EDITORIAL inside Cecile Jusi Baltasar Karl R. De Mesa Ramil Digal Gulle A Feast for the Senses 5 Rhea Claire Madarang Experience the memorable Kapampangan cuisine, and the province’s Aimee Morales impressive local art and design. Tricia V. Morente LIVE We Win As One 8 Maan D’Asis Pamaran Rossana L. Unson Find out how Clark successfully prepared for the hosting of the 2019 Kathy Bacosa SEA Games. World-Class Global Gateway 11 ART Therese Cimafranca Everyone is waiting for the 2020 opening of the new 110,000-square Trina Sulit meter passenger terminal. Making Things Work 16 RENDERS BCDA Chairman Greg Garcia talks about the rebranding of Clark and AECOM how his group is making things work smoothly. Budji+Royal Filinvest Corporation Megawide GMR Consortium JV. Inc. No Traffic in Clark! 19 PHOTOGRAPHY Clark Development Corporation wants to make sure that the horrors Samuel Luke Galivo of traffic are not experienced in Clark. Clark Development Corporation Communication PLAY 21 Division Spaces for the People Borj Meneses, Where?House! Studio Clark is being built for people and structures made around natural _ features, not over them.

Clark: It works. Like a dream. Trading Urban Noise for Rural Light 24 Copyright 2020 Here is the story about how DOTr Asec. Goddes Libiran’s move to Clark changed her and her family’s life for the better. Bases Conversion and Development Authority Safe, Convenient, Elegant 27 All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof Find out why huge multinational companies are saying it is easier to do may not be reproduced or used in any manner business in Clark and why they moved their operations to this new metropolis. whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quota- tions in a book review. Your Place in the Sun 29 Printed in the Clark is one huge playing field not only for ordinary people, health buffs, First printing, 2020 and sports-minded individuals. It’s a premier training ground for serious WORK athletes, too. A Clark Resident Speaks 33 Let’s hear it from someone who actually lives and works in Clark. Ken BCDA Corporate Center Alamo talks about the wonderful things one can do in and around the city. 2nd Floor, Bonifacio Technology Center 31st corner 2nd Avenue The Future is Here 36 Taguig City is set to become the new center of business, life, and 1634 innovation. Philippines Buildling for Progress 39 www.bcda.gov.ph BCDA builds structures that will propel the country forward economically and improve the lives of everywhere. 1 2 Clark Freeport Zone 3 Clark International Airport 4 Clark Global City

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KAPAMPANGAN KARE-KARE delights every visitor The Kapampangans are cooking it the right way: no shortcuts, and expertly in many different ways. prepared with care.

KAPAMPANGANS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR calamansi, a citrus fruit similar to lemon), COOKING. They use fresh ingredients morcon (Everybody’s Café’s version is and cook everything from scratch, made of ground pork, Spanish chorizo, taking no shortcuts in the kitchen. quezo de bola, and duck eggs), and kare- “Kapampangans work hard to bring out the kare (the Kapampangan version is usually linamnam (flavor) of the food,” says Carlos made of beef in a thick peanut sauce). “Poch” Jorolan, who runs Everybody’s Café, Jorolan also recommends kakanin (rice- a restaurant started by his grandparents based delicacies), desserts like tibok-tibok after World War II. The name was coined (carabao milk pudding), and sweets made because it was literally where “everybody” with duman, a rare, fragrant rice usually ate--the Filipinos, Japanese, and available only in November or December. Americans. Their main branch is located in If you are feeling adventurous, you can San Fernando but they also have a branch also try the camaro (crickets from farms) in Angeles and even in Manila. and betute (frogs) dishes. At Everybody’s Jorolan recommends starting with Café, they take out the legs and wings of the Pampanga’s garlicky sweet longganisa camaro to make chewing easier. (sausage) and sweet tocino (cured pork). Binulo, a restaurant established in 2011, And then, try the Anthony Bourdain- serves specialty dishes made by cooking approved modern sisig (a sizzling dish lobsters, chicken, and rice in bamboo. of chopped parts of a pig’s head, usually “Binulo” is a cooking method practiced seasoned with onion, salt, pepper, and by the Aetas, an indigenous tribe living in WORDS RHEA CLAIRE MADARANG PHOTOGRAPHY BORJ MENESES 5 6 c l a r k c l a r k I T W O r k S . L I K E A D R E A M. I T W O r k S . L I K E A D R E A M.

