Angeles City

Angeles City is in Pampanga province in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. The city is rich in history and heritage, with old and historical significant buildings dotting its landscape, but these days it is perhaps best known for its vibrant adult nightlife.

Angeles is a thriving city comparable to the Philippine capital and largest city, Manila. In 1899, it became the seat of the Philippine government under General Emilio Aguinaldo and the site of the first anniversary celebration of Philippine Independence.

The city has a booming nightlife and is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination, particularly from South Korea. Its center, Balibago, is especially known for its fine restaurants, hotels and shopping malls. Within Balibago is neon-lit Fields Avenue, known for its bars, nightclubs and what may be one of the world's largest concentrations of go-go bars. Adjoining Clark Freeport Zone is the site of world-class resorts, casinos, duty-free shops and beautifully landscaped golf courses. The city, and the rest of the Pampanga region, is known as the "Culinary Center of the Philippines."

Get in

By plane

Angeles is served by the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark Freeport Zone, approximately 5 kilometers from the city proper. It has adequate travel facilities, a duty free shopping center, souvenir shops, free wireless internet, a tourist information center, hotel and travel agency representatives, and car rental services.

The airport is where budget airlines like Air Asia (from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu), Tiger Airways (from Singapore and Macau) and Cebu Pacific (from Singapore and Bangkok) fly to. Also, it receives direct flights from Hong Kong and Korea from current carriers like Asian Spirit, Asiana Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Cebu Pacific, South East Asian Airlines and Tiger Airways. Domestic flights are offered by Cebu Pacific and South East Asian Airlines.

Because DMIA is a small airport, containing only one terminal, it is often considered a more efficient gateway into the Philippines than through heavily-congested Manila. The roadways around the airport is fairly rural, making transport between the airport and the city quick and hassle-free. Don't worry about finding transport as taxi drivers will heavily solicit you for patronage as you exit the airport.

By bus

This is the most common and economical way to get to Angeles from Metro Manila. Several air-conditioned bus lines ply from Manila to Angeles route with terminals scattered across the metropolitan area. It normally takes one-and-a-half hours to get to Angeles by bus. However, travellers are well advised to consider the unpredictable effect heavy traffic and downpours will have on the commute. In short, give yourself plenty of time to travel by bus. Provincial bus companies have scheduled trips from Manila to provinces to northern provinces and key cities.

By car

The best way from Manila to Angeles via car is taking the North Luzon Expressway which extends until Sta. Ines in Mabalacat, Pampanga. You may take either the Angeles Exit or Dau exit to get there. Another motorway, though narrow, is the McArthur Highway and visitors need to pass through the province of Bulacan to get to Angeles on both routes. It usually takes about 45 minutes to travel but it is twice the travel time if you plan to take the McArthur route due to heavy traffic along its stretch. Rental car companies can be found all over Manila and Angeles. If you don't know the routes, you can hire drivers by asking the attendant of the rent-a-car shop.

Get around

By jeepney
To hop on a colorful jeepney (small bus) is certainly the most affordable way to get around downtown. It is available 24 hours a day and it is the most famous mode of transportation in the country, which connects towns and cities together. Since jeepneys tend to be overcrowded with passengers, tourists carrying bulky luggage should consider traveling by taxi.

By taxi
Though more convenient for tourists, taxis are less common in Angeles and not normally used for travel outside the city. Rather, they are primarily used to tour around the Clark Freeport Zone and for transport to and from the airport. Simson's taxicab terminal can be found particularly next to Clark's main gate (opposite Jollybee's) and SM City-Clark mall in Balibago.

By trike
Trikes (or tricycles) are motocycles with a small attached passenger cabin. They are restricted to low-speed roads and not permitted to enter the area surrounding the airport. Passengers of larger physical stature may find riding in them uncomfortable. Nevertheless, because of their slower speeds, trikes are generally a safe mode of transport.

