Dau: the terminal that connects Luzon
How a barangay of Mabalacat became one of Central Luzon's busiest transport hubs, with buses to Manila and the far north.
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Discover Pampanga Editors · October 2026
Photo: Ralff Nestor Nacor on Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA · via Wikimedia Commons
Ask a Kapampangan how to get anywhere north, and the answer often starts with Dau.
A terminal for half of Luzon
The Dau Bus Terminal, in the south of Mabalacat City, serves passengers bound for Metro Manila and for Tarlac, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Ecija, La Union, Bataan, Zambales and Baguio. For many travellers, a trip to central or northern Luzon begins here.
The end of the expressway
Dau was once the northern end of the North Luzon Expressway, which helped make it a crossroads. Today it is Mabalacat's largest and most populous barangay, home to about a quarter of the city's people.
A city of balacat trees
Mabalacat, a city since July 21, 2012, takes its name from the balacat tree. Most of the Clark Freeport Zone, with its airport, lies within its borders. See how to get to Mabalacat and where to stay near Clark airport.
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More in Mabalacat
Community
Pastorella: Mabalacat's Latin carols at dawn
While most of Pampanga has moved on, Mabalacat's choir still sings the Pastorella, Latin hymns for the shepherds, at Christmas.
History
Kamikaze East: Mabalacat's airfield of peace
How a wartime airstrip in Mabalacat became the launch point of the first kamikaze mission, and later a memorial for peace.
© Ralff Nestor Nacor on Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SAHistory
Caragan and Laureana: the founding legend of Mabalacat
No document records Mabalacat's founding. Its people tell instead of an Aeta chieftain, his wife and a forest of balacat trees.
Things to do nearby
Attractions
Our Lady of Divine Grace Parish, Mabalacat
Mabalacat's town parish, where the choir keeps the old Pastorella tradition of Latin Christmas hymns.
Attractions
Kamikaze East Airfield Peace Memorial
Memorial on the site of the airfield where the first organised kamikaze mission took off on October 25, 1944, built as a call for peace.
© CNEcija12345 · CC BY-SACulture
Tabnuan: Mabalacat Cultural Center
Arts and history museum in Mabalacat's former town hall, opened in February 2024.
Where to eat nearby
Kapampangan Food
Casa Salome
Old-style Filipino restaurant and events venue in Duquit, Mabalacat, recommended by the DOT's Region III office.
Where to stay nearby
Near Clark Airport
The Fern Private Resort & Spa
Private villa resort in Dolores with adult and kids' pools, a spa and a kitchen, 10 minutes from Clark International Airport.