Sunday Fever: Pampanga Getaway

Hia!

It's me again and it's the last day of the weekend. Time flies so fast! Well my Sunday Fever is quite special. For those thrill seekers out there and planning to visit Philippines some time soon I have a very nice place for you to go which is in the lovely city of Pampanga.

Pampanga, 2-3 hours north of Manila, and sits on the wide plains of Central Luzon, got its name from the word pampang or riverbank as the early Kapampangans (the natives-literally meaning riverbank dwellers) living near the banks of the notable Pampanga River. Today, Pampanga is known as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines and its cuisine thought to be the most evolved of all Philippine culinary traditions. Kare-Kare (Oxtail in Vegetables and Peanut Soup), Kilawin (Ceviche) and Sizzling Sisig are one of it notable contributions to this tradition. Pampango’s Best and Mekeni Foods are synonymous with producing excellent Kapampangan version of traditional Filipino-style cured meats and sausages – tocino, tapas, and chorizos/longganisa. ~http://tourism-philippines.com/pampanga/




I was planning to go there with the family and try out some Pampanga's finest according to words of mouth their activities was a blast. So here are some things you can do when you decided to go to Pampanga:

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival

Every February, the former American airbase of Clark (just outside Angeles City) hosts one of the biggest and most festive air shows in Asia drawing an approximately 60,000 visitors in 2007. Celebrated since 1994, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival takes flight in a field next to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (one of the increasingly important Philippine international gateways), with at least two dozen of hot air balloons of different shapes and sizes (we spied a balloon shaped like a rolled newspaper, a coffee cup, a huge elephant) from all over the globe participating. Skydiving exhibitions, flights of ultra lights, motorized hang-gliding, remote controlled model aircraft, kite flying and other aero-sports activities keeps the usually week-long festival busy. Rides on the hot air balloon are not for free and is on a first come, first served basis. Arrive as early as 4-5am, and then head out to the booth where they hold the list-up. Usually the registration area is in the middle of a concrete pavement leading to the main hangar. Organizers and contact persons on the ground can be very disorganized, so once you sign up, stay where you are- there is a huge chance of being bumped off the list unceremoniously. Unless you finally paid for your ride (do not forget to get a receipt), do not leave the registration booth. The event happen every year on the same month February. Never miss the chance to be part of the so called festive. (Sorry about the photos they don't have the latest, but it's the thought that counts.)

The Sandbox

If you're on more active and want to work those muscle out, try Sandbox.

Ayala Land, Inc., in collaboration with Leonio Land has launched a “mix-use” development in Porac Pampanga called Alviera. It is a township that is envisioned to house top-notch schools, commercial centers, residential developments, hotels, and a country club to name a few. On April 12, Alviera opened the first of its attractions: Sandbox.

Sandbox, as the name implies, is one huge playground. It’s not your everyday average playground though, because it features adrenaline-inducing activities that are not for the faint of heart. Most of it is meant for bigger kids (no one below 4 feet is allowed to participate in the activities) and fun-seeking adults. When you enter the Sandbox grounds for the first time, your eye will immediately go to the complex-looking obstacle course to your left. This is known as the Aerial Walk (P150). It is a series of ropes, wooden planks, cables, and zip lines that takes skill, a little bit of nerve, and some dexterity to maneuver.

 

 

Fun and safety are the top priorities in Sandbox.

Sandbox is all about safety so their staff will strap you in a harness and helmet and will give you helpful instructions and tips before you navigate the Aerial Walk. Don’t be afraid of getting stuck because staff are stationed all throughout the maze to help you should you need it.

 

 

One the right side, directly across from the Aerial Walk is the much talked about Giant Swing (P100). It is the first of its kind in the Philippines. It’s basically a swing on steroids at 10 meters above the ground. It can accommodate up to three thrill-seekers at a time. You can choose to go solo or, if you need the moral support, with a friend. You are strapped into a harness that is supported by cables hanging from two poles. You are then hoisted up, up, up until you’re practically parallel to the ground below. And just when you start to freak out a little bit about how high up you are, the cable is released and your stomach jumps up to your throat as you swing back and forth. It was amazing. My companion and I loved it so much that, when we were asked if we wanted a second go, we immediately said yes.

 

 

 

Sandbox’s Adventure Tower is the 5-storey venue for most of the activities in the park: the Avatar One Zipline (P150), Wall Climbing (P50), Free Falling (P100), and Rappelling (P50).

 

Avatar One is also known as the country’s first Rollercoaster Zipline because, unlike the traditional zipline, it has curves which results in dips and pitches during the 180-meter long ride. It starts at a 12-meter height where you are once again strapped into a harness and then, when you’re safely fastened, pushed into the zigzagging zipline. Just listen closely to the staff’s instructions and you should be fine.

Avatar One: the country’s first rollercoaster zipline

 

The starting point of the zipline is 12 meters high.

 

 

If you’re one of the braver ones, give the Free Fall a try. It is what it sounds like, a single cable is attached to your harness and you jump off the platform situated at the highest point of the Adventure Tower. I’m a tried and tested adrenaline junkie but even this was too much for me.

 

If you’re looking for something a little tamer, you can always go for wall climbing.

Sandbox focuses on outdoor activities so don’t forget to slather on some sunblock, take an umbrella with you, or both if you’re vigilant about that kind of thing. You can rent an ATV or a UTV (P2,500 and P3,500 respectively) and explore the impressive Alviera property. There are also pump tracks for bike enthusiasts as well as a mini-golf course and, soon, they will open camping grounds for those who want to spend the night surrounded by mountains and trees.

 

 

Sanbox is place that the whole family can enjoy. They have a playground for kids, picnic facilities, and kite-flying activities. You may bring your own food but they have a concessionaire from Tuesday to Sunday and food tents on weekends where local produce and products are highlighted.

Deca Wake Park Clark

 For more thrills why don't you try wake boarding? Today wake boarding is another sport to check in to aside from surfing, snow boarding, skate boarding and if you love water they have one now:

The Angeles City Flying Club

 If you're not afraid of heights this one is good for you. They offer a flying lesson and if you want to learn more you can ask for membership with of course a fee. You can never go wrong with this one either you fly on your own or if you're a beginner an instructor is a must.

So all you thrill seekers out there don't hesitate to visit our lovely country we have so much to offer. All these I've shared are on my bucket list. It is never bad to try something that will increase your adrenalin. This is also a fun way to get to know what you can do who knows this is might be your calling. Now I'm just waiting for vacation to try these babies. I didn't post another activities here where you can also to some Shooting Range play with the big boys. You can also search that in this site if you want to know more activities in Pampanga

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!!!


 Xoxo,
Ivy