CDC stages bigger, better 'Pasko sa Clark '09'

CLARK FREEPORT , Philippines  - The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) announces the staging of this year’s “Pasko sa Clark ‘09” until Dec. 20 at the parade grounds here.

CDC president Benigno Ricafort said this year’s Pasko sa Clark is expected to be bigger and better as more events and activities are lined up in the weeklong Clark festivities as local and foreign tourists are expected to troop to this freeport this Yuletide season.

Aside from the bigger Christmas Bazaar, Ricafort said in a press briefing held at Salt Restaurant at Hotel Vida that organizers of the event included several activities expected to enliven the festive mood in Clark.

To make the festivities lively, Pasko sa Clark ‘09 co-chairman Bernardo Angeles Jr. said the CDC decided to include a street-dancing competition, an Aeta tribal dance competition, the Himig Pasko Chorale Competition, a Christmas tree decorating contest, a cultural presentation, car-motor-mountain bike shows and competitions, and the Clark Ultimate Christmas Frisbee Tournament this year.

Angeles, also the assistant vice president for investment and promotions, said there will be fun rides, food concessionaires, nightly live bands and fireworks displays to attract more visitors and shoppers to Clark’s parade grounds.

The event will be highlighted also by the sale of various garments (exports overrun), appliances and electronic items that are “Made in Clark,” Angeles said.

Noemi Garcia, manager of the Tourism and Promotions Office, said the Clark Locators and Investors Association were also included in the program to provide additional attractions from firms operating in the zone.

The locators’ day was held last Tuesday with cultural presentations from various firms, including a kite-flying exhibition, magic show, face painting, free massage, animal display, and cooking demo.

Yesterday was for the Clark Freeport Tourism Association, which staged fun activities and free horseback riding at El Kabayo Ranch.

The event is sponsored by Widus Hotel Vida, Fontana Leisure Parks, Global Gateway Logistics City, Cargo Haus, the regional office of the Department of Tourism, McDonald’s (Clark), Congo Grill, Chowking Restaurant, New Well Being Spa City, RC David Fireworks, Punto! Central Luzon, Coca Cola Bottlers, Phils., Mary Kay Phils., PAGCOR Mimosa, Awesome Motors Inc., and Paradise Ranch.