A Tragedy That Demands Reform — The nine-story Building Collapse and the Urgent Need for Updated Building Standards

The collapse of a nine-story building under construction in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga, before dawn on Sunday, May 24, 2026, stands as a stark reminder of the critical importance of structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and disaster preparedness in the Philippines’ rapidly urbanizing environment. The incident, which occurred around 3:00 a.m., trapped dozens of individuals beneath rubble and triggered a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple government agencies. 

Initial reports confirmed that of the 47 individuals believed to be inside the construction site, 26 were successfully rescued, while at least four fatalities were recorded. Rescue teams continued to operate under hazardous conditions, driven by hope after detecting possible signs of life beneath the debris—an indication that the tragedy could have been far worse without immediate emergency response. 

This incident reveals several critical issues surrounding construction practices in the country. First, it highlights the inherent risks in large-scale construction projects, particularly high-rise structures that demand precise engineering, proper material use, and strict adherence to building codes. The sudden collapse of a nine-story structure suggests potential weaknesses in planning, structural design, material quality, or site supervision—factors that are typically governed by existing building regulations. While investigations are ongoing, the scale of the collapse indicates systemic vulnerabilities that go beyond a single project failure.

Second, the tragedy underscores the complexity of emergency response in urban construction accidents. Rescue operations required coordination among the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), police authorities, and local government units, all operating under dangerous and unstable conditions. The presence of heavy concrete debris and unstable structures significantly slowed rescue efforts, illustrating how building collapses not only endanger lives but also complicate recovery operations. 

More importantly, the collapse of a nine-story building under construction reinforces a long-standing concern: the Philippines continues to rely on a building code framework that traces its roots to laws enacted decades ago. The current National Building Code (Presidential Decree No. 1096), established in 1977, has been widely recognized as outdated in the context of modern engineering practices, rapid urban development, and increasing exposure to natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and typhoons.

In today’s environment—where infrastructure must withstand both natural and human-induced risks—older regulatory standards may no longer be sufficient. Advances in construction technology, evolving safety protocols, and the growing complexity of high-rise developments require a more adaptive and comprehensive legal framework. The Angeles City incident serves as a real-world manifestation of the risks associated with regulatory lag, where gaps between practice and policy can result in catastrophic consequences.

This tragic event also emphasizes the need for stronger accountability across the construction sector. Developers, engineers, contractors, and inspectors share responsibility in ensuring that construction projects meet safety standards. Without consistent enforcement, transparent inspection systems, and updated guidelines, compliance becomes uneven—potentially placing workers and future occupants at significant risk.

Ultimately, the collapse of a nine-story building under construction in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City is not just an isolated accident; it is a warning signal. It calls for urgent reforms in how buildings are designed, constructed, and regulated in the Philippines. As urbanization accelerates and vertical construction becomes more common, the margin for error narrows. Ensuring public safety must remain the highest priority, and this requires a modern, responsive, and enforceable building regulatory system.

Walking Street

The central nightlife scene of Angeles City in Balibago, known as The Walking Street and previously knows as Fields Avenue, features hundreds of girl-orientated bars as well as restaurants, hotels, and western-style nightclubs. Despite the closing of Clark Air Base, the area continues to thrive and host thousands of foreign tourists arriving on a daily basis.

Fields Avenue is the name of a major street running through Balibago area of Angeles in the Philippines. It is the center of the red light district and the bar scene of the biggest entertainment district of the Philippines.

Although home to thousands of nightlife-based establishments, there are some that stand out from the crowd. Be sure to visit some of the biggests bars such as Atlantis, Dollhouse, Stardust, Club Ra, and Dokkaebi Bar. For those who are into more traditional nightclub experience without the girls on stage, you can't miss Aqua Beach Club, the only pool club with daytime and nighttime parties. Also a must see are High Society as well as the longest-running disco, Sky Trax.

One of the biggest tourist draws in Angeles is its very own ‘Walking Street,’ Fields Avenue in Balibago. The Walking Street has an interesting history, drawing soldiers from the then-operational Clark Air Base for entertainment. Today, it is emerging as a food, entertainment and casino center for tourists from all over the world. it is also known for its rich nightlife, with many bars catering to local and foreign tourists alike.

Fields Avenue developed in the early 1960s as a street lined with bars to cater to the single American defense personnel who worked in the adjacent Clark Air Base. The street just outside the main gate of the base had just three bars in the 1940s and 1950s. However, as the American presence in the Vietnam war grew, more and more forces were deployed at Clark or routed through it. This led to a proliferation of bars, live bands and prostitution, the latter mostly by young Filipina women, most of them either teenagers or 18–25 years old. By the 1970s, there were more than 150 bars and prostitution joints along Fields Avenue. This led to a mushrooming of related ancillary industries in the vicinity, namely music bands, hotels, doctors, hairdressers and money exchange / transfer services. In its heyday, Fields Avenue provided direct or direct employment to nearly 20,000 Filipinos including plumbers, electricians and security guards. In the 1980s, though the American presence remained steady, the bars and prostitution shops continued to proliferate. Many bars and prostitution dens were owned by Americans as well as local politicians, thus leading to a nexus between the locals, politicians and American military and ex military personnel.

