Balanga, Philippines

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Balanga, Philippines

Region: Bataan

---

Geographic Coordinates: 14.680000, 120.530000

Climate: Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Population: 104173

Language: Tagalog

---

Balanga, A city in the province of Bataan, Philippines, Is renowned for its rich culture and history as well as its breathtaking natural beauty. The city has a population of approximately 96, 000 people and covers an area of around 11, 000 hectares. One of Balanga’s most remarkable landmarks is the Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga. This public square boasts a stunning fountain at its center and is encompassed by historic buildings that date back to the Spanish colonial era.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the plaza or sit on one of many benches while enjoying the scenery. Another famous attraction in Balanga is Mount Samat National Shrine. This historical site commemorates one of World War II’s most significant battles fought in the Philippines. Visitors can climb to Mount Samat’s top and witness breathtaking views of Bataan Peninsula. For nature enthusiasts, Several parks and gardens are worth exploring in Balanga. The Pawikan Conservation Center provides shelter for numerous sea turtle species native to Bataan Peninsula.

Visitors can learn about these fascinating creatures and even participate in releasing baby turtles into their natural habitat. The Tortugas Eco Park offers visitors an opportunity to explore lush forests, Rivers, Waterfalls, And caves while learning about conservation efforts aimed at preserving this unique ecosystem. There are also several hiking trails throughout Bataan National Park that offer stunning views of Mount Mariveles.

Food lovers will be delighted with Balanga’s culinary scene offering an array of delicious local dishes such as sisig (a dish made from chopped pig’s head), Adobo (a savory stew made with chicken or pork), Sinigang (a sour soup made with tamarind), Kare-kare (a peanut-based stew with oxtail) among others. Balanga caters to everyone – from history buffs who want to learn about the city’s rich past to nature lovers who want to explore its stunning landscapes and wildlife.

With its warm and friendly people, Delicious food, And beautiful scenery, Balanga is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Philippines.

---

---

1. Balanga Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Joseph, is a historic church built in 1739.
2. Bataan World War II Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of Bataan during World War II.
3. Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga is a public square located in the heart of Balanga City.
4. Mount Samat National Shrine is a historical landmark that commemorates the Battle of Bataan during World War II.
5. Sibul Spring is a natural spring and popular swimming spot in Balanga City.
6. Tortugas Bay Park is a scenic park and beach area located on the coast of Balanga City.
7. Pawikan Conservation Center is a sanctuary for endangered sea turtles located in nearby Morong, Bataan.
8. The Plaza Hotel and Restaurant is one of the oldest hotels in Balanga City, known for its traditional Filipino cuisine and hospitality.
9. La Vista Inland Resort is an eco-tourism resort featuring natural pools, waterfalls, and outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
10. Dambana ng Kagitingan serves as an iconic symbol honoring Filipino soldiers who fought during WWII atop Mt. Samat which has been declared as a national shrine.

---

The major industries and businesses in Balanga, Philippines:

• Agriculture:
  • Rice and corn production
  • Livestock farming
• Manufacturing industry:
  • Textiles
  • Garments
  • Furniture
  • Food products
• Tourism industry:
  • Bataan World War II Museum
  • Dambana ng Kagitingan Shrine
• Retail stores and shopping centers:
  • Clothing
  • Electronics
  • Appliances
  • Groceries
• Education:
  • Several universities and colleges
• Healthcare services:
  • Several hospitals and medical clinics
• Banking industry:
  • Numerous banks
• Real estate development:
  • New residential developments

