CABANATUAN CITY: MORE THAN THE TRICYCLES AND RICEFIELDS
Cabanatuan City is dubbed as
the tricycle capital of the Philippines, a land-locked area of agricultural
landscape and home to rice fields and granaries. But there is more to what it is perceived to
be known and that is what we have discovered on one fine day.
The heavy downpour met us at
the Five Star Cubao Bus Terminal. It was
nearly lunch. After two (2) hours, we
were finally at the Cabanatuan Bus Terminal for another long weekend of fun.
FORT MAGSAYSAY
Traveling to the outskirts
of Cabanatuan City as first agenda of the day, we were lead to the largest
military reservation in the Philippines and one of the key training areas of
the Philippine Army situated at Laur, Nueva Ecija.
The vast property has a
man-made lake known as Pahingahan complex, literally
translated as a place of rest. On this
rest and recreation facility, we took the opportunity to marvel on the scenic
landscape in the form of continuous photo shoots.
An important historical
museum is likewise housed in Fort Santiago.
This is the Aquino-Diokno Shrine. The site of Senators Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino
(codename Alpha) and Jose W. Diokno (codename Delta) solitary confinement
educates us of the life these political prisoners underwent during the Martial
Law. Our visit started with a
documentary film showing how life was for the senators and reaction of their family
and friends when the two were transferred from Fort Bonifacio to Fort
Magsaysay. It appears that this prison
facility has been constructed solely for the two senators. After the two were released, the compound was
no longer used.
Senator Diokno’s life has
little exposure on our history books.
But with the visit to this prison facility, my respect for such noble
man was heightened. I admire the
intelligence, wisdom and patriotism of these two senators. It is also amazing how
they monitored the passing of days while they were in prison considering the
enclosed area they are into.
The life-sized wax statue of
the two senators sits on separate rooms serving as prison cell. These are their actual prison cells during
the Martial Law regime.
Nothing but admiration is
what I felt while wandering within the vicinity.
After the visit, we
passed-by a church inside the Fort Magsaysay compound and were ushered to the
office of one top-ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a
courtesy call.
PANGATIAN WAR MEMORIAL SHRINE
Approximately 8 kilometers
from the city center, a steel fence surrounding a vast property that looks like
a cemetery for me was our next destination.
Amidst the rice field abundant in the area, another structure of
historical significance lies in the city of Cabanatuan.
Dating back in the World War
II, the rescue of more than five hundred prisoners of war by American soldiers
and Filipino guerillas from the Pangatian Concentration Camp has been described
as the most daring and successful rescue mission of its type in the military
history. The said event is immortalized
in a stone marker now the Pangatian War Memorial.
Then we moved to a higher
elevation where a sundial stands. If you
are keen to knowing the exact details of how the prisoners of war were rescued,
there is an hourly account of the events with the sundial as your guide.
I never knew Cabanatuan City
can be a place of historical interest not until the visit to the said places.
PLACES TO EAT
A visitor can never run out
of good and quality food choices for dining when in Cabanatuan City. It was truly a gastronomic treat when we were
in the city. If only there’s no limit to
food intake, I can withstand eating all day in this quaint town.
ROSENDA’S RESTAURANT
283 Maharlika Highway,
Cabanatuan City, 3100 Nueva Ecija
(044) 940 7326
 |
| Seafood Pancit Canton (PhP300.00) |
Our last meal for dinner in
Cabanatuan City was served at Rosenda’s Restaurant. They provide catering services which explains
my high expectation for the food to be served.
And it did not disappoint. Most
of the restaurants’ specialty is on Chinese cuisine. Pancit canton was a standout for me.
Situated at the national
highway, the restaurant is easy to locate.
Wooden interiors and light furnishings emit a homey vibe.
BISTRO 360
General Tinio Street,
Cabanatuan City
(044) 463-0049
It was an al-fresco dinner
for the group in one of the popular restaurants of the city. Bistro 360 serves Italian and other Western
cuisine, from which they are known for.
 |
| Sinigang na Salmon Head (PhP250.00) |
 |
| Spicy Mixed Seafood (PhP250.00) |
But aside from the signature
Joaquin panizza and Kesong Puti with Garlic Longganisa Panizza served with
arugula and alfalfa sprouts, we further feasted on Filipino favorites.
 |
| Beef Back Ribs (PhP420.00) |
 |
| U.S. Pot Roast Beef (PhP370.00) |
 |
| Joaquin Panizza |
HAPAG VICENTICOS
1077 Del Pilar Street,
Cabanatuan City
(044) 600-3237
The façade is an old
Philippine mansion. Entering the
compound, there are artifacts and old installations in display. The interiors comprise of floorings from
Vigan and windows of Capiz shells.
The visit to Hapag Vicenticos
was akin to visiting a house in a provincial setting during fiestas. And indeed it was a feast complemented by the
festive mood of each one in the table.
The restaurant specializes in Filipino cuisine.
 |
| chicharon bulaklak (PhP180.00) |
 |
| Rellenong Alimasag (PhP190.00) |
 |
| Kilawing Sugba (PhP275.00) |
 |
| everyone's favorite - Karioka (PhP85.00) |
 |
| Pinakbet (PhP140.00) |
 |
| Pork Sisig (PhP215.00) |
RUSTICA’S RESTAURANT
Pan-Philippine Highway,
Cabanatuan City
Kare-kare and seafood sinigang (sour
soup with fish, fish egg and shrimp) were the early favorites in
Cabanatuan. This was our first meal as
we stepped in the city.
 |
| feast for lunch |
Noticeable is the mini-bar
situated at one corner of the restaurant and the interiors provide a relaxing
ambiance not to mention the place being spacious as customers can get a pinch
of privacy as tables are not that close to one another.
 |
| Rustica's mini-bar |
 |
| Sinigang na Ulo ng Salmon (PhP300.00) |
Indeed, more than the tricycles and the ricefields, Cabanatuan City is a promising city for tourism. We inevitably learn history while feasting on the gastronomic cuisine it offers. And what is even more remarkable is the giant logo of the Red Horse Beer – a mark that we are truly welcome in Cabanatuan City.
Food trip was made possible through the assistance of Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cabanatuan City.
1 comments
I love the last pic haha. Welcome to Cabanatuan - my home City. Glad you enjoyed your stay there. Next time sama nyo ko para ituro ko sa inyo mga homegrown delicacies namin :)
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