of a walk without the bustling noise of cars and jeeps along the main roads, you can walk inside the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex behind the Pampanga High School or along the Pampanga High School Boulevard. The sports complex is a place where you can do some stair exercise as well because it has its own grandstand for spectators that has stairs. When there are no sporting events, it is always vacant or has few visitors. Therefore, you can do your morning walks in this area. It also has a basketball court where you can play the game. 

If you want to go for a swim, you can go to swimming resorts of Villa Antonina Resort, Armando's Wellness Resort, Villa Alfredo's, The Orchid's Garden, Water Splash Resort and Ahgcor Farm and Resort. These resorts have rooms where you can also stay overnight or as long as you want. Some allow you to cook your food in barbeque areas and others allow you to bring food for your consumption. Some also have their own mini food shops where you can buy snacks and drinks.

If you don't have your own car or a private vehicle to tour the town, you can either take public transport like the tricycle or jeepneys. You can also have sightseeing in a tri-wheeler, a pedicab, kalesa or, choose to walk around town with your buddies. If you feel tired of walking, you can always sit inside some local beverage shops, coffee shops and have a drink of fresh water, juices, coffee or other beverages available for that day. Sometimes there are some juice or drink vendors along the streets where you can have a sip of buko juice, pineapple juice or mixed beverages like buko-pandan and chocolate drinks with jello. Some of the local shops that sell various kinds of drinks include Heritage Cafe, The Coffee Academy, Sweet Little Things Cafe, 'Il Padrino, Cafe Noelle, Cafe Jungle and some international coffee shops like Starbucks 

If you are on a tight budget but want to shop for cheap food and cheap items, then the best spot to go to is the public market or 'palengke'. The 'palengke' usually sell all kind of items from food, clothes, bags, cooking utensils, hardware and other things. However, the big malls have items that the 'palengke' does not have like imported equipment and other kinds of items. The 'palengke' also have watchmakers, cellphone repair technicians, some shops sell cellphone or mobile phone accessories to various fabric (also known a 'tela' in the local language), electronic equipment and CDs. Sometimes these services and items are cheaper here. There are also shoe repairmen scattered all over the market if you want your shoes fixed. 

If you are looking to stay in a posh hotel that has amenities like restaurants close by or easy access to public transport, you can also do so. You can stay in Bestwestern Bendix Hotel, Bliss Hotel, Hotel Gracelane, and MicrotelInn & Suites. If you are looking for cheaper places to stay, there are also several other smaller hotels. lodges, inns and motels all over town. These include Ephatha, Redd Manor Condotel, Otel, and several others. Some of these hotels and inns have meal packages that you can avail of if you want to dine in there and there is also room service where you can order food, drinks and other beverages. Some have nearby spas as well and other grooming services. 

When in San Fernando, you will be able to find and eat some local recipes indigenous to Pampanga, especially this Christmas season which start during the 'ber' months. There are some shops along the OG-Road and MacArthur Hi-way which already serve puto, bibingka and other kinds of local recipes indigenous to the province already this season. Actually, they sell them all throughout the year. 

Since the province of Pampanga is the Christmas Capital, you will be able to view the sparkling lanterns all over town being sold at various prices, depending on their size and make. The giant lantern festival also happens during the Christmas season, particularly in December. If you are in town when this happens, then you can try to view the festival with your family, friends or associates. The winning lanterns in the competition are also displayed at the Metropolitan Cathedral after the night mass before Christmas day or Christmas eve. So, if you have missed the festival, simply attend the 'midnight' mass on Christmas eve at the Metropolitan Cathedral and you will be able to view some of the winning lanterns there.

Visit San Fernando if you want to have a bit of a taste of the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.

Have a wonderful day.

  

 

To Loved Ones and Family Far Away

The doors of the home are always open for you,

Whenever you come home.

Should you feel sore because of the tiredness you feel,

Rest and relax as necessary to regain strength.

Come back home whenever you please or when possible,

And let's make more beautiful memories whenever possible.

How People Carry Their Message Across, The Challenges That You May Face And What To Do To

                                                    (photos: courtesy of Pixabay)

Other people who do not like to listen to reason because they feel that their health is at stake may feel may also be not very happy about what other people want them to listen to. Once this happens, the other party who want to be listened to fails to make the listeners listen to the message that they want to be carried out. Sometimes they still go about what they want to do and still do as they please, which may be beneficial for them and their families. 

