CLARK | December 21, 2023, marks the Christmas Lighting Ceremony at one of the most beautiful airports in the world – CLARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – Terminal 2. The program began with the sweet serenading of the Voce de Angeli Choir who performed delightful and nostalgic Christmas songs and I have observed many singing along as well, thereafter. The choir indeed has warmed the atmosphere with an angelic voice and merriment.

The formal ceremonies are being led by the Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) President Mr. Noel F. Manankil, who has highlighted the challenge of decorating the iconic beauty standard of the Terminal 2 Building and it is the Kapampangan Christmas Lanterns or Parol that can give justice. He said, “An airport is a venue for holiday reconnections when loved ones coming from far away are reunited with their families and friends. May CRK continue to provide cheer and merriment to those who long-awaited reunions are finally fulfilled.”

Mr. Manankil also took the opportunity to appreciate and express his gratitude for the continued support of the Clark Stakeholders, Government Regulating Agencies, and the Local Government Units. He also announced the upcoming daily flights from Clark to Cheonju in South Korea with Aero K Airlines, another vital international direct flight connection to boost business and travel exchange between the countries.

Right after the speech, Key leaders within the Clark region: BCDA VP for Business Development, Kenneth Peralta; CIAC President Arrey Perez; CDC President & CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera; Pampanga Vice Governor Nanay Lilia Pineda, Bureau of Customs Port of Clark District Collector, Atty. Dino Austria; LIPAD President & CEO Noel F. Manankil, led the Official Lighting of the Christmas Tree which began with a countdown. Everyone is in a festive mood after the grand Christmas Tree exudes its elegant glow with the decorative and iconic Christmas colors adorning the colossal installation.

Before flying, passengers and well-wishers can have a photo opportunity at the Grand Christmas Tree which you can actually walk right into it.

Since it is the season of gift-giving, the CRK family will be offering festive wonderful surprises for everyone! Here are the activities announced during the official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies:

• WISH UPON CRK – The Spirit of gift-giving truly exists inside the halls of the Clark International Airport where passengers flying out from Clark will have the opportunity to cast their wishes by hanging wish tags they can get from the Airport Information Kiosk. Two separate tags will be provided – One which should be personally hung at the beautiful and elegant Christmas Tree at the Check-In Area and one to be submitted at the Airport Information Kiosk along with the passengers’ Name and Contact Information. 
• 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS Spin & Win – All passengers who exclusively flying to and from Clark International Airport can take their chance to spin the festive wheel at the Check-In Area and have the opportunity to win Airline round trip tickets, Food & Beverage vouchers, Appliances, Hotel vouchers and many more. Passengers should present their Boarding Pass and accomplish survey forms available at the Check-In to participate in the festive activity. This activity will run from December 13 to December 24, 2023.
• OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS FOOD MARKET – Located at the Walkway between the Airport Terminal and Bus Terminal where all can enjoy the offerings like the Filipino Christmas Delicacy staples (such as puto bumbong, tsokolate batirol and bibingka), Take Home Treats, Korean Foods, Japanese Takoyaki and Filipino Staple Street Food and Refreshments. This is available to all – well-wishers, welcoming parties, visiting individuals, and anyone transiting the Airport.  
• CHRISTMAS CHOIR – On specified dates in the month of December, a Christmas Choir will be serenading the departing passengers with those much-loved and nostalgic Christmas songs, that would be truly dear to our hearts. 
• CHRISTMAS DISPLAY – for the whole month of December, the new Clark International Airport Terminal 2 complex will be studded with elegant Christmas Decors that will be a delight to passengers and airport guests. Christmas Lanterns are hung at the Departure Bay, Luminous Floral accents lit the Front Yard Garden of the Airport Terminal Building and the colossal Christmas Tree is right at the Check-In Area. There are more Grand Festive Instillations at the International Departure Area as well.

After the Official Ceremonies, we are led to a delightful Kapampangan Buffet Dinner featuring Sotanghon, Sisig, Beef Kaldereta, Catfish Fillet, Lumpiang Gulay, Buro, Turon, Fresh Fruits, Pako Salad and the divine Crispy Chicharon Bulaklak. Added to the rare experience is dining under the iconic ceiling of the Airport Departure Deck – it is indeed an unforgettable moment for me.

Truly, the Festive Season has begun at the New Clark International Airport Terminal 2 Building, and for sure, it is the best opportunity to fly via Clark and experience these bespoke and curated festive season activities. I sat beside Sir Lincoln Baluyut of The Voice News Weekly during the dinner and exchanged exotic gastronomic journey experiences. It is truly a delight in the heart of a travel blogger to share such moments with celebrated Media Personalities and listen to their stories exuding wisdom.

My heartfelt thanks to Ms. Teri, Ms. Beanne, Sir John Rae, and Ms. Marna for inviting me to the official Christmas Tree Lighting Event! My heart is indeed full. 

Photos with the Pampanga Press Club and Central Luzon Media Association – Pampanga Chapter: