TOURIST SPOT
Capas National Shrine, Capas, Tarlac
The shrine, located on a 54-hecatre property in Brgy. O’ Donnell, Capas, Tarlac was the first prison camp for the men who survived the “Death March” at the hands of the Japanese during the last world war in 1942. The Camp O’ Donnell Memorial Monument was built by the organization known as “The Battling Bastards of Bataan” to honor the Americans and Filipinos who died at Camp O’ Donnell, while prisoners of the Japanese. The Cement Cross is a replica of the original cement cross built by the POWs. The monument is adjacent to the memorial for the Philippine Army dead. The “Cross” was built as a memorial to the thousands who died in that camp. It is as much a part of Bataan as the participants in that battle. The inscription on the base of the “Cross” reads “Omnia Pro Patria”: All For Country. On the wall behind the “Cross” are inscribed the names of the men who died at Camp O’ Donnell. The original “Cement Cross” is now on display in the National Prisoner of War Museum, at the Andersonville National Historic Site, Andersonville, GA. It was brought to this country by Bataan survivors. An outdoor nook features a wall inscribed with the names of the fallen Americans. An adjacent museum called Defender’s Hall consists of a modest collection of photos that document the Death March and travails of POWs in prison camps. It has preserved one of the remnants of wartime atrocities – a boxcar that transported survivors of the Death March from San Fernando, Pampanga to Capas. Measuring six feet long, eight feet wide and six feet high, it had once been a freight car of the Manila Railroad Company before the war and could fit only 50-60 people. But Japanese soldiers forcibly squeezed in 150-160 using rifle butts and bayonets. The captives, whose only source of ventilation was a slit on the door, suffocated in the virtual cover under the tropical heat. Many of them died in their upright positions, their bodies giving up on constricted space which had been polluted with excrement, urine and vomit. A 70-meter obelisk, built to offset the grim history of Capas, symbolizes peace among Filipinos, the Japanese and Americans.
Camp O’ Donnell, Capas, Tarlac
The camp re-creates in memory the infamous Death March of the Filipino and American soldiers held captive by the Japanese imperial forces during World War II in 1942. Located in Camp O’ Donnell, seven kilometers west of Capas, it was the final stage of the tragic death march and a concentration camp with an open field which served as the grave site of nearly 30,000 Filipino and American soldiers who died with debilitating diseases. An obelisk and a museum stand tall to immortalize the memory of the heroes of democracy and freedom.
Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City, Tarlac
The Cojuangco-owned hacienda in Tarlac City houses the famous Tarlac Industrial Park where a growing list of international export producing companies are located. It boasts of an 18-hole championship golf course, shopping malls, world-class restaurants, hotels, a Beverly Hill – type of residential estate and a vast sugar plantation. Also located in the complex is the Aquino Center and Museum.
Mt. Pinatubo Wellness Spa
Found in Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, it is a fascinating oasis amidst a picturesque pastoral environment framed by rolling hills and mountain ranges. This new product in health tourism offers a first-of-a-kind model in fitness therapy and wellbeing: from a relaxing body wrap on sulfur-laden hot volcanic sand, to a revitalizing dip in a thermal bath and foot spa, and finally to a soothing Shiatzu body work in a 100-pax capacity massage parlor – all made possible after a day’s sweltering trek to Mt. Pinatubo. The wellness center also serves Korean/native cuisine cum grillery in a 200-seat capacity open-air restaurant plus a souvenir shop and soda fountain serving health products to the intrepid explorer.
Pinatubo Trek: Trek to the crater of the world-famous Mt. Pinatubo. Spectacular views, towering lahar canyons, cool mountain springs and cascading waterfalls make that trip up the volcano an experience to remember. Drive on board an all-weather vehicle for one hour, disembark and trek for maximum of two hours to the crater, view the tranquil yet majestic 2.5-km crater-lake. Or bathe in any of the six sulfur-filled thermal pools at Sitio Tarukan. Cap your day with a generous fishing expedition at Tambo Lake before proceeding to the wellness spa.
Tarlac Ecotourism Park, Brgy. Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac
In the early months of 2001 under the leadership of Governor Jose “Aping” Yap, a project was launched to find a place in the province where people and nature can co-exist in harmony with each other. Soon after, a 278-ha forested land that would eventually serve as a sanctuary for the environment and nature lovers was established.
Located at an altitude of 308 meters above sea level, 30 kilometers from Tarlac City, the said place boasts of perfect climatic condition with natural ecosystem of plants, disterocarp trees, convenient habitat for native and migratory birds and wild animals. The place is a perfect place for camping holidays.
On April 12, 2004, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 602 officially declaring the Tarlac Ecotourism Park as “ecotourism park and campsite.” Vic Yap, in-charge of Special Projects Office, facilitated the construction of concrete roads, electricity, water system, eco-park buildings and other amenities for the campsite.
Timangguyob Waterfalls, San Clemente, Tarlac
A magnificent fall tucked in the middle of nowhere. This natural wonder is quite unique that the water flows down on an extraordinarily vast boulder carved and shaped by nature – like a basin – through many years of exposure to the continuous flow of water pouring from atop at 50 feet in height. The basin-like solid foundation, where the water is generously maintained at maximum of 5 feet is in essence indigenous but beautifully crafted swimming pool. The journey offers an invigorating experience, giving a luxurious, healthful escapade to the people brave enough to find their way to the majestic Timangguyob.
Region III - Central Luzon 