Candaba, Philippines

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Candaba, Philippines

Region: Pampanga

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Geographic Coordinates: 15.093300, 120.828000

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 119497

Language: Tagalog

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Candaba is a small town located in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. It is situated in the central part of Luzon Island and has a population of around 120, 000 people. The town is known for its vast marshlands and bird sanctuary which attracts tourists from all over the world. The Candaba Marsh is one of the largest wetlands in Asia covering an area of approximately 32, 000 hectares. It is home to various species of birds including egrets, Herons, Ducks, And migratory birds like sandpipers and plovers.

The marsh also serves as a breeding ground for fish such as tilapia and catfish. Aside from its natural beauty, Candaba also boasts several historical landmarks that are worth visiting. One such landmark is the San Agustin Church which was built in 1575 during Spanish colonization. The church features intricate Baroque architecture with a bell tower that stands at almost 40 meters high. Another notable attraction in Candaba is the Puning Hot Springs which has become popular among locals and tourists alike due to its therapeutic properties.

Visitors can enjoy relaxing hot spring baths while taking in stunning views of Mount Pinatubo. Candaba also celebrates various festivals throughout the year including the Sinukwan Festival which showcases traditional Pampangan dances and music as well as local cuisine such as sisig (a popular Filipino dish made from pig’s head). For those interested in outdoor activities, Candaba offers several options such as kayaking through its rivers or hiking along Mount Arayat – a dormant volcano that stands at over 1, 000 meters high.

Overall, Candaba offers visitors a unique experience with its combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path locations within the Philippines.

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1. Candaba Swamp – a vast wetland area that serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds.
2. San Agustin Church – an old church built during the Spanish colonial period.
3. Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Church – another old church known for its beautiful facade.
4. Candaba Viaduct – a bridge that connects Pampanga and Nueva Ecija provinces.
5. Apung Iru Fluvial Procession – an annual event where locals pay homage to their patron saint by parading his image through the river on a decorated boat (banca).
6. Sisiman Bay Scenic Spot – a picturesque spot overlooking Manila Bay that’s popular among photographers and nature lovers.
7. Bahay na Bato Heritage House – A well-preserved ancestral house showcasing Spanish colonial architecture.
8. Candaba Bird Sanctuary – A natural habitat of various species of birds such as egrets, herons, ducks, etc., which is perfect for bird watching enthusiasts.
9. Mount Arayat National Park – A protected area with lush forests and diverse wildlife where visitors can hike or trek to reach its summit offering breathtaking views of the surrounding plains.
10. Paskuhan Village – An open-air museum featuring traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns or “parols” made from indigenous materials such as bamboo strips or capiz shells.

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1. Agriculture
2. Fishing
3. Poultry farming
4. Tourism

The town is known for its:

• Vast rice fields
• Fishponds that produce various crops such as:
• Rice
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Fish
• Poultry farming is also a significant industry in the area with many farms producing:
• Chicken eggs
• Meat
• Candaba’s natural attractions such as:
• Birdwatching sites
• Scenic landscapes
• Small businesses such as sari-sari stores (local convenience stores) are prevalent in the area.

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Noteable History

1. The Battle of Candaba – a significant battle fought during the Philippine-American War in 1899.
2. Jose Abad Santos – a prominent Filipino statesman who served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and was executed by Japanese forces during World War II.
3. Fray Juan de Plasencia – a Spanish friar who established a mission in Candaba in 1572 and is credited for introducing Christianity to the area.
4. The Great Flood of 1972 – one of the worst floods in Philippine history that devastated many parts of Central Luzon, including Candaba.
5. The Hagonoy-Candaba Earthquake – a major earthquake that struck Central Luzon in 1990 and caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure in Candaba.
6. Apung Iru Fluvial Procession – an annual religious festival held every June where devotees carry an image of St. John the Baptist on a boat along Pampanga River, passing through Candaba.
7. Kapampangan cuisine – known for its unique blend of flavors and ingredients, with some notable dishes originating from Candaba such as Betute tugak (stuffed frog), Burong hipon (fermented shrimp), Atcharang papaya (pickled papaya), among others.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Candaba Swamp and Bird Sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.
2. St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Church is a historic church built in 1843, featuring Spanish colonial architecture.
3. Candaba Viaduct is a scenic bridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
4. Candaba Heritage Trail is a walking tour that takes visitors through the town’s historic landmarks and cultural sites.
5. Paskuhan Village is a Christmas-themed park featuring light displays, festive decorations, and holiday activities.
6. Apung Iru Fluvial Procession is an annual religious festival held every June in honor of St. Peter, featuring colorful parades and boat processions on the Pampanga River.
7. Museo ning Candaba is a small museum showcasing local history, culture, and art.
8. San Miguel Arcangel Chapel is an old chapel built in 1839 that features intricate carvings and religious artifacts.
9. Mount Arayat National Park located nearby in Pampanga Province offers hiking trails, waterfalls, caves, and stunning views of Mount Arayat itself.
10. Baluarte Watchtower- A historical landmark which was used as watchtower during Spanish era to guard against pirates or invaders coming from China Sea

