Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Best Reasons to Head to Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija

A short stay at a hotel in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija should prove to be quite a charming experience with the city's choice attractions and gastronomical delights. One of Cabanatuan's more famous features, the 30,000 registered tricycles brought about by the city administration's livelihood project, earned it the moniker “Tricycle Capital of the Philippines”. There are, of course, a few other things you wouldn't want to miss during your trip to the heart of Nueva Ecija.

Food
While not exactly a top tourist destination, Cabanatuan City more than makes up for having few iconic sites by giving its visitors a taste of warm welcome and savory meat dishes. If you're looking for a great souvenir for the guys back home, then hit the marketplace for batutay longanisa. This garlicky goodness will definitely give your friends and loved ones a taste of Cabanatuan's distinct culture and warmth. Aside from this signature meat sausage, the city also has its version of pork sisig. Canabatuan offers an exciting twist to this classic dish which traces its roots to Angeles City in Pampanga. Instead of traditional pig ears and cheeks, Cabanatuan's version consists of pork belly or liempo. Straight off the grill, the meat is chopped and mixed with onions, chilies, and seasonings. You can also add mayonnaise to make it creamy. Some hotel accommodation in Cabanatuan City may offer these dishes in their in-house restaurant.

Historical Sites
Now known as the Pangatian War Memorial, Pangatian Concentration Camp saw the hardships and tribulations of Filipino-American soldiers during World War II. The camp served as a holding facility for 500 American and Allied POWs around the time of the Bataan Death March. On January 30, 1945, United States Army Rangers, Alamo Scouts, and Filipino guerrillas worked together to free the captured soldiers and Death March survivors. Now, this US-maintained site reminds its visitors of the lives lost during that horrific period in history and the bravery of the soldiers who took part in the great rescue. The memorial is located some 8 km from the city proper, its white fence contrasting heavily with the surrounding rice fields.

Another notable historical site is the Gen. Antonio Luna Statue and Marker located at Plaza Lucero. On that exact site on June 5, 1899, the general was assassinated with his aid Colonel Francisco Roman. The plaza is marked by Gen. Antonio Luna's statue and several signs commemorating his death.


More than just a sight along Luzon's major thoroughfares, Cabanatuan is considered Nueva Ecija's commercial, industrial and educational hub where residents and tourists have access to both essential and leisurely facilities and sights. Get to know this lovely city by spending a night at a hotel in Cabanatuan and then, the rest of the day filling your tummy with tasty dishes and visiting historical sites.

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