Apalit, Philippines

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Apalit, Philippines

Region: Pampanga


Geographic Coordinates: 14.949600, 120.759000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with rainy season from May to November and dry season from December to April.
Population: 117160
Language: Tagalog

Apalit, A municipality in the Philippine province of Pampanga, Is located on the banks of the Pampanga River and has a population of around 107, 965 people. The town is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage as well as its thriving economy. One of Apalit’s most significant attractions is San Juan Bautista Parish Church or Apalit Church. Augustinian friars constructed this church in 1626 with intricate baroque-style architecture featuring carvings and frescoes. It also houses various religious artifacts such as an image of St. John the Baptist dating back to the early 17th century.

Another landmark worth visiting in Apalit is Casa Real or Municipal Hall built during Spanish colonial times in 1875 that now serves as a museum showcasing local history, Culture, And art. The town boasts several natural attractions like Mount Arayat National Park with hiking trails leading to scenic viewpoints overlooking surrounding towns and cities including Metro Manila on clear days. Apalit’s economy thrives mainly on agriculture with rice being one of its major crops alongside sugarcane, Corn, Vegetables, And fruits like mangoes that are popular exports from this region.

Throughout the year Apalit holds various festivals celebrating its rich cultural heritage such as Sinukwan Festival held every December showcasing traditional dances, Music performances along with local cuisine. Apart from these attractions visitors can enjoy numerous dining options ranging from street food stalls selling local delicacies like tamales (rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves), Balut (fertilized duck eggs) to upscale restaurants serving international cuisine making it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists alike offering an authentic glimpse into Filipino culture while providing modern amenities.



Important Landmarks

  1. Apalit Church – also known as the San Juan Bautista Parish Church, it is a baroque-style church built in 1641.
  2. Casa Real Shrine – a historical landmark that used to be the municipal hall of Apalit during the Spanish colonial period.
  3. Pinagmisahan Hills – a scenic spot where visitors can enjoy hiking and birdwatching.
  4. Apalit River Cruise – a relaxing boat ride along Pampanga River that offers stunning views of nature and local life.
  5. Betis Church – located just outside Apalit, this church is known for its intricate woodcarvings and frescoes.
  6. Pradera Verde Golf Course – an 18-hole golf course surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes.
  7. Nayong Pilipino Clark Freeport Zone – a cultural theme park that showcases Filipino culture through various exhibits and activities.
  8. Dinosaurs Island Clark Freeport Zone – an amusement park featuring life-size dinosaur replicas and interactive exhibits about prehistoric creatures.
  9. Clark Museum- A museum showcasing history about Clark Air Base which was once operated by US military forces before being turned over to Philippine government in 1991.

Primary Industries

  1. Agriculture
    • Rice farming
    • Poultry raising
  2. Fishing
    • Fish processing and trading
  3. Manufacturing
    • Furniture making
    • Garment production
    • Food processing (such as bagoong or shrimp paste)
  4. Retail trade
    • Convenience stores/mini-marts/sari-sari stores (small neighborhood shops)
  5. Services
    • Restaurants/food stalls/eateries/catering services
    • Tourism-related businesses such as resorts/hotels/inns/guesthouses and souvenir shops