Places to see in Angeles

Place to See

• Fort Stotsenburg, named after Colonel John M. Stotsenburg, a Captain of the 6th US Cavalry, was the location of the first permanent quarters of the American forces in Sapang Bato, Angeles. It is also known as the "Parade Ground," which served as a venue for many important celebrations by the Americans before the US-RP Military Bases Agreement ended in 1991.
• Old Pamintuan Residence was served as the seat of government of the First Philippine Republic under General Emilio Aguinaldo from May to July 1899 and the Central Headquarter for Major General Arthur McArthur. It now houses the Central Bank of the Philippines in Central Luzon.
• Founders' Residence (Bale Matua), located at the heart of Santo Rosario, is the oldest building in the city. It was built in 1824 by the city founder, Don Ángel Pantaleón de Miranda, and his wife, Doña Rosalia de Jesus, and was inherited by Doña Juana de Miranda de Henson, the only daughter of Angeles City’s founders. This house, which is made of high stone wall and an ornate gate, nostalgically symbolizes the glorious past of Angeles amidst the overwhelming onslaughts of modernization.
• Post Office Building (Deposito) is a building that was constructed in 1899 for the purpose of depositing Catholic religious statues and carriages of the church, hence the name Deposito. It was also used as the headquarter of the 11th Film Exchange US Army from 1946 to 1947 and was then used as a jailhouse for recalcitrant US troops during the Philippine-American War. On February 6, 1967, the Angeles City Post Office moved to this building. It is now the site of Angeles Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center.
• Camalig was built in 1840 by Don Ciriaco de Miranda, the first gobernadorcillo or town head of Angeles, and was used as a grain storehouse along Santo Rosario Street. It was restored in 1980 by Armando L. Nepomuceno and is now the site of Armando's Pizza and Camalig Restaurant.
• Holy Rosary Church (Santo Rosario Church) was constructed from 1877 to 1896 by the "Polo y Servicio" labor system, a kind of forced labor imposed on Filipino peasants by the Spanish colonial government. It was used as a military hospital by the US Army from August 1899 to December 1900. Its backyard was the execution ground to the Spanish forces in shooting down Filipino rebels and suspects.
• Holy Family Academy Building was served as a military hospital of the US Army in 1900 and later as the troop barracks, officers' quarters and arsenal by the Japanese Imperial Military Forces in 1942.
• Museo ning Angeles used to be a municipal hall and it periodically features exhibits on the history, culture, the tradition of the city and its people.
• Bale Herencia, built in 1860, is situated in Lakandula Street corner Santo Rosario Street. It is a picturesque house with the unsavory reputation of having been built for the mistress of a parish priest. The current owners now use it as a banquet hall.
• Juan D. Nepomuceno's Center for Kapampangan Studies houses a library, museum of archives and gallery, research center and theater, put up by the Holy Angel University in 2002 to preserve, study and promote Kapampangan history and culture.
• Lily Hill is a strategic observation post for monitoring Japanese movement in World War II. Remains of Japanese aircraft were found here at the end of the war. Along this hill can now be found Lily Hill Duty Free Store.
• Mount Pinatubo is now an inactive volcano that brought devastation by its eruption in 1991 and forced the US military base to abandon this city. Trekking the volcano's slope and dipping into the crater's turquoise-blue waters is truly an adventure of a lifetime
• Apu Chapel is the shrine of the Our Lord of the Holy Sepulchre (Apung Mamacalulu). Devotees pay their homage to the shrine every Friday
• Expo Pilipino is where the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 was held. Today, its 35,000-seating capacity amphitheater is a favorite venue for concerts, ecumenical services and political rallies. Nayong Pilipino is adjacent to this site
• Kapampangan Museum (Clark Museum) features the history of the US military in the Philippines, Philippine military history and a Mount Pinatubo exhibit. It also showcases Clark as a former US military base and its metamorphosis into a special economic zone and then as a world-class aviation and business metropolis as depicted in pictures, dioramas, replicas, murals and artifacts.
• Bayanihan Park (formerly Astro Park) is home to a year-round mini-amusement park and it is an ideal spot for sports and recreational activities having basketball and volleyball courts and huge space for jogging and other recreational activities. This is where the famous and historical "Salakot Arch" is now located
• Salakot Arch is a landmark of Angeles City. From 1902 to 1979, Clark remained a US territory, guaranteed by the Military Bases Agreement (MBA) in 1947. In 1978, the Philippines and the US agreed to establish Philippine sovereignty over the US bases and thus the Clark Air Base Command (CABCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines came into being, following the signing of a revised MBA on January 7, 1979. To commemorate this event, the government constructed a special structure based upon the design of a salakot or native hat, which soon became a widely recognized symbol of this new spirit in the long tradition of Philippine-American relations.

