Armed with a map and a GPS receiver, we got a car from the rental and drove all the way to Subic. Allan was the designated driver. Aside from being an excellent driver, he's more or less familiar with the different places in Luzon. And he always has lots of stories to tell. That's the most fun part for me. Apparently, he learned them years ago in school and the rest from the news. And I, listen in awe, and wonder how I even made it through grade school.
Subic, a municipality in the province of Zambales, is approximately 160 kilometers Northwest of Manila. We took the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), which gladly was a nicely paved one. The ride took 2.5 hours. Total toll cost =~ P300.
Subic almost always means the former US base. Established in Subic Bay since after the 2nd war, it was one of the largest overseas US Navy installation. They were shooed away in 1991 for a variety of reasons. One, for fear of the Philippines being attacked, being one of US bases. There was a big debate over it and in the end they were asked to leave. The last US sailors and marines left Subic Bay at the end of 1992.
The former US Naval Base is now primarily an industrial and commercial area. It is now the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. It is now a quiet town, where residents from Manila go to during weekends to escape the stressful city life. Some of the attractions are Ocean Adventure (dolphin, whale and sealion show), Zoobic (zoo) and JEST Camp (survival training camp). Shopping at duty free and outlet stores is also common, being a free port zone. Water sports, like scuba diving, skim boarding, para sailing and jet skiing, are also popular attractions. The numerous WW2 ship wrecks in the area, makes for good for treasure hunting.
Trip Highlights:
- Buena Casa Hotel
At a little over P1,400/night, it was the cheapest we could find nearest the waterfront. But it was more than just a decent hotel. It had enough parking space, it's own cafe, free wifi, LCD tv, a large bed with clean sheets, clean towels and toiletries. It was actually pretty good for the price. - Meat Plus
The long drive left us haggard and hungry. First stop was lunch at Meat Plus. It's a steakhouse, known for it's imported meat, which can't be found anywhere in Manila. Food wasn't bad. I'm not too much fond of steaks, thus the so-so comment. Though some travel all the way just to satisfy their gastronomic Meat Plus cravings. - Networx
It's the water-sports center in Subic. Located just along the waterfront, they're the go-to place for water-sports. They rent out jet skis by the hour. We were fortunate enough to have someone lend us theirs for free. It was similar to riding a motorcycle, without the brakes. Yes, jet skis have no brakes. There's a special key needed to start the engine. Remove the key if you want to stop (the engine). Riding in the direction of the waves, a breeze. Riding against it, not easy. You end up with almost zero visibility, thanks to the sea water getting in your eyes.
- Baywalk at Sunrise
Hellships Memorial
12 Hands that 'freed the nation'
The Lighthouse
One major difference between us is our sleeping time. He sleeps early and wakes up early. I love sleeping late and sleeping in. Guess who wins on trips? He does. Mostly. He still goes to bed early, while I toss and turn the whole night. I literally still end up sleeping late. But when the crack of dawn comes, just when I've just fallen asleep, he's up! And he wakes me up! And guess who has to shower first? Yours truly.
But it's really not so bad. It's nice waking up in the arms of that special someone. On that beautiful Sunday morning, with camera in hand, we decided to take a stroll along the bay, take a few shots of the quiet town and catch the sunrise. With the chilly morning air, the moon still visible, the sun still below the horizon and barely anyone yet on the streets, it was quite romantic. One of best parts of the trip for me.
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