Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Subic Bay Personal Blogs
The ‘Most Convenient Camping’ I ever had
I was in my first (1st) year in my secondary education (or high school) when I was able to ‘set foot’ at Olongapo City, particularly in Subic Bay. It was another wonderful experience for me since the place was a bit advance than the usual city settings in the Philippines in terms of design and overall facilities.
Since the Americans left the base, they left high class infrastructures and facilities and it is up to the assigned or appointed chairman of the place how to maximize these state of the art ‘junks’ they left behind as well. Since then, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA had become an icon of progress in the Philippines. The place was able to sustain jobs and businesses making it a vital factor in the economic venture for the Philippines.
My First Camping
During our stay in SBMA, we were informed that we would be setting our camps outside the barracks. We were so excited that we would be able to assemble our own individual tents. Nonetheless, our senior scout leaders forgot to remind us something about the tents. Unfortunately, they were not really waterproof. The announcement was quite late and we were already set up. As for plan B, we were asked to occupy the empty barracks. None of us, at first, would like to move a muscle to transfer until Mother Nature forced us to relocate because of the rain. When we entered the barracks, we were in unison saying, ‘parang sa palabas lang o sine lang ito!’ (It is like in the movies or films!) We then raced to hop in and occupy a bed that was bigger than the average bed we have in our homes. The best part of it was the management allowed us to us their air condition units. It was indeed a ‘cool’ camping!
JEST: Jungle Environmental Survival Training
Since we were boy scouts, we hiked our way to the Jungle Environmental Survival Training Camp (or JEST Camp). The name of the place had already explained itself since the camp was meant for jungle survival. The Aetas or indigenous people of the place were the ones teaching the ways of the jungle for survival. They were very accommodating indeed! I would definitely not forget the trainer, a native, who handled and gave us some pointers how to endure the harsh jungle environment or scenario. He was Freddie Friday (as the Americans called him; his real name is Freddie Biernes or Viernes which literally means ‘Friday’). He showed and demonstrated for us how to cook meat without fire by simply clamping or fixing it between your armpits and go on with the usual activity. After two (2) to three (3) hours one can now enjoy ‘burger ala pit’. I was not sure if he was kidding or joking but I believed that one could do anything for survival. We were able to learn the value and versatility of the bamboo and its usage. Practically speaking we were taught to cook and make fire just using bamboo. The best part of it was when Freddie gave us a chance to taste at least a drop or two of water from a stem of a plant that could hold water.
As for me, my experience at Subic had left an impression that improvement and advancement are possible. With the aid of foreign investors and right management of the local government of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, nothing could hamper this place’s economic growth. Since it has been a landmark for tourists, SBMA continues to maintain and improve its status. My latest visit in the place manifested that things were really getting better.
Subic Bay Resorts Offer Variety of Activities
Subic Bay free port, the former American naval base in the Philippines that has been transformed into a bustling free trade zone and industrial complex, offers not only employment for thousands of Filipinos, but leisure and recreation to tourists as well.
There is Ocean Adventure that offers whale and dolphin shows on weekends and Zoobic, a close encounter zoo where you can go near the animals.
Near the Ocean Adventure parking area, for instance, sits a restaurant cum resort that offers fresh sea foods and white beach for swimming. Entrance fee is about $4.
There’s also a horse-back riding range where you will learn how to ride on mares and ponies.
For the nature seekers, there are creeks, mountain trails, Mangyan villages, forests and even a bat sanctuary. For a few dollars as fee, you will learn survival techniques from Mangyans. They were from the groups of jungle survival trainers that trained the famed Green Berets at the height of the Vietnam War.
For the sportsmen, there’s a golf link and a winding road for bikers on weekends.
The complex also hosts softball and baseball diamonds and modern tennis courts. There is also an arcade for kids and students.
The complex also hosts international schools, Korean and Chinese restaurants and a race track for weekend road warriors.