THE NEW NATIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX time to remedy all of that!” IN CLARK includes the Aquatics Center, Architect Royal Pineda, principal the 20,000-seater Athletics Stadium, and architect of Budji+Royal, echoes this same an Athletes’ Village–rising in the middle sentiment in his designs. “For you to win, of as a sprawling Sports City in the you need the spirit for the country, not for brilliantly master planned New Clark City. yourself. We did this in the same spirit as The Athletics Stadium and the Aquatics our athletes, and so it’s a big honor for us Center are completely finished. Building to be able to execute such a project for the the sports establishment involved working country,” says Pineda, whose vision was 2 at a frantic pace to meet the SEA Games inspired by a naturalist philosophy on deadline, with 6.500 workers doing 24/7 architecture, that which reflects the spirit shifts. It’s a gargantuan undertaking of the Modern Filipino. motivated by the purest of ambitions: to “We were able to deliver edifices and win a sporting gold for the Philippines. structures so truthful for we stripped them Arrey Perez, BCDA’s Vice President to the point that they are bare of pretense,” for Business Development and one of the he continues. “It’s not just aesthetically Deputy Director Generals of the Philippines beautiful, it was something required by SEA Games Organizing Committee, the location, the function and needs of the believes that having the sports complex is facility. With it, I can look any architect a game changer for the country, not only in the eye and say ‘Hey, this is Modern because we hosted the games but also for Filipino architecture.’” giving Filipino athletes a true competitive VP Perez looks back and smiles with edge. confidence not only because BCDA was “When I go to other countries I am able to meet the deadline, but also because always jealous of their sports centers and it did so with quality and safety. 1 3 stadiums,” shares Perez. “Why can’t we “I want our athletes to be as do this at home? Our athletes have always competitive as they can be,” declares been complaining—as they should—about Perez. “Continue training hard and focus 1 NORTHERN LIGHTS the lack of facilities for proper training. They on just delivering the gold for the country The traditional art of making the province. The restaurant also serves tsokolate figures in the popular Giant Lantern Festival in San simply must have a place where they can and the government will take care of your parols will never die in Pampanga. batirol (traditional hot chocolate) with duman. Fernando held every December, where the lanterns’ train and that they can call home. Mahirap needs.” DUKIT 2 DUKIT multicolored lights flash in time to the music. For the kung palagi na lang nakikihiram. (It’s hard Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing Few Kapampangan sculptors PAMPANGA IS ALSO AN IDEAL curious, Banal’s photos of some of Pampanga’s folk WORDS KARL DE MESA if they just keep on borrowing.) Now is the elit, sed do eiusm magna aliqua. are preserving the exquisite DESTINATION FOR HERITAGE TOURS art and festivals can be found inside Clark Museum. tradition of woodcarving. as it has its fair share of historical churches and The spirit of Pampanga’s traditional folk art can structures, and impressive folk art. Declared a also be found in modern Kapampangan art and 3 INDUSTRIA Sample modern piece from National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine design. For example, designer Jude Tiotuico, whose Jude Tiotuico’s Industria Design. government, the Betis Church (St. James the company Industria Design makes artisanal street Apostle Parish Church) in Guagua is a 17th-century furniture, is inspired by the “design silhouettes of Baroque church known for its elaborate ceiling the mid-Century modern era and vintage forms, THERE’S murals, which led to its popularity as the “Sistine finish, and texture.” He combines this inspiration Chapel of the Philippines.” and attention to detail with elements from nature to ALWAYS The church is even more special and interesting merge organic structure with his favorite medium, because the Betis Museum–which showcases steel, to create one-of-a-kind pieces that look SOMETHING antiques, art, and intricate wood-carved pieces– like art but are practical and functional. Industria can be found in the church itself. Betis is known for Design has local and overseas clients and was, in NEW TO dukit (woodcarving), one of Pampanga’s oldest folk fact, commissioned to create a metal installation art. The province even has an annual Dukit Festival, in front of the Aquatics Center in time for the 2019 TRY NO with woodcarvers competing against each other Southeast Asian Games held in Clark, Pampanga. and locals dancing in dukit-inspired costumes. MATTER Kapampangan art historian and visual RHEA CLAIRE MADARANG ethnographer Ruston Banal, who comes from a is a writer, researcher, and documenter whose work HOW LONG family of mandukits (woodcarvers), attests to the and wanderlust take her to remote islands and bustling vibrancy of folk art in Pampanga. “You just don’t see cities alike. You may read her travel stories and guides YOU’VE them in museums; art is part of the Kapampangans’ at www.iamtravelinglight.com daily lives.” For example, locals still make pottery BEEN IN in Santo Tomas, pukpuk (hammering silver metal works, usually to create religious figures) in Apalit PAMPANGA and Florida, and parol (lantern) in Bacolor. The parol

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1 2 AQUATICS ATHLETICS STADIUM CENTER Certified by the IAAF, the The world-class Athletics Stadium conforms to swim arena has a world-class standards. 10-lane Olympic-size pool, a dive pool, and a warm-up pool. THE ATHLETICS STADIUM The Athletics Stadium is comparable to the Aquatics Center in terms of sophistication and the availability of technologies within it and in the neighboring track oval. It is IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations)-certified, with nine lanes competition track and six lanes warm-up track (Class 1 track certification). It also has a huge holding capacity of 20,000 seats (expandable to 50,000 seats if we’re ever lucky enough to bag the hosting for the Asian games, or even the Olympics). It has four main areas: the primary competition area, the outdoor warm-up track oval, the indoor running warm-up track, and an indoor warm-up area for throwing sports like the shotput, javelin, hammer, and discus throws. That last item is quite important because, as Nicholas David explains succinctly: “You don’t put in the runners with the throwing people because the runners may get speared by a javelin or trip on a stray shotput.” The tech of the Athletics Stadium is top-shelf, too. It’s equipped with smart tracks that can detect time and pressure THE AQUATICS CENTER accommodates 2,000 spectators when MTD Clark Inc., president Nicholas and the rate of run and gallop, which finished. In David’s opinion, it is “the most are factors crucial to determine how an David holds two rectangular pieces of iconic, in terms of design and structure.” material in his hands: one is made of athlete must adjust to perform better in After all, David represents the Philippine a run. Another featured facility that is rubber, the other is made of steel. Both are office of the “leavding Asian infrastructure THE forthcoming is the High-Performance Gym the color of a pale blue sky on a pleasant, conglomerate operating in the global market.” and Sports Museum, which will house a cloudless morning in New Clark City. Working off the architectural design of AQUATICS cryo chamber, high altitude chamber, anti- “We’ll have a concrete underlining,” Budji+Royal, MTD Clark Inc., was tasked gravity treadmills, and even a flotation points out David. “Then these steel tiles to develop and engineer the Aquatics CENTER chamber. over them and then the rubber lining on Center, whose roof structure was inspired “We’re even trying to see if it’s feasible top of that.” by the baklad, or our indigenous woven IS THE to get a 3D simulator,” explains David. These two are just some of the top- fish nets. But more than the aesthetics “(So) if you’re practicing you can get to shelf materials used in the crafting of of the structure, there are technologies MOST simulate an entire crowd and feel the the pool of the Aquatics Center. David inside the facility that are a God-send for reality of the competition, (complete) with further explained that while ceramic tiles athletic performance, like the dry land ICONIC, the boos and the cheers.” are acceptable, the steel tiles take less indoor diving facility that will negate the upkeep and have more tolerance, plus with need for our diving teams to actually train IN TERMS KARL DE MESA ceramics you need to have your concrete in the pool. Instead, with the use of a foam is a veteran journalist, editor, and the surface very, very flat. With the steel, pit, diving platforms and harnesses, they OF DESIGN there will be no molds or long-term grime can do their mid-air spins and pirouettes author of the award-winning non-fiction sticking to the grout. outside without damaging their bodies by AND books “Radiant Void” and “Report from Certified by the Federation Internationale landing thousands of times in the water. the Abyss.” A grappling enthusiast and de Natation (FINA), the Aquatics Center STRUCTURE. a practitioner of Brazilian Luta Livre, he also co-hosts the MMA and fight culture podcast Destroy Manila. 9 10 c l a r k c l a r k I T W O r k S . L I K E A D R E A M. I T W O r k S . L I K E A D R E A M. ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR THE NEW CLARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WORDS RAMIL DIGAL GULLE

