Bocaue is a town of about 141,000 (2020) in Bulacan. It is noted for its fireworks industry, its famous fluvial parade, the largest indoor stadium in the world. Bocaue is nicknamed the "Fireworks Capital of the Philippines", with its many local manufacturers and fireworks stores.
Understand
[edit]Bocaue and its neighboring towns form the large conurbation that surround Manila. It is 27 km (17 mi) north of Manila, and 18 km (11 mi) southeast of Malolos.
Bocaue's name is derived from a Tagalog word for a species of long bamboo. Like Marilao, it was founded a barrio of Meycauayan, until it is made a town in 1606. Bocaue's poblacion (downtown or town center) hosts a historic church dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, which also hosts the Mahal na Krus ng Wawa, a Catholic relic which is paraded through the Bocaue River which cuts through town
Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]- North Luzon Express Terminal (NLET), Ciudad de Victoria Way, Duhat. A partially complete bus station inside the Ciudad de Victoria complex, intended to be used as the new terminal for long-distance services to Ilocos, the Cordilleras and Cagayan Valley. It is opened in 2020, intended as a diversion terminal for northbound buses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but has been announced as another bus station to complement the Valenzuela Gateway Complex.
As of July 2020, the following bus companies operating provincial buses have routes out of NLET:
- Baliwag Transit: NLET from San Jose City (via Angeles/Dau and Guimba).
- Cisco Bus: NLET from Cabanatuan (via San Simon, Santa Ana, Gapan)
- Genesis: NLET from Baler (via Angeles/Dau, Tarlac City, and Cabanatuan), Mariveles.
- Philtranco: NLET from Santa Cruz
- Saulog: NLET from Olongapo via San Fernando
NLET is served by one city bus line, route 5, which goes through Manila proper and connects with Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). Metro Manila North Transport operates luxury express services to NLET from Clark Airport, San Fernando (La Union) and Diliman Quezon City. Local bus route 22 (North EDSA-Angat) stops near the Puregold supermarket at barangay Parada in Santa Maria, but you must take a jeepney first and the local bus is a somewhat slower option if headed for Manila.
Local transportation from NLET is sparse, but there are jeepneys to Santa Maria. Onward to Bocaue town proper, you need to transfer along the bypass near the town's boundary with Santa Maria.
By car
[edit]The fastest route to Bocaue is via North Luzon Expressway, with two exits: Bocaue (exit 27) and Tambubong (exit 27A). Another exit (exit 26) leads to Ciudad de Victoria and a bypass road, but is generally open only during events.
From within the province, other highways are the MacArthur Highway which passes near downtown, and Governor F. Halili Avenue from nearby Santa Maria (Bulacan).
By train
[edit]Bocaue will be served by the future railway to Clark Airport.
See
[edit]- 1 Philippine Arena, Ciudad de Victoria, Bocaue, ☏ +63 44 931-8169. With a 55,000 seating capacity, the arena is the biggest domed indoor arena not only in the Philippines but in the world. Built by local Christian sect, Iglesia ni Cristo for their centennial, the Philippine Arena hosts several events including sporting events, church events and concerts.
- 2 Philippine Sports Stadium (New Era University (NEU) Stadium), Ciudad de Victoria. Also part of Iglesia ni Cristo's Ciudad de Victoria complex. The stadium is mainly for football events. It also hosts a blue athletics track.
- 3 St. Martin of Tours Church of Bocaue, Bocaue Town Proper. One of the oldest churches in Bulacan, established in 1578. The church is the home of the Krus ng Wawa, a Catholic relic, which is paraded in the Pagoda Festival.
- 4 Francisca Reyes Aquino Shrine, Morales Street (in Lolomboy Elementary School). Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. Shrine built in honor of Philippine National Artist Francisca Reyes Aquino, who was credited for her contributions to Philippine art and culture in the field of native dance. The place is managed by the National Historical Institute.
- 5 The Garden. A leisure area within the Ciudad de Victoria which features a variety of plants. It also hosts the Animal Kingdom, a mini-zoo with various wild animals, and a merry-go-round.
- 6 Bunducan Welcoming Arch, L. Gonzales Extension Road. Open 24 hours. Historical landmark.
Do
[edit]- Bocaue Pagoda: Every first Sunday of July. An annual fluvial parade, also part of the annual Feast of the Holy Cross, where the Krus ng Wawa, which is believed to have saved an old woman's life who drowned, is paraded on the Pagoda, a gaily structure mounted on large wooden boat (banca), which is then paraded through the Bocaue River.
Buy
[edit]You can buy fireworks and firecrackers in Bocaue for a relatively cheap price, especially during the New Year season.
- 1 CityMall Bocaue, Manila North Road. 9AM–9PM.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Plaza Centralle, Plaza Centralle, Ciudad de Victoria Bypass Road, ☏ +63 917 630 9282. Open 24 hours. Food court.
- 2 Embrace Cafe & Restaurant, The Garden - Ciudad de Victoria, Ciudad de Victoria. 10AM–10PM.
- 3 Rancho’s Barbeque - Duhat, Duhat Street. 4–9PM.
- 4 Padrino Food Park, #25 Duhat Street, ☏ +63 916 557 9551. 3PM–2AM. Food court.
- 5 McDonald's Lolomboy Branch, MacArthur Highway, ☏ +63 448 154 842. Open 24 hours.
- 6 Harana at Joey’s Bar & Grill, MacArthur Highway. 7PM–5AM.
- 7 Cristina's, #002 Mendoza Street, ☏ +63 923 687 9487. Open 24 hours.
- 8 The HangOut FoodZone by MangCook-an, 320 L. Gonzales Extension Road, ☏ +63 975 433 2178. 11AM–10:30PM. Fast food restaurant.
Drink
[edit]- 1 BigBrew Lolomboy Branch, #1780 La Trinidad Street. 7AM-7PM. affordable Milk Tea and Coffee.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Dream Wave Resort, Igulot Road, ☏ +63 917 548 3255, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM.
- 2 Gitna Ng Nayon Resort & Pavillion, 40 Gitna Street Brgy. Duhat, ☏ +63 917 884 3978, +63 945 193 8643.
Connect
[edit]Go next
[edit]| Routes through Valenzuela |
| San Fernando ← Malolos ← | N  S
|
→ Balintawak → Continues south as 
|
| Malolos ← Balagtas ← | N  S
|
→ Marilao → Caloocan |