For the high rollers and gamblers, there’s a casino in one of the hotels near the beach front. Other facilities include villas, cottages and hotels. There are also duty free shops for your daily needs. On weekends, especially during holidays, like Christmas and New Year’s Day, the administrators host live-band concerts and other shows for the vacationers and Sunday promenaders.
Just recently the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority hosted an international triathlon participated in both by foreigners and local tri-athletes.
You can go fishing in one of the piers inside the complex that also hosts one of the world’s deep harbors and an international airport that can accommodate even B747s.
Outside the complex, predominantly in Subic town, you can enjoy nightlife with the presence of night clubs, resorts, music lounges and videoke bars particularly at the Barretto district.
Clubs, especially on weekends, remain open until 4 a.m. or until there are no patrons.
For accommodation there’s White Rock Beach Resort and Hotel. You have the choice to use the beaches or a big swimming pool where a big white boulder is in the pool’s middle portion, thus the name White Rock. Adjacent to White Rock is Paradise Resort, which is operated by a Japanese group.
Nearer the former base, is Olongapo City where Ocean View resort offers boat rides, or even aqua cycles. Entrance for day swimmers is $1 and less on weekdays.
Subic Bay Restaurants
Subic Bay is an accessible vacation place. It can be reached within less than two hours of land travel from the Philippines capital, Manila. Yet, it offers a wide array of adventures for every kind of exploring tourists.
Food lovers, for example, will enjoy a high time in Subic Bay restaurants. There are lots of grills, bars, cafes, and whatnots that builds up Subic Bay restaurants. They certainly offer a number of choices that will satisfy all kinds of cravings.
Seafood By the Bay Restaurant – As with any other seaside places, seafood is a major feature in Subic Bay food fare. This fabulous restaurant at the Moonbay Marina will give you a good impression of what to expect from other Subic Bay restaurants. Filipino and Chinese favorites like Halabos na Hipon and Sashimi are among the top choices. [http://www.seafoodbythebay.com/; Block 1 Lot 5, Waterfront Rd., Moonbay Marina, Subic Bay; (6347) 252 8199, (6347) 252 1584, (639)17 881 4366]
A Tavola Italian Restaurant & Bar – Italian cuisine is best enjoyed in this amazing restaurant. Pizzas, pastas, and salads are made of the finest ingredients spiced with fresh herbs. The wide array of pizza flavors are most visited at A Tavola, however. The authentic taste of Italy is best showcased with the thin crust pizzas that are all mouthwatering. And oh, don’t forget the bread served before every meal. They make good starter especially with the olive oil dip. [Argonaut Highway, Royal Duty-Free Shopping Center, Subic Bay; (6347) 252 6556]
Xtremely Xpresso Cafe/Restaurant – Dining healthy is always welcome for individuals who are mindful of their wellbeing. Eating healthy is best done in this cool nice place that provides a casual and warm ambience that’s great for nice conversations. It serves pizza that is loaded with healthy ingredients that make for a good munch. The cakes and pastries are also must-tries. [Lot 1 Parcel 18, Dewey Ave, Subic Bay; (6347) 252 3681]
The Magic Lagoon – If Filipino food is what you crave for, The Magic Lagoon is the perfect place to be in. It serves a hefty line of Filipino dishes made of seafood and meat and vegetable. What’s more, the store is open 24 hours a day. It is always open to serve the food cravings of almost every kind of diner. Their fried rice and Steamed Alimango are a good pair, especially if the meal is finished off with a sweet serving of leche flan or milk custard. [Bicentennial Park, Rizal Highway, Subic Bay (6347) 252 1475]
Subic Beach Guide
Subic Bay Beaches
The beaches of Subic Bay are famous not only to local but also to foreign tourists because of its cool breeze and various water activities. Olongapo City is the biggest in Zambales and is close to the Subic Bay Freeport. Most of the beaches in the city are located in Barrio Barretto. This Subic Beach Guide provides an overview of exceptional venues where one can bask in the cool waters of the city as well as the beauty of nature.