Walking Street or Fields Avenue can only be described as the melting pot of various cultures thus giving it the party atmosphere like no other. In a city that never sleeps, everyone is eager to show you a good time as Filipinos are well-known for their exceptional hospitality.

Praised for their tolerance to western culture, ladies are sure to entertain you regardless of your age, weight, physical appearance, interpersonal skills, wealth, or social class. Spend quality time with these fine young women in a bar scene that never closes and you will most certainly have a memorable experience.

With the withdrawal of American defense forces from Clark in 1993, many of these establishments changed hands but continued to do business. As Clark was turned into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), these bars and prostitution joints changed their clientele to suit their new customers - Japanese and Korean businessmen. Restaurants serving food from these countries began to appear and signboards in these languages were put up. The period from 2000-2010 saw further expansion of these joints, as the area was relabeled as an "entertainment district". While prostitution was officially banned, girls working here were simply re designated as "Guest Relations Officers" (GRO) and prostitution continued in practice. Since then, bars and prostitution joints have continued to proliferate and expand, the extent of these establishments has continued further on both sides of Fields Avenue and many smaller streets off Fields Avenue also sport smaller such establishments.

Fields Avenue remains among the safest streets in the region, with a very low crime rate, exceptionally few robberies, fights or murders.

Further on, you reach the stage were you want to see this girl out of the workplace. Traditionally labelled as a bar-fine, the payment for six is illegal in the Philippines so don't feel offended if the bars hesitate. However you will find that every bar has its own procedure. All you can do is be polite and courteous to find out what the score is in the particular bar. Don’t be wandering up to any managers shouting about bar fine. Discuss this with your girl.

Although a large portion of tourists in the area enjoy gambling, the city only holds one major casino and several small poker rooms. Casino Filipino-Angeles is found down MacArthur Highway near the nightlife scene whilst several small poker rooms are actually inside The Walking Street. Tourists and locals alike are present is these types of entertainment.

For those looking to get away from the party lifestyle, the city does offer daytime activities. Despite having no beach, Aqua Beach Club is also a haven for relaxation with its roof-top infinity pool, in-house gym and spa, plus the best view of the sunset. Activities such as hiking, kart racing, and guided tour services are available with most travel agents. Filipinos love "malling" and SM City Clark Mall, Marquee Mall, and several other malls are nearby. For relaxation, ask about Puning Hotspring or drop by at any of the numerous massage parlors within vicinity.

Where to stay in Balibago, Angeles City

ANGELES BEACH CLUB HOTEL

ABC Hotel is gaining world fame for its one-of-a-kind amenities and accommodations that has given it the reputation as one of the finest and most unique luxury hotels in the Philippines.
No other hotel has a better combination of luxury, comfort, and a cheerful, kinetic atmosphere that has earned its reputation for being “The Party Hotel.” This unique luxury boutique hotel provides all the ingredients for the best and wildest kinds of parties any pleasure-seeker could ask for. Each room is decorated fit for royalty, with in-room amenities including among others: saunas, steam baths, party Jacuzzi, and party-size beds. Complimentary wifi internet access in all rooms assure guests that they can stay in touch with the real World. You won't have to chase down some quality R&R time when it's already in the building: with ABC Hotel's wellness spa, top-notch Angeles Beach Café international restaurant, open-air tiki gym, artificial beach pool oasis, and the best bar under the heavens: the SkyBar. The complimentary 24/7 private shuttle service can take you to the hottest sizzling nightlife scenes around town. And if you’re after that one-of-a-kind fantastical experience, ABC Hotel guarantees you the best seat in the house: a cushy chair on board its own helicopter as you are picked up from the airport.

Although all rooms are suites, nowhere else will you find accommodations at such a value.

We recommend booking well in advance to make sure that you get to experience living in the grandest, most luxurious rooms in all of Angeles City. In the entire country, there's no better hotel where you can live up to the motto, "You only live once."

Tel (63)(45) 892-2222.
E-mail: info@angelesbeachclubhotel.com.
Click here for Reservations

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FIELDS PLAZA SUITES CONDO-HOTEL

The Fields Plaza Suites is the premier condo-hotel of Angeles City offering the finest 21 serviced rooms for individual guests, couples and even large groups. In addition to the comforts of a luxury hotel room, each suite is outfitted with spacious living and dining areas, fully-equipped modern kitchens and beautiful balconies. Some suites also have indoor or outdoor party Jacuzzis, or spacious gardens with gazebos and outdoor dining furniture—all the better to appreciate the perfect view of the Angeles cityscape that can only be seen from the condo-hotel.

