By Aimee Lagman
THERE’S more to Pampanga than Angeles City’s famous Clark Airbase and San Fernando’s giant lanterns. Slowly making its way in the tourism scene is the newest sports destination in Lubao, Pampanga—Pradera Verde.
This 315-hectare property is a hidden gem for adventure seekers. A sparkling new addition to the roster of activities you can do in the culinary capital. Once an empty field turned into an oasis for sports enthusiasts, now boasts of world-class leisure facilities, including a Wake Park, 2 18-hole golf course, villa, restaurant, function space, and soon-to-open waterpark and driving range.
A 30-minute ride from San Fernando exit via Olongapo-Gapan Road takes you to Lubao, the oldest town of Pampanga and considered the cradle of Capampangan civilization. Located along the highway is Pradera Verde’s seemingly endless land. The countless hue of green and clear blue sky is the backdrop for the ultimate weekend adventure.
Sports facilities
Beautiful sunshine is guaranteed, perfect for outdoor sports, such as wakeboarding. The park, features four man-made lakes, surrounded by lush greenery frequently visited by exotic birds. It was purposely built to give beginners and professional riders an easygoing wake-boarding experience. Three practice lakes for first-time riders with cable speed of 25mph make it easier to stand up on the board. General Manager Paulo Nasol’s commitment is to make you stand within an hour. “Our goal here is for our guests to learn how to stand up so they can enjoy the sport,” Nasol said. For the pros, they could look forward to a bigger lake with two docks complete with obstacles and lots of space to maneuver. The best features of the lakes are their clean spring water, state-of-the-art filtration system, no chlorine or added chemicals, absence of slippery floor cover and easy exit with gradual incline off the water. With all that, you don’t mind being wiped out.
For golf enthusiasts, Pradera Verde is a dream playground with two world-class courses to choose from, one fully operational and one currently under construction, including a driving range and clubhouse with an additional restaurant.
Accommodation
Quality play deserves quality rest, and guests can get that in Pradera Verde. Comfortable stay is guaranteed in any of the Duplex suites good for three persons; two Bedroom Villas for six persons; and three Bedroom Villas for eight persons. Room package starts at P4,500 with breakfast, and it also offers a P6,000 rate with half-day ride and breakfast for two. Golfers are in for a treat with a P4,500 rate, inclusive of 18-hole golf course access with additional rate for golf cart and caddie. Rooms and bathroom are spacious complete with office work desk, receiving area, mini refrigerator, high-speed wireless Internet and fragrant toiletries. “For the accommodation, we want to provide space for our guests, giving them freedom to move,” Nasol said. To fully enjoy the park, each room is provided bicycles that guests can use to go around. Golf carts are also easily available for transfers.
Recreational Facilities
Going to Pampanga just to eat is not something new. Have a taste of traditional and nontraditional Capampangan cuisine at the Viewdeck Restaurant, while enjoying a panoramic view of the park. It is open until 6 pm. A room service best to order in advance for dinner is also available. Above the restaurant are two function spaces that can accommodate up to 200 persons, perfect for social gatherings or out-of-the-box meetings. There is also a playground, game room and game boards for rent. The whole ground is perfect for picnics, Frisbee game, flag football, running and biking. Expect more activities once the 3-hectare water park opens—which composes of a kiddie, beach and wave pool—by the end of the year. The whole idea is to have something for everybody to enjoy the outdoors.
Tourist spots
Although Pradera Verde is a one-stop destination, Lubao also offers other tourist spots worth visiting. No need to go far, just across you can find the whimsical Prado Farm. It is where art and bio farming meet. Next on the list is Lubao’s treasured cultural property, the 444-year-old church of Saint Augustine, known for its 17th-century architecture and Baroque-tyle retablo mayor. Knowing Lubao’s rich religious history, it is also a must to visit the Holy Cross Parish in Santa Cruz, which houses the black wooden Cross of the Crucified Jesus Christ. A religious artifact dating back in 1500 was a gift from Spanish conquistadors. There is also the bamboo forest and a well-preserved hut, which so happened to be the birthplace of the ninth President of the Philippines, Diosdado Macapagal. Best time to go is during the Lubao Hot Air Balloon Festival, which happens to be the biggest in SouthEast Asia, with 45 participants.
Pradera Verde, Pampanga’s newest holiday destination, is set to make waves, a promising recreational development to watch for the next coming years. With smooth ride from Manila via the North Luzon Expressway, laid-back Capampangan approach to service, picturesque landscape and an up-and-coming ultimate sports destination, Pradera Verde is a must on your vacation calendar.
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