Noteable History

  1. The Battle of Apalit occurred on May 11, 1899, during the Philippine-American War. General Antonio Luna led Filipino forces to victory in a surprise attack against American troops.
  2. Apolinario Mabini was an esteemed Filipino statesman and revolutionary leader who passed away in Apalit on May 13, 1903. He was born in Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas.
  3. Gregorio del Pilar was a Filipino general who fought against Americans during the Philippine-American War and played a significant role in the Battle of Tirad Pass. He was stationed in Apalit during the war.
  4. The Inang Laya Monument honors women who fought for independence during World War II and is situated at Barangay San Vicente.
  5. The Holy Rosary Parish Church is one of the oldest churches located in Pampanga province built-in 1626 renowned for its intricate Baroque-style architecture.
  6. Jose Abad Santos Memorial School (JASMS) is named after a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Secretary of Justice under President Manuel Quezon’s administration from San Fernando City but had strong connections to Apalit because his wife belonged to one of its prominent families; JASMS has produced many notable alumni including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities.
  7. Starmall Apalit is an economic hub for commerce not only within Apalit but also neighboring towns such as Santo Tomas and Minalin; it opened on December 15th, 2017 along MacArthur Highway as a popular shopping mall location.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Apalit Church, also known as the San Juan Bautista Parish Church, is a historic church that was built in 1641.
  2. Apalit Town Plaza is a public park located in the heart of Apalit town. It is surrounded by historical buildings such as the Municipal Hall and St. Peter’s College.
  3. Museo ning Angeles is a museum located in nearby Angeles City that showcases the history and culture of Pampanga province.
  4. Nayong Pilipino Clark is an open-air cultural park that features replicas of traditional Filipino houses, landmarks, and artifacts.
  5. San Fernando Heritage District is located in nearby San Fernando City. This district is home to several historic buildings and landmarks including the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando and the Old Train Station.
  6. Philippine National Red Cross Museum Pampanga Chapter is a museum dedicated to showcasing the history and achievements of the Philippine Red Cross in Pampanga.
  7. Betis Church, also known as St James The Apostle Parish Church, is a Baroque-style church located in nearby Guagua town that was built by Augustinian Friars during Spanish colonial period.
  8. Puning Hot Springs are natural hot springs located on Mount Pinatubo that offer relaxation amidst scenic views of nature.
  9. Angelina’s Garden by The Hillside Resort offers visitors a beautiful garden situated near Candaba Swamp where they can relax with their family or friends while enjoying nature.
  10. San Guillermo Parish Church has stunning architecture which makes it one of the most beautiful old churches to visit.



Cultural Events

  1. Apung Iru Fluvial Procession is a religious event held annually in June to honor the patron saint of the town, St. Peter.
  2. Apalit Town Fiesta is a week-long celebration held every January in honor of St. John the Baptist, featuring street dancing, parades, and cultural performances.
  3. Sinukwan Festival is a lively festival held every November that showcases the town’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and traditional costumes.
  4. Pampanga Day is an annual celebration held on December 11 to commemorate the founding of Pampanga province.
  5. Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival is an annual event in nearby Lubao that features hot air balloon rides, live music performances, food stalls, and other fun activities.
  6. Flores de Mayo is a month-long religious festival celebrated throughout the Philippines during May that honors the Virgin Mary with processions and floral offerings.
  7. Holy Week Observances in Apalit are known for their elaborate reenactments of Jesus’ passion and death as well as penitential processions around town.
  8. Christmas Celebrations in Apalit include colorful decorations, parades, caroling groups called kakanin singers who go from house to house singing traditional songs while offering rice cakes or other treats to residents.

Cuisine

  • Betute Tugak – a dish made with stuffed frog
  • Sisig – made from pig’s head and liver
  • Adobong Pusit – squid cooked in vinegar and soy sauce
  • Kare-Kare – a stew made with oxtail, vegetables, and peanut sauce

Some popular restaurants in Apalit, Philippines are:

  • Everybody’s Cafe – known for their Kapampangan dishes like sisig and kare-kare
  • L.A Bakeshop & Cafe – famous for their pastries and cakes
  • Kambingan ni Tsong – serves goat meat dishes such as kaldereta (stew) and sinampalukan (sour soup)
  • Dencio’s Kamayan Restaurant – offers Filipino-style kamayan experience with grilled seafood, meats, and vegetables served on banana leaves

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Apalit Town Plaza – a public park where locals gather for leisure activities like jogging, walking, and picnicking.
    2. San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church – a historical landmark that features Spanish colonial architecture and is a popular tourist attraction.
    3. Pampanga River – offers various water sports activities like kayaking and boating.
    4. Mount Arayat National Park – a natural park with hiking trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
    5. Amana Waterpark – an amusement park with water slides, wave pools, and other water-based attractions for families to enjoy.
    6. Pinagrealan Cave – an underground cave system that offers spelunking adventures for thrill-seekers.
    7. Villa Verde Trail Resort & Hotel – a resort complex with swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, and other recreational amenities for guests to enjoy.

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