For Room Reservations, call (63)(45) 892-2222
E-mail: info@fieldsplazasuites.com
Click here for Reservations

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WILD ORCHID RESORT HOTEL
53 rooms off A. Santos Street priced from $80 to $100.
This popular resort has been open since July 1, 2005.
Tel (63)(45) 625-6335.
e-mail: info@wildorchidresort.com or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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HOLIDAY INN RESORT CLARK FIELD
This is the nation's only Holiday Inn Resort. Deluxe rooms from about $60/night on up. This is by far the largest hotel in the Angeles area, having over 300 rooms, suites and villas. It is located on the Mimosa Leisure Estate, which has the best golf course in the region. This is a business-class convention hotel for Clark. It is unlikely you would spot any Balibago tourists in the lobby. No problem bringing in a guest (or two). Rooms are small and beds are double size. Smoking and non-smoking rooms. Government rate is generally the lowest available. This location within the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) is miles away from the entertainment district. They are situated far from the entertainment zone of angeles city and the rooms are showing wear and tear. Taxi service available 24/7 P150 to the bar area. Tel (63)(2) 845-1888 or (63)(45) 599-8000. e-mail: hircf@comclark.com or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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HOTEL ROYAL AMSTERDAM
648 Field Ave. One of the newest hotels in town. Built from the ground up.
Room rates range from $20 to $150. Reserve online at the hotel web site.
Tel (63)(45) 892-3392.
e-mail: info@hotelroyalamsterdam.com or reservations@theville.com.

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SWISS CHALET HOTEL
24 spacious rooms located on A. Santos Street at the site of the former Lollipop bar. This is a new hotel built from the ground up. Rooms are priced from P1480 to P2950. Best value in town. No swimming pool. Excellent restaurant. Proprietor: Hans Hoffman. You should reserve well in advance if you want to stay here. Tel (63)(45) 888-2618. e-mail: info@swisschaletph.com.

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CLARKTON HOTEL
93 rooms located at 620 Don Juico Avenue in Clarkview, Malabanias. This is a German-managed hotel. Large suites are available on the 3rd floor. Excellent restaurant and 24-hour room service. Large, clean pool. The pool area is a popular gathering place. On-site go-go bar. 24-hour Checkmark business center. High-security safe deposit boxes for your valuables. Telephones in rooms. The hotel has a generator and hot and cold running water. Friendly staff. See their business card. Reserve online at the hotel web site. Single deluxe room P1650. A suite is P2500 or P2800. From the U.S.A. call toll-free: (866) 978-4962. Tel (63)(45) 322-3424. e-mail: info@clarkton.com.

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DOLLHOUSE HOTEL
Another new hotel on lower Field Avenue.
The daily rates for a room are $90, $100 and $110.
Tel (63)(45) 892-2720. e-mail: reservations@dollhousehotel.com.

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ORANGE LION HOTEL
Another new hotel on lower Field Avenue.
A room is $40.
Tel (63)(45) 892-0998. e-mail: info@orangelionhotel.com.

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PACIFIC BREEZE HOTEL
Offers the most complete set of services and one of the better facilities in Angeles. With the completion of the Oahu Wing, they have also added a large conference rooms that may be rented for meetings, parties or other social functions. If you need something, please let the receptionist know and they will do our best to get it for you and/or to add it for your next visit. A warm, friendly face is always on hand to assist. Here is a brief list of some of the amenities that await you.
- 56 Guest Room Main Building with Elevator Access to the Roof Top
- 50 Guest Room Oahu Wing Annex
- Large Rooftop Conference Room for Meetings or other Social Functions

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ORCHID INN RESORT HOTEL
84 rooms in the heart of the Balibago entertainment area. Very popular. The resort has three buildings: the 24-room original inn, a 27-room extension, and a third building, a 33-room annex completed in November 2001 called the Jasmine Wing. Most rooms are newer or fully refurbished. The family superior deluxe rooms (located in the extension) are huge. Each room in the extension and refurbished room in the old building has a remote controlled aircon, ceiling fan, large 7 cubic foot well stocked mini bar and remote control 20" television with all the cable channels. The only downside is that the aircon in the rooms is the type of unit which requires your room key to operate. You can't run the aircon while you're out. On a hot day (not rare in Angeles) when returning to your room you may feel like you're walking into a sauna. Also, these rooms see a lot of use and are already starting to show signs of wear. The telephone system gives all 84 rooms outside access. A large tropical garden of lawn and shrubs surrounds the new 50' x 25' swimming pool. 24-hour room service is available from the hotel restaurant. Safe deposit box access is available 24 hours. The safe deposit boxes are the normal hotel type, dual key with the guest getting one key and reception having a key. Reception cannot open the box without your key. In the event you lose your key Orchid has to get a locksmith to open the box. Like most hotels, there's a guard at the main door. Expatriate owned and managed. Reserve online at the hotel web site. Orchid rooms are priced from US $32 - $66. Tel (63)(45) 322-0370. e-mail: info@orchid-inn.com, orchid@datelnet.net or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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CENTRAL PARK HOTEL
48 rooms at 261 Real Street in the heart of Balibago nightlife. Central Park rooms were extensively renovated late 2003. All new aircon, TV, mini bar. Internet connection, in-room safe. Rooms are kept quiet by double-pane windows. The hotel's location can't be beat. If you're interested in taking a swim or sitting around a pool, it's a short walk to Kokomo's. A standard room is $25, standard plus $33 and premiere $35. This hotel used to be named Park Chicago. See their business card. Tel (63)(45) 892-0256. Contact Guy Breckenridge or his wife, Roselle. e-mail: reserve@centralpark-ac.com.