When the message that you want to carry across does not get to the person or people that you want to send the proper message to, miscommunication may happen. Once miscommunication happens, people tend to become angry, or sometimes feel insulted about what the other people have said. If they feel they have been insulted with the words used in the process of communication, an apology might work.

When the other party refuses to listen, or maybe failed to get the message that they need to know, it is important to clarify or translate, if possible. This is to make the message pass more clearly. If there are corresponding actions that you need to happen, according to the message that you want to carry across, translation is one of the best ways to do so explain the details. Especially, if the message is not said in the language that you want to carry across.  To carry the message, across properly, it is important to send the message in either a written form, in a video call in the preferred language or with visuals that other people will be able to understand clearly. Videos, visual images or short films, do send messages more clearly, because, they have more details than simple letters, notes and stills or pictures. They are effective for young and old listeners, or watchers because they are more receptive to sounds, colourful images and real evidence than simple notes and texts.

However, some of the simple notes and texts are still not obsolete, because they can highlight the thought of the message that is being carried across. Either through transcription or writing of the message that the other person is saying. This documentation can help in carrying out the message more clearly and in more detail. The details also provide a clearer picture of what the other person or people is trying to carry across.

Visual images can clearly help show the messages that we want to send to our listeners. This helps clearly show the importance of the message that you are trying to carry across. Otherwise, sometimes you might fail to send the message across clearly, and your listeners may fail to get the message that you are trying to send.

However, some listeners may not like what they are listening to, or simply refuse to listen, because of reasons that they may have. These reasons may not align with your intentions and plans. If such is the case, then, you may be talking to the wrong person. Trying to make another person see it your way to comply with what you want may be difficult and that is another reason why communication between two parties may not be effective. Therefore, it is best to view it from the perspective of the listener. Ask yourself if the listener is really someone who is interested in listening to you, or if they simply want to get some information that will be beneficial to them. Otherwise, some may simply be finding the information they are getting from you are beneficial for them. If not, they will simply disregard it and go on with their lives. 

There are all types of listeners. And these listeners may or may not be interested in what you are trying to say.  However, there are some who will still do if they see some point in the things that you would like to carry across. Once they do, you can effectively send the message that you want to send and perhaps feel good about it later. However, if you have failed, maybe you can try to explain in a different manner or strategy to carry the message across better.

However, there are some people who impose penalties, like sending their staff to medical doctors who at times use various kinds of drugs, for purposes of medical research. Which sometimes are not beneficial to the test subjects and even cause greater harm to their overall physical or mental health. Once this happens, if the drugs were used on the test subjects, the doctors who facilitated the medication does even get credit for their research. Even if, the test subjects that were used in the testing fell ill, got injured or have died as a result of the testing. This is the most inhumane thing that medical research may now be doing to people who simply want to live freely and go about their day. Live their own space in the world that is, anyway, is to be shared by every human. Some may not like this because they feel that their health is compromised. Some may file charges for the damages that were caused and even cause medical practitioners to be put to jail, especially if the damage caused is catastrophic to society in general or if they were found guilty of violating human rights.

Miscommunication or failing to carry a message across properly can be devastating sometimes. Therefore, if you are running a business and want to talk to your associates, make it clear to them what you want them to do and the nature of the business that they are getting into. If they understand what you want to be done, and they feel comfortable in the job that they got into, then they are likely a good fit for the job. If not, then maybe, they will be better at other jobs that are more fitting or suitable for them. Some may not like or are happy with what they do, which is why they refuse or fail to do the tasks that you want them to do. They may also be not motivated enough to do the tasks assigned if there are any. Or, the environment where they are is not something that they are comfortable working in. 

Communication can be enhanced in various ways but it may take time, especially if you are trying to communicate with a younger individual, to send the message across properly. If not, you are at risk of losing a potential talent that you may be looking for. Especially, if you are a recruiter looking for an employee. Or, if you are a worker looking for an apprentice. You will, potentially, lose the opportunity to work with these people, if you failed to carry across a message properly. If in doubt, try to explain and clearly show them what you mean to make things clear to make them understand. If they still fail to understand, demonstrate and show them how the process of what you want them to do so that it can be done. If the communication still failed, there is a need to clarify. 

