A sizzling plate of crispy Sisig. A fiery serving of bopis. A steaming bowl of bulanglang brimming with vegetables. These are just some of the iconic Kapampangan dishes that Filipinos have come to love.

To say that Pampanga is the culinary capital of the Philippines may have to do with the widespread popularity of the region’s food culture. So how did Pampanga come to gain a foothold in Philippine cookery as one of its most-loved cuisines? We list down three strong cases for Pampanga’s gastronomic heritage.

Cooking is inherent to Kapampangan Life

During the Spanish era, the kitchen was the largest room in the Kapampangan home. During the colonial years, locals learned cooking skills from the Spanish themselves and the result was a culinary tradition strongly informed by European flavors. The result included dishes like the Filipino-style paella called Bringhe and the beef roulade known as Morcón, which gets its moniker from a Spanish sausage, much like chorizo. 

Pampanguenos are creative with their cooking techniques

In an interview with Business World, veteran Kapampangan chef Gene Gonzales describes Sisig as a “chopped pickled dish made of vinegar and spices.” Pickling and fermenting were common ways to prepare food so as to prolong shelf life–a practicality in the freshwater-surrounded environs of the province. In fact, the etymology of Pampanga is “Pampang,” which means riverbank.

Freshwater produce naturally made it into several local dishes. Buro, a fermented rice dish, for example, also included prawns. Gonzales also notes that the river, as a center for trade, may have introduced locals to new ingredients like barramundi, but also could have served as an opportunity for Pampanguenos to expand their horizons. In fact, there is evidence that locals may have traveled to Mexico to learn distilling tequila. 

Pampanga is the home of top culinary talent.

There is a bevy of talented chefs and restaurateurs who all call Pampanga their home, and whose personal successes have put Kapampangan cuisine on the map. 

Angeles-born chef, Claude Tayag, who is noted for his art, writing, historical knowledge, and cooking, has published books on Filipino culinary culture in addition to setting up the highly-acclaimed restaurant, Bale Dutung. On the global scene, Tayag has represented the country in prestigious competitions like the Embassy Chef Challenge, where his recipe for Bringhe won a people’ choice award. Tayag is also credited with introducing the late Anthony Bourdain to sisig.

Fellow Kapampangan, Chef Sau del Rosario, has also taken his talent to various parts of the globe, across his two-decade career. During the 2019 San Sebastian Gastronomika in Spain, Del Rosario demonstrated Sisig. He would also submit the recipe to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

Chef Gene Gonzalez, a published author like Tayag, has also made his mark as the founder of the culinary school, Center for Asian Culinary Studies and owner of renowned restaurant, Cafe Ysabel, which is notable for its mix of Filipino and European cuisine. His book, Cocina Sulipeña: Culinary Gems from Old Pampanga is a meditation on the food of the old Pampanga town of Sulipan. 

Finally, home-grown talent, Chef Dennis Lim is noted for his culinary self-training. Not to mention, his light-hearted demeanor. In fact, his restaurant, DenLim’s Kitchen was the result of circumstance. Originally a commissary for the family bakeshop, Chef Lim would occasionally accommodate a few friends for a home-cooked meal. Eventually, guest visits became more frequent and today, DenLim’s Kitchen is a go-to spot for Kapampangan dishes with a distinct global flair as well as Chef Lim’s must-try 9-course meal.

Rich Tradition Meets Modern Progression

Pampanga’s culinary tradition is one aspect of its rich cultural heritage and history. Inasmuch as the region is celebrated for its food, festivals, and art (tourists often flock the area for its wildly popular Christmas lanterns), modern Pampanga is a booming center for economic development, especially in key cities like San Fernando and Angeles City.

What is Angeles City Known For?

Between heritage sites like the Museo Ning Angeles, which was designated as an Important Cultural Property of the Philippines, and the Pamintuan Mansion, one-time home of the Katipunan, Angeles City’s massive infrastructure growth has cemented its place as a center for commerce and industry.