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BLUE NILE EXECUTIVE HOTEL
On Balibago go-go bar strip at 151 Field Ave., 16 rooms and 4 suites across the street from Blue Nile and Nero's bars. Extensive renovation in 2003. This was formerly the Tropicana. Rooms/suites have aircon and cable TV. The hotel has a large swimming pool with 24-hour pool-side bar. Rooms are $42 and suites are $63. Tel (63)(45) 332-1821. e-mail: reservations@theville.com.

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OASIS HOTEL
126 rooms off Don Juico Avenue in Clarkview. Once a favorite of visiting air force officers, this quiet, respectable hotel is located within a secure residential compound. The hotel has all the services you will need including 24-hour room service, 24-hour foreign currency exchange, 24-hour high security and dual-key safe deposit boxes, laundry service, business center with internet access, gift shop, etc. Beautiful swimming pool. The hotel restaurant, Maranao Grill, is open 24 hours and there is an English pub. Standard and deluxe rooms are offered, but if you're going to stay here, take a P2750 junior suite (ask for a discount). The suites are among the largest rooms in Angeles and a good option if you like to have two or more girls for the night. Each suite is available with one king or two queen-size beds and has a large, clean bathroom (in the Philippines called a "CR"). This is a place where you can bring your wife and kids if you aren't able to leave them at home. Tel (63)(45) 322-3301. e-mail: reserve@oasishotel.com.ph or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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MARLIM MANSION HOTEL
100 rooms located on MacArthur Highway near Field Avenue. There is a casino across the street. Written hotel policy is no guests in the rooms after 10 PM, but what this means is they don't want you to bring your bar hopping buddies up to your room after 10 PM for drinking and playing cards. Bringing a girl or two up to your room for the night is okay. Tel (63)(45) 322-2730. e-mail: marlim@digitelone.com or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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HOTEL HANA
35 renovated rooms in Malabanias with cable TV and, in the deluxe rooms, a mini bar. There are three classes of rooms: standard is P995, deluxe is P1295 and family is P2300. 24-hour aircon restaurant and swimming pool. The hotel offers airport pick-up and drop-off service with new vans for P1800. Business center with Internet access. Japanese owner. Contact Mayette. Tel (63)(45) 892-6666. e-mail: reservation@hotel-hana-ph.com.

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KOKOMOS
10 rooms on Santos Street over the pool. All rooms have: queen size bed, hot water shower, marble floors, refrigerator, cable TV, and an Internet connection to the Kokomo's 512/512 non-shared network complete with a computer in case you don't want to haul your notebook. Rooms facing Santos Street have been insulated to reduce noise. Introductory rate is P1,250/night including an American breakfast which is 3 eggs, your choice of bacon, sausage or ham, toast, potato and coffee or tea. Tel (63)(45) 892-0511. e-mail: mos_trvl@yahoo.com.

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PERIMETER HOTEL
10 rooms at 464 Don Juico Avenue in Clarkview. Open in 2005. King size bed in all rooms.
Standard room P1050. Deluxe P1250. Jacuzzi P2600.
Tel (63)(45) 892-3010. e-mail: rooms@perimeter-hotel.com.

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AMERICA HOTEL
68 rooms just west of the strip with telephone, new aircon, loaded frig, mirrors in the right places. Large VIP rooms are available if you like to party with several girls at once. Rooms facing the street are noisy. Room service. Swimming pool. Chinese owned. Tel (63)(45) 332-1023. Major credit cards. Rooms start at P1000. e-mail: amehotel@comclark.com or reservations@theville.com.

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MONTEVISTA HOTEL
Renovated former USAF officer housing in the Mimosa Leisure Estate. Good place for a long-term stay if you have a car. Tel (045) 599-3333 / (02) 845-2493; Fax (045) 599-2531; Manila Office: 6F, Mondragon House, 324 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila; Tel (632) 893-9984 / 818-1506 to 09 loc 241 / 443; Fax (632) 893-9993; e-mail: mgahotel@portalinc.com.

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PHOENIX HOTEL
33 carpeted rooms in Malabanias with telephone (no charge for local calls), cable TV and mini-bar. There are three classes of rooms. Standard is US $30, deluxe is $35 and VIP is $40. 24-hour aircon restaurant (with bar and pool table) and swimming pool. The restaurant has decent food. You can reserve online. e-mail: phoenixh@mozcom.com.

