PGMA will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday 18 march to launch a trial run of the Clark to Subic portions of the SCTex. After cutting the ribbon the president will lead a motorcade to Subic where she will meet with SBMA, Local government leaders and Tourism stakeholders. Exact details are expected to be announced tomorrow. The trial run will run through Holy Week. the road will be open 6 am to 6 pm. after the trail run the expressway will be closed to complete some additional work, it is hoped that it will reopen on a trail bases after a few days. Formal opening of the entire SCTex is expected around 21 April.
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When we take tours to Mount Pinatubo we pass though the town center of Capas, Tarlac. It normally takes us 2 hours and 45 minutes to get to that point from Subic Bay Freeport. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to try out the new expressway. While the road was wide open with little traffic there were construction workers along the roadway in places as well as some places where we had to change from the southbound lanes to north bound.  So we were below the posted speed limit most of the time. Still the trip from Capas to SBFZ dropped from 2 hours 45 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes. It was 45 minutes to the airport exit at Clark to SBF.

With the Clark to Subic segment opening in a few days, the two areas are merged into one. The Subic area adds some fine 5 star hotels and a range of great restaurants to its offerings as well as a unbeatable selection of golf courses and casinos. Clark gets access to the beaches and jungles of Subic and the best wreck diving in Asia.

Seahorse tours (www.seahorsetours.com ) will increase its offerings to include these added features

The hiking season is under way around the Mount Pinatubo area. The trip from Subic takes you to Capas Tarlac area, where you transfer to a 4x4 . a 45 minute drive takes you to a transfer point where you start your trek to the crater. The trek is of moderate difficulty and a wonder hike along a stream bed. The crater is a wonderful scene with a small beach and soaring peaks. After your hike back to the transfer point and a 4x4 ride to the spa town you can enjoy a shower and refreshing massage. Overnight trips are also available.