The city is bound by major thoroughfares of SCTEX and the North Luzon Expressway, making it easily accessible to Metro Manila. Furthermore, the 53-kilometer  Malolos-Clark Railway will connect Bulacan to the Clark Economic Zone. 

A portion of Angeles is occupied by the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone (CFEZ). As the home of the New Clark City; Clark Global City (CGC); and Clark International Airport, the economic zone is a major hub for business and tourism in Asia. 

The First Rockwell Center Outside Metro Manila

For property seekers looking to make Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines, their home, Rockwell Land has finally taken its signature elevated lifestyle to Pampanga, with Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles. 

The 4.5 hectare development was created in partnership with the Juan D. Nepomuceno Realty Group, the first Rockwell center outside Metro Manila will have all the hallmarks of Rockwell living by way of a master planned mixed-use hub.

The Manansala, its first residential property, offers fifteen stories with thoughtfully designed residential units, ranging from one bedroom units measuring up to 55 square meters to three bedroom family-friendly spaces that go up to a generous 128 square meters.

And with the exclusive amenities, 100% back-up power, a stringent security system, and CCTV monitoring, homeowners can enjoy the distinct exclusivity and privacy that has come to define every Rockwell development. 

Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles will also feature a Power Plant Mall, and like the pioneer retail hub in Rockwell Center Makati, residents can enjoy direct access by way of a private passageway.

If you are looking to find your new home in the Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles, contact Rockwell Land today to secure your unit today. You may also download the e-brochure here.

Pampanga is seeing massive progress as an emerging economic center. The region, also known as the culinary capital of the Philippines as well as the site of key historical landmarks, is fast making its mark as an attractive option for living and working.

We share three reasons why you should invest in Pampanga and reap the benefits of this progressive city.

Pampanga’s cultural heritage

Amid the trappings of modernity and urban development, cities steeped in a storied past become all the more appealing. Pampanga’s culinary background and classic architecture are an ode to a complex regional history going back centuries. 

Along the way, notable Kapampangan artists, writers, chefs, and public figures have contributed to the allure of the region and its contributions to Philippine culture and history. Prominent individuals include the National Artist, Vicente Manansala; the historian, Ambeth Ocampo; the former chief justice, Jose Abad Santos; and of course a host of talented chefs who have made a mark in the Philippine culinary scene including Gene Gonzalez, Dennis Lim, Howard Dizon Cherry Pasion-Tan, Judy Uson, Nico Bailon, and Claude Tayag.

Today, Pampanga’s architecture, iconic cuisine, art, and history continue to characterize a region that is seeing massive development. 

For investors, Pampanga not only tells a great story, it is a place that is just as in touch with its past as its future—and the promise it holds.

The “Next Economic Seat” of the Philippines

Demand for industrial, office, commercial, hospitality, and residential spaces in what is touted as the Pampanga Golden Triangle is expected to increase. Already, major property developers are building industrial and commercial districts in Clark and San Fernando; hotels in Mabalacat and Angeles; and residential projects in all three cities and seven municipalities.  

For real estate investors, this boom will create a demand for housing. It also offers an attractive option to Metro Manila property. 

End-users who intend to live and work in Pampanga will likewise benefit from the increase in work and business opportunities, as well as a greater quality of living for their respective families.

A master-planned community

The development of Pampanga is integral to the Philippine government’s decentralization plan to decongest cities like Metro Manila. 

A key feature of this is the master planned community, one that allows residents to enjoy greater mobility and convenience, where centers for business, residential communities, retail and leisure destinations, schools and hospitals converge in one place.

The development of Pampanga’s ecopolis (environmental and heritage tourism) and the aquapolis (waterfront and aquaculture development) will result in an increase in tourism destinations. The re-development efforts will specifically focus on the Candaba Wetland and Nature Park, the Mt. Arayat Eco-Adventure Park, and the Floridablanca Astroscience Center. 

