1.

Getting Closer to Heaven

2. Air Ballooning: It’s the Only Way to Fly
3. The Festival of Flying Blimps
4. Susucdul Qng Banua: Flying High in Clark Field, Pampanga
Extreme Adventures in Pampanga’s Legendary Hot Spot

You know that stuff people say about Kapampangans and “hot air”?
All true.
Need proof? Then check out the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon
Fiesta on February 12-15, and you’ll see just how skilfully this “hot air” is utilized. In
fact, this year is shaping up to be the biggest in the festival’s 14-year history,
according to the Clark Development Corporation (CDC). About 100,000 guests from
at least 25 countries are expected to troop to the Clark Civil Aviation Complex beside
the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport for the four-day flying extravaganza.
The highly-anticipated event was conceived in 1994 through the collaborated
efforts of the then-Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor, Korean businessman and hot-air
balloon pilot Sung Kee Paik, and British Airways General Manager John Emery as a
way to enliven the local economy and earn a place for the Philippines in the world of
aviation sport. It started with 21 balloons from 10 participating countries, and the
numbers have been increasing ever since.
In the recent years, other aero-sports activities have also been thrown into the
mix, such as sky diving, paragliding, kite flying, radio controlled aircraft flying, and a
host of other exhilarating pursuits. Reportedly among the crowd favorites are Captain
Maynard Halili’s aerobatic stunts, the Aeromodelers Association’s flight exhibition,
and the Kite Association of the Philippines’ kite flying demonstrations. And of course
there are also the non-flying attractions that are practically staples – including a mini-
trade fair, live concerts, game booths, car exhibits, and most notably, the food booths
boasting of a myriad food choices, from carnival delights to home-cooked fares.
Getting to Clark is no problem at all. If you’re coming by car from Manila,
take the North Luzon Expressway and exit to Dau, Mabalacat. Turn left to Angeles
City, navigate the Angeles City/Dau traffic, and turn right to the Clark Freeport Zone
itself.
For more information please call 045-499-0695.

Go-Karting: The Fast and the Furious

 While driving in Manila traffic may at times seem more extreme (and
infinitely less rewarding) than skydiving, driving in open air is the exact opposite. It is
exciting and liberating and refreshing – exactly what the Clark Development
Corporation must have been banking on when it allowed go-kart tracks to be installed.
One can get a feel of professional racing for just 350 PhP (for 15 minutes), with
minimal dangers and relative ease (there are only two pedals – accelerator and brake).
And trying the life on the fast lane is ridiculously easy – just ride a jeep from SM
Clark and it will take you right into the action.
For more information please call 6788/6789.

Pinatubo Trail: A Phoenix Rising from its Ashes (Corny! Not even sure if you need a
title for this since it looks like I’m supposed to gel the whole thing into one article)
Trust Filipinos to capitalize on forsaken ruins.
About 48 kilometers north of Clark lay the infamous Mount Pinatubo, whose
violent explosion in the early ’90s nearly brought a whole region to its knees. Now,
the same center of destruction provides hope and wonder for both the natives and the
dedicated trekkers who brave the long and harrowing hike to the mountain crater. The
easiest and safest way to get to the crater is through an access trail system starting
from Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. The trail is called the Skyway, and it was
specifically designed to be 4x4 accessible, thus reducing what promises to be days of
hiking into mere hours. It’s physically demanding, but the breathtaking sight and the
subsequent moments of peace it brings makes one wonder if exhaustion is even a
legitimate concern. It is at once ominous and inviting – it draws you in even as it
forces you to step back and marvel at a nature capable of both unspeakable
devastation and gentle healing. And the famed lake? Just the tip of the iceberg.

Skydiving: The “Extreme” Leap of Faith

Fearless Freefalling Fun

Want to know what it feels like to “fail” to plummet to your death? Then sky
diving is your sport.
And you don’t need to go very far to do it. Martin Imatong, Philippines’
pioneer skydiver, brought skydiving to the country in the early ‘90s, and is currently
operating the Tropical Asia Parachute Center at the Omni Aviation Complex in Clark
Field Pampanga. He’s going to be your instructor, therapist, and hand-holder
throughout a meticulously planned jump that will hopefully end in your swimming in
endorphins – and nothing else.
Like most sports, skydiving requires that you be in good physical condition.
And obviously, it comes with risks. Due to the inherent dangers of the sport, extra
safety precautions are prerequisites – one of which is that it be done with clear skies
and a fair weather only (ideally November – June). But the dangers notwithstanding,
its enthusiasts swear by the excitement and exhilaration it brings.
Martin Imatong, Instructor
Tel: +63-2 892-1361
Email: imatong@dow.com
Rates:
Tandem jump - 9,000 pesos from 10,000 feet, includes ground training (1-1/2 hrs),
equipment, plane ride (one way!)
Static line first jump course - 7,000 pesos, includes ground school (5-7 hours),
equipment, plane ride