Paco, Philippines
Region: Samar
Geographic Coordinates: 14.583000, 120.983000
Temperature Range: 28.0°C to 35.0°C (82°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with rainy season from June to November and dry season from December to May.
Population: 79839
Language: Tagalog
Paco is a historic district located in Manila, Philippines, Known for its rich cultural heritage, Stunning architecture and vibrant community. The area is home to a mix of residential and commercial properties with many old houses and buildings dating back to the Spanish colonial period. One of the most notable landmarks in Paco is the Paco Park, Originally built as a cemetery during the Spanish colonial era. Today it’s transformed into a beautiful park featuring lush gardens, Fountains and walking paths.
The park also has an old chapel that’s been converted into a concert venue where classical music performances are held regularly. Another famous attraction in Paco is the San Fernando de Dilao Church established by Augustinian friars in 1581. The church’s architecture reflects its long history with various styles being incorporated over time including Baroque and Neo-Gothic elements. Inside there are numerous religious artifacts including statues of saints and other important religious figures.
Paco Market is another popular destination for locals and tourists alike who come here to shop for fresh produce or sample some local delicacies like bibingka (rice cake) or puto (steamed rice cake). There are also various stalls selling clothes, Accessories and other souvenirs. Aside from its historical landmarks and bustling marketplaces, Paco boasts an active arts scene with several galleries showcasing works by local artists as well as international ones. One such gallery worth visiting is Silverlens Galleries which features contemporary art exhibitions from around Southeast Asia.
one cannot talk about Paco without mentioning its people who are friendly, Hospitable and always willing to share their culture with visitors. Whether you’re exploring historical sites or just wandering around town soaking up the atmosphere – you’ll find that there’s always something interesting happening in this vibrant neighborhood!
- Paco Park
- San Fernando de Dilao Parish Church
- Plaza Dilao
- Paco Market
- Philippine Columbian Association Clubhouse
- Retail and Wholesale Trade – Paco is known for its bustling markets such as the Paco Market and the Paco Public Market where various goods are sold.
- Food Industry – The district boasts a variety of restaurants, cafes, and food stalls that offer local delicacies such as adobo, sinigang, lechon kawali, and many more.
- Real Estate – Several residential condominiums are located in Paco due to its proximity to Manila’s central business district.
- Education – Some of the well-known schools in the area include Araullo High School, Philippine Women’s University- Manila Campus, and St. Peter the Apostle School.
- Healthcare Services – There are several hospitals in Paco such as Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC) which provides medical services to residents living within Manila City limits.
- Manufacturing Industry – A few manufacturing companies operate within or near Paco including Unilever Philippines Inc., Nestle Philippines Inc., San Miguel Corporation Brewery Division among others.
- Tourism Industry – The district is home to several historical landmarks like Nuestra Señora de Salvacion Church (Our Lady of Salvation), Casa Roces Museum & Restaurant among others that attract tourists from all over the world.
- The Battle of Paco in 1896 was a significant event in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Andres Bonifacio led the Katipunan forces, and they fought against the Spanish colonial army on September 2, 1896.
- Established during Spanish colonial rule in 1820, Paco Cemetery is one of Manila’s oldest and most historic cemeteries. It is famous for its ornate tombs and mausoleums, including those belonging to notable Filipinos such as Jose Rizal’s family.
- Gregorio del Pilar was a Filipino general who played a crucial role in both the Philippine Revolution and later fought against American forces during the Philippine-American War. He passed away at the Battle of Tirad Pass near Paco on December 2, 1899.
- Dr. Ariston Bautista Reyes was a prominent physician who founded several hospitals and medical schools in Manila during the early 20th century, including the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.
- Francisco Balagtas lived his entire life from birth until his death in 1862 under Spanish colonial rule in Paco as a renowned Filipino poet known for his epic poem Florante at Laura.
- Julio Nakpil lived much of his life in Paco as a composer and revolutionary leader who fought against both Spanish colonial rule and American occupation throughout his lifetime (1867-1960). He composed several nationalistic songs that remain popular today.