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Sports Teams

1. Candaba Football Club – Founded in 2014, Candaba FC is a football team that plays in the Pampanga Football Association league. They have won several championships over the years and are known for their strong defense.
2. Candaba Volleyball Club – This club was established in 2008 and has since become one of the most successful volleyball teams in Pampanga. They have won numerous tournaments and are known for their aggressive playing style.
3. Candaba Basketball Association – The CBA was founded in 1995 and has been organizing basketball tournaments ever since. Many talented players from Candaba have gone on to play professionally both locally and internationally.
4. Candaba Chess Club – This club was formed to promote chess as a sport in the community. They regularly hold tournaments for players of all skill levels.
5. Candaba Running Club – Established in 2010, this club encourages people to live a healthy lifestyle through running events held throughout the year.

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Cultural Events

1. Apung Iru Fluvial Festival is an annual event that honors the patron saint of Candaba, St. John the Baptist. The festival features a fluvial procession, street dancing, and cultural shows.
2. Kuraldal Festival is a religious celebration that pays tribute to Our Lady of Sorrows, the town’s patron saint. The highlight of this event is the traditional dance called kuraldal where devotees dance in front of the image of Our Lady.
3. Sinukwan Festival showcases Candaba’s rich culture and traditions through music, dance performances, and colorful costumes.
4. Paskuhan sa Candaba is a Christmas festival that showcases parades with floats adorned with lights and decorations depicting various Christmas themes.
5. Balsa Festival celebrates Candaba’s agricultural heritage by showcasing various farm produce such as rice, fish, vegetables, and fruits through a float parade on bamboo rafts or balsas.
6. Carabao Festival takes place every May 14th to coincide with San Isidro Labrador feast day (patron saint for farmers). This festival honors carabao or water buffalo which plays an important role in farming livelihoods in Candaba.
7. Pinakbet Festival celebrates one of their local delicacies made from mixed vegetables cooked in bagoong (shrimp paste). This food festival showcases different versions and recipes from different barangays within Candaba town boundaries.
8. Magdarame Holy Week Rituals are marked by penitential processions around town carrying large wooden crosses as well as self-flagellation during Good Friday.

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Cuisine

1. Biringhe – a rice dish cooked with chicken, turmeric, and coconut milk.
2. Adobo – a Filipino dish made with meat (usually pork or chicken) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices.
3. Betute Tugak – stuffed frog legs.
4. Kakanin – traditional Filipino rice cakes made from glutinous rice and coconut milk.
5. Bulalo – a beef soup dish made with bone marrow.

Some popular restaurants in Candaba that serve these dishes include:

1. The Old Spaghetti House Candaba.
2. Razon’s of Guagua Candaba Branch.
3. Jolly Bee Restaurant.
4. Mang Inasal Restaurant.
5. Max’s Restaurant.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Candaba Bird Sanctuary is a protected area dedicated to migratory birds and bird watching activities.
2. Candaba Wetlands is a vast wetland area perfect for nature walks, birdwatching, and boat tours.
3. Candaba Ecopark is a family-friendly park that offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and bike trails.
4. Buntal Hat Festival is an annual celebration that showcases the town’s traditional hat-making industry.
5. San Agustin Church and Convent serve as historical landmarks that cater to cultural events and exhibits.
6. Mount Arayat National Park is a hiking destination with scenic views of the mountain range.
7. The Pampanga River Basin Flood Control Project by DPWH aims to control flooding in the river basin while also providing recreational activities such as boating and fishing.
8. Candaba Swamp Adventure Park offers new attractions like zipline rides and wall climbing experiences for visitors to enjoy.

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Dream, Travel, Repeat.

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