Half Moon Beach
Half Moon Beach was mired in a legal battle that was the reason for its closure. However, the City Government has now taken control of the beach and has made it open to the public.
Situated in the National Highway after Ocean View Resort, this is a simple beach that typifies the Filipino’s love for the beach but dislike for the sun. There are several cottages located within its shores that are available for whole day rental.
Depending on the size of the cottage, the cost of rental may range from 300 to 500 pesos. There is no entrance fee being charged and people love the thought of bringing their own food and rent some grilling facilities.
According to Subic Beach Guide, Half Moon Beach is easily accessible by riding the blue jeepney from the Victory Liner station. Limited parking space is available along the road.
Driftwood Beach
Driftwood Beach serves as the principal beach that is open to the public in Barrio Barretto. It is found across the PNP camp and is likewise located along the National Highway. There is limited parking space and cottages available for rent but they are found after the seawalls.
According to Subic Beach Guide, there are privately owned beaches as well and they are found in Subic Bay Freeport, the former US military base. Within the facility, there are three beaches that are famous not only to local residents but also tourists from other parts of the country.
All Hands Beach
Known as “Everybody’s Beach,” All Hands Beach used to be place where US forces go for accommodating over 1,500 people. There is a 150 pesos entrance fee that will be charged to guests.
Dungaree Beach
During the time of the American forces, Dungaree Beach was known as “Dog Beach.” It is ideal for guests numbering more than 500 persons. Dungaree Beach is perfect for conducting beach parties. There is a 150 pesos entrance fee that will be charged to guests.
Camayan Beach
Along with Grande Island Resort, Camayan is the only remaining public beach located within the Freeport zone. Camayan Beach has a 250 pesos entrance fee. The beach is limited to a certain number of guests in order to keep the beach from being overcrowded. There are cottages that are available for rent.
On the other hand, entrance to Grande Island Resort is dependent on the availability of ferries that will take guests to the venue.
By looking at this Subic Beach Guide, one would be able to determine which is the best location to go when looking for a beach in Subic Bay.
Subic Bay Festivals and Events
Overview
Subic Bay is known for being the economic hub of the northen part of Luzon. Subic Bay, despite being very modern has annual Subic Bay festivals that it celebrates with much vigor and excitement.
Scootourista Festival
This Subic Bay festival although not very traditional is just as exciting and definitely very interesting. The Scootourista Festival is commercial in nature and it serves as a promotion for several businesses through races and rallies. The scooter is growing in popularity in the Philippines because it’s an affordable means of transportation that can avoid the everyday congestion. Scooters are on parade at the Scootourista Festival primarily because Subic Bay is where many big scooter companies drop off the goods to sell to the Filipino market. Big names such as Honda and Mitsubishi as well as American motorbike brands participate at the Scootourista Festival and races are held between professional drivers. This Subic Bay festival starts in Olongapo and passes through several provinces such as Zambales and Bataan with Subic as the final destination. Scooter enthusiasts who form their own clubs make sure they are in Subic for the Scootourista Festival and there are at least 3000 enthusiasts during this Subic Bay festival. Add this to the eager onlookers and one has a very excited crowd anticipating the rallies and races. During the Scootourista Festival, there are also trade exhibits for scooters as well as for the accessories and parts of the bike. This Subic Bay festival would not be complete without a live band at the end of the evening and the crowd partying until the early hours of morning.
Fil-Am Friendship Day
Subic Bay was where the US military base was set up until 1991 by virtue of an agreement between the governments of the US and the Philippines. During the time that the American base was located in Subic, the Americans and the Filipinos lived in perfect harmony and hence the origin of the Fil-Am Friendship Day. This Subic Bay festival is on the same date as the US Independence Day which is July 4 and there are special activities during the Fil-Am Friendship Day. The Fil-Am Friendship Day remembers the combined efforts of the American and Filipinos during the Second World War to achieve freedom from the Imperial rule. Considered as heroes, the soldiers who fought and helped the Filipinos regain their liberty receive the warmest appreciation and thanks from the residents. During the Fil-Am Friendship Day, there are parades, street dancing, plays and various exhibits that locals and visitors enjoy. The Fil-Am Friendship Day ends with an amazing firework display.
