WANDERING MAPANDAN
LET'S GO TO MAPANDAN! Discovering Mapandan, Pangasinan: The Little Town with a Big Heart Located at the center of the province of Pangasinan is the lovely town of Mapandan, which may not be as grandiose as many other nearby communities, yet has a certain charm to it that will draw you in once you arrive. The warm residents, unique customs and tranquil rural atmosphere make this quaint community an ideal example of how less can be truly greater than more. The Meaning Behind “Mapandan” The name mapandan comes from the word pandan; the tropical plant has long, fragrant-smelling green leaves. Filipinos use the leaves extensively as an ingredient for rice cake (biko) and for making sweet treats and drinks. They also weave the leaves into mats and baskets and other handicrafts. long before the modern-day town existed, early settlers took note of how abundant pandan were in this area. They called the area "mapandan" — a literal trans...