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THE NEW 110,000-SQUARE METER CLARK Development and Operations Group of INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL, BCDA, the contract for the construction of CLARK currently under construction and slated the new 110,000-sqm. international airport for completion in 2020, is meant to be a building was awarded to the Consortium of INTERNATIONAL new global gateway to the Philippines. Megawide. Besides helping boost tourism, it is also The operator of the new Clark AIRPORT expected to encourage more investors and International Airport is the Luzon businesses to put their money and set up International Premiere Airport Development SUPPORTS shop in the country. Corp. (LIPAD), the consortium of Changi, Another major cause for excitement Filinvest, JG Summit, and the Philippine REGIONAL over the new Clark International Airport Ground Support Solutions (PAGSS). Airport is the involvement of Changi As operator, LIPAD plans to provide DEVELOPMENT Airports Philippines Pte. Ltd., as the improved commercial offerings at the new technical consultant for operations and terminal, including an extensive selection of BY ACTING management. It is a wholly-owned retail and food & beverage outlets. subsidiary of the world-famous Changi LIPAD is also working towards AS THE Airport Group and is a leading consultant, providing a wider network of routes manager, and investor in global aviation. to travelers, connecting Clark to more INTERNATIONAL Its expertise is showcased across the 20 domestic and international points. The countries where it helps in the operations new Clark International Airport will have GATEWAY TO MORE IS COMING and management of more than 50 an additional 8 million passengers per YOUR WAY airports. annum (MPPA) capacity, compared to the NORTHERN & The airport is seen to accommodate According to Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, current 4 million passengers per year. Senior Vice President of the Business . up to 80 million passengers annually.

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THE REBRANDING OF CLARK EVERYONE WANTS TO MOVE TO THE BIG CITY GOOD MONEY, GOOD JOBS, A PLACE TO BE PRODUCTIVE. BUT THE PARADOX IS THAT CITIES DON’T WORK FOR PEOPLE, making EVEN THOUGH THEY’RE FULL OF THEM. IT’S A PRESSURE COOKER OF CONGESTION, THINGS POLLUTION, AND RENT YOU CAN’T AFFORD. Clark is Different. WORK BECAUSE IT WAS BUILT FROM SCRATCH We are building Clark with the people’s wellbeing in mind. It’s a place where CRAFTED TO BE BUILT FOR PEOPLE people can really thrive. TO HAVE THE VIBRANCY OF A CITY WITHOUT THE PRESSURE OF CITY LIFE; WORDS ROSSANA UNSON

AND THE ENERGY OF A CULTURE BEING IN CLARK IS AN ACTUAL ENCOUNTER Also part of the rebranding process is the WITH A PLACE WHERE EVERYTHING ACTUALLY birth of New Clark City, which used to be THAT IS HAPPY AND INCLUSIVE. WORKS. This is how the new Clark tagline-- known as Clark Green City. The new name “It Works. Like A Dream.”--came to be. As is more apt as New Clark City is so much BCDA Chairman Greg Garcia says, “When more than just a green city. It is also smart, you look at the master plan of Clark, it’s resilient, environmentally sustainable, really about things working.” socially inclusive, economically competitive, IT’S AMAZING WHAT YOU CAN DO culturally relevant, and technologically As “Clark” refers to the four districts integrated. Clark, in essence, is made of four WHEN YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE. it covers--Clark Freeport Zone, Clark districts that have their particular strengths International Airport, Clark Global City, but work together smoothly as one whole. and New Clark City--the whole rebranding process was actually inspired to highlight ROSSANA UNSON each district’s contribution to the modern is a writer and a PR & marketing consultant. She city experience, while at the same time is mother to two brilliant girls and a senior cat. uniting them under one umbrella to present She cooks, bakes, gardens and one day hopes to a new Clark identity. The new personality write a book. stands for efficiency, things and processes that actually work, convenience for its inhabitants, and ease of doing business for all locators. 15 16 c l a r k c l a r k I T W O r k S . L I K E A D R E A M. I T W O r k S . L I K E A D R E A M.

