Angeles Electric Corporation

Businesses come and go. But not for these Kapampangan enterprises founded by visionaries who poured in blood, sweat and tears to build these commercial establishments that have--with a dash of luck--become icons of economic success in the province's business landscape. Let's see some of these businesses that are still in existence and continue to endure to this very day.

Angeles City’s main power provider, the Angeles Electric Corp., began as Angeles Electric Light and Power Plant on July 10, 1923, a project of Don Juan Nepomuceno and wife, Nena Gomez. The couple—who already had an ice plant, and would go on to found other ventures like Holy Angel Academy, a softdrinks factory, a subdivision and a commercial shopping complex---thought that bringing  power to a community, including light to the church—was a great idea. With a 2,000 pesos down payment on a Php 72,000 power plant machines—the Nepomucenos set forth to establish the electric company that would serve Angeles continuously, except during the dark days of the war. It was incorporated in 1959 as Angeles Electric Corp. and the institution continues to provide power service, efficiently and competently-- not only to the city but also to nearby areas, today.

The company came to be known as Angeles Electric Corporation (AEC) when it was incorporated and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1959. Today, after more than 90 years in operation, AEC continues to move forward and remain at par with industry leaders.

Angeles Electric Corporation holds the distinction of being the first electric utility company to achieve 100% electrification of all areas within its franchise coverage.  This happened in 1969 with the conversion of distribution voltage from 2,400v to 13,800v that enabled the company to extend its power lines to the remotest barangay of Angeles City.

While the ‘80s may be considered as banner years when AEC experienced unprecedented growth with the increase in coverage area and computerization of the billing system, the ‘90s will be remembered as the turbulent decade of the power crisis, Mt. Pinatubo eruption and labor unrest.  It was during this period when AEC made a determined effort – and succeeded – to enhance customer service and information retrieval system.

On the fourteenth year of the new century, Angeles Electric Corporation is gearing up to meet the challenges of an industry in a state of transition.  AEC’s competitiveness in a deregulated environment is anchored on a two-pronged thrust: the enhancement of service delivery and the strengthening of operational and financial viability.

Old houses in Angeles City

Heritage homes offer soul, character and good bones. But owning and renovating one comes with caveats. A heritage designation, bestowed by federal, provincial or municipal governments, protects the features of a property that are of special heritage interest.

MANSION DE DON FLORENTINO PAMINTUAN located at Miranda corner Dalan Sto. Entierro, Barangay Sto. Rosario, Angeles City

This home of Florentino Pamintuan, said to be the first Kapampangan millionaire, was the site of the first anniversary celebration of the declaration of Philippine Independence in 1899; the waving of the Philippine flag from the second-floor window as well as the patriotic speech by President Emilio Aguinaldo is reenacted every year on June 12.

In 2010, the ownership of the house was transferred to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines through a donation. Restoration work has been done in 2012 with a budget coming from the National Government. The building now stands as a museum – Museo ng Kasaysayang Panlipunan ng Pilipinas (Philippine Social History Museum) which aims to present Filipino everyday life in the past and present, with special focus on clothing, music, food, and the life and culture of indigenous communities.

The house of the Pamintuans was one of the biggest and most beautiful houses of the country during the time it was built. A huge and heavy front door made of hardwood is the main entrance to the house. The grand entresuelo features a massive staircase of Philippine iron-wood. Its balustrade is carved in the most elegant colonial style. The whole interior of the house is a display of magnificent artwork. The carved ceiling is made of metal sheets in floral designs and most of the woodwork is intricately carved. Even the arches and the wooden buttresses that support the ceiling are ornamentally designed. The windows, walls and partitions showcase the architectural style of the period. The house also features two spiral stairways leading to a rooftop tower serving as a veranda, from where the nearby towns of Pampanga could be seen on a clear day. At the rear side of the house is another tower, probably a water cistern, because it is directly above the kitchen and the bathroom. Another massive staircase of concrete with branches in two at right angle leads to the backyard.