If you are instructing someone to do something or to work on something that they want to be done, let them know of the benefits that they can get from the work that you do for them.  This will potentially make them happy with the incentives that they can get and the benefits that result from the work completed. However, some fail to do as instructed because they may still be apprentices or young practitioners. They are bound to make mistakes and these mistakes may be potentially damaging to them in the long run. Or, others fail to understand the instructions provided. Once this happens, some may commit mistakes and the mistakes may cause problems to the business you are in. These problems can, however, be worked out with solutions. Solutions that are humane, not damaging to human life and human health. Solutions, that are not violent and fair.

However, if you want to see things done your way all the time and communicate this to your associates, this may also not work. Because seeing everything from your own perspective alone, all the time, without trying to look at the side of your associates will demotivate them as well. They may see that you are not taking their suggestions into consideration. Or, feel that their opinion does not matter. In this case, you might need to talk to them about it and explain to them the reason why their opinion might not be feasible for the business that you may be in. If you are cheating your employees or associates, they will also find out what you are doing later on. Once this happens, some might take actions against you or the associates, some might leave you and sometimes cause problems to your business. The best thing to do is, clarify and explain to them your side. And as a team, be more appreciative of each other.

Dealing with hot-tempered individuals is also very stressful. Sometimes there are people who think they know all the things that their workers are going through without even lifting a finger, or using their heads, and they think that is enough to make things work. People who always have an angry tone will sometimes be less convincing but sometimes you need to listen to the clues that they are trying to send or perhaps trying to relay. Ask them what they really want to say and make them clarify what they mean. They might always reject your side and make you feel that your side of the story is invaluable. These people are insensitive, impatient, maybe tired or having other family or health problems as well. Perhaps, one way that you can make them see it your way is to let them know of the real facts that they should face and not simply hide behind their positions or wealth. Sometimes we need to see both sides of the story to make things work better and for the benefit of the entire team that you may be managing or working with. 

Dealing with a demanding or unappreciative supervisor. Sometimes supervisors demand work done immediately because of the nature of work that you may be in. For such, prepare for quick calls or orders that they may request. However, if the staff was not able to comply with your demands do not put a pout on your face and scold them. Instead, maybe you can tell them what they have missed. Make them include in the tasks, lists or things that they need to do. 

If an apprentice is not able to comply with it immediately, then, try to remedy the problem if you can do it yourself or with the help of another staff. Instead of making a big issue about it and putting the staff at greater health risks through experimental drugs for medical research or causing violence. Workers have a lot on their hands and heads already. Do not be grumpy because they are the lifeline of your business. Without them, your business will no longer exist. And after months or years that they have been with you, this simply means that they are trying their best to make your business happen. Be more appreciative of what they do for you and remember all the things they do are according to your plans and directions. So, do not fret if things fail.

What happens if you carry out messages that are staged or fake news? No crime goes unpunished as most people say. They always will always find out the human crimes that a person has committed over other people. Either it is a simple petty crime, physical or sexual assault, moral damages, medical malpractice, is a mastermind of a crime (accomplice) and the list could go on. Penalties or time in jail has to be paid or spent in a correctional facility to rectify the problem. Because legislators always pass new laws every day, most of the time to secure their positions in the legislative or executive departments. They pass local ordinances and other regulations for the welfare of their constituents. Sometimes, even without informing the entire community, they are operating in.

Have a happy weekend.

What Happened To Bacolor and Its Residents After The Eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

After the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, which greatly affected the entire province of Pampanga, the residents of Bacolor moved to other places in the province. Resettlement areas were built in the towns of Mabalacat, Mexico and San Fernando. Some residents moved to these resettlement areas and continued or shifted to other jobs that are available in the town where they were relocated. The airbase was also evacuated by the American soldiers.

Today, some residents went back to the town and re-built homes where some live and others have some caretakers to tend their homes or their gardens. They also re-built some of the barrio schools where the population have grown. Roads were re-built to make travel more convenient for the residents of Central Luzon and nearby provinces.

In some areas of Bacolor, the farmlands were buried in deep sandy sediments from the volcano and some of these areas are inside the dike today. The dike was built to contain the lahar or lava from flowing down to the other low lying parts of Pampanga. Other towns where there are also dikes made to contain the ravaging flow of lahar or water from the highlands to the low lying towns are found in Tarlac.

