Anyone visiting Angeles City today can easily testify to the economic boom taking place. But what makes the situation more admirable is that throughout its history the city has managed to overcome all the obstacles that have come in its way.

During World War II, Angeles, then just a town, was occupied by the Japanese, and the citizens, including American and Filipino soldiers, suffered terribly. The destruction of Fort Stotsenburg was one of the most devastating in history. However, after three years, the Allied Forces were able to liberate Angeles. Fort Stotsenberg was greatly enlarged, and became Clark Air Base.
This resulted in the rapid expansion of business in Angeles and it eventually became a city.

Just as it was experiencing growth however, Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991, causing havoc and destruction. In the same year, the Laurel-Langely Act, which allowed for the establishment of American bases in the Philippines, was denied extension by the Senate.

Despite the setback, Angeles City was able to recover. In a mere two years, Clark air Base became Clark Freeport Zone. Today it is the center of numerous upstart business, mostly involved in the fields of science and technology. The Angeles livelihood Village and Industrial Estate have spawned a robust export industry, with products ranging from local crafts to garments.

A haven for businessmen, Angeles City's storied past also makes it an ideal tourist destination. Among the numerous landmarks that should be checked out include the Pamintuan Residence, which was the home of the First Philippine Republic. Later becoming the base of General Arthur MacArthur, it is now the site of the Central Luzon central bank.

The historic Fort Stotsenburg has also become a tourist spot; the Founders' Residence constructed by Angel de Miranda in the 1820s is situated in Santo Rosario and provides a glimpse of the city's past; also in Santo Rosario is the Holy Rosary Church. Constructed in 1877 through forced labor, the edifice also served as a medical facility during the late 1800s.

The Bayanihan Park is a fusion of an amusement center and historical site. Here one can see areas designated for playing sports, and at the same time it is the place where you will find the famous Salakot Arch.

Other spectacles in Angeles City are its festivals. One of the most eagerly awaited is the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta where participants from across the globe join in; another popular event is the Sisig Festival, which is a commemoration of the Sisig, renowned dish of Pampanga. The La Naval Fiesta is religious in nature, and began as a thanks for the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom the people credited for helping the Spanish defeat the Dutch.

Angeles City also boasts some of the best schools and universities in the country. Educational institutions like AMA Computer College, STI, University of the Philippines, OB Montessori and the Asian Institute of College Studies, are found throughout the city.

Angeles is also the location of several charity groups and organizations, including the Bahay Bata Center, and the legal Bureau for Women, catering to the needs of women and children.

Peter Garant is writing Philippines travel articles for his site about Angeles City. http://www.angelesboard.com/