As a way of boosting tourist numbers in Central Luzon, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is reviving the historic Happening on the Green (HOG).
Slated for the 8th and 9th November, HOG is a two-day lifestyle and community festival that aims to celebrate Clark’s cultural heritage whilst promoting family-oriented tourism and local enterprise within the centre of the Philippine island of Luzon..
In an interview with national news network PTV on Thursday, 30th October, CDC Tourism Promotions Division manager Elenita Lorenzo said the festival will highlight the vibrant community life that once defined Clark during the American Occupation.
Lorenzo said in the vernacular: “HOG is a major lifestyle and community festival here in Clark, Since Agnes Devanadera took over as CDC president, Clark has been strengthening its cultural and heritage programme with new attractions and activities.”
New look, same community spirit
HOG was originally inspired by an American event held in the former US air base’s Challenger’s Field which featured food stalls, concerts, and community fairs for servicemen and their families.
The new version of the event will give the tradition a local twist, that throwsFilipino family values and cultural pride into the mix.
To draw both local and foreign visitors, the CDC designed a lineup of activities that blend nostalgia and contemporary fun.
The first day will feature a family fun run, costume parade, brass band and cavalry exhibitions, as well as a barbecue meetup and chili cook-off which pay homage to the original festivities.
On the other hand, the second day will include a grand family picnic, hot air balloon displays, kite-making competition and the much-anticipated hotdog-eating contest, envisioned to become a signature attraction in future editions of the event.
