ANGELES CITY — Every destination has a story to tell, and at Nepo Mart, a new chapter of local heritage unfolds with the launch of Pasalubong Avenue—a thoughtfully reimagined space where the richness of Pampanga’s local products meets the people, traditions, and stories behind them.
Officially launched on Oct. 9 at the Nepo Mart building in Nepo Center, the new destination marks a milestone in the relaunch of one of Angeles City’s historic retail establishments. Presented by Nepo Mart and JDN Realty Group, Pasalubong Avenue gives renewed purpose and identity to the familiar landmark, transforming it into a showcase for local craftsmanship, cultural pride, tourism, and entrepreneurship.
Guided by the vision “One Destination, Many Local Stories,” Pasalubong Avenue goes beyond the conventional pasalubong shopping experience. It invites visitors to discover the character of Pampanga through its homegrown products and the enduring enterprise of local vendors whose businesses have flourished for decades.
Behind every delicacy, handcrafted item, and proudly local creation lies a narrative of perseverance, family tradition, and a community’s determination to preserve its identity. By bringing these products and their makers together under one roof, Pasalubong Avenue creates a meaningful connection between heritage and commerce—allowing visitors to take home not just a product, but a piece of Pampanga itself.
A landmark reimagined
For generations, Nepo Mart has held a distinctive place in the retail history of Angeles City, remembered as the first store in the city to sell PX goods. Its legacy reflects a period when the establishment became part of the city’s evolving commercial landscape.
Today, that legacy takes on a new direction.
With its renewed and refreshed identity, Nepo Mart looks toward the future by placing local enterprise and cultural storytelling at the heart of its destination. Pasalubong Avenue represents a shift from the familiar retail experience toward a more immersive celebration of place—one that recognizes the value of local products not only as commodities, but also as expressions of community, creativity, and cultural continuity.
Strategically located along Catalina Street at Nepo Center, in front of Newpoint Mall, the avenue is poised to welcome shoppers, tourists, and visitors seeking a more personal encounter with Pampanga’s distinctive offerings.
Where local stories find a home
A defining feature of Pasalubong Avenue is the participation of local vendors who have spent decades building their businesses and preserving their craft. Their presence brings authenticity to the destination, highlighting the people whose livelihoods and legacies contribute to the province’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.
In bringing these enterprises together, Pasalubong Avenue creates a shared platform for established local businesses while opening opportunities for greater visibility and appreciation of homegrown products.
The concept also underscores the role of local commerce in tourism development. As travelers increasingly seek experiences that reflect the character of a place, destinations such as Pasalubong Avenue offer an opportunity to discover Pampanga through its makers, flavors, traditions, and stories.
The result is a destination that celebrates the familiar while presenting it in a renewed light—where the act of buying pasalubong becomes an encounter with local identity.
A vision for cultural discovery
The ceremonial launch featured welcome remarks from commercial spaces manager Rocky Torres, followed by a message of support from JDN Realty AVP for administration Maribel Ronquillo, and a special message from city deputy tourism officer John Montances. The program also included a presentation introducing Pasalubong Avenue, a video feature titled “The Pasalubong Vision,” and a tourism message from the Angeles City Tourism Office.
Featured in the program video was Miss Nepo 2026, Arielle Cabatana, whose participation highlighted the new destination’s vision of connecting local heritage with a wider audience.
The ceremonial ribbon cutting, held toward the close of the program, formally marked the opening of this new chapter for Nepo Mart and its commitment to providing a home for local products and the stories that give them meaning.
One destination. Many local stories. A heritage worth taking home.
