Cover Christmas decorations adorn the Clark International Airport this 2023 (Photo: Clark International Airport)
Christmas decorations adorn the Clark International Airport this 2023 (Photo: Clark International Airport)
1 / 1
A year after its newly designed terminal opened its doors, Clark International Airport earned the coveted Prix Versailles Laureate
In recognition of its exceptional architecture and design, Clark International Airport (CRK) received the prestigious Prix Versailles laureate, also known as the World Architecture and Design Award from UNESCO.
Now, CRK has joined the list of 24 international airports lauded this year by the award-giving body, one of only two from Southeast Asia to receive the award.
“it is an immense honour to be recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful airports, which truly humbles us. It also inspires us to keep giving Filipinos what they truly deserve, a world-class airport,” says airport operator Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD) President and CEO Noel Manankil.
According to the website prix-versailles.com, “the ‘World’s Most Beautiful’ achievements recognition, granted by the Prix Versailles, highlights the primary role of the laureates in beautifying and improving the living environment.”
Prix Versailles is a series of architectural competitions that shine a light on the finest contemporary projects worldwide.
Read also: The Ultimate Jetsetter Guide: The best first-class airline experiences in the world
1 / 1
Other airports on the list are Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Chile, Beijing Daxing International Airport in China, Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in China, Eagle County Regional Airport in the United States, Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Greece, General Abelardo L Rodríguez International Airport in Mexico, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Finland, Kempegowda International Airport in India, LaGuardia Airport in the United States, Los Angeles International Airport in the United States, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in the United States, Manchester Airport in the United Kingdom. Mohammed V International Airport in Morocco, New Plymouth Airport in New Zealand, Newark Liberty International Airport in the United States, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport in China, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in the United States, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport in China, Split Airport in Croatia, Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport in Greece, Turkistan International Airport in Turkistan, Van Don International Airport in Vietnam.
In 2021, CRK was one of the top six finalists in the 2021 World Selection of the prestigious Prix Versailles Architecture and Design Awards under the Airport Category, which enabled the airport to be included in the list.
1 / 1
As the holiday season is fast approaching, CRK showcased Pampanga’s iconic Christmas lanterns inside and outside its facilities.
At CRK, travellers and guests can walk right into the Christmas tree, a fitting welcome for holiday travels at the check-in area. All around the airport, Christmas trees, brightly lit stars and colourful Pampanga lanterns add a festive mood. At the vast outdoor area to delight everyone and arriving guests are grand Christmas paruls and lighted displays.
Festive rites to light the tree took place today at CRK, timed with the unboxing of other treats, such as the Wish Upon CRK and 12 Days of Christmas, where passengers would win prizes prepared by CRK partners and concessionaires from December 13 to 24.
An outdoor Christmas Food Market is ready for those craving the season’s delights (bibingka, puto bumbong, batirol), Pampango delicacies, international fare, and many other pasalubongs. The Christmas Market is open to everyone, even non-passengers wishing to visit CRK to enjoy the festivities.
On the giant Christmas tree, passengers and loved ones may Wish Upon CRK by writing their wishes on the tags available at the nearby information desk and hanging them on the walls of the tree.
1 / 2
The Christmas Tree lighting was led by vice governor Lilia Paule Pineda, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) president and CEO Noel Manankil, Clark Development (CDC) President and CEO Agnes Devanadera, CIAC President and CEO Arrey Perez, BCDA Vice President Erwin Kenneth Peralta and Atty Dino Austria of the Bureau of Customs. The Voce de Angeli choir provided music that warmed the atmosphere of merriment and gift-giving.
In his welcome remarks, Manankil expressed his holiday wishes to all. He said, “An airport is a venue for holiday reconnections when loved ones coming from far away are reunited with their families and friends. May CRK continue to provide cheer and merriment to those whose long-awaited reunions are finally fulfilled.”
1 / 1
Earlier this year, CRK connected more local and international destinations in anticipation of the summer season. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, EVA Air, AirAsia, and AirSwift offer numerous flights at CRK within and outside the country. Other international destinations from CRK may also reach through Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Jeju Air, Air Busan, Royal Air, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.
“CRK presents travellers with connectivity that is convenient from a world-class terminal. Here, guests will enjoy space, safe systems and A-1 amenities. The airport is located only 80 km northwest of Manila, and it takes only an hour and a half drive to and from Manila. Point-to-point (P2P) services are available for commuting passengers,” said Manankil.
Read also: 4 luxury hotels in Japan to visit for a modern ryokan experience
Above Starlux, Taipei-based airlines
Starlux, Taipei-based airlines
1 / 1
Last August 15, Taipei-based carrier Starlux Airlines began offering a more luxurious option for travellers flying to see Taiwan’s tourist attractions or transiting to North America via CRK.
Using Airbus A321neo, Starlux operates flights from Taipei to Clark. This aircraft has a two-class layout, with eight fully-flat business class seats in a 2-2 configuration and 180 seats in an economy class 3-3 setup. For the North American transit market, Starlux provides greater convenience with significantly reduced travel time.
“Starlux’s presence in CRK is eagerly anticipated by travellers to and from Taipei, especially when leisure and business travellers are seeking the most delightful experiences. Our new airport terminal provides a timely offer with amenities and conveniences that suit their needs,” said Manankil.
Starlux currently flies to 17 destinations, including Los Angeles, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Sapporo, Sendai, Macau, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, Manila, and Cebu. The fleet also continues to grow, with a current count of 20 aircraft, including 13 A321neos, four A330neos, and three A350s. The fourth A350 is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.
NOW READ
Changi Airport is going passport-free in 2024—what does this mean for us?
The coolest airport lounges in Asia and the Middle East
What you need to know about the Maybank Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer American Express credit cards
About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
