Alaminos is a city of settlers. True to its historical roots of having been built by settlers from Zambales and Dagupan, the city is home to 56 ethnic groups including Muslim migrants from Mindanao who have found peace and harmony in one community.
The Alaminians are a warm and hospitable people, keen at giving their best when dealing with guests. Raised in a place that nature has carved for rest and recreation, creating one’s simple joys like instant parties, quick picnics at the beach, drinking sessions at the corner store, or just a twilight stroll — to its people is second nature.
For first-time visitors, one finds comfort in the ease of getting accepted. And if the guest opts for a longer stay, he would soon discover the warmth and depth of his welcome. It comes in the form of sharing a glass of their local brews, tasting their favorite delicacies, exchanging pleasantries or singing with them in a corner bar.
Many Religions
Reflective of its wide mix of ethnic groups and a culture of tolerance the mixture spawned, the city hosts DIVERSE & FRIENDLY City Folks practically all religious sects and their churches, Christians, Muslims, Shintoists, and Mormons. Catholism remains the dominant religion, the St. Joseph Cathedral, its living symbol.
Predominantly Christian, the town celebrates the most important religious festivities, a long Christmas festival of merry making, gift giving, partying, and fireworks that begins on December 24 while waiting for the birthday of the Christ Jesus and ends on New Year’s day the following year to greet new beginnings.
The Lenten Season is the second of the city’s main Christian festivals. In contrast to the long and happy celebration of Christ’s birthday, the passion and crucifixion of Christ is marked with solemn prayers, mourning songs and reenactment of his last days of Christ until his resurrection.
Linguists All
Each resident speaks at least three languages, Filipino, the national language, English, the second national language and his native tongue. Many speak more dialects as the two most dominant groups are the Pangasinense with roots in Central Pangasinan and Ilocanos who trace their roots to the Ilocos provinces up north. Other residents often learn both languages.
With their mixed languages, they have brought along their native songs, many of which have become local classics, sang during festivals, barrio fiestas, weddings and parties.
Economic Preferences
Ethnic beginnings cascade to economic activities. Those with Pangasinense roots, especially those from the trading city of Dagupan, tend to become entrepreneurs and traders, competing with zest with the local Chinese and Muslims.
Those with Ilocano roots prefer the professions. They teach their children to become lawyers, accountants, nurses and doctors. Of course, other parents also send their children to college, if they can, for like most Filipino families, education is valued very high in Alaminos City. The Ilocanos are adept at farming and raised to tackle the hard work it demands. The Pangasinenses, having a kinship with the sea, tend to be in fish culture or are into sea fishing.
Alaminos.gov.ph
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