PEOPLE. Chairman Greg explains, “People want to be in a place where the atmosphere isn’t like a pressure cooker. Clark is going to be built for people; it’s going to be a place where the work and living environments are less tense because things do work, because what makes people tense is when things don’t work.” The pressure cooker atmosphere arises from rapid urbanization and growth. This results in high costs of rent and property, What increased cost of living, longer working hours, pollution, congestion, and a stressful school system. The plan is to save the inhabitants of Clark from all of these. To counter pollution, only 1/3 of Clark’s total CLARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, land area will be developed. The rest will The airport will be a mere 15 to 20 minutes remain as is, and structures will be built from where anyone is. What sets Clark apart makes The around, not built over, the natural features. from any other development in Asia is the Trees, greenery, and other natural features proximity to an impressive international will not just become part of Clark but will airport that is easily accessible and that constitute the majority of the development. can accommodate more passengers, more To avoid congestion, roads will have flights, and more destinations. With a new broad pedestrian lanes and multiple bicycle passenger terminal in the works, Clark a great Secret lanes that are wide and exclusive. Clark International Airport will eventually be able Loop, the bus rapid transport system (BRT), to handle 80 million passengers annually at has been running since November 2019 full capacity. when the SEA Games was being held in the area. It remains free of charge for the public Sauce city? until May 2020.

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WORDS MAAN D’ASIS PAMARAN

BRT TERMINAL The urban planning of Clark includes Clark is being built for people; not for cars or things. provisions for a traffic-free city.

METRO MANILA IS IN A PERPETUAL terminals will be at the middle of the roads, so GRIDLOCK, and that has affected not only buses don’t need to swerve to load or unload the flow of business into the cities but also the passengers. Instead of overpasses, pedestrians quality of life of the people who work and live will cross using an underpass. All utilities will there. also be underground,” Engr. Tabag says. Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Another transportation feature is a took note of the challenges of commuting depot to be managed by SM. Clark allotted within Metro Manila and will be implementing 7.5 hectares for this depot. The North-South innovative solutions to make it easier to move Commuter Railway will have a station there, around the city of the future. According to CDC where passengers can disembark and depart Vice President for Engineering Operations for their destinations via the buses or jeepneys. CDC Engr. Alveen Tabag, public transport has been Clark allotted 2.5 hectares for this depot, but factored into the design and infrastructure SM is planning further expansion. WILL within Clark, along with provisions to At the moment, there are two main entry encourage bike rides for a healthier populace. points into Clark. CDC is planning to add more, IMPLEMENT Palafox and Associates took a good look including one that is dedicated to delivery at the landscape and prepared a master plan trucks, to help ease the flow of traffic. INNOVATIVE for Clark’s urban development. The sprawling “If the vehicle volume still becomes too lands are set to accommodate much more large, we can still expand the roads with our SOLUTIONS than the 120,000 employees who come into right of way allowances. We can also foresee the converted military base every day. And so including other modes of transport into the TO MAKE IT one of the solutions to be implemented is the mix, such as a train system,” Engr. Tabag says Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system, which can confidently. EASIER take workers and tourists from point A to point TO MOVE B conveniently. MAAN D’ASIS PAMARAN The Palafox plans also detail how road is a freelance writer whose work is published congestions, much like the ones that occur in several national dailies, magazines, and AROUND in Manila, can be avoided. One of the main top online news and lifestyle sites. She is an considerations is to have wider roads. “There THE CITY OF will be no obstructions because the BRT advocate for a better, more progressive and inclusive Philippines. THE fUTURE.

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WORDS TRICIA MORENTE

By adopting a people-first urban development mindset, Clark Freeport Zone builds its way toward By adopting a people-first urban development mindset, becoming Luzon’s second metropolis. Clark Freeport Zone delivers on business, lifestyle, and community essen- tials as it builds its way toward becoming Luzon’s second metropolis.

ONE PECULIAR FACT WILL DAWN ON headaches that plague the citizens of highly YOU AS YOU DRIVE AROUND CLARK urbanized central business districts. FREEPORT ZONE (CFZ) at the height of According to Bases Conversion and rush hour: an apparent lack of cars on the Development Authority (BCDA) President road. and CEO Vivencio Dizon, severe congestion, It’s an odd but welcome respite daily traffic jams, and worsening pollution especially if you’re coming from Metro have no place in Clark Freeport Zone. “We Manila, where the sight of bumper-to- are building primarily for people. We are bumper, traffic-choked highways has investing in the necessary infrastructure to become the new normal. Instead, what make Clark a people-friendly environment,” Clark lacks in vehicular traffic it makes he says. up for in its growing number of tree-lined BCDA recognizes that cities work bike lanes and lawns, wider sidewalks, and when they let people meet, hang out and green, open spaces. sit; that it’s less about the buildings than A significant recipient of the the bits in between. With this in mind, the government’s ambitious $180 billion Build, 60% organization has tapped Singapore firm Build, Build infrastructure program, Clark Surbana Jurong for its freeport development OF LAND Freeport Zone is being developed to be the plan, where a key urban design guideline second National Capital Region in Luzon— has been “protecting spaces for people.” RESERVED one designed to not only decongest the Already the partnership is bearing fruit: Philippine capital of Metro Manila, but also within Clark Freeport Zone, people-centric AS GREEN, built as a space sans the current lifestyle development has thus far led to increased OPEN SPACE

