Inside the prestigious grounds of Holy Angel University stands the Center for Kapampangan Studies, an area covered in tinted glass walls that may look like an ordinary office from the outside. It was a weekday afternoon when I came to visit. Though I’ve been to the University many times before, it was only a few years ago that I’ve heard about this center. After much anticipation, it was finally time to roam around.
I secured a visitor’s pass at the main entrance. At the logbook I had to write my purpose for visit, so wrote what I came here for. The lady guard probably did not believe me (or did I look too suspicious?) so she kept probing me . I said I have no other business but to go the Center for Kapampangan Studies. I took the opportunity of her curiosity so I asked for some directions. After much deliberation of my visit, I was free to go inside.
It was my first time to go to the center so I was relying on signboards to keep me on track. Another guard at the Don Juan D. Nepomuceno buildinh pointed me towards the direction of the Laus Deo Semper. Within those tinted glass walls was the CKS. From the outside, it looked like and ordinary office. There was only way to find out if I came to the right place.
The upper floor offered more museum space for more displays and a small library featured historian Dr. Ambeth Ocampo’s extensive Filipinana collection.
I enjoyed this tour at the center. I encourage Kapampangans, especially the young generation to come visit this place to learn more about our culture and hopefully inspire more to love and care for our heritage. I admire the people behind these projects. May they continue to advocate and preserve this one of a kind province that is Pampanga.
The Center for Kapampangan Studies is located in the Don Juan D. Nepomuceno building at Holy Angel University, Sto. Rosario street, Angeles city. Admission is free and is open during weekdays from 8am-8pm and on Saturdays from 8am-5pm. I once went there on a holiday but it was unfortunately closed for the day.
http://siuala.com/siuala/
Sir Mike Pangilinan was my former Kapampangan instructor during my College days in HAU. I believed sa kanya nagsimula ang idea about putting a Center for Kapampangan Studies, kaso sa iba napunta ang credits.
Anyways, I hope that site could help you in learning more about our Kapampangan culture.
You are good in arts, you should learn “Kulitan.” They offer FREE teachings with history of it.
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