Angeles City Philippines the entertainment capital of Northern Luzon

Angeles City Philippines

Known as the “City of Angels”, Angeles City is the entertainment capital of northern Luzon. There is a saying that “It is the city where many dreams come true and also where many hearts are broken”.



The city has a population of over 310,000 and is located in the province of Pampanga. Though dubbed as the entertainment capital of Luzon, Angeles City Philippines offers more than just bars and nightclubs.

It is also famous for its culinary delights. The famous Filipino dish called “Sisig” originated from this province. The city is also host to a wide array of historical sights and has some good shopping.

The Origin of Angeles City Philippines

Salakot Arch Angeles City Philippines



Angeles City first began as a jungle clearing settlement established by the town head of San Fernando, Don Ángel Pantaleón de Miranda and his wife.

It was initially called “Culiat” due to the fact that the surrounding area was occupied by vines. Later, in 1829, it became a separate municipality from San Fernando, it was renamed "El Pueblo de los Angeles” (The Town of the Angels) after its patron saint, “Los Santos Angeles de los Custodios" (Holy Guardian Angels) and its founder, Don Ángel.

In 1899, it became the seat of the newly independent Philippines government. However, this state of affair didn’t last long, because in August 1899, Angeles city was attacked by the U.S. and the battle for the city was regarded as the longest battle that happened during the Filipino-American war, it raged for 3 months.

Establishment of the U.S Base in Angeles City Philippines

With the signing of an executive order by President Theodore Roosevelt on September 1st in 1903, Fort Stotsenburg (which later became Clark Air Base) was established in Sapang Bato.

The base was the U.S main stronghold in the Philippines until it was attacked and occupied by the Japanese on New Years Day in 1942.

Ironically, the base became the Japanese main staging point in this part of the world for the Japanese air operations against the Americans in the pacific theatre. Japanese aircraft from Clark airbase also participated in Battle of Leyte Gulf. The base was recaptured by the Americans in January 1945.

When the Philippines gained independence from the Americans on July 4, 1946, the Americans through the Philippine-American Military Bases Agreement of 1947 maintained territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Subic Naval base as well as Clark Air base.

Because of the presence of the American bases, Angeles City Philippines became home to many foreigners especially in the entertainment district of Balibago.

The Handing Over Of the U.S Bases to the Philippines Government

With the eruption of Mount Pinatubo on June 15, 1991, Angeles city and Clark airbase were badly affected. Due to this, the American bases were handed over to the Philippines government before the end of its official tenure on November 1991.

Under President Fidel V. Ramos, the bases were transformed into the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ). The airport was later renamed as Diosdado Macapagal International Airport after the father of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Today, due to this transformation of Angeles city and Clark, the area has become the hub for aviation, business, industry as well as tourism for Luzon.

Angeles City Philippines - Historical Sites

As mentioned earlier, Angeles City is also rich in history and this should not be missed when touring the city.

Below is a list of historical sites found in Angeles City that are worth visiting.
  • Bale Herencia
  • Bayanihan Park (formerly Astro Park)
  • Camalig
  • Fort Stotsenburg
  • Founders' Residence (Bale Matua)
  • Holy Family Academy Building
  • Holy Rosary Church (Santo Rosario Church)
  • Juan D. Nepomuceno's Center for Kapampangan Studies
  • Lily Hill
  • Pamintuan Mansion
  • Post Office Building (Deposito)
  • Salakot Arch

Balibago (Fields Avenue Entertainment Center)

If you crave the nightlife, then you will not be disappointed.

Fields Avenue, which is the nightlife strip of Angeles City Philippines, is home to over 500 bars and nightclubs and it has survived the closing of the American bases.

The area still remains a popular R & R center for many men who enjoy the vibrant nightlife that Angeles City has to offer. Regardless of your age and appearance, as long as you have plenty of “Uncle Sam” in your pocket to dish out, you will never be wanting for lack of company with young attractive girls.

The place is a drunken heaven 7 days a week and some bars are even open 24 hours a day. You will not have any problem communicating with anybody as English is widely spoken here.

Note: Angeles is not everyone's cup of tea, if you crave the beaches and the beautiful warm water, then Angeles will not be for you. Angeles is inland and is a good 1 1/2 hours from the coast. It does have it's place as the entertainment capital of Northern Luzon, but for mind I would prefer to sip a cold San Miguel watching the ocean and paradise. Each to there own!

How do I get to Angeles City

Angeles City Philippines is very easy to get to.

By road from Manila it takes roughly two hours, but like everything in the Philippines, traffic and weather can blow out the travel times.

For more information on getting to Angeles City have a look here.

Accommodation in Angeles City

There is a huge range of accommodation in Angeles City, ranging from one bedroom basic rooms to luxury resorts. It all depends on what your preference or budget is.

Needless to say there is an option for you in Angeles City Philippines.

For more information on Accommodation have a look here.

What Do You Think of Angeles City?

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What Other Visitors Have Said

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Dont be a fool with the Girls in Angeles 
My story starts 4 years ago as i was walking down feilds Ave, from Micky Dee's thats Mcdonalds, normally i would have nothing to do with the clubs but …

Staying in the Philippines 
Here are some tips you won't find anywhere else! Drink distilled water that is sealed in a bottle from a major store like 7/11, the mall, or a large …

Angeles City Trip Not rated yet
I traveled to Angeles City in mid May of 2014. When i first arrived i thought i was walking into an oven. It was HOT....i stayed with my partner at …

Fabulous angeles city Not rated yet
I can not describe adequately the great time i had in Angeles City . I was treated like royalty by staff everwhere and women truly made me feel like …

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