A city built on a family’s legacy

Mouthwatering food, heritage architecture, bargain shopping—these are just some of the things that the City of Angeles in Pampanga is known for.

Once the country’s capital during the American colonial period, the city now bustles with exciting features and opportunities. In particular, the retail landscape is especially thriving, thanks to the Clark Freeport Zone and Barangay Balibago, the city’s main entertainment district.

Much of the success of Angeles can be attributed to one family, who has helped propel it to great heights. The Nepomucenos, founders of numerous businesses and landmarks in the city, have significantly altered the city’s history with their visionary ventures. Now headed by its second generation, the family continues to push Angeles City toward progress by creating new possibilities in terms of residences, tourism, jobs, and shopping.

First settlers

One of the first settlers in the area, the Nepomucenos were already pillars of the community by the 1850s. Originally hailing from Tayabas, Quezon, the family established itself by participating in local politics, when Pio Rafael Nepomuceno was elected gobernadorcillo in 1852. Several family members followed in his footsteps.

Ma. Augustina Henson, one of the early settlers of Angeles City, helped establish the San Nicolas Public Market through a land donation.

It was Ma. Agustina Henson, Pio Nepomuceno’s wife, who made the first steps to cultivate the retail sector in the city. In 1892, she ratified the donation of a 6,070-sqm land to the city. This parcel of land eventually became the San Nicolas Public Market, which spurred the rise of numerous businesses and trading among Kapampangans.

Over the years, the Nepomucenos tried their hand and found success in numerous other businesses. Their ventures now include an ice plant, a soft drinks company, residential subdivisions, and a power generation and distribution company. They helped usher in renewable energy efforts in the Philippines with the establishment of Raslag Corporation, one of the country’s first solar energy providers.

With their forward-thinking mindset, the Nepomucenos remain committed to helping ensure the growth and progress of Angeles City.

Modern approach

Today, Angeles City has the Nepomucenos to thank for Nepo Center, Angeles Electric Corporation, Angeles Industrial Park, Villa Teresa Subdivision, Nepo Mart, and other city institutions. The family, however, is not yet done with changing the Kapampangan landscape for the better. Through the Juan D. Nepomuceno Realty Group, the Rockwell Land Corporation is set to make its mark on Angeles City. By partnering with the Lopez family, the tycoons behind the success of ABS-CBN Corporation and the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the Nepomucenos envision Angeles City to become the provider of elevated lifestyles in the Central Luzon region.

The Residencia De Don Angel Pantaleon de Miranda, owned by an ancestor of the Nepomucenos, is the oldest house in Angeles City and remains in use.

A 4.5-hectare parcel of land is now on its way to becoming Rockwell at Nepo Center — the site of several residential condominiums, a Power Plant Mall, and office buildings. The venture is patterned after Rockwell Center Makati, the famous upscale mixed-use estate in the country’s business capital. With this new partnership, Angeles City is poised to become the ultimate metropolis north of Manila. -AR. VITTORIA MAWIS-ALISTON

Sources:

https://marcnepo.blogspot.com/

https://rockwellcenternepoangeles.com

The Nepomucenos of Angeles City and their Relatives. FB Page.

Culture and Arts Council of Angeles. FB Page

Anthronfoot via Wikimedia Commons

Ar. Vittoria Mawis-Aliston

A Filipino architect who has a Master's Degree in Interior Design of Commercial Spaces from IED Barcelona, Spain and with twelve years' worth of experience under the tutelage of Filipino architectural firms.