To do in Angeles

• Barhopping on Fields Ave. is arguably Angeles City's most famous attraction, offering male tourists a large selection of female companionship. Surrounding Fields Ave., Santos St., Real St. and Raymond St., there is perhaps the largest concentration of go-go bars in the world, numbering 60-70 within a few city blocks. Although some bars are opened 24 hours, most don't open until late afternoons and close during the wee hours of the morning. There is no cover charge to enter the bars (except for special events) and drinks will cost P50-200. Lady drinks are normally triple that amount. At any given moment, each bar can host between 20 to 100 dancers, most of whom are available for take-out in exchange for a "barfine", a payment to the bar for the priviledge. Barfines can range from P500 to P2000, depending on the bar and the duration in which the buyer wants companionship. Patrons are not obligated to pay a barfine and can simply sit, drink and watch the dancing.

• Tigtigan Terakan Keng Dalan (Music and Dancing in the Streets) which started in 1992, is an annual all-night party along MacArthur Highway, Balibago, held on the last friday & saturday of October. Restaurants & bars set-up tables & chairs along the streets, and serves over-flowing food and drinks. It features non-stop music from amateur and national bands and is attended by celebrities, out-of-towners and locals alike. This event is used to celebrate the Octoberfest. Phone: (63)(45) 625-8525 (Department of Tourism); E-mail: celtour@yahoo.com.

• Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta is held every year between January and February at Clark Special Economic Zone. It features multicolored hot-air balloons with more than a hundred balloon pilots from around the world and considered to be the biggest aviation sports event in the country. Phone: (63)(45) 599-5524.

• Sisig Festival is held annually in the month of December, celebrating the Kapampangan dish, sisig, which said to have been originated in this city. Phone: (63)(45) 625-8525 (Department of Tourism); E-mail: celtour@yahoo.com.

• Mount Pinatubo Trekking is highly recommended for trekking or hiking enthusiasts who like to have the most memorable trip to this once deadly volcano. One would have the experience to board a 4x4 which will head to lahar country passing some rough terrain, gray, barren mountains interspersed with green, lush mountains. Upon reaching the summit, you would definitely enjoy the spectacular clear blue, pristine waters surrounded by mountains. Phone: (63)(45) 892-7975 (Dream Treks), (63)(45) 781-12582 (R & J Pinatubo Trek) and (63)(45) 602-5133 (Swagman's Mount Pinatubo Adventure Treks). Current cost for the trip is PhP8,000 and it is good for 4 persons. This might be a problem if one is traveling alone, as it might be hard to find company for this trip as most of the tourists in Angeles are there for totally other reasons. This is for short 9 hours or one-day trip. Hiking part is being anything between 3 and 6 hours depending on the fitness of the group. There are also overnight trips available.

• Philippine Adventures provides an exciting day trip to Mt Pinatubo from Manila. The tour includes air-conditioned transfers. Use of 4x4 Jeep. Packed lunch. Private local guide leading a trek to the crater and lake. For further information email info@philippineadventures.com or view

• Mount Pinatubo Aerial Tours is for you if you want to have the best seat to view the volcano that once ravaged Central Luzon. Considered one of the largest eruptions of the 20th century, the eruption affected global weather patterns. Having been dormant for centuries, Mount Pinatubo erupted anew in 1991, spewing an ash plume that spread across the globe. Have a bird's-eye-view of the crater, surreal ash canyons and the remnants of the once-devastating lahar flows. Flights depart out of Omni Aviation Complex at Clark Field. Cost is $55 per person, flying time for 1 to 2 persons is 45 minutes while for 3 or more is one hour. The best time to fly is early in the morning (sunrise-10AM) and in the late afternoon (3PM-sunset). Phone: (63)(45) 599-5524.

• Parachuting/Skydiving has to be one of the very best ways to view the surrounding countryside. The Tropical Asia Parachute Center (TAPC) operates from Clark Freeport Zone. The center provides student training, including both tandem and static line parachuting, and advanced training. Costs are very reasonable and if you have considered trying this sport before, take advantage while visiting the Philippines. Phone: (63)(45) 599-6246; Fax: (63)(45) 599-6245; E-mail: ville@mozcom.com.

• Ultra-light Flying is one sport that is definitely growing. If you want your senses get heightened and your heart pound as the wind whistles through your hair, this is for you! This is organized by the Angeles City Flying Club. The area also offers many additional attractions, from diving to cycling to hiking to night clubbing. Phone: (63)(918) 231–5266; Fax: (63)(45) 332-3311; E-mail: acfc@mozcom.com.