Heritage is the full range of our inherited traditions, monuments, objects, and culture. Most important, it is the range of contemporary activities, meanings, and behaviors that we draw from them. Heritage includes, but is much more than preserving, excavating, displaying, or restoring a collection of old things.

RAFAEL YUTUC SR. HOUSE located at Dalan Sto. Entierro, Barangay Sto. Cristo, another important landmark that stood the test of time, and bore witness to the rich history of the city.

It was built in 1923, the house originally belonged to Rafael Yutuc Sr. and Felixberta Dela Cruz. Rafael Sr. was a pharmacist who died at a very young age. Their son Rafael Yutuc Jr. & his wife Carolina Dela Cruz inherited the house. Mr. Rafael Yutuc followed his father’s footsteps and also became a pharmacist by profession. He was credited to have opened the first pharmacy in Angeles.

The house was said to be so beautiful that Juan Luna made a painting of the house, sadly the said painting’s whereabouts remain unknown at this time.

It was declared an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum in 2015 by virtue of the powers vested by Republic Act 4846, as amended by Presidential Decree 374 and Republic Act 8492.

MANUEL HENSON HOUSE (BALE CUAYAN) a historical structure that was initially intended to be a rest house for a sick boy, but was transformed into a residence, American barracks, band rehearsal area, and headquarters for Japanese invasion forces.

This was originally built in 1892 from materials such bamboo, sawali, and nipa, this structure was constructed by the grandson of the founder of Angeles, Mariano Vicente Henson y de Miranda, as a rest house for his sick son, Manuel.

MARIANO LACSON HOUSE was built in the 1930s at Dalan Sto. Entierro corner Dalan De Jesus, Barangay Sto. Cristo was taken over by the Japanese during World War II and was used as their garrison or base?

This house was also converted into a hospital — Mother of Perpetual Help Hospital — by Dr. Amelia Guiao & Dr. Luz Ayson prior their own building.

This house, owned by Mariano Lacson, a rich haciendero owning most of Sapang Maisac, Mexico, Pampanga, is declared as an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum in 2015 by virtue of the powers vested by Republic Act 4846, as amended by Presidential Decree 374 and Republic Act 8492

The Mariano Lacson House was said to have been commissioned to prominent Arch. Fernando Hizon Ocampo.

How to get to Angeles City

• By Air: Fly direct to Angeles City via Clark International Airport (CRK) which serves international airlines such as Asiana, Cebu Pacific, Dragon Air, Emirates, Jin Air, Qatar Airways and Tiger Air, with regular flights to and from major cities such as Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Incheon, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, and Singapore. The city is also accessible from world-famous Philippine Beach Destinations like Cebu and Boracay (thru Kalibo) via Cebu Pacific’s regular flights through Clark.
• By Land: Angeles City is about 45-minute (approximately 80 km) drive from Manila via North Luzon Expressway. Motorists coming from Metro Manila are advised to exit at the Angeles – Magalang toll plaza. Victory Liner’s daily northbound and southbound trips go through the MarQuee Terminal in Angeles City at regular intervals. Victory, Genesis and other major bus fleets bound for Baguio and Dagupan travel daily from Manila through Dau, Pampanga and drop off/ pick up passengers at the Mabalacat Central Terminal. It is best to ask the ticket officer or driver if the bus is stopping over Dau. From the terminal, one may take a jeepney or tricycle to the Clark Main Gate where passenger jeepneys bound to Angeles City are available.

Other related link:

• History of Holy Angel University
• Historical Sites around Balibago

Off-road adventure in Pampanga

Find this ironic that something destructive can give birth to splendor. Apart from Anawangin Cove and the Crater Lake which was redesigned by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the 1990's, Puning Hot Spring is another impressive outcome of its madness.

4x4 jeep swayed past a wide expanse of desert-like sands with lava rocks, canyons, hanging valley, and Aeta villages. En route to Sitio Puning in Porac, Pampanga from the base camp in Sitio Target in Sapang Bato, we found ourselves driving through scenic valleys with towering pinnacles of lahar and boulders of rocks as backdrop. We followed a trail that passed through a series of streams, motley of rocks and gorges. We were swept away by the sparse vegetation and hanging valleys after finally arriving at the base camp where the indulging thermal spring is located.

