The only reason I flew to Clark was for a joiner hiking tour to Mt. Pinatubo.

I’d booked a month in advance. Sent in my passport. Sent in a doctor’s confirmation of health. AND still wasn’t allowed to join the group.

Nobody can tell me why.

It’s yet one more example of inefficiency in most of the S.E. Asian nations. (Singapore a HUGE exception.)

On the upside, the Facebook only group who couldn’t get me on Pinatubo, offered an alternative next day. And I did enjoy my hike to the Aw Sen waterfall with Filipino young people.

Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone serves as a hub for business, industry, aviation, education, and tourism in the Philippines, as well as a center for leisure, fitness, entertainment, and gaming.

You know the name because Clark Air Base grew into the largest U.S. military installation outside America.

Controversial with citizens, the U.S. returned the base to the Philippines after the terrible 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

I did a recommended walking tour around the Clark Parade Grounds.

Nice — but short.

Clark Museum was interesting. Tourist Information and the 4D Video attraction both inexplicably closed, as are so many things in the Philippines.

Rented a mountain bike and did about 30km of touring green spaces.

This no nonsense character was selling used golf balls.

Cycles and Brew had an all day breakfast deal with good coffee.

One thing that is very impressive in the Philippines is shopping malls.

I hung out quite a bit at SM Clark Mall.

They LOVE celebrating Christmas in the Philippines, starting in September !