For investors, a property in a master-planned city presents an opportunity to see a healthy value appreciation over time as the area continues to grow economically, further strengthening the case for why one should invest in Pampanga

Enjoy the signature Rockwell Lifestyle in Pampanga

Rockwell Land has always been at the forefront of building developments in the country’s most progressive and emerging cities. Pampanga joins the throng of Rockwell’s growing portfolio with the introduction of Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles, the first Rockwell Center located outside Metro Manila.

Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles in many ways mirrors the master planned features of Pampanga while delivering the trademark Rockwell lifestyle. Covering 4.5 hectares of land, the development includes residential, commercial, and office buildings that cater to every aspect of life and work. This includes The Manansala and The BenCab residential buildings and the first Rockwell Power Plant Mall outside Metro Manila.

Investors like yourself can choose from high-ceilinged residential units that feature Rockwell’s distinct design coupled with top notch safety and security, and exclusivity and privacy. 

From studio to three bedroom units that each range in a variety of sizes, there are generous options to choose from. And whether you choose to rent out a unit or lease it at a later time, the historical performance of Rockwell developments points to rising values per square meter, and by extension, rising rental values.

Apart from the well-appointed residential units, residents can enjoy generous amenities. With three swimming pools to choose from, a gym, and a multi-purpose court, there are plenty of well-equipped facilities for staying active. For outdoor rest and relaxation, the great lawn and yoga area provide greenery and ample space for quiet moments. And for bonding activities with loved ones, the play and barbecue areas lets you enjoy time with family.

And if you wish to take some time off to enjoy some retail therapy or to dine out, the Power Plant Mall offers a curated experience for discerning shoppers.

Learn more about Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles and more compelling reasons why you should invest in Pampanga by contacting Rockwell Land today. You may also download the e-brochure here.

Written by: Catherine Talavera

Real estate is generally deemed as a good investment due to the ability of its value to appreciate over time.

For Pampanga-based real estate broker Glenndie Rivera, real estate is considered her second most valuable investment, the first of course being her family.

“The most valuable investment for me is family. Everything my husband and I have done has ultimately been for our family, and providing well for them because they matter the most to us,” Rivera said.

“Second would be real estate. Apart from it being the line of business we are in, it’s also a stable investment that you can make use of and whose value appreciates over time. The best time to invest is always now, because tomorrow, it will be at a different price,” Rivera added.

This is one of the reasons why Rivera decided to invest in a residential unit at Rockwell Land’s pioneering community in the cultural province of Pampanga.

Rivera certainly knows about making the right moves in business and investment, especially in properties, as she was able to rise from being a real estate sales agent to being a successful entrepreneur running various businesses.

“At first I was hesitant to [sell real estate] because I felt that I didn’t know how to sell properties. But after attending seminars and seeing the value of real estate and its income potential, I decided to join. Shortly after this stint, I took an exam to be a licensed real estate broker to start my own business,” shared Rivera, who started her career in 2007, when she was invited to be an in-house sales agent by a developer.

“My husband and I were very motivated then to earn for our kids. Making a good living for our family was our ultimate goal, and something we strove for. So we did everything we could to make our business known, from flyering to posting online, and reaching out to people we knew,” she further explained.

Through her determination and hard work, Rivera’s business was able to grow substantially, which has allowed her to invest in other business ventures, like restaurants and cafes.

“Getting to where we are now was not easy, but it taught us that you have to love what you do, and always have a goal in life. Don’t lose track of your goals because that’s what fuels you to grow and face challenges well,” Rivera said.

The Pampanga-based entrepreneur also shared the importance of having integrity in doing business.

“My success as a broker is dependent on my clients’ trust, and maintaining this is something that matters to me. I make sure that I am honest with them in giving advice, and that I give recommendations that will benefit them. I would rather lose a sale than do something that would harm my credibility,” she said.

With her years of experience in the real estate business, Rivera knows very well which property developments are worthy of investing her hard-earned money on.

This is why she didn’t think twice about investing in a unit at The Manansala in Rockwell Center Nepo in Angeles, Pampanga.

