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Touring Around Cabanatuan City

Touring Around Cabanatuan City
Cabanatuan City is not really known as a tourism hub by many. It’s more popular as a city in one of the leading rice-producing provinces in the country. Located in Region 3 in Nueva Ecija, in an area called Gitnang Kapatagan or Central Plains in English.
 
I thought that there was nothing to see here, but an unexpected vacation over Labor Day weekend proved me wrong. Aside from visiting a relative, I found myself walking around the city center and found these landmarks worth taking note of.
 
Freedom Park and Old Capitol Building
Freedom Park was about five minutes from my hotel. It was designed by an American architect named William E. Parsons who was also in charge of other government buildings during the American period in Cebu, Manila and Laguna.


Old Capitol Building


Old Houses
I was delighted upon finding a handful of well-preserved and lived-in old houses dating back I think to the American colonial period. Though I was sad that I was unable to find the magnanimous Bahay-Na-Bato (Stone Houses) in this part of the province, I am sure that there stood many near the old provincial capitol.



Cathedral of St Nicholas of Tolentino
The Diocese of Cabanatuan is relatively young compared to others in the country. Established in 1963, it used to be a part of the Diocese of Pampanga and the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. The original church was built in in 1866 but was destroyed in the earthquake of 1880. It was again erected in 1891 and was near the assassination site of Antonio Luna in 1899. Totally damaged by fire in 1934, the church was reconstructed again as to what we see today.The original church was built in in 1866 but was destroyed in the earthquake of 1880. It was again erected in 1891 and was near the assassination site of Antonio Luna in 1899. Totally damaged by fire in 1934, the church was reconstructed again as to what we see today.

The church today
Mass held at St. Nicholas Tolentino Cathedral

Antonio Luna Death Marker

On June 5, 1899, on what should have been a meeting with then President Emilio Aguinaldo, Hen. Antonio Luna met his final day. Nowadays, this marker stands in Plaza Lucero, in front of St. Nicholas Tolentino Cathedral, as a reminder to townsfolk where the General met his gruesome fate.



Edna’s Cakeland
This cake and pastry shop has turned into an optional tourist spot/pasalubong center. It now serves lights snacks and breakfast too. It is located in Kapitan Pepe Subdivision, 1 Don Manuel Avenue.



You can still find historical and cultural treasures in every place if you just dig a little deeper. Surely, Cabanatuan City isn’t just a mere stopover. And oh, don’t forget to dine in Hapag Vicentico’s when you pass by here!

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How To Get Here
Cabanatuan City is about 3-4 hours from Manila by bus. Different bus companies pass by Cabanatuan City: Baliwag Transit, Five Star, ES Transport, Genesis (Baler-bound) and Victory Liner (Tuguegarao-bound). From Cabanatuan City terminal, you can hail a jeepney or trike to take you to your final destination. Regular fare is currently at Php 185 per person.



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