Other residents stayed in the resettlement areas and have settled there for good. Some found jobs available in the area, while others moved to other provinces, regions or countries. Those who stayed enjoyed public elementary to high school education for their children who meet the requirements needed. Others, study in privately run schools around the province. Most of the communities have their own mini-public market or 'talipapa' or 'mini-palengke' where trading is done. As a tradition with the residents of Bacolor, bakeshops can also be found all over the resettlement sites, especially in the Bulaon resettlement site in San Fernando, Pampanga. Some of the homes were renovated and aesthetically improved, according, to the needs of the owners of the house. The original sizes of the majority of the houses were 45 square meters including the bathroom. Some put second floors in their houses, others occupied the remaining space between the houses. Others put divisions or rooms inside the houses to have some privacy for sleeping. Others made space for parking lots and others sold their share to others and built bigger homes.

Today, old farmlands in Bacolor, are being planted with rice and maize or corn. Others have calamanci, various varieties of mangoes, and sometimes some sugarcane. Other areas have poultry farms where chickens are grown. The creeks have also been dredged to let water flow properly in some areas. Some parts also have some housing projects in barangay Calibutbut, Balas, and some residents returned to other barangays where some have rebuilt some of their homes.

Good day or good night.

What Other Things That You Can Do In Pampanga And Its Towns

                                                        (Photo: Courtesy of msn.com - Erwin Cagada, Jr.)

When in Pampanga you have the opportunity to see local architecture, go on a nature trip or simply shop, dine and enjoy. Eat some of the local food available native to Pampanga cuisine and also food recipes with imported food ingredients at food stalls and restaurants. 

You can also have a view of some kang-kong (water spinach) farms and fishponds by the North Luzon Express Way. You may also view some of the tall acacia trees along the McArthur Hi-way and other parts of the town. It is also close by the town of Bacolor, Pampanga where some rice farms have now become available for various rice products like the (tamales, puto or rice bread, lugaw or rice congee, rice noodles, baked sushi - Japanese style baked rice with cheese, crabsticks, seaweed toppings with other spices and other rice recipes).

You can go for a walk around town or visit the historical sites that you intend to go to and go shopping in the local groceries, the wet and dry, public market, malls and go to the parks and other government parks where you can relax and enjoy a little bit of nature. The town has a sports complex, behind the Pampanga High building, if you are coming from the MacArthur Hi-way.

It is a few minutes bike ride, or if you are driving a private vehicle to the town of Bacolor, Pampanga. Bacolor also has the San Guillermo Church which was submerged by the volcanic sand when Mt. Pinatubo has erupted in 1992. From 1992 until the year 2000, volcanic sediments and lahar kept coming out of the Mt. Pinatubo, which caused the submersion of the town in volcanic debris. Before the 1992 volcanic eruption, Bacolor used to be a home of rice farms, sugarcane farms, root crops (yams of various varieties), peanuts and local flowers, vegetables and fruits like (santol, talang, guyabano, various varieties of macopa, kamansi, bamboo in most backyards, cabbage, duhat, kamias, star apple, mansanitas, and flowers like sampaguita, wild roses, rosal, dama denoche, various types of bananas, coconut and others in some backyards). Some of these were then planted in small farms inside schools or small gardens. 

Even before World War 2, local clothes makers or seamstresses were then available to do customized clothing in the homes of local families around the barrios. The main town is called Cabangbangan and this is where some clothes, food and other goods were sold in the public market. There are also small shops where fresh vegetables for meals can be bought. In the 1920s, some students from other barrios went to St. Mary's, a catholic school beside San Guillermo Church. In the school, there were German sisters of the Augustinian and then the Benedictine order, with their local counterparts, who taught the children languages (some English, the local language, math, science, and other skills like sewing, embroidery, cooking and other skills. Some children had to walk to school to attend their classes. Some had to quit because the walk to school is long and arduous. Especially, if they are coming from barrios that are far from Cabangbangan where the school is located. Later, after the Second World War, local barrio schools were established, to cater to barrio children. Other schools that educated locals in the town was Don Honrio Ventura College of Arts and Trades now also known as Don Honorio Ventura State University. The school caters to Higher Education and Technical skills training up to this day. It was established in 1861 and started as a grammar school. It was also called Escule De Artes y Oficios de Bacolor when it was first established by Augustinian friars. They taught some Spanish language in the school which is why some Bacolor natives and other residents spoke Spanish fluently during those days. Today, DHVTSU has other schools all over Pampanga including Porac, Mexico, Sto. Tomas, and satellite schools in Apalit and Candaba. Today, the school now teaches English as A Second Language to students who want to learn more and be able to communicate in the language. 

