Clark revives Happening on the Green event

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CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines – A vibrant piece of Clark’s history is coming back to life. The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has officially announced the revival of “Happening on the Green” (HOG), a popular community fair from the Clark Air Base era, as a major annual cultural and tourism celebration.

Held on July 11, 2025, the event’s official launch took place at the Clark Visitors Center and Museum grounds, themed “Return to the Green: A Revival of Clark’s Community Tradition.” Leading the announcement were CDC President Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, along with CDC vice presidents, board members, and tourism officials. They were joined by key figures including consultant Chris Millado, VFW Post Commander Janet Alford, and CDC Tourism Officer Len Lorenzo, who is spearheading the revival.

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HOG, originally held during the 1980s and 1990s, was a beloved fair that brought together American servicemen, Filipino workers, and their families through music, food, and festivities. Its 2025 comeback aims to blend nostalgic elements with fresh attractions—reuniting veterans, Freeport locators, hotel groups, regional tourism officers, and Kapampangan families.

Slated for November, the celebration will include picnic park zones, live performances, a veterans’ memory wall, hotdog eating contests, car shows, caramel apple dipping stations, and a fireworks display. The event will also host exhibits and activities that honor Clark’s past while creating space for new traditions.

“This is more than nostalgia—it’s cultural continuity,” said Lorenzo. “We are reviving a feeling of community that defined Clark for decades.”

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Porac Vice Mayor Jen Capil, DOT Regional Director Dr. Richard Daenos, and tourism officers from Pampanga and Angeles City attended the launch, along with members of the Central Luzon Media Association. VFW, whose members once attended the original HOG, expressed full support in organizing the event annually.

“This was our heartbeat,” shared Alford, who first joined HOG as a child. “It’s incredible to see Clark bringing this back—not just to remember, but to inspire.”

CDC calls on veterans, former residents, and Clark families to share old photos, stories, and memorabilia for inclusion in the November event. As Devanadera noted, “This is more than a comeback—it’s a bridge from heritage to the future.”