• Drive Off-Road is an off-road challenge where you can take on a wild, bumpy, ride in old four-wheel-drive jeeps in a safari-like journey across the dusty expanse of the valley to a campsite. It is organized by the Angeles City Four Wheelers Club and is ideal for trekking and be able to see the lahar canyons, Gate of Heaven and other sites in Mount Pinatubo. Phone: (63)(45) 599-5000.

• Golf, world-class golf courses, such as Holiday Inn Golf and Resort, Fontana Resort, Angeles Sports and Country Club, and J&K Golf are the recommended golf courses for those so inclined. Phone: (63)(2) 845-1888 or USA toll-free: 1-888-465-4329 (Holiday Inn), (63)(45) 599-5000 (Fontana), (63)(45) 892-6358 (Angeles Sports and Country Club) and (63)(45) 599-7888 (J&K Golf).
• Lawn Bowling is the only one in the country and is offered at the Hidden Vale and Angeles Sports and Country Club, a mature 11.34 hectare site which includes a nine-hole golf course, luxurious penthouse suites and driving range. Phone: (63)(45) 625-8525 (Department of Tourism); E-mail: celtour@yahoo.com.

• Visit the Pool Resorts, though Angeles has no beaches, it has a number of resorts to choose from, including Clearwater Country Club, Angeles Beach Club (ABC), Fontana, Oasis, Holiday Inn Resort, Amando's, Villa Alfredo's, Villa Antonina, and Greenville, some just slightly outside the boundries of the city. Phone: 599-5949 (Clearwater), (63)(45) 892-2222 (ABC) and (63)(45) 599-5000 (Fontana).

• Drag and Go-Kart Racing is organized by the Angeles Hot Rod Association (AHRA), the oldest drag racing in the Philippines. You can find this attraction at the Omni Aviation inside the Clark Ecozone. AHRA is where you will find most of the big V8 muscle cars, as well as many "bangers." In addition to race meets, they also organize and run regular classic and custom car shows, swap meets, social events and more. Phone: (63)(45) 599-5524 or (63)(45) 599-6246; E-mail: ahra@nt1.ph.

• Gambling, being renowned as a city with high concentration of casinos, such as Casino Filipino-Angeles, Casino Filipino-Mimosa, Fontana Casino, and Casablanca Casino, Angeles offers a variety of activities that will keep leisure travelers definitely happy. Phone: (63)(45) 332-1196, (63)(45) 332-1198, (63)(45) 892-5073, (63)(45) 892-5074, or (63)(45) 892-4182 (Casino Filipino-Angeles) and (63)(45) 599-6020 (Casino Filipino-Mimosa); E-mail: cfangeles@comclark.com.

• Play Pool in a city of great champions like Efren Reyes and Rodolfo Luat. Angeles has an abundance of pool tables to play all along the Fields Avenue and hundreds of other places in the city.

• Mount Arayat Trek is available November through May. Prices range: day trips (minimum of 3 persons, P800 per person) and overnight trips (minimum of 3 persons, P2500 per person). Phone: (63)(45) 892-6239.

Where to Eat in Angeles

Angeles is known for being the "Culinary Center of the Philippines." This reputation reportedly goes back to the Spanish colonial times where it is said that the Kapampangan cook learned very quickly to improvise on Spanish dishes using local ingredients.

The culinary adventure in Angeles is sure to be an experience of a lifetime. A must-eat dish is "Sisig", which Angeles is famous for. From its humble beginnings in Aling Lucing's Eatery along Angeles' railroad to its present top-of-the-menu ranking in Manila's bars and nightclubs, sisig has come to conquer the Filipino drinkers' palate. It has become the quintessential pulutan fare
— the default order that comes with every round of beer.

Other not-to-be-missed local mouth-watering cuisines are

• Dencio's kare-kare (another Kapampangan menu, which is a Philippine stew made from peanut sauce with a variety of vegetables, stewed oxtail, beef and occasionally offal or tripe),
• fresh papaya lumpia
• tilapia in tausi sauce
• adobong pugo
• morcon
• tortang bangus (milkfish stuffed with ground pork)
• Everybody's Cafe's camaru (fried cricket adobo), kilayin baboy (pork meat and lungs pickled in a marinade of vinegar or calamansi juice, usually along with garlic, onions and hot/sweet peppers), bringhe (local Spanish paella), bulanglang (meat or fish broth soured with guava fruit)
• Aling Luring's batute (a frog stuffed with ground and seasoned pork, then deep fried to a crisp), burong isda (fermented rice with fish or small shrimps), pork and carabao tocino
• Bale Dutung's burong talangka (the fat of salted little crabs, very rich and laden with cholesterol but hard to resist),
• Filipinized pizza in a bilao at Armando's Pizza, brazo de mercedes
• halo-halo from Razon's and Corazon's (a popular dessert that is a mixture of shaved ice and milk, added with various boiled sweet beans and fruits, and served cold in a glass or bowl),
• Susie's Cuisine's famous pancit luglog (palabok), tibuk tibok (made from carabao's milk and also known as "maja blanca"), tocino del cielo (a richer version of leche flan) and turron de casoy.