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SWAGMAN NARRA HOTEL
49 rooms located east of the strip area on S. L. Orosa Street, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago. The hotel operates a 24-hour bar and restaurant and offers Thursday night happy hour (with prizes that include free nights in the hotels, etc) and daily lunch specials. Alongside the bar and restaurant is the swimming pool. Swagman Travel (IATA accredited) is located within the hotel and offers airline reservations and ticketing, aircraft sightseeing tours, numerous overland sightseeing tours, yacht charters and visa services for visitors and expatriates alike. Rooms from P1300 to P2500. Tel (63)(45) 322-5133. e-mail: bookings@angelescity.info.

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NIAGARA LODGE
12 rooms on Santos Street. Basic accommodation near the small specialty bars for P600.
e-mail: reservations@theville.com.

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MARQUIS HOTEL
Former Lord Hotel. 46 rooms in Malabanias. Steel safe deposit boxes. 24-hour room service. Cable TV. Swimming pool. All major credit cards accepted (8% surcharge). P750 - P1300. Tel (63)(45) 322-4714. e-mail: manager@hotelmarquis.net.

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MAHARAJAH HOTEL
130 rooms located on Texas Street just off Don Juico Avenue (Perimeter Road). Impressive lobby and pool area. "My favourite hotel is the Maharajah. This hotel has great rooms but a lousy location. It also has terrible food, non existent service, terrible TV reception, very average swimming pool and considering what you get compared to other hotels within the same price range, it is not value for the money. But I love it." M. J. Ibbo. VIP rooms are P1000 per day, regular rooms P800. Tel (63)(45) 322-2371. Contact Annabelle Sanchez. e-mail: mahatel@mozcom.com.

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CENTURY RESORT HOTEL
Located across the street from Marlim Mansions on MacArthur Highway. The Casino Filipino Angeles is here. Tel (63)(45) 322-7454. e-mail: century@comclark.com or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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WOODLAND PARK RESORT HOTEL
60 rooms located at 6420 Lizares Street in Dau, Mabalacat, not too far from the Balibago go-go bars. All rooms have aircon, cable TV and telephone. The hotel has the largest swimming pool in the Angeles area. Rooms start at P850 during high season. Tel (63)(45) 892-1002. e-mail: woodland@mozcom.com.

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PREMIERE HOTEL
31 rooms on Malabanias Road. Telephones in rooms. 24-hour restaurant and bar. Swimming pool. P920. Tel (63)(45) 888-2755. e-mail: premierh@mozcom.com.

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SUNSET GARDEN INN
42 rooms on Malabanias Road. Telephones in rooms. 24-hour restaurant and bar. Swimming pool. P920. Tel (63)(45) 888-2312. e-mail: sunsetg@mozcom.com.

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PATIO INN
16 rooms and 6 apartments located at 4410 S. L. Orosa St., Diamond Subd., Balibago. One bedroom apartment fully furnished P20,000 per month. Tel (63)(45) 322-4272. e-mail: billlyon@datelnet.net or patioinn@datelnet.net.

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MARBLE INN
22 rooms located on S. L. Orosa St., Diamond Subd., Balibago. Rooms have mini-bar, 20" cable TV. The inn offers laundry service. Contact Henrik Degler. Tel (63)(45) 892-0901. e-mail: marbleinn@netasia-angeles.net.

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BLUEFIELDS HOTEL
65 rooms just off Malabanias Road in Clarkview, corner of Plaridel and Bonifacio (near the Petron Gas Station and Sunset Garden). Deluxe room P700. Tel (63)(45) 322-4522 or (63)(45) 892-7290.

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DM RESIDENTE
40 rooms on Federico Street, just past Norma's (money changer) in Sta. Maria I, Balibago, priced at P900 - P1050. No security deposit boxes. They ask for payment in advance. Photos. Tel (63)(45) 323-6177 or 6178. email: valencia@datelnet.net or dmresidente@hotmail.com.

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PONDEROSA HOTEL
Budget hotel located at 1734 San Pablo St., Mt. View, Balibago, on the other side of MacArthur Hwy. It's sort of down the street that would be the continuation of Field Ave if it went straight across. It's no further than the America Hotel, but a little harder to find. They have a great pool area and the food is better than average. The furnishings are fairly old and they need to add a modern phone system, but it's well run, clean, safe and VERY PRIVATE. Standard aircon room P680, deluxe P790, VIP P1200. e-mail: ponder@datelnet.net or beeline@beelinetravel.com or reservations@theville.com.

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EUROPHIL HOTEL
70 rooms on Don Juico Avenue near the America Hotel. Rates from P800. Major credit cards. Tel (63)(45) 322-2470. e-mail: europhil@mozcom.com or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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L TINIO'S HOTEL
8 rooms, located on Field Avenue behind Insomnia Bar. There's a party suite with the largest whirlpool bath in town. Under renovation. Deluxe room P990. e-mail: info@insomniagroup.com.

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LA CASA HOTEL
6 rooms in Clarkview at 511 Tamarind Street. P510 Air-con. P350 Fan. Tel (63) 919-560-5472. e-mail: lacasa@harrythehorse.com or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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ANCHORAGE INN
20 rooms at 280 Real Street across from Orchid Inn. The rooms are dreadful, but the location is great. Convenient if you need a room in a hurry. Rates: standard P545, deluxe P575, super deluxe P675. Telefax (63)(45) 322-4363. e-mail: info@actiontravelac.com.

