Pampanga | The Backpacker Guide

I have been a fan of Jjimjilbang since I experienced one in South Korea a few years back. Since then, I have frequented Lasema in Makati being the closest that offers a true Korean experience. Thinking about breaking the monotony though, I thought of Escaping The Metro To Gong Hang Spa Clark.

Gong Hang Spa is located inside Clark Freeport Zone, about a little over 90 km away from Manila. It offers a Jjimjilbang where you can spend 12 hours rest, a wet area with a barbershop, a gym, a cafe, a food store, massage, and other spa services.

I drove about 40 minutes from San Fernando, Pampanga where I went to church that day. It was a Sunday so the roads were pretty much free from traffic, so I used the city roads instead of the expressways.

They have enough parking spaces around the building so you do not have to worry about where to park. Their reception is on the side and it was so easy to check in. Upon approaching their front desk, I was given a locker key and number. They asked me if I wanted some uniform, which I did and it was of no extra charge.

The male lockers and wet area were on the right side, but before you enter you will have to leave your shoes in their separate shoe lockers.

Entering their wet area, I undressed and went to clean myself first before soaking in their hot tubs. Yes, you will have to be in the nude to enjoy the wet area. If it is your first time, it may feel weird at first, but you’ll feel comfortable eventually.

They have two hot tubs, two cold tubs, a dry, and a wet sauna, and their shower area where you can thoroughly clean your selves. They also have beds where you can lie down and get a good body scrub.

I soaked in their hot tub for a while before going to the massage area. Their massage is also reasonably priced given that it is inside a spa.

The massage area is inside the lounge area. I approached the lady at the desk where it seemed like where they take orders for massages. She then led me to a room where I waited. I took off my shirt when the therapist arrived and then lay down. He prompted me to take off my shorts as well. But I had nothing under so I was in the nude again. I am not sure though if they normally ask everyone to undress or if it was just because I was their lone customer at that time in a two-person room.

The massage was great. I asked the therapist to give it his best because I like it hard. I find it relaxing to feel the relief after that painful massage session.

After my massage, I headed back to the lounge area. I was just lying on the floor mats. It is how I actually typically spend my time in a jjimjilbang. Just doing nothing, as Julia Roberts said, “Dulce Far Niente!” I think I slept for about an hour or two. I woke up feeling a bit hot. I found that none of the air conditioning units were on. I don’t know why though, I did not ask, or maybe there was one but it was not enough.

Feeling a bit hungry, I approached the cafe counter and noticed they have one kimbap ready. I asked for the kimbap and order a sikhye to pair it up with. I took my time enjoying the dish, it was savory and I really appreciate every bite of it.

The prices of their food and services are very affordable yet the service is really excellent. I might be just one not-so-demanding kid but for real, comparing my experience from Seoul and this place is very much close!

I hanged out a bit more in the lounge area for the next couple of hours. It was awesome to find that the wall sockets have USB ports where I could charge, so no need to bring your portable chargers.

I checked out at about 5:30 PM as I had dinner plans that day at Patches Thai Restaurant. Overall the experience at Gong Hang Spa Clark was okay. If you want to experience authenticity, like how Koreans would experience it on a usual day, and not the touristy luxury type, come here! The food is great, the staffs are wonderful and the service is great! I had no regrets spending my birthday here!

Gong Hang Sauna Clark (공항사우나 마사지)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gonghangsauna.clarkpampanga
Address: BLDG 7256, Claro M Recto Hwy, Clark Freeport, Zone, Pampanga
Phone: 09171457755
Modes of Payment: Gcash or Cash only.

Disclaimer: Reception and Collage photos are from Gong Hang Sauna’s Facebook page. Gong Hang building photo is from google maps.

It has been a long while since my trip to Thailand, perhaps anywhere else beyond the Philippines. At this point, my curiosity and eagerness to experience new things are already bursting at the seams. I was just craving something familiar from the land of smiles. The great thing I discovered Authentic Thai Culinary Experience at Patches Thai Restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga.

I’ve been visiting Angeles a lot lately since I purchased my first car ever. It’s nothing fancy, just enough to take me where I want to go to. It was my birthday so I thought that I’d go out and treat myself. For dinner, it was Thai for me!

After a restful afternoon at Gong Hang Sauna inside Clark, I traveled the Malabaas road where Patches Thai Restaurant is situated. It is about a 7km, 15-minute drive from the Air Base. I arrived at the restaurant at about 6:30 PM just in time for dinner ahead of the coming crowd of diners.

I placed my order at their front counter, though I think you can also sit down and wait to be served. I ordered Padthai, of course, Papaya Salad, and the quintessential Thai milk tea. since I was alone they were able to seat me inside where there is airconditioning.

Waiting time was reasonable, and must I say worth it!

I had to hold myself from digging into my food immediately and waited for my Thai milk tea. I was hesitant knowing that Thai food can be a bit spicy.

Finally, I got my drink. I am now ready to dive in.

I have to say that the serving is quite generous that two persons can share one. The pad Thai was just as tasty as I remember it was. Patches Thai Restaurant also provides seasonings on the side with mashed peanuts being one of them. Back in Bangkok, I would add chunky bits of peanuts but having them mashed just brings out the best of the dish.

The papaya salad was just to die for!

It was an awesome marriage of sweet, a bit of spicy, and tangy tastes. The papaya was crunchy while the sauce was just refreshing! Though they asked me what level of spiciness I wanted, I was still quite hesitant to try it without my milk tea, knowing what medium and not so spicy in Thailand means! LOL! Thankfully though, their spice meter has been adjusted to Filipino standard so medium spicy does mean medium spicy! LOL!

As for the Thai Milk tea, it was just as I remember it having in Bangkok. Nothing special though, but if you want authentic Thai milk tea, you can count on Patches Thai Restaurant. To be honest, though, I actually like the 7-11 milk tea in Bangkok. But hey, the ones served at the restaurant is just how they do it in Thailand!

I spent about 30 minutes trying to finish my dishes but the serving was just too big for me. Remember to bring a friend, if you have one (LOL), when you visit Patches Thai Restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga. I had to ask the restaurant to put my papaya salad in a takeaway bag, it was just wrong to leave it there! When they got back to me, it was just a joy to see they made it just as local vendors in Bangkok do it!

I spent about a little over thirty minutes in the restaurant trying to consume everything and fail. Don’t get me wrong that’s actually good as the servings are generous. The interior was homie, with their brown vinyl walls reminding me of traditional houses in Thai telenovelas.

It was all good! I can’t wait to comeback and try their other dishes. I could only order so much since I got no one to Patches, I can’t wait to be back!

Patches Thai Restaurant
26B Malabanias Road, Angeles City, Philippines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057026366895
Phone: +63 961 483 8823