Riding around Clark’s Wild West

By Marie Therese Cimafranca

TThe difficult days are barely over. But as the economy dwindles, most businesses try to cope with the trying times by slowly opening their doors and operating under the new normal.

As early as July 2020, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA)—a non-profit organization convened by investors and business owners—collaborated to explore ways to support the businesses in the Freeport, and to help them overcome the devastating impacts of the pandemic.

“Our biggest priority now is to enable our locators to restart operations,” former CDC President Noel F. Manankil said. “So that is why we have been monitoring the number of employees reporting on a weekly basis.”

CDC and CILA both took a huge leap in prompting a fresh start for the deeply affected businesses, shortly after the wearying months of disrupted operations. “CDC and CILA are leaving no stone

unturned to ensure that the operations of locators and employment of workers here will remain to be on track,” assured Manankil.

Following more relaxed travel restrictions, local tourists began to flock in the open spaces of Clark. Before long, businesses in the Freeport were no longer paralyzed, and slowly got back on their feet. The smaller enterprises were momentarily revived by the Sunday Market, a weekend bazaar organized by a private sector–led non-profit organization called the Greater Clark Visitors Bureau. Unfortunately, the bazaar was temporarily closed in December.

The El Kabayo

The El Kabayo is among the businesses in CDC that are flourishing under the new normal. It operates in a vast open space, where customers get to enjoy the remarkable view of Clark’s natural landscape. El Kabayo’s beguiling facility—hinted by its name—is reminiscent of the classic western films. It features a full-scale replica of a sheriff’s office, a county jail, a saloon, and a post office, among others. But don’t let its gritty façade fool you: it is rather homey, with its hospitable staff—and it’s a frequent venue for children’s birthday parties.

El Kabayo allows experienced horsemen to ride thoroughbreds, quarter horses, and standardbreds alone, while beginners can ride with an expert trainer, on fixed routes along Clark’s scenic greenbelt. Riding activities range from 30 minutes to hours depending on the trails and the routes. Lessons are also offered to novice riders who are keen to get better at horseback riding.

Besides the exhilarating riding experience, customers can also sample the items on the divine smoky barbeque menu at the must-try foodie destination: the Amante Ribs & Steaks. Located within the El Kabayo grounds, the restaurant offers unlimited buffet service for less than 1,000 pesos—a blissful experience if you’re a fool for good roast beef and if you’re budgetconscious at the same time. The buffet

Amante Ribs & Steaks’ signature succulent roast beef is a staple in their buffet menu.

menu includes a hearty soup of the day, a pasta dish, their signature tender roast beef and chicken karaage, a one-time serving of fall-off-the-bone back ribs and grilled salmon, and a selection of delectable side dishes and desserts. Flavorful premium steak choices are also available on their à la carte menu.

If you’re dreaming of riding a horse while the ’70s song “Wildfire” is playing in the background; or if you’re interested in being a cowboy for a day; or if you’re just curious about riding horses, visit El Kabayo and experience the majestic greenery of Clark. Squeeze in an unforgettable Old West dining experience, too, at the Amante Ribs & Steaks.

Head to Clark Freeport Zone from Metro Manila via the newly-inaugurated Skyway for faster travel time, then through NLEx and SCTEx. Within the Freeport, set out from Gil Puyat Avenue. El Kabayo is definitely hard to miss.

Follow @elkabayo.horsebackriding on Facebook or give them a call at +63916 519 9149 to book your horseback riding adventure.