An ideal destination for a food trip or as a jump-off point to Pangasinan, La Union, or Baguio, the province of Pampanga is quickly becoming a destination one should go to. I had never been to Pampanga to before, mainly because of its geographical distance from Metro Manila. If you add the infamous traffic, the journey could quickly become a protracted grind.
But my curiosity to visit Pampanga was finally realised thanks to the invitation of Philippines AirAsia who recently launched their four-times a week direct flights from Davao to Clark.
Just a short ride from the Clark International airport we arrived at our home base for the familiarisation trip around Clark and Pampanga, the Widus Hotel and Casino Clark. The only hotel with a five-star rating from the Department of Tourism in the Clark Freeport Zone and throughout the province of Pampanga, the Widus is a tropical oasis of fun and relaxation.
Widus hotel’s 233 rooms are furnished with super comfortable beds, plush linens, designer toiletries, 40-inch LCD TVs with cable, in-room safe, as well as the ever-important high speed WiFi internet access. Each room also has a balcony for guests to enjoy the lush scenery of the hotel.
Since we are in Pampanga, which is the Philippine province known for its food, Widus offers a wide selection of food outlets to choose from.
Individuals who love the myriad food choices at a buffet will want to visit Salt, Widus’ all-day casual dining place. For more cozy, casual fare, as well as coffee and legitimately delicious cheesecakes, head over to The Lounge. You can also take your pick from the many coffee concoctions and assorted beverages offered throughout the day.
But if foodies like me were to have my way, lunch and dinner should be spent at Peppers21. The Widus Hotel’s premier steakhouse. Peppers21 is the only restaurant in Pampanga which serves a wide variety of imported US Certified Angus Beef. Go for its signature 21-Day Dry Aged Australian grain-fed beef cuts which are full of umami flavour and extremely soft and tender.
There is never a lack of things to do at The Widus Hotel. Gamers can try their luck at the Casino located just off the main lobby. Encompassing around 4,500 square meters of Las Vegas-style gaming space, Widus’ casino features 250 slot machines and 52 gaming tables where Baccarat, Super 6, Pontoon, Blackjack, Roulette, Pai Gow poker, Money wheel and other popular games are being played.
The Widus Hotel can also mean business. With an area of 1,000 square meters the Widus Convention Center is one of the largest meetings and events spaces in Clark. Its main ballroom, Vegas can sit up to 650 people in theatre style. There are also six specialised function rooms that can accommodate intimate meetings and private conferences.
But for me however, business can wait as The Widus freeform pool is one of the best ways to chill out and relax. There is also a spa where one can have the stress of the day get kneaded away.
The Widus Hotel and Casino is located along Manuel Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga and is just a short drive from Clark International Airport. You can check their website at www.widus.com for reservations.
AirAsia now flies direct to Clark from Davao four times a week. For more information and to catch their seat sale, you can go to www.airasia.com.
Photos Urbanissimo (1).jpg; Urbanissimo (3).jpg and Urbanissimo (4).jpg
Widus offers rooms for a wide range of travellers, from Deluxe rooms to family-friendly Deluxe Suites that feature pull-out beds as well as full-sized refigerators and a kitchenette.
