Move over CWC, hello Pradera Verde.
In Central Luzon, specifically in Lubao, Pampanga, a world-class wakepark has been put up for enthusiasts looking for a place just a couple of hours away from Metro Manila. It is in a 400-hectare estate in barangay Prado several kilometers off the poblacion of Lubao. If you’re driving to Bataan or Zambales you wouldn’t miss the big signage along the San Fernando- Olongapo highway that welcomes visitors to the wakepark.
We met reelected Governor Lilia Pineda for breakfast at the ViewDeck Restaurant that overlooks the wakeboarding lagoon last weekend. She said that the wakepark is the first among several other developments in the resort plus the villas for visitors who want to stay overnight or more days.
The bungalow-type villas can accommodate six or more persons. Each has a kitchen and two bathrooms. The master’s bedroom has king-size bed and another single bed with a wi-fi modem, a large flat TV monitor and cable HD digibox. The same amenities are also found in the adjacent room good for three to five individuals.
Gov. Pineda said Chef Paulo Nasol (an alumnus of Enderun in MacKinley Heights) is overseeing kitchen operations and at the same time officer-in-charge of the wake park. Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, daughter of the Governor, also helps in managing the resort along with her brother Dennis.
Most recently, the resort was in the news as it hosted the 2016 International Hot Air Balloon Festival set from April 11 to 14.
That Sunday when we were there, there was a triathlon competition, making the wakeboarding lagoon unavailable to enthusiasts, although the two practice lagoons remained open.
Two wave pools are under construction. “They will be the new attraction in the estate,” Governor Pineda told members of the Society of Entertainment Editors (SPEED) that visited the place. “When they are both operational, visitors who are not wakeboard enthusiasts can spend time in the wave pool, maybe learn how to surf or jus enjoy the water.”
The governor said that the water in the lagoon is spring water. “When the workers were digging for the lagoon to be in place, they discovered there is water beneath. Also, to make sure the water is clean, we make sure it is not stagnant.”
On the west side of the estate, an 18-hole golf course is now in place. When completed it will be a 36-hole course designed, we were told, by a professional Malaysian player.
More developments are in the pipeline, said Mayor Mylyn, “We will let you know and invite you once they are already in place.
★★★★★
New York Asian Film Festival honors Therese ‘Teri’ Malvar
GMA Artist Center teen star Therese ‘Teri’ Malvar is one of this year’s recipients of the Screen International Rising Star Asia award at the 15th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF).
The award-winning actress was recognized for her remarkable portrayal of “daring roles that have expanded the range of contemporary Philippines’ cinema.”
These include her critically acclaimed performances in Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s lesbian movie Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita and Ralston Jovers drama about juvenile delinquents titled Hamog, which previously gave the talented Kapuso artist best actress awards from local award-giving bodies.
Teri feels honored to be one of the awardees at the NYAFF as well as to represent the Philippines in the prestigious film festival. She will receive her award during the festival in New York.
“I would like to thank the New York Asian Film Festival for believing in me. This recognition will continue to fire-up my passion in acting and be a game-changer in this industry. Mabuhay ang talentong Pilipino,” she said.
This year marks the third Screen International Rising Star Asia award at NYAFF. The award aims to bring Asia’s outstanding new talents to international attention.
Other recipients this year are Japan’s Go Ayano and China’s Jelly Lin.
★★★★★
Urbandub’s ‘Endless’ revisited
It has been exactly one year since the original line-up of Urbandub performed on stage together in one of the most successful rock concert of that year. Ironically, it also marked an end to one of OPM’s most iconic rock acts.
The farewell concert of Urbandub entitled Endless on May 9, 2015 was a sure success with thousands of “dubistas” filling the venue to the brim.
After the definite hiatus of the band both Gabby and John has been busy doing their own individual projects.
Gabby has been busy running his own production team called “Nemesis Productions” managing fresh and upcoming bands on the indie scene, while also balancing his after tattoo care product called “Dark Matter Artisan Soap.”
John is also busy with his new band Cables and Space, which he is fronting, and while also managing his own clothing brand called Pinnacle Clothing Shop. Both of the guys have been really busy expanding their expertise into different ventures both inside and outside the music scene.
Earlier this year MCA Music released their much-anticipated DVD entitled Endless that features the band’s final concert at Metro Tent with the same title. The DVD also features a documentary of the band’s history. It can be considered as the best memento for the fans because of all the exclusive content and top notch production.
After a year Gabby and John are back to give the “Dubistas” what they have been clamoring for, Urbandub Endless Revisted, The Concert, an up close and personal show that will feature special acoustic version of Urbandub songs on May 27, 8 p.m., Friday at the Music Museum.
Endless Revisted will also feature the best new bands from the indie scene, Autotelic and Sirens. You can get a ticket by calling Ticketworld at 891-9999 or Music Museum at 7216726. Urbandub’s Endless DVD under MCA Music will also be available at the venue.