Luisita Park – Tarlac City Philippines

I am not a Tarlaquena by blood. I am here because I was relocated here by the company where I worked 18 years ago.

I am a Bicolana by blood and left my hometown to work in Manila. My 3rd job was at Kawasaki Motors Philippines and after 2 trainings in Japan, I was transferred as pioneer employee to Tarlac to train the newly hired employees. I was only 20 years old then and single, probably that was the main reason why I accepted the relocation; I have no family to worry of.

Tarlac then was a typical province, no sign of progress. The road to my company- IWSPC (Int’l wiring Systems Phils. Corp) was a rough road. IWSPC was one of the first locator at Luisita Industrial Park, it is a Special Export Processing Zone located at San Miguel, Tarlac City Philippines. In my previous post about Mt. Pinatubo, I shared my experiences regarding my first days in Tarlac. I deal with loads of ashes lol!

It’s a new adjustment and I have to deal with it. I was cut from city life, no movies, no disco, no parks and I have to walk more or less 3 kilometers to reach the highway. I lived in a dormitory provided by the company beside the company premises. Transport are all inbound. No outbound transport and you have to walk if you want to reach the nearest town.

I don’t know how I endure living here, maybe because I met my hub here lol! But Progress came to us after 5 years and the old place with tall grasses and trees turned into a beautiful park. And the pictures below will show you the progress of once a sleeping province.

This is the famous Jollibee, a pure Filipino food chain. This has many branches nationwide and already reached the tongue of different countries including America. My kids loves this place. Sabrina, Rajisha and my youngest son Nonoy celebrated birthdays here.

This is Luisita Mall. I took some pictures for souvenir. You’ll never see this building again in the coming months for it is undergoing construction. Robinson Mall will occupy the site.

These picture were taken inside Luisita Park. That building is Max’s restaurant, one of famous Filipino restaurant that specializes in fried chicken. I love that place. Rajisha and Nonoy’s baptismal party were held here.

This is Starbucks, yes we also have a branch of that famous cafe here. This is a hotspot so if you want to enjoy free unlimited internet surfing while sipping your favorite blend of coffee, this is the place to go. I bet you also love this place.

This is Pizza Hut. In case you want a delicious pizza, that is also available at LIP park and of course, there is Greenwich too but because Luisita Mall is under construction, they moved temporarily near Maligaya Variety Store beside 7 eleven, infront of Camp Servillano Aquino.

Yes, this is a genuine train. A century old train used at the Sugar cane Plantation owned by Cojuangcos. It now turned as one of the Park’s attraction.