If you are a person inclined to drinking beer and eating barbecue, then

• Frank & Jim
• Ikabud
• Whythaus Grill
• Wishing Well
• Marisol Steakhouses and the eateries along Angeles railroad crossing are certainly the spots for you. Street foods, such as fishballs and kikiams on sticks, are a must-try at Nepo Compound vendor stands.

If local cuisine is not your type, no need to worry as the city has a wide range of pretty decent restaurants to choose from. Fine restaurants and eateries that serve international menus are

• C Italian
• Maranao Grill-Oasis Hotel
• Salvatore's
• Zapata's
• Rodizio-Holiday Inn
• Cottage Kitchen
• Red Crab Seafood & Steaks
• Shanghai Palace
• House of Bamboo
• Subdelicious
• Rumpa
• VFW
• Chic 'N Ribs
• A la Crème
• Rib Eye Steak House
• Fortune Seafood
• Perfect Loaf
• Four Season's Grill
• Angeles Fried Chicken
• Bretto's
• Mar's
• Toll House
• Hana-mi
• Didi's
• Peking House
• Mister Frosty
• China Jade Seafood and Dimsum House

and a host of other American, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican and Korean restaurants.
A number of coffee shops are also to be seen even in the outskirts of the city, such as

• Beatico Coffee
• Zulu Coffee & Tea
• Ciocollo
• The Coffee Academy
• Starbucks
• Northern Brew
• Coffee Overdose
• and Mequeni Cafe-Holiday Inn

that serve drip regular coffee, decaff, brewed coffee, espresso-based hot drinks, other hot and cold drinks, and snacks.

Where to Drink in Angeles

The infamous nightlife scene in Angeles originally sprung up to service nearby Clark Air Force Base. The US military left in 1991 after nearby Mt. Pinatubo erupted, but a crackdown on prostitution in Manila promptly restored the industry's fortunes, and today Angeles has the biggest nightlife scene in the Philippines.
Balibago district is home to many bars and karaoke joints. It has of a number of clubs which fit any budget and personality. There are traditional clubs with DJ's and the live band clubs. For endless evening of dancing and pulsating music, head for the bright lights of Balibago. Fields Avenue and McArthur Highway are the places to head for go-go bars, comedy bar shows, sing-along or karaoke bars, nightclubs and drinking beer - it is a non-stop pleasure seven days a week, everyday of the year.

• Sax Bar, Diamond Service Road, McArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ 63 (45) 892-3574.

• Whythaus Grill & KTV, Severina Lim Avenue, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, ☎ 63 (45) 892-7077.

• Wishing Well Music Lounge (KTV & Grill), Severina Lim Avenue, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, ☎ 63 (45) 322-4857.

• Spencer's Fusion Bar & Restaurant, Saver's Mall, McArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 892-5826 or (63)(45) 323-6888, local 183.

• R&B Music Venue, Don Juico Avenue, Malabanias.

• S.O.S., Fields Avenue, Balibago.

• Skytraxx, Fields Avenue, Balibago (Next to Subdelecious). One of the best Hip hip clubs in Angeles City with friendly bartenders, waiters and waitress.

• The London Bar, 4370-B Arayat Street, 1st Floor, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago.

• Topsy Turvy, 4370-B Arayat Street, 1st Floor, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago.

• Klub Caterva, 4370-G Arayat Street, 2nd Floor, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago.

Where to Stay in Angeles

There are many nice hotels around the city, furnished with the luxury of modern day living with upgraded facilities to accommodate your needs. Some can be found along the Clark Perimeter Road while others within the Clark Freeport Zone. Lower-cost accommodation in the main entertainment area near Fields Ave., however, tends to be expensive by Asian standards, with prices starting around P800-1000, and the cheapest places are often fully booked. If you look for the budget options, while still in the bar area and walking distance from Fields Ave. proper, head along the Fields Ave. to the west, where it is no more traffic-free and continues along the Clark Freeport Zone fence as the Perimeter Road (Don Juico Ave.). Numerous cheap (P400-700) rooms can be found here, as well as more upmarket hotels (ABC Hotel. for example, which is also a well-known landmark in the area). The Perimeter Road is quite busy even at night, and so is relatively safe to walk home late, compared to the other streets around. Another option is to accept tricycle driver's "cheap hotel" tout - but, as everywhere, this may mean overpricing due to the driver's commission, more concerns about hotel security, and a P50 or more for a trike ride every time you go in and out (or a long walk, which may be not safe in the night time also).