St. Mary's, on the other hand, closed because the school got buried in lahar. It's sister school also a Benedictine run academy, on the other hand, St. Scholastica's Academy still exists in San Fernando, Pampanga up to this day. It also has another sister school in Angeles City, the Holy Family Academy.

Fiestas were then celebrated according to the feast day of the patron saint of the barangay or town. Food is served to the people in buffet style and some of the dishes cooked are pisto, suman bulagta, tinili (a kind of rice cake which is usually topped with sugar and fresh grated coconut) or banus (another variety of suman which is usually sweetened with sugar), bringhe (local paella), caldereta (pork or beef stew), fried chicken, baked duck, leche flan (flan made of sugar and beaten egg yolks). Sometimes there is lechon (roasted pig), pancit (stir fried rice noodles), locally baked cakes, cookies or candies, fruit and buko salad (young coconut salad mixed with other fruits), maja blanca (or coconut milk pudding), cassava cakes, kalamay (snack which is made of purple yam, other kinds of yam or sticky rice), pork menudo, litson kawaili (pork deep fried in frying pan or wok), lumpiang shanghai (deep-fried ground pork with eggs, cheese, carrots and wrapped in flour made wrapping), or fresh vegetable lumpia and other kinds of food from the raw materials usually grown around the town. 

Since Pampanga has the Pampanga river, there are roads going to areas near the various waterways. These areas have creeks and other waterways where fisherfolk do some fishing. They trade in the market for other goods, monies and services in the past. Roads going to other towns which also offer a variety of goods and services are also available. Before cars, jeeps and tricycles, and other forms of transportation, the creeks were used to get from one place to another. Some used their carabaos and horse-drawn carriages to get to places.

Other major farmlands in the Pampanga include Apalit, Arayat, Candaba, San Luis, Mexico, Florida Blanca, Lubao, San Simon and small spots in other areas. Major fishing zones and fishponds are those by the creeks and smaller waterways like Macabebe, Sasmuan, Candaba, some parts of Mexico and other towns close to the Pampanga River. Fishing licenses or permit to fish are usually required to fish and get into fishing zones. The same goes for going to forest reserves in Arayat. A fee is usually necessary to get into them.

In the town of Mexico, there are some mango farms and other shrubs or smaller trees. There were also cacao trees in some areas which are sold to buyers who want to avail of the product. It is also home to locally baked cookies also known as the San Nicolas by some locals. These locally baked cookies can be bought in small shops around the town of Mexico. 

In the town of Candaba, sometimes the crops planted vary from one crop to another. Most farmers here plant rice, while some venture in planting tomatoes, eggplants, pechay, and mustard. Some for the consumption of the people there and the surplus is sold in the market. Others are transported to Manila for some of their families and guests there. Fishing is also another livelihood in the town. Some of the fish that can be fished in the town are tilapia, gurami, mudfish and catfish. There are also times when tiny eels infest the rice farms. There are also some instances when rats breed and eat rice grains. This is the reason why,  sometimes, there is little rice grain harvest. Some also breed or grow ducks, pigs, and sometimes there are migratory birds, especially in the winter season. 

In Angeles City, you can find the airport for the province. It also has some hotels, parks and sports facilities. There are also some universities and schools inside Clarkfied and outside. Clarkfield has some of the biggest acacia trees in town and some mango trees. And recently it has become a place to graze cows and other grazing animals, like goats. There are some malls and several restaurants all over the town where families can dine, eat or enjoy a take-out. If you are looking for a place to stay in, there are some places where you can stay, if you have contacts living there. They can direct you to the place where you may rest and relax. 

However, some of the goods or products in major malls are, as usual, pricey over what they have in the old and new public markets. Some of these are imported from abroad and some are high quality locally made products. If you want to shop in the local market, they have some products, goods and food that you may not find inside the big malls. But there are also products in the big malls which you cannot find in the public market. In Angeles, travelling may not be too difficult because some locals speak some English. They can help you visit some of the towns that you are intending to go to or the places where you want to go to. They can also translate for you if you cannot speak the local language. However, be careful, because some may take advantage of the situation and charge you much for their services, while others may not charge you as much.  The same goes for other tour guides, especially, if you are touring the town in a rental vehicle with a driver.

When in Pampanga, try to do some of these things and enjoy.

Have a good day or evening.