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TRADING URBAN NOISE FOR RURAL LIGHT walkability, independent and dedicated and government tax incentive benefits may GREEN + WALKABLE WORDS CECILE JUSI BALTAZAR bicycle lanes being built around the city be the top draws attracting investment Clark’s planned green metropolis and its famous Parade Grounds, and an into Clark Freeport Zone, but locators also promotes continuous walkability unprecedented 60 percent of land reserved appreciate the fact that “they talk to only without taking anything away as green, open space. one face of government,” says Manankil. from the natural scenery. “All the permits locators need to secure INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS, from different government agencies can be DOTr’s Asec. Goddes Libiran moved to Clark tourist destinations and activities, places obtained from our One Stop Action Center. of worship, a museum, and investments Everything is automated, and because three years ago, and she never wants to leave. “Why didn’t worth PhP2 billion poured into such theme you’re only talking to your designated ‘town parks as Theme Park and Clark officer’, you cut through red tape.” we do this Safari Park have also contributed to making As it is, Clark not only encourages its ASEC. GODDES LIBIRAN, ASSISTANT Goddes, her husband, and their then year- Clark a family and lifestyle destination. locators to employ green technology by SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND old daughter moved to Clark as well. The Dizon reveals that even he himself recently affording them further incentives, there are COMMUTER AFFAIRS OF THE DEPARTMENT change from urban jungle to rural paradise sooner?” relocated his family to Clark. “I live here also plans by CDC to eventually close off OF TRANSPORTATION (DOTr), used to live was something the DOTr employees didn’t now—my daughter studies here. Since certain roads to cars. “We want to minimize a life much different from the one she has know they needed. moving, I don’t want to go back to living the use of cars. Once our bike lanes are today in Clark, Pampanga. It’s a change “The environment I now work in is in Manila because not only are things done, and all big-ticket infrastructure are CLARK she’s over the moon for. clean, fresh, and serene; I don’t see any trash more convenient in Clark, I’m actually also completed, that’s one of the first things we More than three years ago, her routine anywhere, and there’s no smog. Also, I live healthier here. I don’t take my car; I bike to plan to do,” reveals Manankil. ENCOURAGES was hectic but well-practiced. She braved just 15 to 20 minutes from my office,” she work—it’s become my contribution to the Dizon shares that the ultimate vision Makati traffic every day to drive to and shares. When she gets to the DOTr office, environment,” he relates. for Clark is twofold: “To develop Clark into ITS LOCATORS from the DOTr office in Ortigas. When which has glass walls and floor-to-ceiling Clark Development Corporation the second metropolis of Luzon, and for it to she moved her residence from Tagaytay to windows, there’s no shortage of sky, space, (CDC), the organization mandated to become the country’s first green, resilient, TO EMPLOY Makati, distance became more manageable and light. “It’s so spacious; we get such good transform Clark Freeport Zone into a and smart city.” to her, but the pollution and overcrowded vibes here,” she says. “There are so many modern industrial estate befitting the GREEN streets were not. “Besides that, there was no trees around, and that definitely lessens moniker “Asia’s Newest Gateway,” TRICIA MORENTE sufficient parking in our building so we had work stress.” is promoting ease of doing business, is an editor and journalist focusing on business to park in front. That was ironic because we and many forms of connectivity and TECHNOLOGY and innovation. Some of her recent works were working for the DOTr and we were the CECILE JUSI BALTASAR wayfinding efforts within the new include the award-winning book “On The BY AFFORDING ones causing traffic,” she says. writes and edits digital content but, once in a metropolis. March: The Jesuits in the Philippines since the In July 2017 the DOTr, the primary entity while, goes back to print for some old-school According to CDC president and Restoration” and special reports on the ASEAN THEM FURTHER in charge of the country’s transportation fun. She lives in the far south with her husband, CEO Noel Manankil, Clark’s strategic tech start-up ecosystem for Inc. Southeast systems, had enough. They moved to a more kids, and dogs (plus some stray chickens, goats, location, the ongoing expansion of its Asia. spacious office in Clark Freeport Zone. Asec. and frogs). 2,500-hectare modern aviation complex, INCENTIVES.

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AQUA PLANET KOREAN TOWN

“The main reason I fell in love with Asec. Goddes and her family loves to visit this place is that Clark is so suitable Korean Town in Angeles City, about a for different kinds of activities,” says 20-minute drive from Clark. “You’ll Asec. Goddes. “When I want to jog, I think you weren’t in the Philippines, with just go to the CDC Parade Grounds. the Korean restaurants and groceries When I want coffee, I just go to the all around you,” she says. When her husband is in town, their little family DOTR Vegetable Garden many coffee shops around. You won’t get scared walking outside by yourself sometimes goes fishing in nearby because the place is so secure and Candaba in Tarlac. Other times, they VEGETABLE GARDENS DOT well-lit, with CCTV cameras all over. go to the beaches in Subic, just an hour’s THE FRONTAGE OF THE There are no loiterers. drive from Clark via the SCTEX. DOTR COMPOUND. Instead of ornamental plants and trimmed ficus trees in pots, there is lush vegetable landscaping. “We don’t plant roses here. Instead, we have SCHOOLS tomatoes, chilies, eggplant, okra, papaya, sweet potatoes, even leafy “My daughter is starting pre-school greens and herbs,” says Asec. Goddes. next year, and I’m happy there are so many choices of good schools for Tending DOTr’s vegetable her here,” she says. These choices gardens are Aetas once displaced by include Gentry International School, the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991. Westfields International School, and They live within the DOTr compound Singapore International School. and are such talented green thumbs Aside from schools, other educational that their fellow employees regularly destinations include the Clark enjoy fresh vegetables. At harvest Museum and 4D Theater where time, they place the vegetables in the people can go to learn about the DOTr lobby; anyone can freely get history of Clark as a military base. whatever they need.

