Travel Guide: Biking in Clark, Pampanga

Clark Freeport Zone (or simply Clark) in Pampanga is a former U.S. airbase in the Philippines that has been redeveloped into a modern industrial area. These days, it’s known as a center for leisure, fitness, entertainment, and gaming in Central Luzon. Clark is home to several family-friendly theme parks, casinos, and the Clark International Airport, a major airport near Manila.

For cyclists, Clark offers a great, bike-friendly destination near Manila. Since the pandemic hit, a lot of improvements have been made to appeal to cyclists and leisure bikers. Aside from the large open spaces and greenery and natural canopies provided by trees in the whole area complex, there’s a very good network of freshly painted bike paths, safety signages for bikers, and facilities to host cycling festivals and events. 

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Bike-friendly craft beer destinations in and near Manila

For road bikers and urban cyclists, coffee rides have become a big thing for weekends. There are just so many new minimalist cafes that have popped up all over the metro that you can ride to every week just to go somewhere new or hang out on those Tambike rides with friends.

But for mountain bikers, there’s nothing quite like a mug of ice cold beer to beat the heat and help you relax and recharge during longer weekend rides, night rides, and bike camping.

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Siglo Brew: Craft beer and local coffee in Tagaytay

There’s a cool new spot to enjoy craft beer and local coffee in Tagaytay!

Siglo Brew is a relatively new dining destination, having opened on June 12, 2021. It’s conveniently located right across Tagaytay Picnic Grove, a popular sightseeing spot. For those who want to eat full meals, you can head to Siglo Modern Filipino restaurant along the road. But you can also just head on to the back, located inside View Park Hotel for coffee, craft beer, local pastries, and beer chow.

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Biking to El Deposito Underground Tunnels in Pinaglabanan Shrine, San Juan

After years of excavation and clearing, and months of pandemic-induced delays, the El Deposito Underground Reservoir is now finally open to the public! Visitors can walk back in time through a portion of the Spanish-era tunnels just sitting underneath the sprawling public park in San Juan City.

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LIST: Liquor Bans in Metro Manila (UPDATED September 2021)

UPDATE: Quezon City and San Juan  have both officially lifted the liquor bans as the capital region shifts to Alert Level 4 starting Thursday, September 16, 2021.

The latest memorandum published by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte states that liquor selling “may be sold at any time except during public safety hours (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.).”

Liquor Selling. Liquor may be sold at any time except during public safety hours (10 pm to4 am). Drinking on sidewalks and other public places (i.e., not inside a home or establishment) shall remain prohibited. As an exception, the sale of liquor shall be banned inside Special Concern Lockdown areas.”

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora also announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday that the city would allow alcohol consumption again but “only inside homes and restaurants.” 

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Craft Beer & Liquor Delivery in the Philippines

With the closure of many bars and restaurants everywhere because of the pandemic, more people want to drink in the safety of their homes. While groceries and minimarts have stocked up on the usual staples of mainstream beer brands, sometimes you just want something different for special occasions, but you also want to avoid going out just to get your essential liquor supplies. It’s now more convenient than ever to get quality craft beer delivered straight to your home.

Here are few craft beer delivery services and breweries based in Metro Manila where you can easily order your stash online and get beer delivered straight to your doorstep.

NOTE: Due to government regulations and travel restrictions, some online stores can only service areas in the NCR not covered by liquor bans. Provincial deliveries may be delayed.

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Get Chainline’s bike-themed craft beers delivered at home

Here’s something cool for those who like craft beer and biking. Chainline Brewing Company, a bike-inspired craft beer brand from the USA, is now available in the Philippines.

Inspired by the active outdoor lifestyle of Seattle, and situated alongside Kirkland’s brand new bicycle corridor, Chainline Brewing Company was founded in 2014 with the singular goal of creating the highest quality ales and lagers for the discerning craft beer drinker. It’s said to be the fastest growing micro-brewery in Kirkland, Washington, USA, home of fresh hops farms.

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Batala Bar: Cozy craft beer bar in Intramuros

Batala Bar in Intramuros recently reopened! Right before the lockdown restrictions in March 2020, I met up with good friend Mica of Senyorita for a “business meeting” in the area and we spent a chill afternoon with mugs of local craft beer here. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed random meet-ups with friends over drinks and it’s nice to know that more establishments are finding ways to reopen with the proper health and safety measures, like contact tracing and health declaration forms in place. 

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Australia 2019: Brisbane Highlights

Brisbane is the capital and the most populated city in the Australian state of Queensland. One of the oldest cities in Australia, Brisbane was founded upon ancient traditional lands. The city was named after the Brisbane River on which it is located, which in turn gets its name from Scotsman Sir Thomas Brisbane, the Governor of New South Wales at the time of the city’s founding.

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Holgate Brewhouse: Beautiful pub hotel in Woodend, Australia

One of the major highlights for me from our 2019 visit to Melbourne in Australia was staying overnight at the Holgate Brewhouse, a brewery that operates a hotel, bar, and restaurant right on site in the town of Woodend. Holgate Brewhouse is an independent family-owned brewery that has been brewing beers in Australia since 1999, a time when the craft brewing industry in the country was still limited.

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