• Holiday Inn Hotel and Resort - Mimosa, Mimosa Drive, Clark Field, ☎ 63)(2) 845-1888, (63)(45) 599-8000 and 1-888-465-4329 (hircf@comclark.com, beeline@beelinetravel.com, fax: (63)(45) 843-1363), The region's only Holiday Inn Resort, it has deluxe rooms which range from about $60/night on up. This is by far the largest hotel in the Angeles area, having over 300 rooms, suites and villas. It is located at the Mimosa Leisure Estate, which has the best golf course in the region and a casino. This is a business-class convention hotel for Clark. No problem bringing in a guest (or two). It has smoking and non-smoking rooms. Government rate is generally the lowest available. This location within the Clark Freeport Zone is only a few miles away from the entertainment district. Taxi service is available 24/7 for P150 to the bar area.

• Angeles Beach Club Hotel (ABC Hotel), Don Juico Avenue, Malabanias, ☎ (63)(45) 892-2222 (info@angelesbeachclubhotel.com), It is a five-star hotel situated in the entertainment zone across from SM shopping mall. It is an outstanding one-of-a-kind hotel specifically designed for Balibago. The rooms are 'out of a dream' and its swimming pool has a white sandy beach. For $90 per night, it includes free breakfast, free shuttle service to and from Clark Airport and around town, 3 extra movie channels, 3 adult channels and free internet. 'Beachfront Suites' and 'Penthouse Suites' are also available. It is constructed with great detail by the best craftsmen in the area. A must-see hotel that is, by far, the number one recommended hotel.

• Oasis Hotel, Clark Perimeter Road, Clarkview Compound, Malabanias, ☎ 63)(45) 322-3301 (reserve@oasishotel.com.ph, oasishtl@comclark.com), Once a favorite of visiting US Air Force officers, this quiet, respectable hotel is located within a secure residential compound. The hotel has all the services you will need including a 24-hour room service, 24-hour foreign currency exchange, 24-hour high security and dual-key safe deposit boxes, laundry service, a beautiful swmimming pool, a business center with internet access and a gift shop. The hotel restaurant, Maranao Grill, is open 24 hours and there is an English pub. Standard and deluxe rooms are offered, but if you are going to stay here, take a P2750 junior suite and ask for a discount. The suites are among the largest rooms in Angeles and a good option if you like to have two or more girls for the night. Each suite is available with one king or two queen-size beds and has a large, clean bathroom. This is a place where you can bring your wife and kids if you are not able to leave them at home.

• Fontana Leisure Park, C.M. Recto Highway, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 599-5000 or (63)(45) 599-8118 (resortsales@fontanaleisureparks.com),. It features a world-class wave pool that can electronically produce various types of waves and three giant aqua thrill slides. The park also has other attractions like the mad scientist water laboratory, the buccaneer ship and the lazy river. A prelude to the coming 18-hole championship course, the pitch and putt of the golf course is a perfect place for golfers to practice their game. It also has a casino which offers over a hundred slot and video machines and 40 gaming tables with games like Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette and Pai-Gow.

• Clarkton Hotel, 620 Don Juico Avenue, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 322-3424 or USA toll-free: (866) 978-4962 (info@clarkton.com). This is a German-managed hotel that has 93 rooms. Large suites are available on the 3rd floor. It has an excellent restaurant, on-site go-go bar, a 24-hour room service and a large, clean pool. The pool area is a popular gathering place. Single deluxe room is P1650 while a suite is for P2500 or P2800.

• Hotel Stotsenberg, Gil Puyat Avenue corner A. Soriano Street, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 499-0777. This resort, with a casino, enjoys the best of worlds as it is a serene sanctuary, yet only a breeze away from an exciting nightlife. Just five minutes away from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, the hotel is accessible from all points in Greater Luzon via the North Luzon Expressway and other arterial highways - making it an excellent base for the discerning business as well as leisure travelers. Deluxe room is $83, executive suit is $98, Clark suite is $263 and Stotsenberg suite is $299.