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HITOSHI KOBAYASHI, the President and CEO of Yokohama Tire Philippines, WHEN AN INVESTOR STARTS TO OPEN Inc., believes that Clark is an ideal business A BUSINESS IN A METROPOLIS, he may address primarily because of its location. “We be up against several challenges: a long list of can go to the capitals of Japan, China, Taiwan, requirements and expensive fees, confusing Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia and exhausting registration processes, huge within 4 hours by plane,” he says. In addition taxes, and other possible reasons why it may to this, he anticipates the opening of the new be easier for him to simply turn around and passenger terminal in Clark International leave. Airport, which means that, in all likelihood, To address the country’s low ranking in there will be more direct flights to Clark recent World Bank Ease of Doing Business from the capital cities of the aforementioned (EODB) surveys, the government of President places. Duterte is pushing for more regulatory reforms to streamline business regulations in Mr. Kobayashi also values the fact that the the Philippines. He signed into law the EODB Philippines is a democratic nation with a huge and Efficient Government Service Delivery percentage of English-speaking citizens. He Act of 2018, which provides businesses with a adds, “Recently, public security has improved streamlined process and reduced processing and the Philippines’ economic growth has times. been at more than 6% every year—this is Many local investors say that doing almost at par with the top countries in Asia.” business in Pampanga’s economic center He even compared Clark to Singapore, saying has for some time been a breeze, even that Clark is, indeed, “a safe, convenient, and before the signing of the EODB law. The elegant city.” latter is, of course, still a welcome boost to the flourishing investment environment in Pampanga, specifically in Clark. One-Stop-Shop Clark’s business environment is thriving in a way that major local and foreign companies CLARK DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION have decided to move their operations President Noel Manankil is proud of the fact here. Big names like Texas Instruments, that Clark’s investors only need to deal with SFA Semicon, UPS International, Inc., and one department when going through the Sumidenso Automotive Technologies are just investment processes; and these procedures SAFE a few of the investors that are now calling are automated, saving everyone a lot of time, Clark their home. effort, and money.

AIMEE MORALES Part of the law on EODB that President is the editor of this publication. She is a writer, Duterte signed last year is the establishment CONVENIENT poet, and the founder of the writing community of a one-stop-shop that can facilitate permit FLOW and the Freelance Writers’ Guild of applications in every LGU. CDC, some the Philippines. You may reach her through government agencies, and the LGU [email protected] signed a MOA to hasten the delivery of OSPC’s (One-Stop Processing Center) services. ELEGANT The OSPC covers such procedures as SSS registration and membership, PhilHealth Investors love doing business in Clark. Here are the reasons why. premium payments processing and WORDS AIMEE MORALES registration, processing of Pag-IBIG contributions, and other government services.

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WHEN YOU’RE A FITNESS BUFF, YOU ARE watchful eye of Coach Melvin Fausto, train ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE IDEAL in the Clark and Subic area. TRAINING AREA: wide spaces, lots of The green expanse of the Clark Parade THIS greenery, fresh air, and the absence of big Grounds is their usual stomping territory. crowds. Families and groups also need green “Clark Parade Grounds is where we always IS HOW places where they can run free, enjoy nature, train,” said Huelgas. “It’s a main landmark allow the children to play, hold weekend for fun runs and meet-ups of those with YOUR THE picnics, and indulge in their favorite sports. an active or sports lifestyle.” The athletes Clark can be all of these things for many opined that the well-marked bike lanes NATIONAL people. But for a smaller group of regulars, of Clark, coupled with the fresh air and the professional athletes, Clark is also an the prevailing flora make it a joy to train in TEAM ideal training ground. the city. Alongside sporting amateurs and PLACE Nikko Huelgas and John “Rambo” ordinary rookies are the pros like Huelgas TRIATHLETES Chicano, both triathletes and SEA Games and Chicano who take joy in being able to medalists, race under the Philippine banner play at such an open and well-maintained PLAY of their Team Go For Gold. They represented location. This is partly why the national AND the country in the SEA Games triathlon event team moved their training barracks to IN THE for the men’s elite division, which the country Pampanga. hosted last November 2019.” As an update “The facilities and improvements TRAIN also, as of September 2019, the triathletes are good, definitely better than the other have been staying in the Athletes’ Village IN CLARK. in New Clark City. Almost all the national SUN athletes of Team Go for Gold, under the

WORDS KARL DE MESA

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ATHLETICS STADIUM

Like what happened in the 2019 SEA Games, Clark will continue to see an influx of sporting events that will bring scores of athletes and their fans and families. The standard of serious athletic play will be dictated by what Clark and its facilities can bring to the table, especially in light of the new high-tech athletic centers that were initially built for the SEA Games. COACHMELVS INSTAGRAM/

places where we train,” said Chicano, THE PARADE GROUNDS who managed to win a gold medal in the triathlon event at the 2019 SEA Games. The Parade Grounds’ jogging pathway is “For beginners, safety first, especially with clearly defined and the area is full of spaces biking. Here in Clark, it’s safe and easy to where fitness enthusiasts and athletes can train because there are stoplights and bike sit back and take a breather, like the nearby lines that are a big help for athletes like local bike shop Cycles and Brew. The café/ us.” bike shop is where cyclists can score high-end “Serving the country as a national branded gear and accessories, and kick back athlete is always worth it. For me, that’s with a cuppa joe or even some craft beer. For the biggest motivation,” said Huelgas, a heavier fare, restaurants like Wooden Table two-time SEA Games gold medalist. But & Paris City Café, Matam-ih, and Café Mesa it really doesn’t matter whether you’re are also conveniently located near the Parade a pro athlete, a serious runner, a young Grounds. These are perfect for those needing mom wanting to play with her children, recovery food or just a bite of pre-training a part of a group of friends looking for energy. wholesome ways to spend time together- -you will find your place in the sun in During weekends, the Parade Grounds is Clark. bustling. The Pinas Cup football tournament and other sports tourism gatherings, like KARL DE MESA the start and finish line of fun runs and is a veteran journalist, editor, and the author duathlons, often coincide with family- of the award-winning non-fiction books oriented events like the Comercio Central “Radiant Void” and “Report from the Abyss.” Mangan Tamu weekend lifestyle market that A grappling enthusiast and a practitioner features concessionaires selling authentic of Brazilian Luta Livre, he also co-hosts the Kapampangan dishes and products. It’s open MMA and fight culture podcast Destroy from Friday to Sunday, 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 Manila. midnight. 31 32 c l a r k c l a r k II T T W W O O r k S . LL II K EE A D D R EE A M. I T W O r k S . L I K E A D R E A M.

