If you are planning to visit or stay in Pampanga, you have to read this. The Kapampangans are the people living in Pampanga, and they certainly show different ways on how to live as one. They are known to be the much-admired and also misunderstood people. From the tone of their voices, to the way they carry themselves, this list of fun facts about Kapampangans will help you know how to mingle and survive their company without getting overwhelmed!
- They are really proud of being a Kapampangan
This very much resembles the avid patriotism of Filipinos whenever they see the Philippine flag anywhere, or when a Filipino (even those with just a drop of Filipino blood) gets recognized in other countries. Much like in Pampanga, Kapampangans think that they are the best race in the country. Cooking, working, physical attributes, almost in every aspect, try to challenge them for the best spot and they probably won’t back down. I still have yet to meet another Kapampangan that wishes to have a different ethnicity, the love for his/her own race is just fiercely blazing!
- They are the best chefs!
This takes the second spot on the list because Kapampangan cuisine is the bomb. Garnering the title of being the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, there is no questioning about their taste and style of cooking. Almost every dish you will find in any home, restaurant, or carinderia in Pampanga just explodes with flavor! A Kapampangan would surely scrunch their brows up and try to mask the judgment whenever he or she would eat anything bland. Bland and bad food is just simply a no-no for Kapampangans. People may oppose Kapampangans with their claims on being the best in other features, but as for the culinary aspect, I think it is a nationwide agreement that they do conquer this one.
- They talk LOUD
Heads turning whenever they hear two Kapampangans talking is nothing new. If you have ever heard a conversation between them, you probably get what I mean. Kapampangans would be right in front of each other and talk like they are meters apart. A lot of people mistake two Kapampangan friends arguing when in fact they are probably making chika with each other. The accent plus the seemingly shouting tone just completes the argument impression. Their love for their language absolutely shows up with their voices’ volume.
- They are very judgmental
Side eyeing is a part of a Kapampangan’s reflex whenever he or she sees a mistake. Trying to look and act perfect may look like a requirement whenever you’re out in the streets of Pampanga since even one small mistake would not go unnoticed at all. If you go to the mall wearing pambahay expect side eyes and whispers. If you cook a Kapampangan classic cuisine that’s either bland or a tad bit salty, you will be the topic between mother talks as they cook. Kapampangans are highly opinionated people, they always have something to say to anything. This mindset of intellectual superiority may be the result of colonization as they had access to education back then while others do not.
- They are dauntless and resilient
Pampanga once was completely devastated by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Huge parts of the province was covered in mud and pebbles with almost every house wrecked and with no place to go home to. It was a tragedy indeed, but here we are now, Kapampangans are still thriving and will continue to do so! Kapampangans have the confidence, that we already know of, they are not afraid to try something new and exciting and really shows off their will and determination.
- They are carefree and loves to chill
Kapampangans scream YOLO! when it comes to living their lives. They love to celebrate. You got good grades on your exam? Party! Your cousin’s first baptism? Party! Had a bad day at work? Party and forget about it! The malls, theme parks, karaoke booths are always jam packed, especially on the weekends. Kapampangans just love to have fun. Spending their savings lavishly also counts as part of the fun too!
- They are very religious
I know that Filipinos in general are religious enough but Kapampangans’ crave on showing off their devotion just takes it on to the next level. They will show devotion to spirit idols or anything that concerns their colonizer’s religion. They will spend crazily on building churches, temples, chapels and spend on renovating it too. A Catholic Kapampangan household would not be called as one if there is not a single Sto. Nino statue in sight. These statues would surely be overdressed and have their own spot in the house with the complete setup and decoration.
There you have it. I know that after reading this, Kapampangans may sound like a handful but they are really one of the most interesting and lively people in the country. Meeting and being friends with Kapampangans would surely add flavor to your life as flavorful as their dishes!
