The Clark Development Corporation (Tourism Promotions Office) recently linked up with the Department of Tourism in putting together the most colorful event of the year to hit Clark’s skyline - for the first time. It is even expected to challenge the magnitude and enormity of the hot-air ballooning event held in February of each year.
This was the announcement made by Regional Director Ronaldo Tiotuico of the tourism regional office and Ms. Noemi Garcia of CDC Tourism Office in a press statement issued recently.
Tiotuico said that plans are now afoot to stage the 1st ASEAN Kite Flying Festival on November 25-27, 2011, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. It is expected to enjoin the participation of some 100 international kite flyers and crew from the 10-member countries of the ASEAN bloc. Adding excitement to the event are hundreds of kite flyers from Central Luzon and neighboring regions to participate in a kite-flying competition. Two winners from the competition will be invited to represent the country in the annual Weifang International Kite Festival in China. Thousands of kite enthusiasts and spectators are expected to witness the premier event. 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. Event coordinator for the ASEAN event is Mr. Orly Ongkiko of Kite Association of the Philippines 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 City Clark / Pampanga and Marquee Mall. Children will participate in various competitions such as the most colorful kite, the biggest and the best themed kite.
Ms. Garcia expressed the confidence of CDC President Felipe Antonio Remollo that the 1st ASEAN event will propel Clark as the international sports tourism capital in this part of the island. At the moment, a series of sporting activities are already on the pipeline such as 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 (GGLC), 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).