hERE IT’S QUIET A UNLIKE BUSY MANILA. THE AIR IS FRESH AND THE CLARK PEOPLE ARE SIMPLE, HUMBLE, AND GRATEFUL. Living in Clark is all about the RESIDENT simple life, with city conveniences. 40-YEAR OLD FILIPINO-AMERICAN KEN multinational company. Ken has now air is fresh and the people are simple, ALAMO’S DAILY SCHEDULE IN CLARK IS adjusted to the place and is excited at humble, and grateful.” He also notes the PACKED YET FLEXIBLE. After seeing off his the possibilities it offers. “Clark, to me, is diversity of players in CIFA--the kids come wife Aneeliz to work and taking his teenage a blank slate,” he says. Coming here has from different countries. And speaking kids Keanne and Bella to school, he could given him a chance to connect and create of other races, many people of different be doing any number of things: working communities like CIFA. Apart from this, nationalities live in Clark. Ken Alamo feels out with a client in his home gym (he is a he and his wife are also organizing a youth comfortable blending in as a Filipino- fitness trainer), running an errand for the camp for their church mates. American. Clark International Football Association Ken appreciates the essentials and Ken is both hopeful and grateful to be (CIFA), which he initiated, doing volunteer conveniences that the city offers. Through living in Clark as he believes “it is a place work at the church where he and his a realtor, they found a home suited to with a city feel but a provincial mindset. It’s SPEAKS family sing with the choir every Sunday, their needs and perfect for Ken’s fitness a growing city, a progressive city--thanks WORDS RHEA CLAIRE MADARANG or doing household chores. On Mondays training consultancy. They were also able to what Clark and BCDA are doing!” and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., he brings to put their kids in an international school. all his home gym equipment to the Clark Shopping centers are a necessity and the RHEA CLAIRE MADARANG Development Corporation (CDC) Parade presence of hospitals with international is a writer, researcher, and documenter whose Grounds to hold outdoor boot camps that standards gives them peace of mind. The work and wanderlust take her to remote are open to everyone. His wife joins him in international airport also makes travel islands and bustling cities alike. You may these boot camps after work. more accessible. read her travel stories and guides at www. He and his family had just moved What Ken loves about their life in Clark iamtravelinglight.com to Clark in June last year, after his wife is the quiet simplicity and the community. got assigned to work in a Clark-based “Here it is quiet, unlike busy Manila. The

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GO ON A HIKE! THE For a day out in the city, the Alamo family’s go-to place is the Aqua Planet Water Theme Park. And if they want to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, Clark has beautiful nature trails, which FUTURE the Alamo family sometimes enjoys with visiting friends. IS HERE “Inside Clark’s Special Economic Zone is Sitio Haduan, where you can Udenna Corporation outlines its plans for the hike through a river... in the end there’s a waterfall,” Ken shares. Aside from Sitio dream city that is Clark Global City (CGC). Haduan, the Alamo family together with their friends and relatives love to WORDS MAAN D’ASIS PAMARAN go to Puning Hot Springs in Angeles and Pinatubo Lake in . CLARK GLOBAL CITY (CGC) is a “We believe CGC is the solution to Occasionally, Ken volunteers to coach 177-hectare master-planned, mixed-use the current congestion issues of Metro some football players from the indigenous development that offers the perfect mix Manila. Due to its location within the Aeta community in Sitio Target. of prime real estate, support facilities, Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ), CGC enjoys and auxiliary lifestyle amenities. Situated a favorable regulatory, economic, and only 80 kilometers north of Metro Manila, operating environment, making it a very the City is easily accessible by car via the attractive location for large local and (NLEx) and the international corporations considering to Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) relocate outside Metro Manila,” explains and is located next to Clark International Mr. Wilfredo Placino, Director of Udenna Airport (CRK). The City’s strategic Corporation and President of Clark City location and direct access to air, land, Corporation and Udenna Environmental and sea transport, alongside government Services, Inc. infrastructure projects surrounding the In November 2017, the Udenna Group, premises, make CGC an ideal commercial through Clark Global City Corporation business district. (CGCC), acquired 100% of Global