Subic Bay Sightseeing and Activities
Subic Bay offers many types of activities and places to visit for sightseeing tourists. This former American naval base is now a center for business and tourism. Below are some of the places that make Subic Bay unique.
Extreme Adventure Park
As the name implies, Extreme Adventure Park has facilities that will make anyone’s adrenaline pumping. With Subic’s jungle setting, it is expected that there are many exciting activities within Extreme Adventure Park. This park is usually used by groups on a teambuilding outing. In the face of unique and challenging circumstances, they learn to trust in each other to complete an activity. Safety professionals and top-notch equipment ensure the visitor’s safety.
Visitors will get the thrill of their life in Slide For Life, Hanging Bridge and The Wall. In Slide For Life, a person will be suspended on a cable tied on top of two trees. The person will then slide from one tree to another. In Hanging Bridge, adventurers will be walking a wooden bridge suspended atop the Subic jungle. This activity seems like they are walking on top of the forest. The Wall is designed for endurance and bravery. Tourists need these attributes to scale over the wall from one side to another.
JEST Camp
No, it is not a place for clowns and comedians. JEST stands for Jungle Environment Survival Training. Local Aeta guides give demonstrations on how to survive in a jungle. Getting drinking water, starting a fire using a dried bamboo, detecting edible plants, cooking rice inside a bamboo, making tools out of nothing are some of the skills that a visitor will learn from JEST Camp
The camp also has a butterfly garden, cafeteria, mini-zoo and souvenir shop
Hiking in Subic
For the more adventurous who wants to explore the Subic jungle. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department and Freeport Services Corporation offers tours that will take an adventurer deep in the forest of Subic. Visitors will be accompanied by a guide and be led to some of the best places inside the Subic jungle like Baton Falls, Hidden Falls, El Kabayo Falls, Pamulaklakin Forest Trail and Pamulaklakin River.
Racing
For those who are into car racing, Subic Bay has Subic Le-Man’s Go Cart Track and the Subic International Raceway. The Subic International Raceway is used for races for Formula 3, motorcycles, Philippine National Touring Car series and SVI Grand Prix. For those who are not content in just watching these exciting motor racing, the Tuason Racing School and Ramirez Racing School instruct wanna-be racers on race car driving.
Ocean Adventure Amusement Park
This park is a haven for those who want to see and experience marine life. There are a lot of activities for visitors inside Ocean Adventure. The Discovery Aquarium and Learning Center are activities that showcase and teach about preserving marine life. In the The Dolphin And Friends Show, tourist will get to see tricks being performed by killer whales and dolphins. The Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show showcases sea lions performing amusing tricks.
Zoobic Safari
This facility offers safaris where visitors get to ride inside a specially equipped vehicle. While inside the vehicle, visitors get to see tigers up close. Aside from the tiger safari, other features and activities include Adventure Animal Rides. Croco Loco, Educational Show, Savannah, Serpentarium, Rodent World and Zoobic Park.
Subic Bay Education
One of the most popular places in the Philippines in terms of tourism, Subic Bay is also known for its world-class tertiary schools that offer superior student services and academic programs. Inside these colleges, students can find different kinds of interesting courses that they can use for their professional careers in the future. All of these are part of an extensive Subic Bay education system, which specializes in various fields such as computer technology, business and other areas of interest.
COMTEQ Computer and Business College
Specializing in computer and information technology, people can find COMTEQ Computer and Business School along Manila Avenue. One of the major contributors to the overall success of a highly efficient Subic Bay education system, this school tries to educate its students in the best way possible with the help of its state-of-the art facilities and outstanding academic programs. It has two computer laboratories, one HRM room and an electronics room. It also features a library and advanced workstations for students. The school has the Institute for Multimedia and Information Technology, which offers courses like Associate in Computer Technology, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. For shorter courses, students can enroll at the Center for Technical Education and Skills Development, which offers courses like Industrial Electricity, Computer Hardware Technology and Electronics Technology.