“We already know that Rockwell is a highly-reputable developer, and that all of its projects are well-made. We didn’t think twice about investing in a unit at The Manansala, because we know the quality will be good and that it is one of the best property investments we could make. Of course, as a local here in Angeles, I’m also very proud that Rockwell has decided to invest here,” Rivera shared.

She explained that she first became aware of the Rockwell brand because of the Power Plant Mall in Makati City. “I would then hear from my friends who would invest in Rockwell’s Makati projects, and they all had good feedback,” she added. Rivera said she was delighted when she first heard that Rockwell would be venturing in Pampanga.

“I was wowed. It made me feel like big players are really coming here in Angeles City. It only means that Pampanga is really booming and that property values will only go up, especially with the infrastructures being built,” the entrepreneur shared.

Drawing her expectations from the flagship Rockwell Center in Makati, Rivera said she expects the Pampanga master- planned community to offer the same conveniences. Rockwell has partnered with the Juan D. Nepomuceno Realty Group to develop the Rockwell Center Nepo, which aims to seamlessly integrate the signature Rockwell lifestyle with the rich cultural heritage of Pampanga.

The developer said it looks to add to the Nepomuceno Group’s existing portfolio of premier establishments in Pampanga. Located near prominent landmarks like eNtec 1 & 2, Holy Angel University and Nepo Mart, Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles will sit right in the heart of the city. The combined expertise of the two in developing high quality lifestyle experiences will enhance the lives of discerning Filipinos in the region.

“I feel like it also adds to our quality of life, because of how well-made the facilities will be. From your unit, you’ll only be a few steps away from your necessities in the mall and places like the gym or groceries. If ever we decide to put up a business nearby—even in the mall, for example—we’ll get to it quickly,” Rivera said.

The 4.5-hectare mixed-used development will feature the first Power Plant Mall outside of Makati and mid-rise residential buildings with each one promising high quality service and lifestyle options for their residents.

One of these residential buildings is The Manansala. Rockwell takes inspiration from the timeless art of Philippine National Artist Vicente “Enteng” Manansala for the 15-storey residential development, which depicts the contemporary Filipino life. With a wide range of spacious units from one-bedroom to three-bedrooms, The Manansala has offerings for on-the-go professions to families looking to settle into a relaxing home.

The BenCab, the new residential tower just launched in the development, also introduced studio units that are ideal for property investors, which offers more opportunities to be a part of the exclusive community. With all these in store, the development will effortlessly blend lifestyle options and thoughtful design to create a well-appointed living experience for its discerning residents.

From generous open spaces to a stunning central amenity and easy access to the mall, Rockwell Center Nepo will provide an elevated lifestyle and a home fit for its residents who are discerning when it comes to fine quality. It will make their investments worthwhile, which Kapampangans just like Rivera deserve.

To learn more about Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles, please visit localhost/rockwellcenternepo or call 09175105376.

Article taken from: https://propertyreport.ph/news-and-events/2022/10/14/27544/rooted-in-real-estate-making-the-best-homegrown-investments-in-pampanga/

Written by: Rick Formalejo

Revel in distinguished Kapampangan artistry through Kabiyasnan: A Pampanga Lifestyle and Arts Fair on October 14 to 16, at The Fifth at Rockwell in Rockwell Center Makati.

Rockwell gathers local furniture and craft makers, visual artists, and fashion designers with Kapampangan roots in Kabiyasnan: A Pampanga Lifestyle and Arts Fair which will happen October 14 to 16 at The Fifth at Rockwell in Rockwell Center Makati. The event is in partnership with Gamat Kapampangan and the Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation Inc.

Visitors can expect for a fine display of diverse talent from Kabiyasnan’s participants. Visual artists, such as Dr. Vittorio Pantug, Arnel Garcia, Leonardo Tulabut, and Dodjie Aguinaldo, among others, have exhibited their works locally and abroad. Fashion designers Mich Viray and Marlon Tuazon likewise showcase their flair for couture, while furniture pieces from Albero PH, Heinimex, South Sea Veneer, and many more allow one to add a local touch to their homes.