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Gateway Development Corporation (GGDC), Clark Global City will be a balanced the entity party to the Master Lease Agreement mix of mid-rise residential condominiums, with Clark International Airport Corporation street and lifestyle malls, mixed-use WE ANTICIPATE (CIAC). The Lease Agreement grants GGDC buildings, corporate office towers, hotels and rights to a 50-year long-term lease on the casinos, complemented by credible school largest remaining contiguous parcel of land establishments, churches, an amphitheatre, CLARK GLOBAL CITY inside CFZ. Soon after taking over, Udenna’s libraries, museums, and a convention CLARK GLOBAL CITY management exercised the option to extend center. Pocket parks will be accentuated by TO BE THE The new plans drawn up for CGC are the lease by another 25 years, or until 2085. breathtaking art installations by National With the lofty ideals of CGC, it takes a Artists. inspired by successful models in other maverick in the industry to make this dream Udenna Corporation, through GGDC, is NEW CENTER OF countries, such as the diverse Chicago come true. The Udenna Group is considered set to develop the 177-hectare prime estate commercial district composed of prime one of the fastest growing conglomerates in inside the Clark Freeport Zone into a global offices, residential areas, and auxiliary the country, with business interests in Oil, Gas business destination with a US$5 billion BUSINESS, offices; Hong Kong’s Central Business and Retail; Shipping and Logistics; Real Estate; investment budget spread out over the District that is walkable and connected Education, Hospitality and Food; Gaming and next ten years. He shares, “We anticipate through skywalks and integrated Tourism; and Infrastructure & Development. CGC to be the New Center of Business, Life LIFE, public transportation systems; Dubai’s “We pride ourselves in utilizing inter-company and Innovation, and a complement to the iconic landmark branding that is synergies within the group and maximizing government’s efforts to promote growth and symbolic of the new, dynamic, and business opportunities through collaboration, spur economic transformation outside Metro AND INNOVATION. progressive city; and the neighborhood shared expertise, and joint business ventures,” Manila.” feel of the Millennium Park in explains Placino. Chicago, which brims with day-to-day events and festivities.

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BUILDING for PROGRESS BCDA projects support the nation’s growth and development at CLARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, the BCDA is making sure that JOBS number of passengers that the airport AND OTHER LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES WORDS RAMIL DIGAL GULLE can accommodate in a year could swell are available for local residents in the up to over 80 million people. That areas where developments happen, IN ORDER TO ATTAIN ECONOMIC AND oriented economic power can be traced South Commuter Railway (NSCR) number makes Clark International particularly for the indigenous peoples SOCIAL PROGRESS, the Philippines has to the investments of these countries in system, a 163-kilometer suburban Airport comparable to the world’s biggest (IP) living in Capas, Tarlac. Specifically, to construct more roads, airports, sea infrastructure,” he says. railway network stretching from airports. Its target completion date is more than 300 Aetas were employed by ports, and other structures that would New Clark City to Calamba, Laguna. middle of 2020. The airport is also seen to BCDA in New Clark City. The agency also encourage business and investments. The Bases Conversion and Envisioned to be finished in 2025, the help minimize the congestion at the Ninoy holds regular dialogues with the NCIP BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon Development Authority (BCDA) has the railway is seen to provide safe, reliable Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in and the communities so that they know explains that the traffic, pollution, MRT mandate to convert former military bases and affordable public transportation Manila and usher in a period of rapid what’s happening and can communicate breakdowns, lack of public transport into world-class, self-sustaining centers for around “342,000 passengers in the economic growth and development. their concerns and messages to the are all just symptoms of the actual, for economic growth for the benefit Manila-Clark corridor.” It is also seen to government. Aside from this, the new more widespread and larger disease: the of the Filipino. Some of BCDA’s key cut travel time between Manila and Clark FROM 2013 TO 2018, BCDA AND NLEX roads also provide the farmers, residents, infrastructure gap. infrastructure developments are located International Airport from two to three CORPORATION continuously implemented and IPs easier access to town centers and in Clark, including New Clark City, Clark hours to less than one hour. improvements and maintenance works markets especially when they are coming “If you read all the reports, and listen International Airport, the Manila-Clark along the 94-kilometer expressway that from far-flung locations. to the experts, they’re all saying that Railway, and the Subic-Clark Railway. IN NEW CLARK CITY, THE NATIONAL is the SUBIC-CLARK-TARLAC EXPRESSWAY compared to our neighbors in Southeast These projects are boosting Central GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER (SCTEX). Faster and safer travel means RAMIL DIGAL GULLE’s Asia, the Philippines is 20 to 30 years Luzon’s gross domestic product (GDP), (NGAC) is currently being finished to more investments and healthier tourism writing career spans journalism, literary arts, behind in the amount and quality of which grew to 9.3 percent in 2017, almost meet the target operation and launch activities in the region. Industrial centers marketing, and PR. He is the author of four our infrastructure.” He pointed out that three percent higher than the country’s date in 2020. As one of the government’s in Subic, , and Tarlac have seen a poetry books and has won the Nick Joaquin throughout history, especially in the GDP of 6.7 percent for the same year. flagship infrastructure projects, it brings boom in terms of economic growth. And Literary Award (Poet of the Year, 2018). 20th century, countries that became government agencies and workers closer the area will continue to experience the economically developed and powerful THE MALOLOS-CLARK RAILWAY is a together to ensure faster and more same or even higher growth because of first had to invest heavily in infrastructure. 53-kilometer passenger railway efficient processes and improved delivery current developments like the ongoing “The transition from a rural agricultural connecting suburban Malolos, of service for the country’s citizens. construction of the BAMBAN INTERCHANGE economy to a manufacturing, export- to Clark. The project is part of the North- With the addition of a new terminal that connects SCTEx to New Clark City.

39 40 Bases Conversion and Development Authority BCDA Corporate Center 2nd Floor, Bonifacio Technology Center 31st Street corner 2nd Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Metro Manila 1634 Philippines

(632) 8575 1700 | (632) 8816 6666 (632) 8816 0996 [email protected]

www.bcda.gov.ph @TheBCDAGroup / @NewClarkCity @NewClarkCityPH

PO Box No. 42 Taguig Post Office, Taguig City www.bcda.gov.ph

@TheBCDAGroup