History 

Pampanga derived its name from the Kapampangan words "pangpang ilog" meaning "riverside" where the early Malayan settlements were concentrated along the Rio Grande de la Pampanga.

Pampanga was the first province and the richest spoil created by the Spaniards in 1571. It was named after the Indung Kapampangan River, the largest river in the former empire. Ancient Pampanga's territorial area used to include portions of the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac and Zambales in the big Island of Luzon of the Philippine Archipelago.

Pampanga, one of the richest provinces in the Philippines, was re-organized as a province by the Spaniards on December 11, 1571. For governmental control and taxation purposes, the Spanish authorities subdivided Pampanga into towns (pueblos), which were further subdivided into districts (barrios) and in some cases into royal and private estates (encomiendas).

Geography

Pampanga is located in the central part of Region III. It is bounded on the north of Tarlac and Nueva Ecija, on the east by Bulacan, southwest by Bataan and west by Zambales. It's terrain is relatively flat with only one distinct mountain, Mount Arayat.

Its land area is 2,180.68 sq. kms. Its terrain is relatively flat with only one distinct mountain, the Mt. Arayat. Among its municipalities, Porac has the largest land area with 343 sq. km.; Can­ daba comes next with 208.7 sq. km.; Lubao is the third largest with 155.77 sq. km.

The province is divided into 4 congressional districts. It is composed of 19 municipalities, 3 cities and 538 barangays. The City of San Fernando is the capital of the province and serves as the government seat of Central Luzon.

Economy

Farming and fishing are the two main industries. Major products include rice, corn, sugar cane, and tilapia. In addition to farming and fishing, the province supports thriving cottage industries that specialize in wood carving, furniture-making, guitars, and handicrafts. Every Christmas season, the province of Pampanga becomes the center of a thriving industry centered on handcrafted lighted lanterns called parols that display a kaleidoscope of light and color. Other industries include its casket industry and the manufacturing of all-purpose vehicles in the Municipality of Sto. Tomas.

The province is famous for its sophisticated culinary work. Kapampangans are well known for their culinary creations. Famous food products range from the ordinary to the exotic. Pampanga's Best and Mekeni Food are among the better known meat brands of the country producing Kapampangan favorites such as pork and chicken tocino, beef tapa, hot dogs, and longanizas (Philippine-style sausages and cured meats).

Language

Kapampangan dialect is widely used around the province. But Tagalog and English is also used depending on the situation they are in.

Food

Pampanga is known to be the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. 

•Festivals

Pampanga has tons of festivals. Almost every town has their own fiesta/festival. Here are some of the most famous festivals in the province. 

Reenactment of the Passion of Christ
Every Holy Week
Kutod, Pampanga

Hot Air Balloon Festival
3rd week of February
Clark, Pampanga

Hot Air Balloon Festival
3rd week of February
Clark, Pampanga

Lantern Festival
Christmas Season
San Fernando, Pampanga

Arts & crafts

Statues from the lahar

Wood Carving

Wood Carving

Ethnic groups

There are a lot of ethnic groups in Pampanga. Some of them are migrants from other provinces and stayed at Pampanga for some reasons. But the most dominant ethnic group is the Ayta Mag Anchi. 

Aya Mag Anchi

•GAMABA Awardee

EDUARDO MUTUCMetalsmith
Kapampangan 
Apalit Pampanga

Eduardo Mutuc is an artist who has dedicated his life to creating religious and secular art in silver, bronze and wood. His intricately detailed retablos, mirrors, altars, and carosas are in churches and private collections. A number of these works are quite large, some exceeding forty feet, while some are very small and feature very fine and delicate craftsmanship.

For an artist whose work graces cathedrals and churches, Mutuc works in humble surroundings. His studio occupies a corner of his yard and shares space with a tailoring shop. During the recent rains, the river beside his lot overflowed and water flooded his studio in Apalit, Pampanga, drenching his woodblocks. Mutuc takes it all in stride.

He discovered his talents in sculpture and metalwork quite late. He was 29 when he decided to supplement his income from farming for the relatively more secure job of woodcarving. He spent his first year as an apprentice to carvers of household furniture. It was difficult at the beginning, but thanks to his mentors, he was able to develop valuable skills that would serve him in good stead later on. The hardest challenge for him was learning a profession that he had no prior knowledge about, but poverty was a powerful motivation. Although his daily wage of P3.00 didn’t go far to support his wife and the first three of nine children (one of whom has already died), choices were limited for a man who only finished elementary school.

Mutuc’s works are more than merely decorative. They add character and splendor to their setting. His spectacular shiny retablos that decorate an apse or chapel provide focus for contemplation and devotion while the faithful commune with the Divine in regular church celebrations.

According to him, craftsmanship begins with respect for one’s tools and the medium. The first thing he teaches his students is how to hold the chisel and hammer properly to promote ease of use and prevent fatigue and mistakes because of improper handling. He also cautions against working with an eye towards easy money. The only way to improve one’s skills, he says, is to immerse oneself, learn the technique, and to practice. Only in perfecting one’s craft can there be real reward.

Sources:

http://www.pampanga.gov.ph/index.php/general-information/gen-info.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pampanga#Festivals

http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca/org-awards/gamaba/eduardo%20_mutuc.php