Bocaue

Understand

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. It is home to about 148,000 people (census, 1 July 2024) 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 was 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.

Getting there

Bocaue lies along North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the old, congested MacArthur Highway, which skirts downtown Bocaue. Bocaue has its own exit on NLEX. Upon entering from Manila, take a left turn going to downtown Bocaue along Governor Fortunato Halili Avenue.

By bus 1 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 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. (updated Oct 2020) 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. A point-to-point bus service from Trinoma in Quezon City to Santa Maria also has a stop along Halili Avenue near NLEX Bocaue Exit. A one-way fare costs P100. Other commuter buses running between Metro Manila and coastal Bulacan traverse MacArthur Highway.

By jeep Jeepneys ply MacArthur Highway. The main jeepney stop is Bocaue Crossing, underneath the flyover at th

See

1 Philippine Arena, Ciudad de Victoria, ☏ +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. (updated Feb 2015) 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. (updated Feb 2015) 3 St. Martin of Tours Parish Church (Bocaue Church), Poblacion. One of the oldest churches in Bulacan, established in 1578. The church is the home of the Cross of Wawa, a Catholic relic, which is paraded in the Pagoda Festival. Its pointed-edge altarpieces resemble those in medieval European churches. (updated Apr 2026) 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. (updated Feb 2015) 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. (updated Dec 2020) 6 Bunducan Welcoming Arch, L. Gonzales Extension Road. Open 24 hours. Historical landmark. (updated Sep 2023) 7 Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim, Garahe Street, Barangay Lolomboy (enter Mendoza Street at the back of McDonald’s Lolomboy and follow the signage at Villa Modesta leading to Garahe Street to the right. The street itself is narrow and difficult for vehicles larger than a tricycle to maneuver, although parking at the site is spacious). 8AM-5PM Tu-Sa, closed Su. A Catholic shrine dedicated to Andrew K

Do

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

You can buy fireworks and firecrackers in Bocaue for a relatively cheap price, especially during the Western and Chinese New Year seasons, although it can get crowded during those times. Chicharon, a pork rind snack that makes for a safer (except for cardiovascular reasons) and edible souvenir, can be found along Halili Avenue leading to Santa Maria.

1 CityMall Bocaue, Manila North Road. 9AM–9PM. (updated Sep 2023) 2 Bocaue Public Market, MacArthur Highway, Caingin (beside Bocaue Bridge). (updated Apr 2026)

Eat

1 Plaza Centralle, Plaza Centralle, Ciudad de Victoria Bypass Road, ☏ +63 917 630 9282. Open 24 hours. Food court. (updated Sep 2023) 2 Embrace Cafe & Restaurant, The Garden - Ciudad de Victoria, Ciudad de Victoria. 10AM–10PM. (updated Sep 2023) 3 Rancho’s Barbeque - Duhat, Duhat Street. 4–9PM. (updated Sep 2023) 4 Padrino Food Park, #25 Duhat Street, ☏ +63 916 557 9551. 3PM–2AM. Food court. (updated Sep 2023) 5 McDonald's Lolomboy Branch, MacArthur Highway, ☏ +63 448 154 842. Open 24 hours. (updated Sep 2023) 6 Harana at Joey’s Bar & Grill, MacArthur Highway. 7PM–5AM. (updated Sep 2023) 7 Cristina's, #002 Mendoza Street, ☏ +63 923 687 9487. Open 24 hours. (updated Sep 2023) 8 The HangOut FoodZone by MangCook-an, 320 L. Gonzales Extension Road, ☏ +63 975 433 2178. 11AM–10:30PM. Fast food restaurant. (updated Sep 2023)

Drink & nightlife

1 BigBrew Lolomboy Branch, #1780 La Trinidad Street. 7AM-7PM. affordable Milk Tea and Coffee. (updated Sep 2023)

Sleep

1 Dream Wave Resort, Igulot Road, Brgy. Tambobong, ☏ +63 917 548 3255, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Apr 2026) 2 Gitna Ng Nayon Resort & Pavillion, 40 Gitna Street, Brgy. Duhat, ☏ +63 917 884 3978, +63 945 193 8643. (updated Sep 2023)