• Marlim Mansions Hotel, MacArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ 63)(45) 322-2002 or 63)(45) 322-2393 (marlim@digitelone.com, fax: (63)(45) 722-2972). A five story full-service hotel, Marlim Mansion Hotel is one of the biggest hotels located at downtown Balibago with a total of 100 rooms. Standard room is $25, deluxe room is $29 and junior suite is $19.

• Pacific Breeze Hotel and Resort, 1888 Vian Street, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45)625-6494, (63)(45) 625-6495 and (63)(45) 892-5293 (info@pacificbreezehotel.com, fax: (63)(45) 892-5680). It offers the most complete set of services and it is one of the better facilities in Angeles. With the completion of the Oahu Wing, they have also added a large conference rooms that may be rented for meetings, parties or other social functions. Here is a brief list of some of the amenities that await you: a 56 guest-room main building with elevator access to the roof top; a 50 guest-room Oahu Wing annex; and a large rooftop conference room for meetings, or other social functions.

• Oxford Hotel, M.A. Roxas Avenue corner N. Aquino Avenue, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 599-7888. It features small function and meeting rooms and a very large convention hall which can accommodate approximately 2,500 business, personal company team building or political guests. Stay at this hotel and get Mount Pinatubo Trek discounts.

• Hotel Royal Amsterdam, 648 Fields Avenue, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 892-3392 (info@hotelroyalamsterdam.com). It is one of the newest hotels in town. Built from the ground up, room rates range from $20 to $150.

• Mo's Place, Fields Avenue corner A. Santos Street, Balibago, (63) (45) 892-0509. Budget hotel with its own sports bar, swim-up bar and swimming pool. Rooms are a bit worn, and extra towels will cost you 30 pesos each. It has an in-house travel agency that can arrange tours around Angeles. Rooms rates start at about $36.

• Clark Hostel, Ninoy Aquino Avenue corner M.A. Roxas Avenue, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 599-7500 or (63)(45) 599-7501 (fax: (63)(45) 599-7462). Stay in a cozy, unique boutique condotel with many amenities and most importantly, good old fashioned warm and friendly Filipino hospitality. If you are planning an extended trip to Clark, this is the place to lodge. It is a favorite lodging facility for budget minded games-of-chance players as various casinos abound in and around the area, some within walking distance. It has a coffee shop, bar and grill with seating capacity of 200 persons at the garden coffee shop/bar with live music performances Friday nights.

• Swiss Chalet Hotel, A. Santos Street corner Real Street, Balibago, at the site of the former ''Lollipop Bar'', ☎ :(63)(45) 888-2618 (info@swisschaletph.com). This is a new hotel built from the ground up. Rooms are priced from P1400 to P2850. It has no swimming pool but has an excellent restaurant.

• Orchid Resort, 109 Raymond Street, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 322-0370 or (63)(45) 892-2653 (info@orchid-inn.com, fax: (63)(45) 322-2790). This resort has 84 rooms in the heart of the Balibago entertainment area. The resort has three buildings: the 24-room original inn, a 27-room extension and a third building, a 33-room annex completed in November 2001, called the Jasmine Wing. The family superior deluxe rooms, located in the extension, are huge. A large tropical garden of lawn and shrubs surrounds the new 50 feet by 25 feet swimming pool. 24-hour room service is available from the hotel restaurant. Safe deposit box access is available 24 hours. Orchid rooms are priced from $32 to $66.

• Wild Orchid Resort, A. Santos Street corner Johnny Street, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 625-6335 (info@wildorchidresort.com, fax: (63)(45) 625-6267). Prices range from $80 to $100. The resort is situated in the center of the entertainment district for easy walking to all of Angeles' finest clubs.

• Central Park Hotel, 261 Real Street, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 892-0256 (reserve@centralpark-ac.com, fax: (63)(45) 892-5680) It has 48 rooms in the heart of Balibago nightlife. Central Park rooms were extensively renovated in late 2003. Rooms are kept quiet by double-pane windows. If you are interested in taking a swim or sitting around a pool, it is a short walk to Kokomo's. A standard room is $25, standard plus is $33 and premiere is $35. This hotel used to be named Park Chicago.

