Cabanatuan City is big, highly-urbanized, and progressive, and is considered by many as Nueva Ecija's most recognizable city.
Cabanatuan City is big, highly urbanized, and progressive, and is considered by many as Nueva Ecija's most notable city.
 |
| Photo by pexels.com |
Cabanatuan City: seeing the place that I used to love in a new light
Cabanatuan City might not have gained popularity as other places around the Philippines in terms of tourist attractions, nevertheless, this city definitely has a lot of notable things to offer to its visitors.
A look back at my old love affair with Cabanatuan City
Cabanatuan City is a place so near yet so far. Well, that's how it is for me. I have been there on many occasions but I cannot seem to master it, possibly because I was so young when we used to go to Cabanatuan City to buy school supplies.
Ah, yes. Those few days before school started gave me so much excitement because it meant that we were going to Cabanatuan City, the place where I first experienced stepping inside a mall, enjoying the cold air conditioning, eating in a fast food restaurant, and visiting the toy section of the department store.
I remember going to the wet market to buy fresh produce and eating in a hole-in-the-wall Chinese noodle house, which I learned later on grew to be a big bakeshop (FM Bakeshop) in Cabanatuan City. We bought all our new clothes and new shoes in Cabanatuan City. Those days were heaven!
Fast forward to several years more and our trips to Cabanatuan City became fewer and fewer. That meant that I never had the opportunity to master Cabanatuan City. In the end, it has become a foreign land to me and I never had the confidence to commute to Cabanatuan City alone since then.
Ah, yes. Those few days before school started gave me so much excitement because it meant that we were going to Cabanatuan City, the place where I first experienced stepping inside a mall, enjoying the cold air conditioning, eating in a fast food restaurant, and visiting the toy section of the department store.
I remember going to the wet market to buy fresh produce and eating in a hole-in-the-wall Chinese noodle house, which I learned later on grew to be a big bakeshop (FM Bakeshop) in Cabanatuan City. We bought all our new clothes and new shoes in Cabanatuan City. Those days were heaven!
Fast forward to several years more and our trips to Cabanatuan City became fewer and fewer. That meant that I never had the opportunity to master Cabanatuan City. In the end, it has become a foreign land to me and I never had the confidence to commute to Cabanatuan City alone since then.
Things to See & Do: Cabanatuan City in a Day
The opportunity to visit Cabanatuan City came in the form of a wedding invitation. Actually, it was my father who invited me to accompany him to that ceremony. Little did I realize that this trip has wrapped up a few small (though unforgettable) surprises for me.
I readily said yes for several reasons. The number one reason was that I hadn't been to Cabanatuan City since, I think, 2002. It was close to a decade so I think it's about time to go back to my once favorite place.
Dambana ng Ina ng Laging Saklolo (Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help) Church
The wedding venue was Dambana ng Ina ng Laging Saklolo Church (roughly translated as the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help), which is one of the most popular locations for wedding ceremonies not just in Cabanatuan City but in the whole province of Nueva Ecija. It was my first time to go there and honestly, I didn't quite find the place impressive.
What I did notice was the peaceful and quiet ambiance of the area so that I instantly felt like I was being lulled to sleep. The interior of the church reminded me of the Church of the Holy Sacrifice in UP Diliman in which the overall architecture of the building takes advantage of the natural elements as its source of lighting and ventilation.
 |
| Dambana in Ina ng Laging Saklolo |
What I did notice was the peaceful and quiet ambiance of the area so that I instantly felt like I was being lulled to sleep. The interior of the church reminded me of the Church of the Holy Sacrifice in UP Diliman in which the overall architecture of the building takes advantage of the natural elements as its source of lighting and ventilation.
La Parilla Hotel
After the ceremonies, we proceeded to La Parilla Hotel. I've heard so much about this old hotel which is among the famous landmarks of Cabanatuan. It actually has a romantic significance to my parents as this is where my father proposed to my mother during Nanay's graduation ball in 1980.
 |
| Façade of La Parilla Hotel |
I was expecting the hotel to be a bit large because of its popularity as a venue for parties and weddings so I was quite surprised because it was not that spacious at all.
La Parilla, however, had that "old-world" feel to it because the original structure and design of the building were preserved. The function rooms are small, as I had imagined, but I still found them charming and homey. The walls and the posts looked antique and really attractive. The old-world charm combined with the low ceiling provided a feeling of warmth and closeness -- characteristics that we are all looking forward to during family gatherings.
 |
| La Parilla Hotel |
As for the food, well, I guess since the Hotel wasn't really presenting it as "fancy" hotel food -- just warm, tasty, delicious, and filling party and fiesta food -- La Parilla didn't disappoint as to the taste of the selections it served.
On a final note, the only thing I suggest that the Hotel should improve on is its restroom. They should add more urinals and further improve cleanliness. But overall, it was one memorable experience and I didn't regret it a bit for accepting Tatay's invitation.
On a final note, the only thing I suggest that the Hotel should improve on is its restroom. They should add more urinals and further improve cleanliness. But overall, it was one memorable experience and I didn't regret it a bit for accepting Tatay's invitation.
La Parilla Hotel is located at Zulueta corner Melencio Streets, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. For inquiries, you may call the telephone number (+6344) 463-1810 or send an email to reservations@laparilla.com.ph (room reservations) or inquiry@laparilla.com.ph (parties, meetings, and events).
