Flair, flavor, and fine living in Pampanga
Look at how they express themselves in spirituality, gastronomy, fashion, and merrymaking, and you’ll find signs of the “Kapampangan flair.”
Pampanga locals, they say, are inclined to showcase the best, or to make the best even better. This mindset is exactly how the province became known for its sophistication, and it is reflected in many of its destinations today.
Here are some spots that exude that flair.
Jungle Base Grounds Coffee
San Fernando City
If you’re into eco-friendly cafés, head over to Jungle Base Grounds Coffee in Telebastagan. It is located within a larger roadside compound but is tucked away in greenery.
Inside the café, you will be welcomed by chic boho interiors, accent walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide great outdoor views and ample natural light—perfect for an Instagram photo-op. An expansive al fresco area fosters a laidback vibe and offers plenty of activities.
JB Woodcraft
Guagua
Betis is a woodcarving district in the town of Guagua, known for producing religious images. The craft also remains alive because of a flourishing furniture-making industry.
One of the old guards in this regard is JB Woodcraft, which has been operating since 1972. From humble beginnings as a small workshop with only a few thousand pesos in capital, it has grown into a world-renowned exporter of high end furniture. While making its mark globally, it has also helped preserve a centuries-old tradition.
Moon Café
Angeles City
Boasting a modern and minimalist charm is Moon Café in Anunas.
Just a few hours from Manila, or minutes from Clark International Airport, this place ingeniously transports you to a K-drama scene. You might do a double take as you walk past, but the signage and a circular window will mark the spot.
Moon Café offers drinks, food, and events for its patrons. It is popular as a safe space, welcoming all kinds of people and their fur babies, too.
Bale Dutung
Angeles City
Bale Dutung—“House of Wood” in Kapampangan—is chef Claude Tayag’s home, which also doubles as a private dining establishment.
Bale Dutung was featured on “No Reservations,” a show by culinary celebrity Anthony Bourdain. In this reservation-only destination, satisfy your cravings with a multi-course tasting menu, such as the one curated in Bourdain’s honor.
Your visit will be worth it not only for the food but also for the ambience: surrounded by nature, tradition, and art, making it a great space for a salu-salo.
