Whether you are a young professional looking for a meaningful career, a family person looking for a dynamic place to settle down, or a budding entrepreneur looking for a viable place to grow your business at, you might want to consider moving North of Metro Manila. The City of San Fernando, Pampanga, in particular, is fast becoming a popular real estate destination in Central Luzon, with its booming tourism, fishing and cottage industries, along with its flair for arts, history, food, and its colorful festivals, giving life to the province. Coupled with the government’s massive infrastructure program which links the emerging area closer to more towns and cities via interconnected transportation routes, things are starting to look up for Pampanga.
A Hub of Culture and World-Famous Cuisines
Pampanga has remnants of a long and colorful history, beautifully preserved across the land with its heritage houses, enlightening museums, and historical markers. The province was also once home to some of the country’s most notable cultural movers like Jose Abad Santos, Gil Puyat and Diosdado Macapagal, the latter of whom became the 9th president of the Republic of the Philippines. The City of San Fernando is one of four cities in the Philippines that retained its heritage town charm, with ancestral villas and Spanish-era structures proudly on display.
The Kapampangans’ artistry and creativity also adds distinction to the province with their world-class furniture, fine handicrafts, and tasteful culinary creations. Each year, a growing number of visitors flock to Pampanga to take in the sights, sounds and local cuisine. The sizzling roadside sisig of Pampanga is often hailed as the best culinary export of the Philippines. The dish is so well-loved that travel writer Anthony Bourdain even wrote about it during one of his trips to the country: “Simple, flavorful and goes perfectly with beer.”
The showcase of classic architecture like the baroque-style of the San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor and diverse festivals such as the Crucifixion Rites, International Hot Air Balloon Festival, and the Giant Lantern Festival also manages to draw crowds from all over the world. This year, Pampanga was selected to host the 2019 Southeast Asian Games during the groundbreaking of the Philippine Sports Complex—a move that would no doubt push Pampanga to the forefront of growth and development in the country, even more.
An exciting destination for adventure seekers
From diving in Subic to going on a foodtrip in Pampanga, the North has a lot to offer. One can travel to Mount Pinatubo in Zambales and go on a hiking trip together with friends. A great outdoor destination for beginner hikers, Mount Pinatubo has lain dormant since its eruption in 1991. One can choose to hike to the crater and interact with the Aeta community living nearby, making it a trip to remember besides its beautiful scenery to catch. Another popular destination is Anawangin Cove in San Antonio, Zambales, with its easy trekking activities, white sand beaches, and scenic nearby islands to discover. Otherwise, one can always retreat to the many malls and outlet stores in the North to indulge in some retail therapy.
A Beacon for Education
A growing number of educational institutions have already established their presence up North. Pampanga, in Central Luzon, is home to several top colleges and universities such as St. Scholastica’s Academy, Angeles University Foundation, and the Holy Angel University to name a few. A known Center of Excellence, The University of Philippines Diliman Extension also contributes to the educational fabric of the province. In just a short drive away from the City of San Fernando, one can enroll to become a certified pilot in Clark, Pampanga, with its array of aviation schools.
Massive Commercial and Public Transit Developments
In an effort to boost economic activity in the region, the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) has begun laying the groundwork for an expansive railway project to connect Manila to Clark International Airport in Pampanga. This 106-kilometer railway project will significantly reduce road time for travellers going in and out of Central Luzon where modern townships like Capital Town Pampanga in San Fernando, are being built. Once completed, this mega structure will span 17 stations across Tutuban in Metro Manila and Clark, Pampanga in Central Luzon, bringing convenience to the lives of almost 350,000 passengers on its first year. DOTr has also begun construction of the Central Luzon Expressway that will shorten the travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City to encourage new investments. The massive infrastructure programs from the BUILD-BUILD-BUILD agenda, initiated projects by the Local Government Units and other Public – Private Partnership efforts are expected to benefit North and Central Luzon provinces, especially the City of San Fernando, in Pampanga by providing better transportation routes.
Also read: ‘Pampanga is Now Closer than You Think’
An Economic Wellspring of Central and North Luzon
With the rise of multiple Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) towers, offices and more residential areas in the region, its capital city, the City of San Fernando, is being touted as the next central business district of the north, offering career opportunities in the City and in neighboring provinces.
With all these big-ticket projects lined up, it is no wonder why developers are looking to invest within the region. Megaworld’s Capital Town Pampanga in the City of San Fernando will be the first integrated, mixed-use township development in the area that offers a wide range of facilities and amenities for a complete and convenient LIVE-WORK-PLAY-SHOP lifestyle. Like other Megaworld townships, Capital Town Pampanga will have its own cyberpark to house BPO offices, and retail strips complemented with wide, walkable spaces. The Rainwater Park, found in the heart of the development, will have jogging paths, bike racks and play areas for everyone. For history buffs, one can visit the heritage museum located within the township.
The Shophouse District, donned in Neoclassical architecture with Art deco details, will feature unique business concepts on the ground floor and a residence above. This is envisioned to become one of Pampanga’s tourist destinations in the future. There will also be complementary tribute statues of Kapampangan playwrights, heroes and key personalities, fountains, and cobblestones-lined streets to complete the district’s old-world charm.
Capital Town Pampanga is an ideal refuge from Metro Manila where overcrowded public transportation and gridlock are the norm. The development aims to expand and revitalize Pampanga’s capitol district, its neighboring towns, and most of the greater North Luzon area, while preserving the rich heritage of the province. Megaworld Corporation’s entry in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga marks a new phase of growth for North and Central Luzon, fostering a safe and conducive environment for families, investors and career-driven professionals.
For more information about Capital Town Pampanga, contact +6317-144-8696, email info@capitaltownpampanga.com or like or Facebook page.