In 2019, New Clark City (NCC) was all everyone talked about as it served as the venue for the South East Asian (SEA) Games held in the same year. The area boasted world-class facilities, like the New Clark City Stadium and Aquatics Center, where athletes from the SEA Games showcased their skills.
Two years later, NCC stands as proud as it did before. But this time, NCC reopened to the public as a hotspot for tourism and sports. From Saturday to Sunday, May 28 to 29, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) held NCC’s reopening launch as the “Bike and Run, Weekend Fun!”
“With the reopening celebration, New Clark City’s visitors got a glimpse, if not a reminder, of the promise of New Clark City for the Filipino nation. What we are building here is not just a venue for sightseeing and competitions, but a community where people can enjoy life in what is envisioned to be a smart, resilient, and inclusive city of the future,” said Atty. Aristotle B. Batuhan, BCDA Officer-in-Charge President and Chief Executive Officer.
Upon arriving at the NCC, only an hour and a half away from Manila via a private vehicle, well-designed infrastructures welcomed guests and an open space that allowed mobility.
Cyclists made the most of the premises as the terrain was well-suited for their bikes. On the other hand, marathoners also took in the view as they slowly trudged through the well-paved road of NCC to complete their run.
The ambiance is suitable for guests who enjoy physical activity for leisure. Moreover, Victoria, Tarlac Mayor Christian Yap assures guests who want to visit the neighboring city that they implemented the proper measures to secure the safety of cyclists and tourists within the city premises.
When the tour of NCC began, the guests during the weekend saw the Olympic-sized pool and diving board at the Aquatics center, along with the stadium. Although some time has passed since people flocked to the infrastructures, they remain well-maintained thanks to the efforts of the BCDA.
Even before restrictions were eased to Alert Level 1, the Aquatics Center hosted two sports bubbles last year, specifically the pre-Olympic swimming camp of the Israeli swimming team and the PSI National Swimming Selection Meet. More events have been lined up in New Clark City since then.
Yet sports and recreation aren’t the only attractions guests can enjoy at NCC.
Since NCC is ready to cater to the Filipinos, the BCDA also added elements of art and nature to create a serene location where guests can go on strolls, appreciate the cleanliness of the environment, and take Instagram-worthy photos.
The 4.5-hectare River Park features art installations and sculptures of Kenneth Cobonpue, Bernardo Pacquing, and Bea Valdes. Just outside the park at the Aquatics Center rotunda is Jude Tiotuico’s opus, which serves as a tribute to Filipino swimmers.
Filipinos are more than welcome to visit and enjoy New Clark City every weekend for free. From Metro Manila, New Clark City is accessible via the seamless connection from North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) through the Dolores or Concepcion Exit.