Calasiao, Philippines
Region: Pangasinan
Geographic Coordinates: 16.016700, 120.367000
Climate: Data unavailable.
Population: 100471
Language: Filipino
Calasiao is a charming municipality located in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. Nestled in the western part of the island of Luzon, Calasiao is known for its rich history, Vibrant culture, And picturesque landscapes. With a population of around 90, 000 people, It offers a perfect blend of traditional Filipino heritage and modern amenities. One cannot talk about Calasiao without mentioning its famous delicacy – the Calasiao Puto. These small steamed rice cakes are a local specialty that has gained popularity throughout the country.
Made from ground glutinous rice and topped with cheese or salted egg, They are often enjoyed as snacks or desserts by locals and visitors alike. The town also boasts several historical landmarks that showcase its colonial past. The Saint Peter and Paul Parish Church is a notable example with its stunning architecture dating back to the Spanish era. Its intricate designs and well-preserved interiors make it an important cultural site for both locals and tourists. Nature enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by Calasiao’s natural beauty.
The town is home to various scenic spots like Balungao Hilltop Adventure Park where visitors can indulge in exciting activities such as ziplining or hiking while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. For those seeking tranquility, Tondaligan Beach provides an ideal escape from city life. Located nearby in neighboring Dagupan City, This beach offers pristine shores lined with palm trees swaying gently against azure waters – perfect for relaxation or picnics with loved ones. Art enthusiasts will appreciate Calasiao’s thriving arts scene as well.
The town hosts an annual festival called Malangsi Festival which showcases local talent through colorful street dances depicting their cultural heritage. Additionally, Shopping enthusiasts can explore various markets offering fresh produce such as fruits, Vegetables, Seafood alongside handicrafts made by skilled artisans showcasing their craftsmanship. Calasiao presents itself as an intriguing destination for travelers seeking a mix of cultural immersion, Natural beauty, And gastronomic delights. From its renowned delicacies to its historical landmarks and picturesque landscapes, This town offers a truly unique experience that will leave visitors with lasting memories of the Philippines’ rich heritage.
- Calasiao Church (St. Peter and Paul Parish Church): This historical church is known for its unique architectural design and beautiful interiors.
- Calasiao Shrine: Located near the church, this shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and attracts many devotees.
- Puto Festival: This annual festival celebrates the town’s famous delicacy called puto (steamed rice cake). It features colorful parades, street dancing, food stalls, and various activities.
- Balungao Hilltop Adventure: While not technically in Calasiao but nearby Balungao town, this adventure park offers thrilling activities like ziplining, wall climbing, rappelling, ATV rides, and more.
- Dagupan City: Just a short drive away from Calasiao is Dagupan City which offers attractions like Tondaligan Beach Park, Bonuan Blue Beach Resort, Japanese Garden Peace Pagoda among others.
- Hundred Islands National Park: Although it’s a bit farther from Calasiao (around 2 hours by car), this popular tourist destination in Alaminos City boasts stunning limestone islands that can be explored through island hopping tours.
- Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape: Situated in Mangatarem town near Calasiao is this protected landscape featuring a spring-fed river surrounded by lush greenery – ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
These are just some of the notable landmarks and attractions in or near Calasiao that visitors can explore during their stay in the area.
- Rice Production: Calasiao is known for its high-quality rice production, particularly the famous Calasiao Malagkit or sticky rice. Many farmers in the area cultivate rice paddies and engage in rice milling.
- Fishery: The town has several fishponds and bodies of water suitable for fish farming. Tilapia and bangus (milkfish) are commonly raised.
- Livestock Farming: Animal husbandry plays a significant role in Calasiao’s economy, with livestock such as pigs, chickens, ducks, goats, and carabaos (water buffaloes) being raised for meat production.
- Vegetable Farming: Various vegetables like eggplants, tomatoes, okra (ladyfingers), bitter gourd (ampalaya), string beans (sitaw), leafy greens are cultivated by local farmers.
