The name "Pampanga" comes from the word pangpang meaning Riverbank, a fitting name for a flat country crisscrossed by a hundred small branches of the Pampanga River. Pampanga is populated by resourceful hardy folk, who are justifiably proud of their famous Kapampangan cuisine, regarded by many as the best regional food in the Philippines.

Imagine getting away to the mountains of the Cordilleras and strolling the historic towns of Ilocos then road-tripping around the plains of Pampanga and the beaches of Zambales and finally living the adventure in the caves of Cagayan all in one day? Impossible? Think again.

Located in San Fernando, Pampanga is HILAGA Philippines (formerly Paskuhan Village), a tourism village where the wealth, character and cultures of the four Northern Regions of Luzon are pooled together to provide every visitor the virtual experience of a visit to the North - Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon Regions. Hilaga can be seen as you approach the San Fernando exit tollgate along the North Luzon Expressway, 65 kilometers from Manila. It is located at a crossroad close to two giant shopping malls.

The main attraction of the Village are the regional exhibit halls which are microcosm of each of the four Northern regions. Each of the exhibit halls are appropriately designed and arranged to evoke the nature, character and atmosphere of the region it represents.

The Kappianan na Cagayan Valley Hall composed the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the City of Santiago and the Island Province of Batanes are featured.

Showcasing the best of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao, Mountain Province and the chartered City of Baguio, is the Gran Cordillera Abong Hall.

Apart from the regional exhibit halls and the stalls, a Nature's Sanctuary (Bird Park and Botanical Garden) that can provide visitors some peace and quiet and a little dose of knowledge and discovery. The Gardens boast of various landscape designs as well as endemic and exotic plants, while the aviary is home to several birds such as the parrot, parakeet, the cockatoo, wild ducks and etc.

And if somehow the stroll makes you feel quite tired, you can always resort to the tranquil just beside the hotel (now temporarily closed) and the aviary. But if you are looking for action and more excitement, HILAGA has swimming pool, and the rock-climbing facility.

And if all the strolling and activities around the area render you a little exhausted, head to the Food Court where regional cuisine and local delicacies are prepared and served at a good deal.

If the sun sets down on you while you are still in the Village, don't fret, HILAGA is best appreciated at night time. As soon as twilight comes, HILAGA comes alive with the live acoustic and band performances in Plaza de Guiao and Secretary's Garden respectively, amidst the bright lights and lanterns. And if you are lucky, you may even catch some live cultural performances in the Amphitheater or the Plenary Hall.

Truly, HILAGA Philippines never runs out of thrills and fun. But what genuinely makes it more significant and interesting is the amount of cultural wealth and experience that are just waiting to be discovered by every visitor. So next time you seek fun, adventure and enrichment all at the same time, you know which direction to head to: up NORTH to HILAGA Philippines.