• Montevista Villas, Mimosa Drive, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 599-3333 or (63)(2) 845-2493 (mgahotel@portalinc.com, fax: 63)(45) 599-2531). A renovated former USAF housing, the Montevista Villas are located within the Mimosa Resort amidst stately Mimosa rain trees, the former residential grounds and golf club. It is a good place for a long-term stay if you have a car. Their rate ranges from $78 to $129.

• Century Resort Hotel, MacArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 322-7454 (century@comclark.com, beeline@beelinetravel.com). The Casino Filipino-Angeles and Klownz Comedy Bar are just right next to this hotel and it is very accessible to Angeles' vibrant nightlife of Balibago district. Rate ranges from P1440 to P2880.

• Maharajah Hotel, Texas Street, Villa Sol Subdivision, Anunas, ☎ (63)(45) 625-6973 (mahatel@mozcom.com). Price ranges from P1050 to P2000.

• Phoenix Hotel, 1810 Malabanias corner Perimeter Road, Malabanias, ☎ (63)(45) 888-2195 or (63)(45) 888-2196 (info@phoenixhotel.com.ph, fax: (63)(45) 322-2074). This hotel has 33 spacious, comfortable rooms including non-smoking rooms. Each room is fully carpeted and includes cable TV, mini-bars, air-conditioning, telephones and a 24-hour room service with a full international menu. Same day laundry and dry cleaning service are available.

• Swagman-Narra Hotel, S.L. Orosa Street, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45)322-5133 (bookings@angelescity.info). Named after the national tree of the Philippines, the Narra tree, it offers a spa, swimming pool, a bar and restaurant, pool, karaoke stage, barbecue cooking area and excellent food with a variety of steaks and seafood as well as Australian, Filipino, Thai and Chinese specialties. As an added bonus, there are night-time specials and a Sunday lunch roast. Fine wines are always available.

• Blue Bianco Suites, C.M. Recto Highway, Clark Field, ☎ 63 045 599-3956. checkin: 12:00 NN; checkout: 11:00 am. 1300+.

• Patio Inn, 4410 S.L. Orosa St. Diamond Subd. Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 322-4272 or (63)(45) 892-0890 (patioinnhotels@hotmail.com, fax: (63)(45) 332-1771). With 16 well appointed rooms, a 24-hour bar and restaurant, library and business center, the Patio is where you can escape, relax but still be in touch, when you want. It also has top-quality car rentals, van, trucks and motorcycle rentals. This is a series of hotels, which cater to American and Australian travelers, mostly men. Patio V is named after the American VFW post, which is just situated next door.

• Bluefields Hotel, 1239 Malabanias Road Pladirel I, Malabanias, ☎ (63)(45) 892-7290 (reservation_bluefileds@yahoo.com). checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Quite decent budget option at the Perimeter Road end. Standard room with bathroom, aircon and TV is for only PhP975. It also has a swimming pool and free internet. It's a little barred but staff is friendly.

• Hotel Vida, 5414 M.A. Roxas Avenue, Clark Freeport, ☎ (63)(45) 499-1000. A tropical paradise hotel in Clark Freeport, this hotel is set in a lush green landscape of acacia and palm trees, where natural light and ventilation were given emphasis to achieve a breezy atmosphere. A host of first-class recreational facilities and accommodation amenities await travelers and guests.

• Donald Paul Apartelle (& Country Kitchen), Surla Street, Angeles City (Across from the city hygiene, near the casino, a few steps away from Fields Avenue.), ☎ (045)322-5569 (the_donald_paul_apartelle@yahoo.com). checkout: 1200. A new establishment, in a very convenient, but quiet location. The Donald Paul Apartelle offers queen and king size rooms, as well as two apartments that both have two bedrooms and a lounge. The whole building is brand new and very clean. The hotel has a swimming pool, free wifi / computers, and a kitchen that is open "24 & a half" hours with room service available around the clock. The staff are exceptionally friendly, especially William a local man who is always on hand with advice and a big smile. Rooms start from 1600 a night. 1600.

Contact

Internet cafes have become a common sight along university roads, at the malls, hotels and different establishments. You will have no trouble finding cheap and fast internet access. Usual rate ranges between PhP15 and PhP30 an hour. You will also find cheap gaming stations aside from internet access.
Prepaid SIM cards of local GSM operators (Globe, Smart, Sun) are widely available and cheap (P50-100). International calls, however, are not particularly cheap (though still much cheaper than roaming rates) and usually cost around US$0.40 per minute ($0.30 for Sun, but at the expense of network coverage quality). However, often they have promotions with lower call/SMS rates to the chosen countries - just ask the dealer about that.