- Food Processing: Several food processing businesses can be found in Calasiao that specialize in producing traditional Filipino delicacies like puto calasiao (rice cake), tupig (sticky rice dessert), bagoong (fermented shrimp paste), vinegar, etc.
- Handicrafts Manufacturing: The town is also known for its cottage industry of handicraft production such as brooms made from coconut leaves or soft broomcorn fibers called walis tambo.
- Retail Trade: Local markets or talipapa are common where residents can buy fresh produce directly from farmers or small-scale vendors selling various goods.
- Services Sector: As a growing municipality near Dagupan City and other urban areas of Pangasinan province, there are also service-oriented businesses like restaurants/food establishments catering to locals and tourists visiting nearby attractions such as the Calasiao Church.
These industries and businesses contribute to the economic growth and livelihood of the people in Calasiao, Philippines.
- Battle of Calasiao (1899): During the Philippine-American War, Calasiao became a battleground between Filipino revolutionaries led by General Francisco Macabulos and American forces. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
- Our Lady of Manaoag: The town is famous for its close association with the Our Lady of Manaoag, an iconic religious image recognized as miraculous by many Filipinos. Every year, thousands of devotees flock to Calasiao to pay homage to this revered statue.
- Dr. Jose Peralta: A prominent figure in Calasiao’s history is Dr. Jose Peralta, known as The Great Physician. He was a renowned doctor who provided medical services not only to his fellow townspeople but also to patients from neighboring towns.
- Balon Bayambang Festival: Although officially celebrated in Bayambang town (adjacent to Calasiao), this festival holds significance for both communities due to their shared cultural heritage and geographical proximity.
- Puto Festival: Calasiao is famous for its puto (rice cake). To celebrate this local delicacy, the annual Puto Festival is held every December where various activities like puto-making contests, street dancing competitions, and food fairs take place.
- World’s Largest Rice Cake: In 2006, Calasiao made it into the Guinness World Records for creating the world’s largest rice cake or puto. Weighing around 9 tons and measuring over six feet in diameter when cooked traditionally using bamboo tubes called kakanin, it showcased the town’s culinary prowess.
- Former President Fidel V. Ramos: While not originally from Calasiao, former President Fidel V. Ramos has ancestral roots in the municipality. He is a highly esteemed figure in Philippine history, known for his leadership during significant political and economic reforms.
These notable events and individuals have shaped Calasiao’s identity and contributed to its cultural heritage.
Notable Places to Visit Near or Within Calasiao
- St. Peter and Paul Parish Church: This historical church is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate design. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics.
- Calasiao Church Museum: Located within the St. Peter and Paul Parish Church complex, this museum showcases religious artifacts, antique religious statues, vestments, and other items of cultural significance.
- Museo de Calasiao: This museum exhibits the rich history and culture of the town through various displays including photographs, artifacts, traditional costumes, and more.
- Balungao Hilltop Adventure: Located just outside Calasiao in Balungao town, this adventure park offers thrilling activities such as ziplining, wall climbing, rappelling, and ATV rides with a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
- Hundred Islands National Park: Although not directly in Calasiao but nearby Alaminos City (about 50 km away), it is worth mentioning due to its proximity to Calasiao town. The park features stunning limestone islands dotting Lingayen Gulf which can be explored through island hopping tours.
- Pangasinan Provincial Capitol Building: Situated in Lingayen (around 30 km from Calasiao), this grand structure showcases neoclassical architecture with beautiful gardens surrounding it.
- Dagupan City Plaza: Located in nearby Dagupan City (around 10 km away), this plaza is a popular spot for locals to relax or take a leisurely stroll surrounded by lush greenery.
- Patupat Monument – It represents one of Pangasinan’s famous delicacies called Patupat which is made from glutinous rice wrapped in palm leaves.
- Calasiao Basketball Association (CBA): Basketball is immensely popular in the Philippines, and Calasiao has its own basketball association that organizes leagues and tournaments for both amateur and professional players.
- Barangay Ginebra San Miguel: While not based exclusively in Calasiao, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is a professional basketball team that represents the entire country. They have a significant fan base in various provinces, including Calasiao.