Mondriaan Aura College
A tertiary school that specializes in engineering and technology, Mondriaan Aura College is situated at Building H-8932 within the former SubCom area. This educational institution has several graduate programs to offer. For those who wish to take a Master in Management course, they can major in Business Administration, Public Administration or Human Resources Management. The undergraduate programs of this college are also very good, particularly the engineering courses such as the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. There are also various skills courses, namely Hotel and Restaurant Services, Computer Hardware Servicing and Associate in Aircraft Maintenance Technology.
Lyceum of Subic Bay
Definitely one of the most prominent tertiary schools in the area, Lyceum of Subic Bay offers good quality education with the aid of its state-of-the-art facilities. This school has a speech laboratory, a nursing laboratory and a library. In addition, students can also enjoy using its other laboratories for engineering, criminology and chemistry. It also houses a conference room, an audiovisual room and a computer laboratory. When it comes to academic programs, there is nothing bad to say about this school as it offers globally recognized courses such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration and Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. It also offers various kinds of TESDA programs including the Caregiver Training Course, Medical Transcription Services and Airline Secretarial Administration.
Subic Bay Hotels and Resorts
Overview
The Subic Bay Freeport Zone is a place commonly visited by individuals who go to Subic or just happen to be passing through. Perhaps the reason for this is that Subic Bay is considered a melting pot of different cultures. Subic Bay also has several great beaches and the fresh sea breeze is just hard to resist. When in Subic Bay, there are excellent hotels that one can stay at to help one maximize one’s visit to this area.
Subic Park Hotel
This Subic Bay hotel won an award in 2006 for having the highest number of bookings annually. Found on Moonbay Marina and almost as if it’s built on water, each of the rooms at Subic Park Hotel provides a scenic view of the beach and watching the sunset is breathtaking. All the rooms at this Subic Bay hotel are fully self-contained with its own fridge and mini-kitchen, a bathtub, IDD telephone, WIFI, cable television and an option between a queen or king sized bed. The rooms at Subic Park Hotel are also affordable, the standard room rate starting at US$ 53 per night. The most expensive room at the Subic Park Hotel is the Oceanfront room and these look out directly to Subic Bay with ceiling to floor windows. Oceanfront rooms of the Subic Park Hotel start at US$ 95 per night. All rates quoted for this Subic Bay hotel includes dinner.
Subic Park Hotel is also right in the center of where it all happens. Aside from the beach, there are many restaurants and bars that are walking distance from it but for those who don’t want to wander far, this Subic Bay hotel also has its own restaurant.
Majestic Hotel
The central business district of Subic Bay is very accessible from the Majestic Hotel which is a 10 minute walk to downtown. What’s good about this Subic Bay hotel’s location is that it is also very near the boardwalk and waterfront where the restaurants, bars and casinos are. The Majestic Hotel is proud of its commitment to constantly improve their services and they are constantly renovating to provide better facilities for their guests.
Majestic Hotel is motel type accommodation that’s very affordable and looks out to landscaped gardens that are frequently maintained. This Subic Bay hotel used to be a military building so one is assured that the structure of Majestic Hotel is very sturdy. The staff is friendly and always willing to please. Majestic Hotel is an ideal Subic Bay hotel for families, honeymooners and businessmen.
Subic Bay Transportation
A trip to Subic Bay will never be a problem because of the wide array of public transportation available at your disposal. Subic Bay Freeport offers bus services linking the former naval base to major points as well as well-maintained roads connecting the Zone to Manila and other parts of the country. Subic transportation gives you easy access to appreciate its wonders.
