Although Angeles City is widely celebrated as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines for its rich and diverse food scene, there’s more to it than just flavors. Right at the heart of the city stands one of its most meaningful landmarks—the Minor Basilica and Parish of the Holy Rosary, known as “Pisamban Maragul” or the Big Church—quietly holding stories of history and heritage that many don’t immediately see. Photo reference: Inquirer.net (webpage) The humble beginnings Long before the church became a symbol of faith, Don Angel Pantaleon de Miranda and his wife Doña Rosalia de Jesus ventured north from San Fernando in 1796 .They cleared dense forests to establish a new settlement in what was then the barrio of Culiat Tradition had it that Doña Rosalia and the early settlers carried an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary in processions for every new clearing. As the settlement thrived, the couple decided to fund the building of a small chapel made of wood and nipa, complete with every...