I've been to Subic, Zambales many times in the past. But last November 18, 2006 was the first time i went there with my son Joshua on an educational field trip organized by his school, Teacher Pearl's Learning Center (TPLC). The school led by Teacher Pearl Santos felt the students along with parents needed a break from the busyness of everyday life, that we needed "a change of pace, a time of rest and renewal, a time to encounter new faces and places" expected to expand our way of looking at life. Well... the school was so right.
So despite persistent financial difficulties, Joshua and I managed to join the group to Subic for a day of bonding, fun and adventure!
As i mentioned earlier, i've been to Subic many times in the past, even having had the unique experience of having seen it when it was still under the Americans as a naval base under the US-Philippine Military Bases Treaty. After the Philippine Senate rejection of a renewal of the said treaty in 1991, Subic underwent several changes, some not for the better. For one, many people observed or perceive, the virgin forest of Subic seemed to have been better cared for during the time of the colonialists.
Today, Subic appears to continue to strive well despite the country's struggling economy, largely dependent on foreign investment and its eco-tourism.
Today, Subic appears to continue to strive well despite the country's struggling economy, largely dependent on foreign investment and its eco-tourism.
I realized that Subic had more to offer, places to go to and discoveries to be made.
Our first stop in Subic was one such wonderful new discovery - Camayan Beach Resort Hotel.
I think this is the best beach i've seen in Subic bay so far. The beach front is clean with its light greyish sand and the water is not so deep, its waves, gentle enough for kids to have fun with.
They have a hotel nearby whose rates are quite reasonable. This is one of those places i hope i can bring my whole family the next time we visit Subic.
Joshua with schoolmate Paul Agawin
Father and son gets ready to swim
Joshua and the Subic Bay beach
Teacher Pearl and her student
Father and son bonding
Joshua enjoys a packed lunch meal of rice, fried chicken with gravy and macaroni and cheese
Cabanas for rent can be found across the beachfront
Next stop - - Ocean Adventure Marine Theme Park
In the past, i've only seen the park from the outside. This is again my first time to view this part of Subic. Situated at the edge of the rain forest at Ilanin Bay, Ocean Adventure was Southeast Asia's first and still the only open-water marine park today.
The kids and parents are given a briefing
In the past, i've only seen the park from the outside. This is again my first time to view this part of Subic. Situated at the edge of the rain forest at Ilanin Bay, Ocean Adventure was Southeast Asia's first and still the only open-water marine park today.
The kids and parents are given a briefing
Joshua is destined to meet a sea lion
Inside the Ocean Discovery Aquarium
They also have a mini-zoo ( I think it is also a animal rescue center)
Sea lions dancing to the Pink Panther movie theme teach the audience about environmental protection
Having a cool break during a hot Saturday afternoon
Roving around the premises
Joshua poses near the Dolphin Lagoon
Only Joshua can get away with a smirk like that...
A scratchy episode in front of the false whale shark...
and still come out picture perfect with the sea lion.
Ocean Adventure's sea lion mascot
Joshua's waits for the afternoon Whale and Dolphin show to begin
...and the show begins
Some children get the chance to feed the dolphins by the end of the show
The group passed by the PX goods stores in Subic before the trip back to Metro Manila.
Joshua and i enjoyed this adventure very much. It was a welcomed break for me and a chance to be closer to at least one of my kids.
On our way home
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