Historic Sites around Balibago

Bale Herencia

was built in 1860 and is situated in Lakandula Street corner Santo Rosario Street. It is a picturesque house with the unsavory reputation of having been built for the mistress of a parish priest. The current owners now use it as a banquet hall.

Bayanihan Park

(formerly Astro Park) is now home to a year-round mini-amusement park and it is an ideal spot for sports and recreational activities having basketball and volleyball courts and huge space for jogging and other recreational activities. This is where the famous and historical "Salakot Arch" is now located.

Camalig

was built in 1840 by Don Ciriaco de Miranda, the first gobernadorcillo of Angeles, and was used as a grain storehouse along Santo Rosario Street. It was restored in 1980 by Armando L. Nepomuceno and is now the site of Armando's Pizza and Camalig Restaurant.

Fort Stotsenburg

is named after Colonel John M. Stotsenburg, a captain of the 6th U.S. Cavalry, was the location of the permanent quarters of the American forces in Sapang Bato, Angeles. It is also known as the "Parade Ground," which served as a venue for many important celebrations by the Americans before the Philippine-American Military Bases Agreement ended in 1991.

Founders' Residence (Bale Matua)

is located at the heart of Santo Rosario, is the oldest building in the city. It was built in 1824 by the city founder, Don Ángel Pantaleón de Miranda, and his wife, Dona Rosalia de Jesus, and was inherited by their only daughter, Dona Juana de Miranda de Henson. This house, which is made of high stone and an ornate gate, nostalgically symbolizes the glorious past of Angeles amidst the overwhelming onslaughts of modernization.

Holy Family Academy Building

was once a convent and was served as a military hospital of the U.S. Army in 1900. It was later used as troop barracks, officers' quarters and arsenal by the Japanese Imperial Military Forces in 1942.

Holy Rosary Church (Santo Rosario Church)

was constructed from 1877 to 1896 by the "Polo y Servicio" labor system, a kind of forced labor imposed on Filipino peasants by the Spanish colonial government. It was used as a military hospital by the U.S. Army from August 1899 to December 1900. Its backyard was the execution ground to the Spanish forces in shooting down Filipino rebels and suspects.

Juan D. Nepomuceno's Center

for Kapampangan Studies houses a library, museum of archives and gallery, research center and theater, put up by the Holy Angel University in 2002 to preserve, study and promote Kapampangan history and culture.

Lily Hill

was a strategic observation post for monitoring Japanese movement in World War II. Remains of Japanese aircraft were found here at the end of the war. Along this hill can now be found Lily Hill Duty Free Store.

Old Pamintuan Residence

was served as the seat of government of the First Philippine Republic under General Emilio Aguinaldo from May to July 1899 and the Central Headquarter for Major General Arthur MacArthur, Jr., the father of General Douglas MacArthur. It now houses the Central Bank of the Philippines in Central Luzon.

Post Office Building (Deposito)

is a building that was constructed in 1899 for the purpose of depositing religious statues and carriages of the Catholic Church, hence the name Deposito. It was also used as the headquarter of the 11th Film Exchange U.S. Army from 1946 to 1947 and was then used as a jailhouse for recalcitrant U.S. troops during the Philippine-American War. On February 6, 1967, the Angeles City Post Office moved to this building. It is now the site of Angeles Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center.

Salakot Arch

is a landmark of Angeles City. From 1902 to 1979, Clark remained a U.S. territory, guaranteed by the Military Bases Agreement in 1947. In 1978, the Philippines, under the dispensation of the former President Ferdinand Marcos, and the U.S. finally agreed to establish Philippine sovereignty over the U.S. bases and thus the Clark Air Base Command (CABCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines came into being, following the signing of a revised Military Bases Agreement on January 7, 1979. To commemorate this unprecendented and bold event, the government constructed a special structure based upon the design of a salakot or native hat, which soon became a widely recognized symbol of this renewed Filipino spirit from the long and archaic tradition of Philippine-American relations and the weaning away from it. Angeles will soon see and realize its full potential as a dynamic might on its own without the American base after the onslaught of Pinatubo volcano.

Angeles City

Angeles City Pampanga, Philippines - Clark Special Economic Zone

Angeles City, Philippines. Located in the central Luzon province of Pampanga. About 80 km North of Manila. Population nearing 300,000. Angeles City is divided into 33 barangays (political subdivisions). The Barangay of Balibago, also known as the Entertainment district, the area most who have visited, will know as Angeles City.

Angeles City, Pamapanga, Philippines Transportation

Transportation to Angeles City, Pamapanga. Most travelers will arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila on their visit to the Philippines. Taxi's are available to transport travelers to their destination. Excercise Caution when hiring a taxi for transport to Angeles City. Negotiate the fare with the driver in advance. DO NOT hire a taxi if there is a "friend" of the driver that wishes to go along for the ride. Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA)is located at the site of the former USAF Clark Air Base in Angeles City. Current carriers using DMIA for international travel. AirAsia, Asian Spirit, Asiana Airlines,Hong Kong Airlines, South East Asian Airlines, Tair Airways and Tiger Airways. Non international flights offered by Cebu Pacific .

