MANILA, Philippines - The community perya is the distinctly Filipino version of the traveling carnival or amusement fair — a childhood highlight for many of us.
For those who are consumed with a nostalgic hunger to experience the perya once again, nearby provinces where most of these attractions can still be found are just a joy ride away. Pampanga is one such province where these events can be found.
According to Merianne Maniti of the Department of Tourism Region III, the small-town perya is alive and well in this part of Luzon, especially during summer. For instance, Bgy. San Jose in Macabebe, Pampanga celebrates its fiesta on the third Sunday of March, so there will most probably be a perya in that locality at around that time.
In this day and age of throwbacks and flashbacks on social media, perya enthusiasts would be pleased to still find classic carnival rides like the tsubibo (carousel), ruweda (Ferris wheel), the tame rollercoaster dubbed the Caterpillar, the topsy-turvy Octopus, and the Flying Swing.
Perya street food is the highlight of any visit. Popcorn, cotton candy, fish balls, sago-gulaman, and pork barbecue are classic favorites. Who hasn’t had their fill of these supposedly dirty but truly yummy street foods?
For the safest, most economical, and most convenient way to travel to provinces such as Pampanga, as well as other areas in Luzon and in the North such as Baguio, Bataan, Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan Valley, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Zambales, backpackers and adventurers take Victory Liner.
With bus terminals conveniently located at strategic points in the metro like Cubao, Caloocan, Manila, Kamias, and Pasay, hopping on a Victory Liner bus is easy.
Victory Liner has pioneered buses that provide free Wi-Fi Internet. Travelers can also check schedules and purchase tickets through the Victory Liner website (www.victoryliner.com/reservations). Simply pay online or through Metrobank counters, and receive the tickets through courier in a few days.
For information, visit www.facebook.com/ByahengVictory.