A playground for all ages

MANILA, Philippines - The main pool at the Decawake Clark Cable Park could be intimidating with all its world-class, championship level ramps, obstacles and cables, so it’s a good thing there’s a “little bro” pool that simply goes around once, starting at 1 kph, and has a water level of only three feet, so wiping out will not be as daunting.

Located only about 10 minutes away from the Clark International Airport in Angeles City and with Pampanga only a couple of hours away via the North Luzon Expressway, Decawake is a near alternative to the popular wake parks in Camarines Sur and Davao, with shorter lines as well.

The park is first-timer friendly, providing all the equipment needed for wakeboarding, as well as expert instructors to teach you the ropes, or in this case, the cables. Seeing young kids enjoy the ride will put you at ease as well – until you’re strapping on your own life vest and slipping your feet into the straps on the board.

The secret to wakeboarding, our instructor tells us, is not to pull on the handle (you’ll fall backward), but not to be dragged by the cable either (you’ll fall forward). Instead, simply lock your limbs into position, let the cable guide you, and just go with the flow. Of course it is a lot easier said than done. But, each failure only makes you want to try again, and each success makes you want to go farther. And, if all else fails, a picnic enjoying the breeze while watching the more experienced wakeboarders do their tricks in the big pool would be well worth your trip.

The day of fun and adventure continues at the Porac Sandbox, a new facility which opened only a few months ago and is continuing to develop more and more facilities.

The centerpiece of the Sandbox is the aerial walk, an obstacle course with both horizontal and vertical elements. From 17 challenging activities, the aerial walk has recently been upgraded to 28 tunnels, loops, beams, nets and mini ziplines that will have visitors crawling, balancing, jumping and zipping through the ultimate playground for adventure-seekers.

There is also a climbing wall, which offers those who reach the top the prize of the best view of Porac. Climbers can choose to rappel back down, or just let lose and free fall down.

The highest view, however, can be seen from the giant swing – if you can manage to open your eyes! The tallest swing in the country, daredevils in tandem are slowly pulled 10 meters high, then suddenly let go, leaving the duo shrieking and screaming in this literally heart-dropping ride, much to the amusement of onlookers who are watching from solid ground.

Another record-breaking ride at the Porac Sandbox is the Avatar One, Asia’s first roller coaster zipline (as if a normal, straight zipline was not exciting enough). The zipline is 180-meters long, with twists and turns, lurching up and down in a solo roller coaster ride.

The scenic view of the Porac mountain range can also be enjoyed along the 9-kilometer mountain bike trail. An ATV (all-terrain vehicle) ride takes adventurers through rivers, mountains, and forests – a landscape that has been forever changed by lahar, reminding us of the power of nature, but also of how the people of Pampanga have adapted and survived through the years.

After the adrenaline rush, there’s mini golf and a children’s playground to cool down. The newest attraction to open at the Sandbox is the outdoor archery station, which provides all the equipment needed to shoot a bull’s eye – bows and arrows, quivers, chest and arm guards... and expert coaching. There are even special targets from super villains to scary creatures like the tyanak to motivate you to shoot the arrow on point.

The Porac Sandbox continues to develop its attractions. The management says that visitors can look forward to new dining outlets, karting, airsoft, paintball and more very soon.

End the adrenaline-pumping day with an adventure into the tastes of Pampanga at the recently opened Matam-ih, a creative concept restaurant that serves authentic Kapampangan cuisine amid a carnival-esque ambience. Meaning “delicious” in the language of the Aeta, 95 percent of the restaurant’s employees are from the indigenous group. A highlight of dining at Matam-ih is the entertainment provided by an energetic group of teenagers who sing everything from traditional Kapampangan songs to the Backstreet Boys and even original raps. They also dance, do impressions and deliver pick-up lines – much to the delight of the diners.

After a delicious meal, visitors can try to win dessert by aiming for the bull’s-eye with a primitive bow and arrow, make a wish at a bubbling wishing well, or whisper a question at the Dugang, a spinning cart wheel that gives you a corresponding answer.

But, there is one question that does not need the Dugang to know the right answer – Should you visit Pampanga? The answer will always be a resounding “yes!”

This trip was made possible by the Manila North Tollways Corp. and the North Philippines Visitors’ Bureau. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/NLEX.SCTEX or www.mntc.com.