Wet and wild at Fontana
April 29, 2007 | 12:00am
Now that summer’s here, all everybody can think of is cooling off to beat the heat. A cool drink, a frozen dessert, and the bright blue waters of the beach are some of the few things in most people’s mind. While it would be nice to run away and enjoy the clear white beaches of Boracay or snorkel in the pristine seawaters of nearby Batangas, not everyone can go away on an instant vacation.
Instead of running off to the beach, why not set out for Fontana Leisure Parks at the Clark Special Economic Zone for some weekend water therapy? While Fontana is known for its championship golf course and its gaming casino operated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Board, the whole family will enjoy getting wet at its Water Fun Park, a complex of aquatic activities that will surely thrill both young and old alike?
If you think Fontana’s Water Fun Park is just a big swimming pool, think again. It is actually a water theme park with various attractions as in your usual theme park. And while the resort facilities are for members only, the Water Fun Park is open on weekends for a minimal fee to the public.
The children’s play area is called the Water Factory simply because it has numerous fountains jetting out of various objects  out of pillars, boxes and even a boiler of a teapot  recreating a mad scientist’s laboratory. Of course, the kids can literally get themselves wet here, splishing and splashing the afternoon away.
When they get tired of all that water fun, the kids can move on to the Pirate’s Ship for more fun at the slides. Clamber up The Admiral, the pirate’s schooner, and relive fantasies of sailing in the Caribbean with Jack Sparrow. Jets of water gush out of spouts around the ship to get you in the pirate mood, as you holler when you plunge down an aqua slide.
If you want more slippery fun, then head off to the giant slides. Ride a rubber tubing or just lie back and relax as you glide down any of three chutes for maximum fun. The slides loop and twirl so that you won’t know where you’ll pop out at the end of the ride. Whoosh!
If you’re the more retiring type, then just laze on the "river" network that goes around the park. As you float around the complex, a number of animal statues that line the way spew out water, giving you a cool splash on a hot day.
If the beach is your kind of thing, then head off to the wave pool for more splashing action. It’s like the real thing: giant waves rush from the end of the pool to another simulating the movement of ocean waves. It’s a jolly great way to end your day at Fontana’s Water Fun Park.
Fontana Leisure Parks is a 200-hectare tourism estate being developed by Fontana Development Corporation. Started in 1998 by FDC as an integrated tourism estate, Fontana boasts an exclusive membership residential resort, convention center, theme park, and gaming casino.
In 2004, FDC became a member of the Jimei Group of Companies, which is a conglomerate based in Hong Kong chaired by Jack Lam. With its inclusion into the Jimei group, Fontana has been attracting tourists from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea via the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport within CSEZ.
FDC has a P2.5-billion, two-year development plan for Fontana that will see the upgrading of existing facilities, as well as constructing new facilities to meet the needs of more guests. An estimated 300,000 foreign guests are expected at Fontana annually.
Of the existing 420 villas at resort, about 20 percent have been renovated or reconstructed. Work on all other villas will be a continuing effort. On the other hand, five new one-level villas, each with their own private pool and sauna, have been constructed, with seven more to be completed soon. Four two-story villas with private pools are also being constructed.
The golf course is also being upgraded to a 36-hole green, while members can enjoy the sports bar, complete with billiard and ping-pong tables, and dartboards. There are also basketball, badminton and tennis courts for use by members and guests. Up for construction is a five-star spa, a movie house, bowling alley and other recreational facilities.
More than just a resort, Fontana is also a perfect venue for conferences in this part of Central Luzon. Its convention center boasts the 804-square-meter Jasmine conference room, which can seat as much as 800 guests. It is the largest pillar-less conference room in the area, making it perfect for conventions, wedding receptions and other occasions requiring space. There are eight other rooms of varying sizes with seating for as much as 250 guests to as few as 40 persons. All rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, while arrangements can be made for banquet services.
The resort has a number of restaurants within the complex offering Chinese and Filipino food, with specialty outlets offering Korean, Japanese and Italian food currently in development. Its Golden Pavillion Restaurant has chefs from Hong Kong preparing authentic Cantonese food. Those wishing a taste of Kapampangan and regional Filipino cooking may enjoy dinner buffet at an open-air dining area. Those who want to enjoy their drinks al fresco may head off to the lagoon pool bar for cocktails or a nightcap.