The Hotels in Angeles City also, will arrange for transportation. Request your transportation at the time of making reservations. The hotels will have a car and driver on staff, or will hire one of the private transportation drivers. Hotel arranged drivers are usually very reliable and safe.

Story alone at Fields Avenue

How to write a blog entry about a place that has such an awful reputation as Angeles City in the Philippines? The place is possibly the sex capital of the world, with between 10.000 and 20.000 prostitutes selling their bodies every night. During the time of the U.S. airbase here, as many as 100.000 working girls were offering their services. I had a morning flight the next day from Clark airport just outside of Angeles, and decided to spend the night here instead of crazy Manila and see this place for myself.

I soon realised that accommodation in Angeles is definitely not geared towards backpackers, and after walking around for an hour in the afternoon heat with my backpack looking for an affordable place to crash I finally had to admit defeat. In the end I settled for a hotel far away from the "action", and spent the remaining afternoon enjoying the free wireless Internet by the pool writing the beginning of this blog entry.

And no, before anybody here gets any wrong ideas, I did quite easily resist the temptation all around me, though I do admit that I was curious and went

down to the red light district later in the evening. The main road is called Fields Avenue and is pretty much back to back full of raunchy bars with inventive names like "Coyote Ugly", "Pony Tail" or "Dirty Duck". Young female promoters in short skirts, tight tops and high heels are standing around everywhere, attempting to lure lonely customers into their respective bars.

I went into a few of them, somehow feeling pretty nervous. The scene was roughly the same in all three that I visited: There were maybe 50 scarcely-dressed women in each of them, some of them dancing on stages, most of them looking extremely bored. As one fat American guy I chatted to explained to me they are referred to as "Guest Relation Officers", or GRO, not prostitutes. Funny. On the other side of the spectrum there were the old and/ or fat Caucasian men, clinging to their drinks, also looking bored, or chatting with some of the girls.

Interestingly, prostitution is officially illegal in the Philippines, but that doesn seem to bother anybody here. The guy I mentioned earlier explained the system to me: To get around this tiny legal problem, a customer doesn

actually pay the girl directly for her services. Instead, you pay the bar the girl is working for to get her released early from her shift. This is called a "bar fine". The girl gets a cut from this money and whatever happens next is then the decision of two consenting adults. Quite a clever solution I would say.

Sitting in another bar having an overpriced mango juice I had to think of a movie I saw a while back. In the movie an NGO camera team went around a red light district somewhere in Asia asking the old men with their 20-year old prostitutes questions like "Hello sir, is this your daughter?". Great question, I love it!

I also wondered what impressions the Filipinos living and working here must get about foreigners. Or, on the other hand, what image does all this give foreigners about the Philippines? I can only assume that most of the girls working here do so out of pure desperation with few alternatives available to them in this impoverished country. Then again, it must also be a cultural thing somehow, as I have been to many poor countries here in Southeast Asia, where prostitution was at a minimum. I guess I will never get to the bottom of it, the issue seems just too complex to comprehend, especially by an outsider and foreigner like me.

In the same bar I asked the waitress how much she earns working there. Her salary is 90 pesos per day (by the way, a value meal at McDonalds costs more than what she earns in a day), plus tips if she is lucky. That is about one Euro and thirty cents for a nine hour shift. The dancers, who have to wear considerably less clothes and dance on the stages, get a bit more, 150 pesos a day, about 2 euros. If a girl goes home with a customer, she gets 600 pesos, roughly nine Euros. Most of the girls apparently send the money they earn home to their families, with many of them being single mothers working here to support their children. The waitress I talked to was 27 years old, had four children who are being raised by her parents, and an ex-husband who left her without giving her her any support for raising their children. She has never finished high school (her parents

had no money for that) and she told her family that she is working as domestic helper for a rich family near Manila. I am not sure, but I could imagine that this is a pretty typical story for many of the girls working here.

And to put the above figures into perspective: Before coming to Angeles about a year ago, the waitress I talked to used to work in a factory earning 800 pesos a month, about 12 Euros. This is roughly the amount of money I spent two days ago for a 30 minute boat ride to Taal Volcano and a few biscuits for my breakfast. Here in Angeles, she can make those 800 pesos in a single day if she manages to find a customer who wants to take her home for the night. But even if she only works as a waitress and assuming she gets no tips at all, she still makes about 2200 pesos a month, or 32 Euros, three times as much as she got in the factory. And if she is lucky and finds a customer regularly, she can earn a small fortune compared to her other (non-prostitution) options. Thus is the sad reality.

In the last bar I went to, aggressive girls kept coming up to my table asking if I would buy them a drink. As I gathered they get a commission for every drink a customers buys them. But having ventured far enough into this alien and sad world I soon took my leave and walked back to my hotel through the rainy evening, wondering how many other male foreigners were sleeping alone in their beds that night.

