Central Luzon, Administrative region north of Manila, Philippines
Central Luzon is an administrative region north of Manila that extends across seven provinces from Manila Bay to the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea. The area connects coastal zones with mountain ranges and plains where agriculture shapes much of the landscape.
The area saw heavy fighting during World War II when American and Filipino troops surrendered in 1942. The subsequent Bataan Death March forced thousands of soldiers through this territory under brutal conditions.
The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando displays large illuminated lanterns assembled by local craftspeople from bamboo, paper, and glass shards. Visitors can admire these colorful installations in the streets during the festival days in December and watch families gather to view the displays together.
Three major expressways link the provinces together and allow crossing the region without routing through Manila. The road connections pass through lowlands and over mountain passes, with travel times varying depending on traffic conditions.
The expansive rice paddies supply the largest share of the country's rice harvest and have earned the area the name Rice Granary of the Philippines. The fertile plains between the mountains provide optimal conditions for intensive rice cultivation.
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