League of Provinces of the Philippines

Central Luzon is only a few hours North of Manila. With three (Bataan, Nueva Ecija and Pampanga) of its seven provinces as members of the League of Provinces (LPP), it is surely a travel destination worth going to. Accessible by land transport from the Philippine capital, the region makes it easy for city-dwellers to escape the chaos of everyday metropolitan life.

Aurora

Baler is the capital of Aurora province. It has become a popular surf spot among local and international surfers. The International Aurora Surfing Cup is held annually which attracts a lot of aficionados from all over the world. There are coral-rich islands that lie off the coast of Aurora that are frequented for boating, scuba-diving and snorkeling.

Bataan

Go back to the 18th to 20th century Philippines at Las Casas Filipinas Acuzar, a living museum with 27 reconstructed architectural heritage sites. History buffs might also be inclined to pay tribute to the hundreds of soldiers who died in the Bataan Death March. This was the last stronghold of the American and Filipino soldiers against the Japanese army.

Bulacan

For nature-lovers, the Biak-na-Bato National Park is a must-see. It contains the mountain hideout of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo where he established the Biak-na-Bato Republic. It has four caves for spelunking and the attractive Tilandong falls. Bulacan is also known for its native delicacies. Must-tries are the pastillas and various rice desserts.

Nueva Ecija

The largest province and biggest rice producer of Central Luzon, Nueva Ecija is often referred to as The Rice Bowl of the Philippines. People interested in farming and agriculture might want to check out the farm tours, ostrich farming, one-of-a-kind breeding farm of tilapia (type of fresh water fish) and the Philippine Carabao Center.

Pampanga

This province is known for its festivals. The most famous one is the Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Festival which is held annually in Clark Field. The three to four-day event features more than a hundred hot-air balloons from around the world. It attracts an estimated 60,000 visitors every year.

Tarlac

Mt. Pinatubo has become a tourist destination decades after its famous explosion in 1991. It is now frequented by hikers and trekkers who marvel at the breathtaking view of its volcanic deposit-filled valleys and huge boulders. The lake inside its crater can also be accessed by more experienced explorers.

Zambales

International tourists might want to check out the Mango Festival held every summer. The Guinness Book of World Records (1995) recognized that Zambales has the sweetest mangoes in the world. For local tourists, Zambales is known more for its less-commercialized beaches.

The LPP has sure got a big priority on tourism. With its Central Luzon province members, it can sure live up to its mandates. Visit these places to experience a great slice of tourism and community management.