CLARK FREEPORT – This freeport has earned reputation as the country’s hot air balloon capital. Now it’s aiming to gain foothold as the country’s kite-flying mecca.
The state-owned Clark Development Corporation (CDC), which runs this freeport, announced yesterday it has linked up with the Department of Tourism for the holding here of the first ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Kite Flying Festival on November 25-27.
“We would like to put together the most colorful event of the year to hit Clark’s skyline – for the first time.
It can even challenge the magnitude and enormity of the hot-air ballooning event held in February of each year,” said DOT regional director Ronaldo Tiotuico.
Tourism brochures produced by government and private sectors highlight the annual hot air international festival here as a major attraction that lures tens of thousands of domestic and foreign tourists.
Tiotuico said “we are eyeing the participation of some 100 international kite flyers and crew from the 10-member countries of the ASEAN.”
Tiotuico noted that “hundreds of kite flyers from Central Luzon and neighboring regions have committed to participate in kite-flying competitions.”
Two winners from the competition will be invited to represent the country in the annual Weifang International Kite Festival in China, he added.
Tiotuico said he expected a significant number local and foreign kite enthusiasts and spectators to patronize the kite festival.
“To be featured are special shaped kites and stunt kites plus a special event in the evening called night flying – a demonstration of colorfully lighted giant kites,” he said.
He said that Orly Ongkiko of Kite Association of the Philippines will be the overall coordinator for the event, while Jing Torno of the Kite Team Philippines will handle the school workshops and mall exhibits.
“Three weeks prior to the event proper, a series of pre-event activities is slated to be conducted by the members of the Kite Team Philippines to drum up public support for the project.
Children in public schools including children with disabilities will be treated to a fun-filled day of kite making workshops, indoor flying and kite photo exhibits at SM malls in Pampanga and Marquee Mall,” Tiotuico said.
For children, there will be such competitions as the most colorful kite, the biggest and the best themed kite.
At the same time, CDC tourism officer Noemi Garcia cited CDC President Felipe Antonio Remollo as saying that the first ASEAN event “will propel Clark as the international sports tourism capital of the country.”
She also said that a series of sporting activities are already on the pipeline in this freeport, including weekly baseball and football games participated in by teams from other regions.
Last July 8-10, the PALS 2nd Leg Paintball Challenge was held at the Clark parade grounds with some 10 local and international paintball teams vying for the $3,000 championship cash prize.
Countries represented include Iran, Japan, United States, Australia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, and Brunei. It was organized by the United Paintballers of the Phils. headed by its President Leonard Sy.
Partner agencies for the kite festival include Global Gateway Logistics City, Kite Ass. of the Phils., Kite Team Phils., SM City Clark / Pampanga, Marquee Mall, DepEd., Civil Aviation Authority of the Phils. and Air Force City (PAF Clark).
