Celebrating the culture of Zambales!

I've talked a lot about Zambales in this blog and we all have learned a lot about the place. We all learned that the province got its name from its earliest people, The Sambals. We took a look at the place's history and discovered that the place was "discovered" by Juan de Salcedo. And we learned that Zambales is home to the Aeta tribe. We also got to know a lot of the festivals that Zambales had to offer such as the Paynauen Festival which celebrates the capita's founding, the Sibit Sibit Festival that celebrates the fishing history of Olongapo, the Binabayani Festival which shows off the war moves Aetas did against the Spanish Christians.

But there is other stuff about Zambales that deserves to be talked about like its produce.

For one, the place offers the sweetest and most delicious mangoes in the world! The mango production is such a major industry in Zambales that it actually has a festival to celebrate it. Besides mangoes, Zambales produces a variety of crops and vegetables since the place is an agricultural province.

Zambales also features a lot of interesting historical landmarks such as the Hellships Memorial, Fort Paynauen, and Magsaysay Ancestral House.

 

But, of course we can't look over all the awesome tourist spots that Zambales also has to offer such as Camara Island, Magalawa Island, and the Botolan Wildlife Farm.

 

Truly there is so much about Zambales that is worth celebrating.

But among all of these things there is one feature that makes Zambales great and that is its culture. Let’s all take a look at all the places that show off the province’s culture so you will also be immersed in it.

The San Roque Parish Church is the first example of this. This site is in the Zambales town of San Felipe. Spanish friars founded this church in 1859. The pastors stationed at this area were the first to give sermons and participate in religious activities that were required in this community.

The Municipal Public Auditorium is the next stop on the itinerary. This auditorium, which can also be found in San Felipe, hosts a range of cultural events.  Through music and celebration, this structure serves as a reminder of the town's rich history. Another awesome site that is worth checking out in Zambales is the San Felipe Multi-Purpose Hall. This hall, which is from the Governor of the Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do in South Korea, hosts a range of cultural activities. This building reminds us of the friendship and mutual respect that has been built between the province of Gyeongsangbuk-do and the province of Zambales.

There is also the The Zambales High School which was founded on September 8, 1902, in the capital city of Iba. The school began with only two American teachers and 43 boys and seven females when the school first opened. Arithmetic, English, English composition, geography, grammar, language, music, and physical exercises were among the first subjects taught in this school. The school reopened in 1903, with more students enrolling, bringing the total number of boys to 63 and the total number of girls to ten. Drawing, history, Spanish, and typewriting were among the new lessons added to the program.

Of course, what I think is the most awesome of them all and the place I would probably sell my  soul for just so I can have a chance of visiting, is the Casa San Miguel!  I've talked about a lot of tourist spots in this place but there is nothing that pulls me in the most than Casa San Miguel.  Since its completion in 1921 as a retreat house founded by Alfonso "Coke" Bolipata, this location has been highlighting the province's rich history and heritage while also providing the greatest gift of all: art.  This is the place to go if you want to immerse yourself in the arts all while learning about Zambales' heritage. Casa San Miguel is a community-based school that uses arts and culture to help people grow and thrive as a community.

Of course, we can't discuss how this site highlights the Province's culture and heritage without discussing its newest feature, the Museum of Community Heritage. This intriguing and engaging museum displays artifacts as well as pictorial representations of events and stories from San Antonio's and San Miguel's rich local heritage.

I have only been able to see all the wonderful things these places have to offer through pictures and videos. But when I get a chance, I will definitely check all of these places out. And you should too!