---

1. Battle of Balanga: This was a significant battle fought between the American and Filipino forces during the Philippine-American War in 1899.
2. Francisco Balagtas: He was a renowned poet and writer who is considered one of the greatest literary figures in Philippine history. He spent his early years in Balanga before moving to Manila.
3. Jose Abad Santos: He was a prominent lawyer, statesman, and jurist who served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines during World War II. He was captured by Japanese forces and executed for refusing to collaborate with them.
4. Bataan Death March: This infamous event occurred during World War II when thousands of Filipino and American soldiers were forced to march from Bataan to Capas, Tarlac by Japanese forces. Many died due to exhaustion, starvation, or brutality.
5. Tomas Pinpin: He was a printer and publisher known for publishing the first book printed in Tagalog language called Librong Pag-aaralan nang manga Tagalog nang Uicang Castilla (Book for Learning Spanish Language).
6. Gregorio del Pilar: A hero during the Philippine Revolution against Spain, he also fought against American forces during the Philippine-American War until his death at Tirad Pass.
7. Marcelo H Del Pilar – A journalist, lawyer, writer, and political activist known for his role in propagating reformist ideas through La Solidaridad newspaper published in Madrid from 1889-1895.
8. Battle of Toul Pocket- One of last major battles fought between Japanese Imperial Army troops on one side with Filipino & US Army on other side.

---

1. Balanga City Plaza
2. Bataan World War II Museum and Library
3. St. Joseph Cathedral
4. Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga
5. Philippine-Japan Friendship Tower
6. Pawikan Conservation Center
7. Sibul Spring
8. Mount Samat National Shrine
9. Sinagtala Farm Resort and Adventure Park
10. Zero Kilometer Death March Marker

---

---

---

1. Bataan Day is a commemoration of the Fall of Bataan during World War II. It is held every April 9th.
2. The Pawikan Festival is an annual event that celebrates the conservation and protection of sea turtles. It is held every November.
3. Balanga City Fiesta is a grand celebration in honor of the city’s patron saint, Saint Joseph. It is held every March 19th.
4. The Sinukwan Festival is a cultural festival that showcases the rich history and traditions of Bataan Province. It is held every November.
5. The Feast of Our Lady of Pilar is a religious festival that honors the Virgin Mary. It is held every October 12th.
6. The Binabayani Festival highlights the bravery and heroism of local warriors during ancient times through a street dance competition, which takes place annually on January 23rd.
7. The Sambali Festival showcases music and dance performances from the indigenous Subanon tribe and takes place from December 8th to December 10th each year as part of their cultural festival celebrations.
8. Kuraldal Festival, celebrated annually on August 7-8 by residents from various towns in Bataan who are devotees to Saint Dominic de Guzman as their patron saint for bountiful harvests and good health among other things, honors him with religious festivities.
9. Balanga Food Fest offers visitors an opportunity to taste different dishes made by locals while showcasing different delicacies from Balanga City at this yearly food fest organized for food lovers’ enjoyment.

Note: Some events may be subject to change or cancellation due to COVID-19 restrictions or other unforeseen circumstances.

---

1. Bataan’s Best, which is known for their crispy pata and other Filipino dishes.
2. Jollibee, a fast-food chain that serves Filipino-style fried chicken, burgers, and spaghetti.
3. Max’s Restaurant, which is famous for their fried chicken and other Filipino dishes.
4. Kusina ni Atching Lillian Borromeo offers traditional Kapampangan cuisine such as adobo, kare-kare, and sisig.
5. Ima’s Pamangan serves authentic Kapampangan dishes like bringhe (a type of rice dish), kalderetang baka (beef stew), and lechon kawali (deep-fried pork belly).
6. Gerry’s Grill is a casual dining restaurant that specializes in grilled seafood and meat dishes.
7. The Beanery Cafe & Restaurant is known for their coffee blends, pastries, sandwiches, pasta dishes.

In addition to these restaurants there are also many street food stalls around the city offering local delicacies such as tamales (rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves), turon (banana fritters), balut (fertilized duck egg), fish balls, squid balls among others.

---

1. Dona Francisca Park
2. Plaza Mayor de Balanga
3. Bataan People’s Center and Park
4. Sibul Spring Eco-Park
5. Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park
6. Camaya Coast Beach Resort
7. Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park
8. Mount Samat National Shrine and Adventure Park
9. St Joseph Cathedral Parish Grounds
10. Alion Beach Resort

---

---