The Subic Invasion

Guess what?  I am officially back after a long vacation!  I have already survived a couple of shifts at the hospital after a week- long absence but there is this one place that I still can't get off my mind- SUBIC.


The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)- Luzon Chapter held its annual conference last October 18-20, 2011 at Subic Bay, Philippines and I, together with my mom and twin sister were allowed to join.  It was surreal!

Well, I was sleeping off another morning after another toxic night at the Emergency Room when my mom invaded our room to have us prepare for the trip.  Imagine, I was really sleepy by then.  Hence, our ship sailed forth to Batangas by noon and before we knew it, we were already scheming through the various boutiques of SM North EDSA (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue) by sunset.  As the evening came, we landed into a hotel at Quezon City to take some rest.

We had a good night's sleep.  Thanks to the comforts of  Fersal Place Hotel.

Furthermore, the next day started out early as the real trip pushed through.  Subic is a two- hour drive from Quezon City.  As http://en.wikipedia.org claims, such place is a bay forming part of Luzon Sea on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, Philippines, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay. Dubbed as 'the number one destination for extreme adventure in the Philippines,' Subic is well-known for its wide array of beaches, shopping spots, casinos, water sports and historical places.

Rise and shine, dear!  The roadtrip begins.

Hence, we got there by noon of October 18 when we accompanied Papa for his registration at Subic Traveller's Hotel.  Then, we went to Subic Holiday Villas to set up our things.  However, although we stayed there for only a couple of days, I am still at awe about it.  Honestly, I was speechless upon seeing the villa.  It is a very classy and traditional inn with a modern touch.

twin beds for Mara and I

the master's bedroom

overlooking the Villa

By mid- day, we left the villa for a while to explore Subic and Olongapo.  We had a memorable lunch at one of the well-known restaurants at the area and did some shopping. It was tedious and tiring but it was really worthwhile.  We went back to the villa before sunset and Mara and I had the chance to take some pictures.

posing by the villas' banner

Mara and the tree

posing by the heart-shaped pool

my twin sis Mara

Me and my twin sis Mara

The real adventure began the following day as we visited Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari. It was really tiring and memorable as I saw various animals and one of the most famous bays in my country- that of Subic. I was at awe with the performances of the dolphins, sea lions, tigers, monkeys, cobras and the humans as well. It was clearly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

breakfast at the villa

Ocean Adventure

Mara, me and Mom by the aquarium

by the bay

gotta love the dolphins

Mara and the surf board

chilling out at Ilanin Bay Cafe'

at the Dolphin show

Mara at the Sea Lion show

Maica conquers Ocean Adventure

Subic Safari

at Subic Safari

Mara riding the Safari train

surviving the Tiger Safari

at the bony area

sitting by the Aeta's trail

After experiencing the wilderness, we had a sumptuous feast at one of Papa's fave restaurants- Shakey's. I bet he brought us there for the sake of his fave thin-crust pizza. 

Shakey's and the thin-crust experience

Thus, the last leg of the tour has finally come to an end.  We had our last breakfast by the next morning as we were preparing for the trip back home.  Then, we took a bunch of pictures, reminiscing every bit of Subic for the last time.

by the terrace

Mara chilling by the bed for the last time

Subic: One last time

As for me, this trip has enhanced my love for travelling and dining into various restaurants in different parts of the globe. It is an experience that I can always look back and be proud of.  I will always treasure the memories of my stay there in my heart and soul. 

Lovelots,

Maica Angelle

P.S. The next convention of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines will be held at Cebu this upcoming December. I really hope I can go there as well