"Pop Talk's" three must-try adventures in Pampanga

Birthdays are more fun if you spend it in a place you love. That's why for his special birthday episode, "Pop Talk" host Tonipet Gaba took the Pop Talk reviewers to his home province — Pampanga.

Hot springs, water sports and a horseback riding adventure await the "Pop Talk" panel of reviewers composed of travel and lifestyle blogger Fedhz Mamaril, Kapampangan dad Mark Esguerra, and Kapuso celebrity and DJ Jinri Park. Did these three activities impress them? Read this review to find out:

Puning Hot Spring and Sand Spa
Sitio Puning, Porac, Pampanga
Package rate: P2,100 per person inclusive of lunch or dinner buffet (minimum of five persons)



Why travel all the way to Japan to experience swimming in hot springs when you can do the same thing at Pampanga’s Puning Hot Spring and Sand Spa? This resort is filled with activities that will satisfy both adventure-seekers and those who want to simply relax. Situated at Sitio Puning, Porac, Pampanga, Puning Hot Spring and Sand Spa has three stations or areas for its visitors: An exciting drive on a 4x4 vehicle, a sand spa, and the hot and cold springs.

The trip to the base camp is dusty, wet and bumpy, but these factors did not prevent the reviewers from enjoying the 40-minute ride to their destination. Mark commented: "Yung scenery papunta pa lang do’n, okay na. Busog na ang mata mo."

Jinri, who rode a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the first time, thought the same: "It’s a new experience, like, I’ve never tried the 4x4 adventure. Now it’s the most interesting part for me."

After the long trek, visitors can soak in any of the 13 hot and cold spring pools of Puning. The reviewers enjoyed relaxing in the hot springs, however they think that the resort could still improve its facilities and amenities. Jinri suggested: “I would hope that there would be cottages where people can rest. I wish there were more showers and maybe hot water.”



Another relaxing activity in Puning is their sand spa where guests’ bodies are covered with sand to soothe their muscles. A mud pack is also applied to pamper the skin. Jinri described her experience after being buried in the sand: “At first it was scary but it’s kinda relaxing and the mud pack made my skin really soft so I’m happy.”

“It’s worth the money kasi mud pack, sand spa, hot spring and even buffet... it’s affordable,” Jinri said. Mark agreed: “Willing ako mag-spend ng ganung pera kasi ‘yung experience naman priceless siya.”

Final verdict: 7 pop points

Deca Clark and Wakeboard Park
Margot, Angeles City, Pampanga
Package rate: P400 (two-hour wakeboarding), P1,000 (all day wakeboarding)



Water sports enthusiasts and first timers alike will surely have an amazing time at Deca Clark and Wakeboard Park, where they can enjoy wakeboarding, wakeskating, and waterskiing at an affordable price. The resort’s package rate is inclusive of wakeboarding equipment and assistance from instructors.

Even though they are beginners, the “Pop Talk” reviewers admit that they enjoyed learning how to wakeboard. Jinri admitted she was scared to try it at first: “It’s my first time, actually. Once you start it, it’s really fun.”



When it comes to facilities and amenities, Mark recommended that the resort could make the place more secure. Jinri added: “I think there should be more showers especially for girls.”

The “Pop Talk” reviewers also agreed that they would definitely want to come back to Deca Clark and Wakeboard Park to wakeboard. “Dadalhin ko yung family ko dun kasi mage-enjoy talaga sila lalo na ang mga kids,” said Mark.

Final verdict: 7 pop points

El Kabayo Riding Stables
Gil Puyat Avenue, Clark Freeport Zone
Package rates: P250 (riding tour), P650 (horse rental), P1,650 (formal riding lessons per session)



If you want to channel your inner cowboy and learn how to ride a horse, El Kabayo Riding Stables is the place to go. “Itong El Kabayo panahon pa ng mga Amerikano. Nagsimula ito sa Subic,” Gabriel Lao, El Kabayo’s Sheriff, explained. He added that they offer various packages based on what their visitors want. Guides also ensure their guest’s safety by always staying by the rider’s side.

Fedhz loved the peaceful atmosphere of the place: “Napaka serene kahit may dumadaang sasakyan. Mukha namang well maintained ang mga horses so dun pa lang alam mo nang inaalagaan nila ‘yung place.”



The reviewers gave props to the guides who never left their side during their ride. Mark shared: "First time ko din sumakay ng kabayo. Wala ‘yung takot factor. Pakiramdam mo safe ka. ‘Di ka iiwan ni kuya, ituturo niya ‘yung basics.”

Mark also thought that El Kabayo is a great destination for the family: "Dito ‘yung time na makakapag-usap lang kayo nang maayos. Bonding, quality time lang… Enjoy mo lang ‘yung scene."

Final verdict: 9 pop points