A group of Beetles and Kombis included Clark as one of the official stops during the Domestic Tourism Invitational Program-Manila and its Environs by the Tourism Promotions Board and Volkswagen Club of the Philippines.
On the third day of the 5-day tourism event, the notable sound of Volkswagen engines revved up the reception hall of Luxent Hotel in Quezon City as the invited group of media, tour operators and Volkswagen enthusiasts prepared to head out for Clark.
Passing through EDSA and eventually to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), it was a smooth drive under fine weather. Being in the navigator seat, it was hard not to notice interested commuters and pedestrians aiming their camera phones toward the convoy, majority with smiles painted on their faces.
It was a smooth drive via NLEX and we regrouped at the first stop for a bladder break and engine rest. This was where we met Cyril who caught up to us, bearing a hippy beetle with a Rudolf the Reindeer thematic design which he called “Baj”. I was lucky to be his sidekick passenger for the day. Upon riding Baj, I noticed the unique personalized dashboard, the fairy lights, and the Instax photos clipped to his window which gave me an idea of his creative persona.
After passing through Dau, eventually, to the Clark Main Gate, the Volkswagen convoy got the almost same public attention, and more smiles greeted us along the way. Luckily, traffic was not that bad when we arrived. We made a brief stop at the Air Force City Park where a private holiday party was concurrently being held. Again, the convoy got their attention as it passed by. We made a quick photo opportunity with the vehicles as our backdrop at the spacious parking grounds.
Soon, we arrived at Comercio Central and a Kapampangan Buffet Spread was awaiting the team. We got a rich Kapampangan culinary treat of Sisig, Caldereta, Roasted Chicken, Fermented Shrimp “Buro” and Steamed Vegetables plus, “Sampelot” – a hefty lunch that the group had certainly enjoyed.
Before we officially left Clark, Bessie Rustia, the Manager of Comercio Central, had us try D’ Grounds Cafe specialties such as their Espresso shots, iced blended coffee beverages, and frappes – a timely caffeine dose for the longer drive to Baguio City. A quick photo and video opportunity ensued at the parking lot beside the expansive CDC Parade Grounds where the 9 Beetles and 2 Kombis lined up. Seeing these group triggered a nostalgic feel – for a moment my mind drifted to the 70s.
Our exit route was via Manuel A. Roxas Highway where we passed by Swissotel Clark and to the Creekside Road. We made a left to Panday Pira Avenue, passing by Clark International Speedway and exited the NLEX Clark North Tollgate.
I felt a bit of pride and happiness with Clark as part of the chosen destinations for the Domestic Tourism Invitational Program – Volkswagen Manila and its Environs event. The Clark Freeport Zone is truly a strategic tourism destination between the National Capital Region and the Metro Baguio Region with amenities to support every visitor’s needs.