- Annual Puto Festival Sports Events: The Puto Festival is an annual celebration held in January or February to showcase the town’s famous rice cake called puto. As part of this festival, various sports events are organized such as basketball tournaments, fun runs, volleyball matches, and more.
- Inter-Barangay Sports Competitions: Within Calasiao itself, inter-barangay (village) sports competitions take place regularly. These include basketball tournaments between different barangays within the town.
It’s important to note that these examples may not represent long-standing historical teams but rather current sporting events or associations within Calasiao’s local context.
- Puto Festival: Held every January, this festival celebrates the town’s famous delicacy, puto (rice cake). It features various activities such as puto-making contests, street dancing, and a grand parade.
- Pistay Dayat: This is an annual celebration held in May that showcases the rich culture and tradition of Calasiao through various water-related activities. The highlight of the festival is the fluvial procession on the Agno River.
- Sineng Pambansa Film Festival: Organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, this film festival aims to promote local cinema by screening Filipino films in different venues across Calasiao.
- Christmas Lantern Parade: During the Christmas season, a lantern parade is held where different barangays (villages) compete to create beautiful lanterns made from recycled materials.
- Town Fiesta: Like many towns in the Philippines, Calasiao celebrates its own town fiesta in honor of its patron saint. The fiesta usually includes religious processions, street parties with live music and dance performances, beauty pageants, and various food stalls offering local delicacies.
- Holy Week Observance: During Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter), Calasiao holds religious processions and reenactments of biblical events such as Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
These are just some examples of cultural events and festivals that take place in Calasiao throughout the year.
- Calasiao Puto – This is a famous delicacy in the town, a steamed rice cake made from ground glutinous rice. It is usually served with butter or cheese on top.
- Kaleskesan – A traditional Ilocano dish made from pig’s face and ears cooked with vinegar, garlic, onions, and spices.
- Pancit Cabagan – A noodle dish originally from Cabagan, Isabela but also popular in Calasiao. It consists of stir-fried noodles topped with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and egg.
- Dagupan Bangus (Milkfish) – Known as the Bangus Capital of the Philippines, Dagupan City is near Calasiao. Freshly grilled or fried bangus is a must-try when visiting the area.
- Matutina’s Seafood Restaurant – One of the most well-known seafood restaurants in Pangasinan province located in Lingayen but accessible from Calasiao. They offer a wide array of fresh seafood dishes like buttered shrimp and grilled squid.
- Dampa sa Tondaligan Beach Resort – Located along Tondaligan Beach in Dagupan City near Calasiao, this resort offers several seafood restaurants where you can choose your live seafood from tanks then have it cooked according to your preference.
- Binalot Fiesta Foods – A local fast-food chain known for their Binalot meals which are wrapped rice meals typically consisting of adobo (marinated meat), salted egg tomato salad (ensaladang kamatis), and steamed rice wrapped in banana leaves.
- Balay na Bato Restaurant – Situated inside an ancestral house built during the Spanish colonial period, this restaurant offers Filipino cuisine with a cozy ambiance reminiscent of old-world charm.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more local cuisine and restaurants to explore in Calasiao and its surrounding areas.
- Balungao Hilltop Adventure – This park offers various outdoor activities such as zip-lining, wall climbing, rappelling, and horseback riding. It also has a swimming pool and picnic areas.
- Calasiao Sports Complex – A public sports complex that features a track oval, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a football field. It is open for sports enthusiasts to engage in different athletic activities.
- Pangasinan Bamboo Hub – Located in Barangay San Miguel Sur, this park showcases bamboo structures and products. Visitors can explore the bamboo gardens or participate in workshops on bamboo crafts.
- Calasiao Municipal Park – A well-maintained park with benches and trees where people can relax or have picnics.
- Balsaan Lake Eco-Park – Situated near Barangay Balsaan, this eco-park offers boating activities on the lake surrounded by lush greenery.
- Dagupan River Cruise – Although not directly located in Calasiao but nearby Dagupan City (around 15 minutes away), visitors can enjoy river cruises along the Pantal River which flows through both cities.
