FOOD & CUISINE
A Taste of History at
Story & Photography by Nil Garces & Philip Ortaleza
CAMALIG
You can ’ t really say you ’ ve seen Angeles unless you ’ ve been to Camalig — that quaintly old world , fiercely Filipino , trendy turn-of-thecentury 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 the city ’ s most popular legacy structure that has been adaptively re-used commercially , having withstood the twin ravages of time and modernization .
Built in the early 1900s by Capitan Juan Nepomuceno ( Angeles town ’ s first mayor after the Filipino victory over Spanish sovereignty in 1898 ) to upgrade an older grain depot constructed of light materials , Historic Camalig Restaurant now stands as a delicate reminder of a gentler era in Philippine history .
Imagine , if you will , the serenity of antiquity preserved in stately architecture of wood and stone . Picture yourself surrounded by age-old photographs and relics from a bygone Angeles town . Dine amidst the charm and hospitality of old world Filipiniana . Or as Asia Today magazine puts it , “ drink in a little of the history of a long-ago Philippine time .”
“ The 100-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 ’.”
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 longganisa ( native sausage ), ebun buru ( native salted duck egg ), onion , and pickle relish .
Along with its celestial crispy-crust cre-
ations , Camalig also serves seven breakfast items ; four pasta recipes ; 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 .
Historic Camalig Restaurant
The Home of Armando ’ s Pizza : “ Ang Pambansang Pizza ”) 292 Sto . Rosario Street , 2009 Angeles City , Philippines | Web : www . camalig . com | Email : camalig @ comclark . com | For deliveries : Call ( 045 ) 322-5641 / 888-1077
* for gig schedule & updates , log on to http :// www . camalig . com
Now for those who simply can ’ t leave home or work , Camalig delivers within Angeles and Clark , including surrounding areas in San Fernando , Mabalacat , and Porac . •
8 7107 ISLAND TRAVEL