Northern Getaway: 4 Reasons to Head Out to Pampanga this Weekend

If you're thinking of an adventure-filled getaway this weekend, then you might want to consider going to Pampanga!

With just an hour and a half travel from Manila, it is the best destination especially if you'll be a having a long weekend ahead.

Apart from its world-famous cuisine, Pampanga has a wide range of activities to offer including extreme activities and best R&R places that are perfect for the whole family and barkada.

We've listed the top things to do in the country's culinary capital this weekend for your reference:

Fly on a hot air balloon

There's a good reason to wake up early and drive off to Pampanga and that is to see the 31 local and international hot air balloons paint the skies at the annual Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival in Pradera Verde.

Above and Beyond: Hot Air Balloons Take Flight in Lubao's Annual Festival

Don't miss the opportunity to fly up to 1,000 feet until Sunday, April 7, and witness the sunrise shine at the beautiful landscapes of central Luzon for a price of Php 1,000 per flight. If you're afraid of heights, on the other hand, you can ride a tethered balloon instead at about 50 feet high for a price of Php 500.

This writer was able to get on a test flight on one of the balloon participants of the festival this year, RE/MAX Philippines. The ambiance at 2,000 feet was so peaceful and serene! The scenery left me breathless!

Apart from this, the three-day festival also highlights an exciting lineup of activities and musical acts that are perfect for barkada bonding.

Ticket prices are at Php 350 for general admission valid for any one (1) day pass from April 5-7.

Embrace your adventurous side in wakeboarding

From the grounds of Pradera Verde, proceed to the resort's wake park if you're feeling more adventurous. Tick off wakeboarding from your bucket list and slide into the man-made lake.

For beginners, there is an instructor who will teach the basics of wakeboarding from the proper standing position to maintaining the balance. But before jumping in, don't forget to wear safety gears like life vest and helmet.

To make the most of your weekend trip, it's better to book one of the resort's cozy villas if you travel in a group, so that you can enjoy its other facilities like the swimming pool. You can also eat a hearty breakfast at their open-air restaurant, View Deck, overlooking the scenic wakeboarding area.

Package rates start at Php 6,500.

Enjoy authentic Kapampangan cuisine

The Pampanga experience won't be complete without tasting the region's famous cuisine.

Bale Capampangan is just one of the many restaurants that serve a wide array of unlimited local delicacies in the province. For a price of Php 395, enjoy authentic Kapampangan dishes like Sisig, Buro, Adobong Balut, Bringhe, Fried Camaru, and Bistek Kalabaw.

To avoid waiting in line, make sure to make a reservation in advance because it is usually fully-booked even on a weekday.

Bale Capampangan is located at MacArthur Highway, San Fernando, Pampanga.

Buy pasalubong for your loved ones

Lastly, you can buy flavorful pasalubong items from one of the most popular pasalubong stores in the country, Nathaniel's.

It offers a wide range of quality yet affordable food such as dimsum, desserts, pastries, cake, "kakanin" rice meals and "merienda" or snacks.