Apart from the lifestyle pieces guests can purchase, delicious fare from beloved Kapampangan Chefs Howard Dizon, Cherry Tan, and Judy Uson will also be available to enjoy. Through this gathering of artisans and curators in the metro, one need not go far to appreciate the local talent that hails from Pampanga.

Kabiyasnan brings renowned Pampanga artisans together in one well-appointed space, for a weekend filled with an appreciation for the finer things. This creates a signature Rockwell experience akin to the Kapampangan, curated especially for the most discerning tastes.

Kabiyasnan: A Pampanga Lifestyle and Arts Fair runs through October 14 to 16 from 11AM to 9PM, at The Fifth at Rockwell inside Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center Makati. For more information, follow Rockwell Center Nepo on Facebook and Instagram.

Learn more about Rockwell Center Nepo by visiting https://staging.rockwellcenternepoangeles.com/

Article taken from: https://bluprint.onemega.com/experience-kapampangan-culture-through-kabiyasnan-a-pampanga-lifestyle-and-arts-fair/

Written by: Aimee Morales

Lopez-owned Rockwell Land introduces The BenCab, another residential development which serves as a glorious addition to Rockwell Center Nepo in Angeles, Pampanga.

Rockwell Land thus creates more opportunities for the discerning buyer.

The BenCab pays homage to its namesake, Philippine National Artist Benedicto Cabrera, who is renowned for his visually-striking paintings through 16-storeys of well-appointed living spaces.

The BenCab, as the second mid-rise residential building in the property, offers spacious studio units, as well as one- to three-bedroom units that exude openness as each one features an open kitchen layout, high ceilings, and all with balconies. 

Residents of The BenCab will find themselves conveniently situated at the heart of the community, nestled between its exclusive amenities and the Power Plant Mall. A fitness gym, multi-purpose court, lap pool, and yoga & quiet garden will be ready to serve one’s fitness needs, while a function room, play area, barbecue area, and family and kiddie pools will provide families more spaces to bond in. 

The great lawn also adds to the open spaces that make up 78 percent of the property, and will offer access to a cool and serene environment within the enclave.

The BenCab builds on the 4.5 mixed-use development in partnership with Juan D Nepomuceno Realty Group that is the first Rockwell Center outside of Metro Manila. 

Similar to other Rockwell properties, The BenCab provides further safety and security with 100 percent back-up power and an experienced Property Management Team.

 A dedicated Residential Leasing Team is likewise available for those investing in units for rent. It also offers convenience by being in close proximity to key establishments in Angeles City, and will have exclusive basement access to the Power Plant Mall upon its completion. The BenCab at Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles is set for turnover in May 2028. This second residential building continues the path for the distinct Rockwell lifestyle to thrive in Pampanga as its community in Angeles City steadily comes to fruition. 

Article taken from: https://propertyreport.ph/news-and-events/2022/09/21/27226/rockwell-land-introduced-the-bencab/

To learn more about The BenCab at Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles, visit https://staging.rockwellcenternepoangeles.com/

Written by: Amy R. Remo

All roads seem to lead north nowadays, and it’s fairly easy to see why.

Just two hours north of Metro Manila is one burgeoning investment destination, touted as a vital gateway and an emerging growth corridor rife with promising opportunities.

Economic center

The province of Pampanga is indeed rising as a new economic center, as evident in the influx of local and foreign investors, drawn to its conducive business climate and availability of raw land and skilled talents.

Over the last several years, Pampanga became an even more attractive hub owing to the aggressive infrastructure development near and within Central Luzon—some P180 billion worth of key projects aimed at further improving the competitiveness, connectivity and accessibility of provinces within this region.

