You can't really say you've seen Angeles City unless you've been to Camalig---that quaintly old world, fiercely Filipino, trendy turn-of-the-century heritage resto right at the heart of the metropolis.
Located on bustling Sto. Rosario Street, the old camalig ("shed" in the Kapampangan vernacular) is truly a "must-see" for both residents and tourists as it is one of the city's few surviving legacy structures that has withstood the twin ravages of time and modernization, having been adaptively reused for commerce long before heritage preservation in business was in vogue.
Built in 1840 during the Spanish period by the town's first mayor Don Ciriaco de Miranda primarily as a farm shed of light materials (and later upgraded in the early 1900s to its present form by the town's first post-colonial mayor Capitan Juan Nepomuceno), Historic Camalig Restaurant now stands as a delicate reminder of a gentler era in Philippine history.
"The 150-year-old building was inherited by my father (the late Armando L. Nepomuceno) through five generations," says owner/historian Marc Nepomuceno. "It was in 1980 when he relocated his small pizzeria, Armando's Pizza (one of the pioneering pizzerias in town, I might add) to the old camalig. That is why Historic Camalig Restaurant is also billed as ‘The Home of Armando's Pizza: Ang Pambansang Pizza'."
Marc adds that since 1973 Armando's Pizza has been "tickling the tastebuds" of an entire generation of Angeleños with its 15 artisan flavors---among which, of course, is the famously original Doy's Kapampangan, a homegrown sensation that features a surprisingly splendid combination of lungganisa (native sausage), ebun buru (native salted duck egg), onion, and pickle relish.
Along with its celestial crispy-crust creations, Camalig also serves seven native breakfast plates; four al dente pasta dishes; a heavenly fusion of Filipino, American, and Mexican favorites; and a superb selection of beverages.
Denizens, however, swear that it is by night that Camalig is most magical. Because shortly after the sun sets, this veritable hub of heritage and history turns haven to some of the finest rock and retro acts this side of the city. Dig the gig and do it under the stars and dancing. Catch the city's most promising bands and help yourself to healthy heaping of wholesome happenings.
Live performances are held on most weeknights* at Camalig's outdoor stage amidst its beautifully landscaped patio where one may drink, dine, and unwind 'til midnight.
Now for those who simply can't leave home or work, Camalig delivers within Angeles and Clark, including areas in San Fernando, Mabalacat, Bacolor, and Porac. Image Credit: Camalig Restaurant Facebook Page
a. Camalig Square, 292 Dalan Sto Rosario, Angeles, 2009 Pampanga
w. www.camalig.com/profile.html