Whatever break you fancy, whether it’s just for some water therapy, a round of golf, or enjoying some private time, Fontana has the answer.
Fontana Resort and Country Club is along C. M. Recto Highway, Clark Special Economic Zone. For membership inquiries, call (045)599-5000 local 8887 or fax inquiries to (045)599-6889. Visit its website at www.jimei.com.hk.
Instead of running off to the beach, why not set out for Fontana Leisure Parks at the Clark Special Economic Zone for some weekend water therapy? While Fontana is known for its championship golf course and its gaming casino operated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Board, the whole family will enjoy getting wet at its Water Fun Park, a complex of aquatic activities that will surely thrill both young and old alike?
If you think Fontana’s Water Fun Park is just a big swimming pool, think again. It is actually a water theme park with various attractions as in your usual theme park. And while the resort facilities are for members only, the Water Fun Park is open on weekends for a minimal fee to the public.
The children’s play area is called the Water Factory simply because it has numerous fountains jetting out of various objects  out of pillars, boxes and even a boiler of a teapot  recreating a mad scientist’s laboratory. Of course, the kids can literally get themselves wet here, splishing and splashing the afternoon away.
When they get tired of all that water fun, the kids can move on to the Pirate’s Ship for more fun at the slides. Clamber up The Admiral, the pirate’s schooner, and relive fantasies of sailing in the Caribbean with Jack Sparrow. Jets of water gush out of spouts around the ship to get you in the pirate mood, as you holler when you plunge down an aqua slide.
If you want more slippery fun, then head off to the giant slides. Ride a rubber tubing or just lie back and relax as you glide down any of three chutes for maximum fun. The slides loop and twirl so that you won’t know where you’ll pop out at the end of the ride. Whoosh!
If you’re the more retiring type, then just laze on the "river" network that goes around the park. As you float around the complex, a number of animal statues that line the way spew out water, giving you a cool splash on a hot day.
If the beach is your kind of thing, then head off to the wave pool for more splashing action. It’s like the real thing: giant waves rush from the end of the pool to another simulating the movement of ocean waves. It’s a jolly great way to end your day at Fontana’s Water Fun Park.
Fontana Leisure Parks is a 200-hectare tourism estate being developed by Fontana Development Corporation. Started in 1998 by FDC as an integrated tourism estate, Fontana boasts an exclusive membership residential resort, convention center, theme park, and gaming casino.
In 2004, FDC became a member of the Jimei Group of Companies, which is a conglomerate based in Hong Kong chaired by Jack Lam. With its inclusion into the Jimei group, Fontana has been attracting tourists from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea via the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport within CSEZ.
FDC has a P2.5-billion, two-year development plan for Fontana that will see the upgrading of existing facilities, as well as constructing new facilities to meet the needs of more guests. An estimated 300,000 foreign guests are expected at Fontana annually.
Of the existing 420 villas at resort, about 20 percent have been renovated or reconstructed. Work on all other villas will be a continuing effort. On the other hand, five new one-level villas, each with their own private pool and sauna, have been constructed, with seven more to be completed soon. Four two-story villas with private pools are also being constructed.
The golf course is also being upgraded to a 36-hole green, while members can enjoy the sports bar, complete with billiard and ping-pong tables, and dartboards. There are also basketball, badminton and tennis courts for use by members and guests. Up for construction is a five-star spa, a movie house, bowling alley and other recreational facilities.
More than just a resort, Fontana is also a perfect venue for conferences in this part of Central Luzon. Its convention center boasts the 804-square-meter Jasmine conference room, which can seat as much as 800 guests. It is the largest pillar-less conference room in the area, making it perfect for conventions, wedding receptions and other occasions requiring space. There are eight other rooms of varying sizes with seating for as much as 250 guests to as few as 40 persons. All rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, while arrangements can be made for banquet services.
The resort has a number of restaurants within the complex offering Chinese and Filipino food, with specialty outlets offering Korean, Japanese and Italian food currently in development. Its Golden Pavillion Restaurant has chefs from Hong Kong preparing authentic Cantonese food. Those wishing a taste of Kapampangan and regional Filipino cooking may enjoy dinner buffet at an open-air dining area. Those who want to enjoy their drinks al fresco may head off to the lagoon pool bar for cocktails or a nightcap.
Whatever break you fancy, whether it’s just for some water therapy, a round of golf, or enjoying some private time, Fontana has the answer.
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