A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO TARLAC: 8 Tips and Tricks for First-time Travelers

Well, frankly… The Province of Tarlac is really not known for tourism. Historically, Tarlac is just a stopover destination for some travelers bound for northern parts of the country like Baguio City and the provinces of Ilocos region to relieve themselves from the long drive.

But what they don't know is that Tarlac can actually offer various activities.

TOP PICKS: 16 Exciting Adventures to Experience in the Philippines (PART 1)

Are you tired of just visiting the usual tourist destinations? Why not do some adventurous activities that will redefine your travel experiences this year? Here's a list of my most recommended adventures to experience in the Philippines this 2016! How many of them are in your bucket list?

3 Reasons Why You Should Hike Mt. Pinatubo

June 15, 1991, the world was shaken when a volcano, dormant for over hundreds of years suddenly activated and sent pyroclastic materials into the atmosphere. The ash fall was so intense that it reached as far as Japan. The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo caused one of the massive military exodus and evacuation in the history of the Philippines.

What Will You Get Outside For?

ATV Adventure in Capas Tarlac

As they say, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." Aside from the pristine beaches, extravagant festivals, wonderful sights and sumptuous food that the Philippine islands has to offer, adventurous activities have always been part of my travels. Be it riding a zip line, island hopping, camping, surfing, spelunking, chasing waterfalls, mountaineering or any exciting outdoor activity, I see to it that I don't miss an adventurous activity in the place I am visiting.

RESTAURANTS IN TARLAC CITY: Chaps Diner at Kart City Tarlac

From its humble beginning as a simple snack joint where residents of Tarlac City and neighboring municipalities would converge to savor on good food, Chaps Diner inside Kart City Tarlac is now one of the hippest and coolest places in the city. It's an awesome place to chill, relax, hangout with friends and of course to enjoy great food.

A Delightful Farm Tour at JSJ Goat Farm in Gerona, Tarlac

JSJ Goat Farm is located on a sprawling 10-hectare property in Brgy. Caruray, Gerona, Tarlac. It is a family-owned business headed by Mr. Jeffrey Lim who established the goat farm way back in June 2001. The farm grows and breeds purebred goats such as Boer, Anglo Nubian, and British Alpines from Australia and the United States to ensure top quality milk-producing goats. The farm's milk produce is sold to clients and also processed into various milk and specialty cheese products.

Organic Dining Experience at Good Earth Garden Café in Tarlac City

I felt like I was transported in a forest with the cool breeze of the air and the chirping sounds of the birds when we arrived at Good Earth Farms and Food. Oh noh! I'm not! We're actually still in the heart of Tarlac City under the hot mid-day sun. Hahaha! I might just be dreaming as I just woke up from a quick nap inside the tricycle on our way here. The very cozy yet rustic ambiance of the farm that is so relaxing made me thought that I am somewhere away from the city. Yeah, that must be it?!

5 Reasons Why You Should Try the Capas ATV Adventure Ride

Are you craving for speed and hungry for excitement? Are you up for a nerve-wrecking yet breath-taking adventure? Go for a "one of a kind adventure" that will test your limits for speed as you tackle the breathtaking Mt. Pinatubo trail on an all terrain vehicle! The Capas ATV Adventure is the only ATV touring facility to operate in the vast Mt. Pinatubo lahar trail. What used to be a reminder of a powerful and destructive volcanic eruption was turned into an adventure seeker's playground!

HOTELS IN TARLAC: Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham - Luisita, Tarlac

Beautifully located in Hacienda Luisita, Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham is one of the finest hotels in Tarlac City. A member of the international hotel brand of Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham, it is 50-room hotel highlighting a tranquil and peaceful accommodation at the heart of a progressive yet rustic city.

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.