We headed to Lubao, Pampanga to grab some lunch featuring the best of the Kapampangan cuisine! They weren’t joking when they said you can’t leave Pampanga without eating a lot. This was also a birthday treat to us by Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo since it was her birthday that day.
You know takaw tingin? That’s exactly what will happen to you even before indulging on the food. It was a visual feast altogether.
Food feast at Lubao, Pampanga
The food was delicious, scrumptious, mouth-watering, (insert other synonyms here)!
We then headed to San Agustin Parish Church, the oldest church and the first Augustinian church in Pampanga.
San Agustin Parish Church – Lubao, Pampanga
The red brick facade was something different from the usual church facades and really adds to the rustic feel of the church.
It was also my first time to see Augustinian churches and may I say that their altars have superb design.
San Agustin Parish Church altar
San Agustin Parish Church also houses 2 first class relics (images with actual body parts of the saint) of St. Agustin and St. Monica. Devotees are free to visit these relics anytime for their intentions.
First class relics of St. Agustin and St. Monica at San Agustin Parish Church
Upon going out, the Pampanga Tourism Board team wanted a group photo with all the participants.
Pampanga Cultural and Heritage Tour group shot!
Our last stop for that day was the Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish Church.
Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish – Sta. Rita, Pampanga
The tour guide was telling us that the construction of the church was put on hold before due to jurisdiction issues but was allowed to continue after it has been resolved. Up to this day, the Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish Church is still standing based on its original foundation. Talk about ingenious engineering!
Also, during the feast day of Sta. Rita de Cascia, a seminary brings 2 truckloads of roses at the church to have it blessed and give it out to women afterwards.
Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish – Sta. Rita, Pampanga
Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish – Sta. Rita, Pampanga
Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish – Sta. Rita, Pampanga
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Special thanks to Mr. Drew Cortez and the Pampanga Tourism Board for inviting us! After this trip, I’ve come to know Pampanga in a different perspective. So When In Manila and planning an out-of-town trip this Holy Week, head to Pampanga for a real spiritual and cultural experience!
