Hermosa, municipality of the Philippines in the province of Bataan
Hermosa is a municipality in Bataan province, Philippines, covering approximately 157 square kilometers and home to about 80,000 residents spread across 23 barangays. The terrain is mostly flat with the highest point at around 161 meters (528 feet), bordered by Manila Bay to the east and Pampanga to the northeast.
Hermosa was founded in 1756 by Dominican priests and originally called Liana Hermosa, which also included the areas of Mabuco and Mabuyan. During World War II, civilians risked their safety to secretly deliver food to soldiers fighting, demonstrating remarkable bravery during those difficult times.
Hermosa's name comes from a Spanish story: when conquistadors saw women bathing in a creek, they called out 'Que Hermosa!' meaning 'How beautiful!' The locals repeated the word, and it became the town's name. This origin story shapes the town's identity and connects its past to daily life today.
Hermosa is located about 100 kilometers north of Manila and can be reached by car in about two hours via good roads and bus connections. The town receives electricity from PENELCO, most households have access to water from wells or pipelines, and local transportation relies on jeepneys and tricycles.
Hermosa originally meant 'beautiful plain of white flowers' as Liana Hermosa, a name reflecting the region's past abundance of blooms, fruit trees, and clear streams. This earlier natural landscape still shapes how residents understand and relate to their homeland today.
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