Stopover in Sangitan
After the affair, we proceeded to a place called Barangay Sangitan where there were plenty of different vegetables sold. My father informed me that this place is actually a vegetable depot.
Vegetable traders from Baguio, La Union, Nueva Vizcaya and other parts of Nueva Ecija bring their produce to Sangitan. Stall owners from Manila and as far as Cavite all go here to buy vegetables in bulk. From Sangitan, we decided to call it a day and just head home to San Antonio.
 |
| Photo by pexels.com |
Vegetable traders from Baguio, La Union, Nueva Vizcaya and other parts of Nueva Ecija bring their produce to Sangitan. Stall owners from Manila and as far as Cavite all go here to buy vegetables in bulk. From Sangitan, we decided to call it a day and just head home to San Antonio.
Other interesting places to see in Cabanatuan City
St. Nicholas of Tolentine Cathedral
Located within the Cabanatuan City proper, St. Nicholas of Tolentine Cathedral is a curious mix of old and modern designs. Being one of the most popular churches in Cabanatuan City, it is frequented by many visitors to attend Mass. It is also near the location where General Antonio Luna was killed.
Cabanatuan American Memorial
This is a World War II memorial dedicated to thousands of Americans who died in the hands of the Japanese army. It is located along the Cabanatuan-Palayan road in Barangay Pangatian and features a small museum as well as plaques containing the names of the war casualties. Admission to the Cabanatuan American Memorial is free.
Where to Stay in Cabanatuan City
Aside from La Parilla Hotel, travelers may also stay at The Harvest Hotel and Microtel by Wyndham Cabanatuan. Please find below the details should you wish to book a room:
The Harvest Hotel
The Harvest Hotel is located at 1179 Del Pilar Street, Cabanatuan City. For inquiries, you may call (044) 950-8888 or 0917-5396125, or send them an email at info@theharvesthotel.com.
Microtel by Wyndham Cabanatuan
Microtel by Wyndham is located at Sta. Arcadia, Cabanatuan City. For inquiries, you may call (+6344) 958-7777 or 0927-8042929, or send them an email at cabanatuan@microtel.ph.
Epilogue
As our vehicle was traversing the highway, I couldn't help but observe the different business establishments along the road. And suddenly, it just dawned upon me that Cabanatuan City is also a progressive zone. Establishments like Shakey's, Gloria Jean's, and Robinson's, to name a few can also be found here.
Big businesses like banks and financing companies hold their head offices here so growth is indeed continuous. Somehow, I felt that the people who have decided to pursue their careers in Cabanatuan are likewise blessed and lucky since they're just home. They didn't need to be in Metro Manila just to feel successful.
Anyway, though tired from more than three hours of traveling to and from Cabanatuan, I still felt happy and contented for having "explored" a captivating place that's just at home but rarely visited. And right now, I can't help but feel excited at the thought of visiting Cabanatuan City once again. Thanks in large part to the new sights I have seen.
Also read: Heritage Series: The Churches of Nueva Ecija
This post may contain affiliate links, including those from Amazon Associates, which means that if you book or purchase anything through one of those links, we may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you. All opinions are ours and we only promote products that we use.
Download a free copy of my Churches of Nueva Ecija eBook HERE!
I would love to visit Cabanatuan City one day. It was great to read about it. The places we're familiar with often look different when we get older, don't they?
ReplyDeleteThat is such a beautiful area! I'd love to take a trip to Cabanatuan one day.
ReplyDeleteNnniiiccceeeee....Cabanatuan City looks a fine place to visit, say, like over the weekend....when you've got a bit of time to visit! I like what I see!
ReplyDeleteWhen i had kids, I saw the world like that. With new eyes, through their eyes, it was kind of amazing :)
ReplyDeleteOh my, these photos are stunning. The Philippines are gorgeous to begin with and this city seems so vibrant. Thanks for the hotel recommendation as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I've never heard of Cabanatuan City. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be able to come and visit this gorgeous spot! Hopefully in the next couple of years, post-pandemic. :)
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this city before. I am glad that you got to explore a place tha tyou visited as a child as an adult. You see things in a different light.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to visit Cabanatuan City someday! It looks lovely. Isn't it amazing visiting important places from our childhood? There's so much nostalgia and yet we also get to see it all through a very new lens. I'm happy you got to do this with a place of import from your childhood! Thank you for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteI miss the Philippines so much! Each time I read blogs and watched my vlogs online about Philippine travel, I made sure to add them to my Google Map for easy access. I've heard so many amazing things and news about Cabanatuan City, and definitely a city that I am interested to visit someday. This pandemic ruins my travel life, lol.
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so lovely, even the more simple things. I would love to visit.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Philippines yet but this is really one of my bucket list. I hope I can finally visit in the future. I would check Cabanatuan in the map too so I can add this place when I finally visited your country. The vegetables at Sangitan looks fresh!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a wonderful place to visit and the photos look amazing
ReplyDeleteSuper Ganda din ng Location jan mommy and Daddy 😊 super Gaganda ng mga View, and Pefresh ng Mga halaman, Gulay at mga Prutas ❤❤
ReplyDeleteTama po kayo dyan. Masarap talaga sa probinsya.
DeleteBeautiful place to visit. Medyo malapit nga sya sa probinsya namin sa Tarlac. Sana mabisita din ko Yan after pandemic.
ReplyDeleteAy, malapit lang po pala. Halos kapitbahay ng Cabanatuan City.
Delete