Conference Cultural & Social Events
New Clark City will come alive this September! ISOCARP’s 60th World Planning Congress will bring, not only thought-leadership on Planning, but meaningful side events. These will showcase the rich Filipino culture – tastefully presented in their unique cuisine and world-class crafts formed by their hands and hearts. Offload the daytime information overload with all the nighttime fun, entertainment and excitement, Sama-sama tayo, dito sa NCC!
Vibrant Mini-Town in the NCC Venue premises!
We have created a mini town for our WPC60-NCC participants right in the venue premises of NCC!
After a very productive day of sessions, delegates can head on to our festive mini-town to relax, unwind, eat and shop for handmade crafts produced in the area.
What can we offer?
- An array of local arts and crafts shops, convenience stores, and stalls with delicious local food will be setup around the venue and accommodations. The sumptuous local cuisine has earned the title “Culinary Capital of the Philippines”.
- Should you wish to just relax, avail of our traditional hilot (massage) service as well!
- Every night, local music bands will keep you all entertained and an exhibit of local artworks and products will also be put up.
Because at the end of the day, we want you to feel nothing less but “at home” and immerse yourself in the local culture!
Curious about local products? Find out more in this video:
September 11, evening
Mga Kwento ni Ima – Indigenous Storytelling
This inclusive event draws inspiration from the narratives of the IPs, the Aeta brothers and sisters who are natives of the area. Storytelling by them and by the Landscape Architects who designed the River Park, an approximately 2 kilometer-length of greenery, will highlight this event. “Mga Kwento” means is “stories” and “ni Ima” is the local dialect’s term for “by Mother” – to stand for Mother Nature or Mother Earth.
Kanlahi Street dancing
The Province of Tarlac is a “melting pot” of many regional ethnicities. All live, work, learn and play in harmony in this peaceful province. They call one of their major festivals as “Kanlungan ng Lahi” or “Cradle of the Races” or, in short, Kanlahi. There will be street-dancing where every delegate can join “bilang pakikisama” – to be one with each other. Let’s dance in the streets of NCC! Move to the rhythm of Tarlac’s heartbeat!
Want to know more about the kanlahi Festival? Read more here
September 12, evening
Christmas in September
The Philippines is the Christmas capital of the world. Christmas is celebrated upon reaching the “Ber” months of the year – September. It is thus in keeping with this that on the last night, after the closing plenary, all delegates will get to experience “ Christmas in September.” The giant lanterns or “Parols” of Pampanga and Tarlac, as well, will be paraded on the balmy streets of NCC. This promises to make WPC60@NCC a most memorable and unforgettable International Conference, a truly “unconventional convention.” Let’s light up the night sky of NCC through the PARADE of PAMPANGA PAROLS (giant Christmas lanterns)!
Curious why Christmas is celebrated start in September in the Philippines? Read more here