Through the air, the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) serves as the main artery going to the zone. Located at the former site of the US Naval Air Station Cubi Point, it used to be the Asian center of Fedex and offers limited number of domestic and international flights. Officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has prioritized the increase of chartered flights arriving at the airport. Several Asian carriers have expressed their interest to include the zone among their list of destinations.
By land, Subic transportation is accessible because of the various bus lines plying the Manila-Subic route. Saulog Transit and Victory Liner airconditioned buses have regular trips coming and going from Olongapo City terminal. From the Victory Liner station, you need to make a short jeepney ride going to Subic. Nearby the Victory Liner terminal is the station of Saulog transit. The main stations of Victory Liner in Manila are located in Pasay, Caloocan, and Cubao. The bus schedule from either Zambales and Olongapo is from 4:00 am leaving every hour.
Likewise, there is a bus service from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport going to Olongapo. The buses leave one hour apart from 4 am to 7 pm daily. Another Subic transportation option is taxi. The downside of this mode, however, is that most drivers do not use their meters so you can expect to be charged twice the amount of metered fare.
If you opt to bring along your own car, there are several routes going to Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Via Lubao from Manila, make your way to the North Luzon Expressway to San Fernando Exit. This route will traverse the towns of Bacolor, Guagua, and Lubao in Pampanga and Dinalupihan in Bataan. The total travel time is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
However, with the opening of the new Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, travel time has been reduced considerably to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Constructed under a $27-billion grant from Japan, the SCTEX stretches 94 kilometers connecting Subic Bay, Clark Air Base, and Tarlac City. The trip gives you a breathtaking view of rolling hills, Mount Pinatubo, and rice fields cut by the SCTEX.
From the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Roxas Boulevard, the Mt. Samat Express Ferry Service has trips going to the Port of Orion in Bataan. From there, you can arrange for a bus which will take you to Subic Bay. The total travel time is 50 minutes to 1 hour. However, there is a ferry going to Cavite as well so make sure that you are in the right ferry. During intermittent weather, the ferry service is non operational.
Subic Bay Government Sites
Subic Bay and the Definion of Quality of Life
In the early 1990’s, the United States Armed Forces said their farewell to the locals of Olongapo, particularly to the place known as Subic Bay. The said place was described to be as one of the most strategic location for military base or fortification. History attested that there were many fateful naval battles that could be related to the area. Nonetheless, the years of the American occupation of the place had drastically changed it. American Army had left state-of-the-art facilities and thus giving the locals their economic advantages.
Welfare and Health in Subic Bay
The SBMA Health and Safety Group provide excellent outpatient and round the clock emergency health concern services. It has three (3) medical channels in the region – the New Terminal Clinic at the Subic Bay International Airport and the SBMA Dispensary at Dewey Ave. and in Cubi. The group also carries out health inspection, precautionary health plans and training courses to employees through pre-employment and annual physical examinations.
Security and Safety in the Area
Peace and order is professionally preserved in the Freeport. The SBMA Law Enforcement Department efficiently implements traffic rules and regulations, and upholds a border defense through standard canine and mobile watches all around the area. As part of its Law Enforcement and physical security roles, the Law Enforcement Department (or LED) also remains a special ranger guard group to defend the area’s forests from being misused.
Commerce and Banking in Subic Bay
International Banking Organizations proffer financing amenities, investment services and electronic banking. Facilities such as internet service providers, postal and courier (along with easy access to all forms of mass media), connect residents of the Subic to the world.
Education in Subic
The presence of international schools and notable educational institutions (colleges, graduate schools, computer schools, science schools and technological institutions) at Subic had made the place a suitable area for education. Special Education or SPED is also available for exceptionally brilliant, mentally talented and skillful individuals.
Internet and the Progress of Subic Bay
The use of internet or the World Wide Web has been a very practical tool for the continual growth and progress of Subic Bay area in terms of economy and tourism. The http://www.sbma.com/ is a good reference online which provides an overall view of what Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is all about. It gives information about the commercial and industrial area known as the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. This site is a-must especially for first time tourists or potential business entrepreneurs.