Tarlac - 10.10.10 Weekend in Tarlac

Together with a friend, we went on a weekend getaway to Tarlac. His father hails from Tarlac and he knows some places to visit there. This is my second time to roam around the province. The last time I was here was when I climbed Mt. Pinatubo with my friends way back in 2008. I was so excited as we have planned to eat at ISDAAN in Gerona Tarlac and do side trips in Tarlac City and Paniqui.

We met at around 6:00 AM to avoid the heavy congestion of people joining the 10.10.10 Run for Pasig River that morning. Good thing we didn't get stuck in heavy traffic. At 7:00 AM, we took a bus bound for Dagupan via Victory Liner in Cubao. Fare is 177 pesos each from Cubao to Tarlac City.



By 10:00 AM, we reached Tarlac City. We got off at Metro Town Mall and took a tricycle going to Tarlac Capitol, fare is 30 pesos/tricycle. Took some pictures as souvenirs and appreciated it's old-style design.



In front of the capitol, you can also find the Maria Cristina Park, we took our time and rested for while.



Note: Tarlac Provincial Capitol is an imposing historical landmark and is the seat of the provincial government of Tarlac. The structure is situated atop a hill which has a panoramic view of the town and its periphery. Added in the site is the Maria Cristina Park, named after the beauty queen Maria Cristina Galang.(source)

We also checked out Tarlac Museum which is just across the street (on the left side of the park). Unfortunately it is closed. We didn't bother to ask why as we didn't see anyone to assist us. So, we just took some photos in front of the museum.



Our next stop is the San Sebastian Cathedral. Just take a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to the cathedral. Fare is 20 pesos/tricycle.



Note: The San Sebastian Cathedral, located in front of the Municipal Hall of Tarlac, Tarlac, was the site of the Revolutionary Congress. The demolished Tarlac Catholic convent became the highest Filipino center of learning when the Literario-Scientifico Universidad of Malolos, Bulacan was transferred to Tarlac on March 31,1889. On September 29,1890, the first graduation ceremonies were held inside the Catholic Convent premises, and the graduates diplomas was signed by General Emilio Aguinaldo. (source)

You can also see the newly built Corazon C. Aquino Monument in the rotunda near the church.



When we felt hungry, we went back to Metro Town Mall and took any bus that passes by Isdaan Restaurant in Gerona Tarlac. About 15 minutes later, we reached the famous restaurant.



Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll find floating nipa huts for dining. We checked on the place first, took some photos before we settled to have our lunch. The food is a bit expensive but it tastes good. I guess what you're really paying here is the ambiance. Hahaha!!! We ordered for Marinated Grilled Liempo, 3 cups of rice and 2 Sodas in can, 533 pesos na yun. Hahaha!!! Don't ask for service water as they will not give you. But if you insist (like what we did) they will give you naman. Better yet, bring bottled water if you don't want to buy expensive bottled water from them. Hahaha!



After our lunch, we tried the Tacsiyapo Wall. It is meant for those who need to vent out some anger or need to rid oneself of unwanted stress. This is a sure way to release your anger while shouting "Tacsiyapo" and throwing away a plate, a mug or a working TV into the Tacsiyapo wall!



Yam went first and I came next. Here are our videos:




There’s a lot to see around the place. We wandered around to have some picture-taking, before we go to Paniqui.





We enjoyed too much wandering around Isdaan that we ran out of time to visit places in Paniqui. We just had some pix in the bus stop before we head back home.



This is indeed one great weekend get away. Thanks Yam!