Cover Kuran Tayab Festival (Photo: Tarlac's Best/Wordpress.com)
Kuran Tayab Festival (Photo: Tarlac's Best/Wordpress.com)
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Tarlac is more than just the province you pass by before reaching the tourist attractions in the north
Bordering the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, and Pangasinan, Tarlac is recognised as the "Melting Pot of the Philippines". This landlocked province is rarely seen as a tourist destination, often viewed as a long stretch before reaching the shores of La Union or the peak of Baguio. But now, people finally appreciate Tarlac's beauty through their diverse culture.
Through its great dishes, colourful festivals, rich history, and beautiful landscapes, the province is quickly rising to become one of the best tourist spots in Central Luzon.
More from Tatler: The cultural wanderer's guide to Bacolod, the 'city of smiles'
Monasterio de Tarlac in San Jose
Above Monasterio de Tarlac (Photo: Carz Valdez/Flicker.com)
Above Relic of the True Cross (Photo: Kaizen1975/Tripadvisor.com)
Monasterio de Tarlac (Photo: Carz Valdez/Flicker.com)
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One of the most frequented pilgrimage destinations in Central Luzon, the Monasterio de Tarlac in San Jose houses fragments of the Relic of the True Cross. The relic is believed to be the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified and died, and only the faithful who would attend Mass beforehand are allowed to touch it.
The monastery is at the top of Mount Resurrection, with a 30-foot statue of the Risen Christ towering over the view.
Festivals to look forward to
Above Chicharon and Inuruban Festival (Photo: @callmeleidee/Instagram)
Above Buyboy Festival (Photo: @labradorjesalyn/Instagram)
Chicharon and Inuruban Festival (Photo: @callmeleidee/Instagram)
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Chicharon and Inuruban Festival
A festival meant to celebrate a good harvest and quality meat products, the Chicharon and Inuruban festival highlights the local delicacies. With colourful costumes, street dancing competitions, and a beauty pageant, this festival in Camiling is a must-visit during the last week of October.
Buyboy Festival
Originally from Burgos, La Union, the Buyboy Festival is proof of Tarlac’s diverse culture. A celebration to display and promote buyboy, a key material to create walis tambo, the town of San Clemente differentiates itself from Burgos by dyeing its buyboy into many attractive colours.
Malatarlak or Melting Pot Festival
Celebrated every January in the capital, Tarlac City, the Malatarlak Festival is one of the most notable events in the province. A commemoration to the first people who built civilisation in these lands, the festival takes the city by storm with lively activities for visitors and locals of all ages. Children don colourful grass-inspired costumes and dance to the beat of traditional music to honour the legacy of the Aetas.
Bamban WWII Museum
Above Bamban WWII Museum (Photo: bambanmuseum.org)
Bamban WWII Museum (Photo: bambanmuseum.org)
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A community museum lies in the quiet town of Bamban. With a strong interest in the Second World War, the museum is home to many artefacts meant to remember the forgotten Battle of Bamban Hills. From anti-aircraft machine guns and bloodied flags to underground tunnel systems and historical battlefield tours, history buffs will feel at home in this museum.
Aquino Center and Museum
Above (Photo: Aquino Center and Museum/Facebook)
(Photo: Aquino Center and Museum/Facebook)
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Another important museum to visit is the Aquino Center and Museum, which houses all kinds of memorabilia from Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr and the late President Corazon "Cory" Aquino. It also narrates the Filipino people’s fight to restore democracy through the People Power Revolution in 1986.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
