Clark reviving ‘good old days’ festivities

CLARKFIELD, Pampanga – One of the most awaited festivals at the height of the American era inside this former US airbase will be revived next month by Clark Development Corporation to promote spirit of camaraderie among towns in Pampanga while providing a welcome treat for the whole family and tourists alike.

The "Happening on the Green" or HOG, held annually during the month of February since 1950’s by the US Air Force, will be restaged by CDC, celebrating it this time as a spectacle for the whole family. The event was part of the rest and recreation activities of US servicemen, personnel and families stationed in Clark and others based in the country while enjoying friendship with local residents in the province.

HOG has become one of the most awaited festivals inside the former US military facility which attracted thousands of srevicemen, including those who are stationed at the nearby former Subic Naval Base in Zambales. Camp John Hay in Baguio City, and Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union to enjoy the annual festivities.

HOG will be revived by CDC on Sept. 23 to 25 at the Clark Parade grounds to promote the same ideals of the event. It will provide wholesome treat for families of employees working inside the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) as well as for expatriates, visiting foreign and domestic tourists.

CDC vice president Noel Manankil of the Finance group said the event will be re-created as "the great family getaway" where lined-up events are hoped to create an atmosphere that is reminiscent of the former glory of Clark as an airbase.

HOG has been one of the sorely-missed activities inside Clark by residents of the province since the pull out of the Americans in Clark and other satellite bases in the country due to the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991.

With its focus on family fun and adventure, festivities in the three-day event include carnival rides, live band entertainment, tiangge shopping, exhibition and games, cheering and marching band competitions, tethered hot-air balloon display, clown and other kiddie shows, mini travel fair, among others.

Angeles City and the other towns of the provinces will also participate during the HOG festivities to heighten the fiesta atmosphere inside Clark.

HOG will also provide Clark guests with simultaneous activities involving all members of the family such as father and son or mother and daughter contests, and other games that will make the festival exciting to all the local and foreign visitors.

Manangkil, who also heads the tourism committee, said the event is under the Leisure Entertainment and Resort for Tourists (LERT) program, one of the four engines of growth for Clark Special Economic Zone as outlined by CDC president Antonio R. Ng.

Ng has laid out plans to attract tourists to Clark area and the surrounding towns and municipalities to frequent Clark as a regular travel destination in Central Luzon.

[ Clark Special Economic Zone Wiki ]