The next morning, I caught a jeepney for the 20 minute ride to Clark airport. It was time to leave the Philippines after three weeks, as my visa was running out. Unfortunately, Angeles was definitely not the best place to say farewell to this beautiful country with its wonderful people, but the contrast with this utterly depressing place made me realize what an amazing time I have had in the Philippines. I hope to be back one day.

Petition to Close The Red Light District of Fields Ave.

To: People of the World

This is a petition calling for the closure of the brutal and vile red light district in Fields ave, Angeles. As a citizen of Angeles with a family, i am disgusted and sickened by the human trafficking of women and children by organized crime syndicated in fields ave.

Our government stands by and does nothing while women and children every day and night are trafficked by brutal gangs of Australians, Americans and other foreign gangs to the thousands of Pedophile tourists that flock to Fields ave every year.

Filipinas are subject to this constant degradation and humiliation of our women and children and our corrupt government does nothing. The only thing the Philippine Government does is attack and abuse the charities and welfare agencies that are trying to expose the crimes of fields ave.
The government talks no action against the foreigners involved in the trafficking or the pedophile customers.

Its time to say enough is enough!

We the Filipino people want an end to these dirty , vile and disgusting bars in Fields ave that form for the most brutal prostitution trade the world has ever seen.

CLOSE THEM NOW!

To Avoid a Hangover, Drink Plenty (of Water)

"One of the biggest problems with avoiding and treating hangover is recognizing the misconceptions," said Dr. Marc Siegel, an internist and clinical professor of medicine at the New York University School of Medicine.

He believes the best remedy -- and preventive -- for a hangover is also the simplest: Drink lots of water.

"Remember, the main cause of hangover is dehydration -- alcohol is a really powerful diuretic, and people get much more dried out when they drink than they may realize," Siegel said. "So the most important thing to do -- before and after a hangover -- is to drink water."

Smart punters ideally alternate one glass of water for every drink consumed, providing their body with extra fluid to compensate for what's been lost. "Some kind of electrolyte solution, such as Gatorade, might be good, too," Siegel suggested.

And remember, what you imbibe may be as important as how much you imbibe when it comes to hangover.

"While all alcohol can cause hangover, wine tends to cause more headache," Siegel said. "Also any drink with lots of sugar in it -- that has a dehydrating effect separate from the alcohol."

Despite the best precautions, a hangover can still rear its aching head come sunrise. Siegel advised that, besides drinking copious amounts of water, the following remedies may help:

• Coffee. A cup of java can cut headache, but watch out -- it's another diuretic, so don't refill that mug too often.
• Analgesics. Again, moderation is the key. "They're good to use for headache, but Tylenol [acetaminophen] is toxic to the liver, like alcohol, while aspirin is toxic to the stomach -- again, like alcohol," Siegel said. A regular Tylenol or two is fine, but any more than that might be hazardous.
• Exercise. A workout can be great for your circulation and might perk the body up, but it dehydrates, so be sensible about it.
• Prickly pear cactus flower. "It's a new remedy on the market now, and it seems to soothe the stomach, but it's also another diuretic," Siegel added.

Then there are more dubious hangover "cures," some of which might do more harm than good:

• Staying awake. There's a theory that keeping awake through the night somehow inhibits the buildup of toxins within the body. "That's a nice idea, but unfortunately it's never been proven," Siegel said.
• Hair of the dog. Many swear by a nip of alcohol the morning after to take the edge off a hangover. "It can work, but it's a really poor treatment," Siegel said. "Ultimately, you're hangover is going to catch up with you later on, with even more dehydration and more toxins."
• RU-21. This drug -- originally developed by the Russian KGB -- is designed to ward off a hangover even among those who drink heavily. "I'm not a fan of RU-21," Siegel said. The buildup of toxins "is a warning sign that we've drunk too much. Without it, you may drink more, get more inebriated, and do something like drive drunk."
• Spicy meals. While some are hot on the idea that Kung-Pao chicken for lunch thwarts a hangover, spicy meals "may add to the problem," Siegel said. "They simply give your [gastrointestinal] tract another problem to deal with."

In the end, he said, the best way to treat hangover is to avoid getting one in the first place. That means pacing yourself when it comes to drinking, and consuming lots of water. "Water is great, too, because it flushes out the kidneys," Siegel said, "increasing the rate at which toxins are gotten rid of."

Why do they call it Fields Avenue?

Do they think it was named in honor of W. C. Fields?

You hear people say, “Fields Avenue” or simply “Fields” when they are referring to Field Avenue. Look around the Internet and you will find this is a common error even in print. It seems many businesses located on Field Avenue have perpetuated the error by listing their address as being on Fields Avenue (with the “s”).

Field Avenue was not named in honor of W. C. Fields or any other person with the name Fields. It started out as a road next to an army airfield and as was common practice it was named Field Avenue.

If you look at old maps or street signs you will find the spelling to be “Field” (without an “s”).