Clark International Airport’s iconic new terminal alone, for example, has spurred new developments, raised property values, and birthed new businesses amid the expected surge in passengers going through this gateway. Projects like the Manila-Clark Passenger Railway, Subic-Clark Railway Project, Skyway Stage 3, and the NLEx-SLEx Connector Road are seen to create value and stimulate an investment boom that would generate fresh job opportunities and further elevate the quality of life in the region. Add to that the 9,450-ha New Clark City, a smart, resilient and future-proof metropolis seen to contribute a gross output of P1.57 trillion a year to the economy. Diverse offeringsUnsurprisingly, some have started coming to Pampanga to relocate—finding appeal not only in its progressiveness, but also in its healthy mix of the modern and the idyllic. The rich diversity of activities and offerings here present a holistic lifestyle befitting those looking for that ideal middle ground between the hustle of a city and rusticity of the countryside.

Given the locals’ purchasing power and this influx of migrants coming from other parts of the country, some property developers have started looking at their prospects here.

Joey Roi Bondoc, associate director for research at Colliers Philippines, said in his column for Inquirer Property that there has been a more pronounced launch of new township developments in Pampanga over the last decade. He also noted a growing appetite for vertical developments here as evident in the rising condominium stock in Pampanga which reached 4,089 units as of end 2021, up 49 percent compared to the previous year. From 2022 to 2026, Bondoc said they expect the delivery of 150 new units a year.

National players, he added, are capturing Pampanga’s potential by developing more integrated communities, an example of which is the Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles.

Rockwell in the north This promising 4.5-ha mixed-use development marks Rockwell Land’s first foray in Central Luzon, where it brings its wealth of expertise in creating resilient, self-sustaining communities. It partnered with the Nepomuceno family, who contributed land, funding and business expertise for this upcoming masterpiece in the north.

Rockwell Land chose Pampanga as it sees the province as the country’s next frontier for economic growth and suburban living. Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles—with its upscale residences, offices, and the first Power Plant Mall outside Makati City—will thus fittingly complement not only the significant contributions of the Nepomuceno family in the commerce, education, electricity and water supply sectors of Angeles City, but also the expected growth of the province.

Here, the purveyor of exceptional lifestyles is set to offer a distinctive community that does not only bear Rockwell’s signature touch, but also celebrates Pampanga’s rich heritage.

In fact, the first mid-rise residential building it launched here pays homage to Pampanga’s own Vicente Manansala, a Philippine National Artist renowned for his cubic style of drawings and paintings. It also aptly reflects Rockwell’s proclivity to the arts and fine living.

Modern, elegant residences

The Manansala at Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles presents well-appointed spaces, offering refined comfort, elegance and exclusivity to suit the Kapampangans’ discerning tastes. This premier 15-story residence has a total of 206 units, which come in one- to three-bedroom cuts, whose sizes range from 45 sqm to 128 sqm. This translates to having only 14 units per typical floor, ensuring privacy and exclusivity.

Each unit comes with a 3-meter ceiling height, an open kitchen layout, as well as premium grade finishes. Glass sliding doors leading out to a balcony extends the unit’s spaciousness and treats residents to expansive, picturesque views of the Zambales Mountain Range, Mt. Arayat, and even the Clark Freeport Area.

Within this enclave, too, are some luxurious niceties—world-class amenities that will make The Manansala at Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles a prestigious address in the north, especially upon its completion in 2025.

The showpiece is the Great Lawn, an expanse that adds to the open spaces that make up 78 percent of the property, and which offers access to a peaceful, laidback environment. Offering a myriad of activities are the fitness gym, multipurpose court, yoga and quiet garden, play area, barbecue area, as well as the family and kiddie pools.

What further gives The Manansala its Rockwell trademark is its impeccable security features that include 100 percent back-up power; an experienced Property Management Team ensuring exceptional aftersales services; and a dedicated Residential Leasing Team for those looking to invest in units for rent. Another exciting perk is that The Manansala will also have exclusive basement access to the Power Plant Mall Angeles upon its completion.

Like The Manansala at Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles, a new residential tower in the development will soon beckon to the affluent few wanting a sophisticated lifestyle—all within a promising community poised to thrive gracefully in progressive, potential-rich Pampanga.

For more information, please visit localhost/rockwellcenternepo

Article taken from: https://inqm.news/xxat.