Puning Hot Spring has been developed for the convenience of tourists. Cemented pathways lead tourists into the hot spring pools where they can take a relaxing dip. Cottages have been built, as well as washrooms. Since the Pinatubo area is inhabited by the indigenous Aeta people, almost all of the employees at Puning Hot Spring are Aetas.

After indulging in the thermal springs coming from Mt. Pinatubo, we were led to another base camp for a peculiar spa experience. We were asked to lie down as our bodies were covered by volcanic sand. You could really feel the warm volcanic ash relaxing my buried body.

To cap off our spa experience, we were treated to a mudpack. Sulfur mud was applied all over my face, hands and legs which I allowed to harden for a couple of minutes. It was refreshingly cool and my skin felt rejuvenated after washing up. Indeed, the whole Puning Hot Spring experience; from the 4x4 adventure ride, to bathing in the thermal spring, and finally being pampered by the spa's attentive professionals is a remarkable treat for tourists.

There are three ways to get to Puning Hot Spring:

1. Avail the package tour for Php 3,000 per pax which is inclusive of 4×4 jeep ride, buffet meal, entrance fee to the hot spring, sand steam, massage and mudpack at Sitio Target, Sapang Bato Angeles City, Pampanga

2. Hire a 4x4 jeep for about Php 1,500

3. Trekking from Sitio Target which may take roughly 1 hour.

City College of Angeles

Mayor Ed Pamintuan, together with Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting and members of the city council, recently led the blessing and ceremonial time-capsule laying at the city college.

“With the growing costs of tuition fees in private high schools, colleges and universities, education is now seen as a privilege rather than a right,” Pamintuan said.

“The establishment of a city college will make it possible for everyone to have an equal chance for a better future,” he said.

“It is the people’s dream to have a modern hospital and a city college – the administration is simply fulfilling this dream for them,” he also said.

Vega-Cabigting, for her part, said that the CCA is proof that the administration fully supports and provides an answer to the wishes of young Angeleños for affordable and quality education.

“Angeles is truly writing history with the construction of the city college,” the vice mayor said.

The city college will provide courses which will match the needs of investors and business locators inside the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) and the immediate community.

Councilor Edu Pamintuan, chairman of the city council’s committee on education and the author of the ordinance calling for the establishment of a public college said that for the school year 2012-2013, the CCA will start with two ladderized courses that could lead to the acquisition of a bachelor’s degree.

These courses, he said are Associate in Hospital Management and Associate in Information Systems.

“While construction is still ongoing, classes will already be held at the Angeles City Library, where there are currently four classrooms on the 3rd floor and a computer laboratory on the 2nd floor,” the councilor said.

City Administrator Atty. Dennis Albert Pamintuan said CCA’s two-storey building has 43 classrooms. It also has a covered court.

He said that part of the school’s budget include basic school equipment such as chairs, tables, blackboards and electric fans.

The city government is currently organizing the officials of the CCA, as well as members of the faculty and administrative staff.
The city college can accommodate at least 4,000 students once fully operational.

Construction is now underway for the P320-million first-ever city college here designed to supply the demands at the Clark Freeport where there are currently around 62,000 workers.

Councilor Edu Pamintuan, chairman of the city council’s committee on education, said courses on communication skills and English proficiency and information technology (IT) will be primarily offered at the City College of Angeles (CCA) in barangay Pampang. He is the principal author of the ordinance approved last year creating the CCA at the four-hectare former Agyu Tamu Sports Complex.

He said the school can accommodate at least 4,000 students once fully completed at the middle of 2012 by its contractor, R.C. Ramos Construction.

“It’s an overkill, so to speak. It’s ready for the next five years to handle the influx of students,” he said.

Pamintuan disclosed that the mayor had decided to allot P25 million for the improvement of roads leading to the CCA, particularly Arayat Blvd. The funds came from the Interior and Local Government Sec. Jessie Robredo who named Angeles City last December as one of the recipients of the Local Government Support Fund for passing the Seal of Good Housekeeping.