Mexico, Pampanga: Rising towards Cityhood

The current town of Mexico, not to be confused with the country in North America, is close to San Fernando, the capital of Pampanga, and is just a few hours’ drive from Metro Manila which makes it a go-to spot for some fun and festive activities!

In fact, lawmakers recently batted for Pampanga, Mexico, to become a city due to this town’s rich historical heritage. Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga’s 3rd district wants to turn the province of Pampanga’s First-Class Municipality of Mexico into a component city.

But what unique wonders make Mexico, Pampanga, deserving of the title “City”? Frankly, there’s a lot, but here are just a few of the many reasons why Mexico, Pampanga is ideal for Cityhood.

Historic Sites in Mexico, Pampanga

Hizon Ancestral House

Some of the most well-known historical sites and significant landmarks in the Philippines are located in the town. The Hizon Ancestral House, one of the well-known buildings that houses a well-known Kapampangan personality, is situated in Mexico, Pampanga.

Atching Lilia Lising-Borromeo, a chef and culinary expert from Kapampanga, resides there. The ancestral home is in Mexico Pampanga’s Barangay Parian. The old home, which was once owned by the Doa Maura Hizon-Lorenzano family, now houses the kitchen for Atching Lilian’s culinary creations.

Maximino Hizon Monument

On the grounds of the Municipal Hall, there is a monument to Maximino Hizon, one of the most notable revolutionary figures from Pampanga. Hizon was raised in Mexico, Pampanga, where he joined the Katipunan in 1896 and was a key figure in the movement for the Philippines’ independence. One of these is playing the role of the Commandate General of Pampanga during the final stages of Spanish colonization.

Old Santa Monica Church Bell Tower

The Old Santa Monica Church Bell Tower is the only remnant of the Sta. Monica Parish Church which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1880. The Belfry tower is made of stone and bricks is believed to be one of the oldest remaining structures in Pampanga that depicts the Hispanic period.

San Jose Matulid Chapel

San Jose Matulid Chapel is believed to be the oldest church in Pampanga. Although there are no written records that show the exact construction of the chapel, the locals claim that it is older than the Sta. Monica Parish Church which was built by the Augustinian friars in 1665. San Jose Matulid chapel could have been built in the late 1580’s.

Rotonda Sto. Domingo

Rotonda Sto. Domingo is another noteworthy structure situated in Mexico, Pampanga. Different major roads in Mexico turn at this location. Additionally, it connects to four towns in the province: San Simon and San Luis in the fourth district, and Sta Ana and Mexico in the third district.

Rich Traditions and Festivals

Mexico Day

On April 24th, “Mexico Day” is also observed. The town and parish church were founded on this date (April 24, 1581). On this day, a procession of the various patron saints of each barangay is held.

Mexico Town Fiesta

On May 4th, Mexico Town Fiesta will be held in honor of St., the town’s patron saint. Monica (mother of St. Augustine).

Feast of Virgen dela Consolacion y Correa

Mexico celebrates the feast of Virgen de la Consolacion y Correa (Our Lady of Consolation and Cord; Patroness of the Augustinian Order) on September 4, during which they receive blessed cinctures in imitation of the Virgin Mary giving her own cincture to Saint Monica during her grief and sorrow over her son’s misgivings.

Sanikulas Festival

The Sanikulas Festival, held on September 10, is a celebration honoring Saint Nicholas. Bread/cookies, a specialty of the community made primarily with arrowroot, are distributed and consumed during this time. Children, the elderly, and those who are ill eat the pastries because they are thought to be blessed and miraculous. San Nicolas cookies made by Atching Lilia Lising-Borromeo are also well-known.

Rising towards Cityhood

Over the years, Mexico, Pampanga also underwent major development. Some of its former farmland was developed into private subdivisions, which are now regularly visited for their unique amenities. Among them are:

• Lakeshore – a world-class residential, the commercial, and recreational development project of Central Country Estate Incorporated. It is famous for its 12-hectare man-made lake that is framed by the majestic visage of mythical Mount Arayat. Lakeshore is usually used as a location for movies, TV series, and pre-nuptial and debut shootings.
• Sorrento – a 20-hectare first-class residential park developed by Camella Homes. Houses here are notable for its Italian class villages-inspired designs.
• Beverly Place – is a project of the Sta. Lucia Realty. It is said to be designed to become the premiere shopping and business capital of Central Luzon.
• For a quick stay, Mexico, Pampanga also has KRiB in Beverly Place and Julia Roberts located in Barangay Anao with the scenic view of Mt. Arayat.

As Mexico, Pampanga advances toward cityhood, it continues to build economically beneficial activities in the area. Since Pampanga is renowned for its culinary masters, Mexico Pampanga can benefit from these ideologies and create additional food hubs that will draw tourists while they are visiting the city. Speaking of tourists, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more hotels and resorts to be erected and developed in the town in the near future.

Nevertheless, the people of Mexico, Pampanga are proud of what their town has given to Pampanga’s rich history. And this time, as it moves closer to becoming a city, there will be more reasons to love the area.