- Teodoro Sandiko established his studio along Calle Real (now Padre Faura Street) near Paco Park during early decades of American occupation (1900s-1920s) alongside other Filipino artists known for their paintings depicting rural scenes and landscapes.
- Paco Park is a historical park and former cemetery that was built during the Spanish colonial period.
- Museo ng Maynila showcases the history and culture of Manila, including exhibits on pre-colonial times, Spanish colonization, and World War II.
- National Museum of Fine Arts is located in nearby Ermita and houses an extensive collection of Philippine art from pre-colonial times to contemporary works.
- Bahay Nakpil-Bautista is a heritage house that was once home to prominent Filipino families during the Spanish colonial period.
- San Agustin Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, built in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
- Rizal Shrine honors national hero Jose Rizal and features exhibits on his life and legacy; it’s located within Fort Santiago.
- Manila Cathedral is an iconic landmark in Intramuros that has been rebuilt several times since its original construction in 1581.
- Casa Manila Museum is a reconstructed colonial house that showcases how wealthy Filipinos lived during the Spanish era.
- Escolta Street was once known as the Queen of Streets; it’s lined with historic buildings and was home to many important businesses during the American colonial period.
- Paco Market is a bustling market where locals buy fresh produce, seafood, meat, clothing, and other goods at affordable prices.
- Sinulog Festival – Cebu
- Ati-Atihan Festival – Aklan
- Kadayawan Festival – Davao City
- Panagbenga Festival – Baguio City
- Pahiyas Festival – Lucban, Quezon
- MassKara Festival – Bacolod City
- Moriones Festival – Marinduque
- Dinagyang Festival – Iloilo
Please note that Paco is a district located in Manila city and may not have its own unique cultural events or festivals but instead participate in those celebrated across the country like those listed above or others that may be specific to Manila city such as Feast of Black Nazarene on January 9th or Flores de Mayo held during May month etc.
- Adobo Connection – a restaurant that offers classic Filipino dishes like adobo, sisig, and sinigang.
- Bagnet 8065 – a restaurant that specializes in crispy bagnet (deep-fried pork belly) and other Ilocano dishes.
- Café Adriatico – a well-known restaurant that serves traditional Filipino comfort food like kare-kare, crispy pata, and lechon kawali.
- Aristocrat Restaurant – a long-standing establishment that serves Filipino favorites like chicken barbecue, pancit bihon, and lumpiang shanghai.
- The Singing Cooks & Waiters – a unique dining experience where the staff sings while serving customers traditional Filipino dishes like kaldereta and pinakbet.
- Kanto Freestyle Breakfast – a popular breakfast spot known for their delicious tapsilog (marinated beef with garlic rice and egg).
- Sincerity Café & Restaurant – famous for their fried chicken and oyster cake (a type of fritter made with oysters).
- Manam Comfort Filipino- modern twist on classic Pinoy dishes such as sinigang na corned beef or crispy sisig tacos
- Lola Cafe + Bar- Known for its fine-dining take on classic Pinoy comfort food such as adobo glazed lamb ribs or seafood paella
- Casa Roces- A heritage house turned restaurant known for its Spanish-Filipino fusion dishes such as lengua estofado or callos madrilena
- Paco Park is a historic park with lush gardens and a beautiful chapel that offers free concerts on weekends.
- Plaza Dilao is a public square that features an iconic statue of King Philip II of Spain, as well as benches and shaded areas for relaxation.
- Paco Market is a bustling marketplace where visitors can buy fresh produce, seafood, meat, and other Filipino delicacies.
- Paco Catholic School Sports Complex is a sports complex that features basketball courts, volleyball courts, and soccer fields for recreational activities.
- Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is a large sports complex that includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and other facilities for various sports activities.
- Manila Zoo is located in the nearby Malate district but accessible from the Paco area via jeepney or taxi ride; the zoo provides opportunities to see exotic animals such as tigers, elephants, giraffes among others
- Intramuros Golf Club – located within the walled city of Intramuros which is just adjacent to the Paco district; this golf course offers challenging holes while enjoying the historical ambiance of old Manila
- Luneta Park – also known as Rizal Park which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Metro Manila; it has wide open spaces perfect for picnics or outdoor games like frisbee or kite flying
