Candaba: From catch basin to tour site

By Tonette Orejas
Central Luzon Desk
First Posted 03:48:00 12/20/2010

Filed Under: Tourism & Leisure, Youth, Philippines – Regions

CANDABA, Pampanga, Philippines—Guided to the port by students dressed as birds, 200 tourists were introduced to the Pampanga River cruise on Thursday, with local officials promising that it would soon become the country’s newest natural tourism destination.

“It’s very nice,” Senator Pia Cayetano said after she returned from the 5-kilometer test tour. Actress Gloria Diaz said: “It’s [a] refreshing (trip).”

For Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, it was a good start for more leisurely cruises in 2011.

They all rode in a small rainbow-colored ferry that led a flotilla of 10 colorful boats named after some of the 105 species of local and migratory birds already sighted in Candaba.

Department of Tourism officials, travel agents, businessmen, some foreigners and students joined the day’s trip. The guests were treated to street dancing by the town’s youth who moved in ways of birds, which have made this town popular among bird watchers and conservationists.

Visitors were also served rice cooked in banana leaves and adobo, native sausages and salted eggs with tomatoes wrapped in a lotus leaf.

The river journey, though short for the inaugural run, stopped twice at the banks where residents sold locally grown vegetables, fruits and snacks.

The cruise did not venture farther because the water level was lower at this time of the amihan (northeast monsoon), said Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo.

Pineda said the cruise’s main facility, a two-story fiberglass boat estimated to be worth P5 million, would be manufactured. The lower floor features a buffet of native Kapampangan dishes and delicacy.

Pelayo said each river cruise can be combined with other activities. Guests can choose from a wide range of activities like bird-watching, watermelon picking, sunset gazing, lotus farming, mangroves planting, church visits, fishing and native cooking.

“Tour operators should notice that Candaba is a peaceful town,” said the mayor.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20101219-309796/Candaba-From-catch-basin-to-tour-site

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http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

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Clark Wine Center

Bldg 6460 Clark Observatory Building

Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner A Bonifacio Ave,

Angeles Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga 2023

0922-870-5173 0917-826-8790 (ask for Ana Fe)

Wine@Yats-International.com

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Manila Sales Office

3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,

Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605

(632) 637-5019   0917-520-4393  ask for Rea or Chay

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