By Jo ERLINDA G. NEBRES
April 29, 2009
Recently, we went to Subic and stayed at Forest Hills. We had fun with the kids as my sisters from Doha, Qatar and Dubai, United Arab Emirates joined us on their annual vacation in the country together with some friends.
Everytime we go to Subic during the long Holy Week break, we enjoyed swimming and picnic at the beach. And this recent visit was a surprise because of the all-new Camayan Beach Resort, formerly the Miracle Beach. And there are other beautiful beaches developed in and around Subic. .
Year after year since 1993, our family makes a special visit to any of the Subic beach resorts. Unfortunately, this year, it was raining hard when we went to the beach, but to us the beach fun must go on…
As we settled down in our cottage, I noticed the crews and staff of Camayan Beach Resort busily trying to remove all the debris of the shore every now and then. There were many beachgoers already there amidst the weather condition that day. Children were on their position at the shoreline, some making sand castles and others playing with the waves.
The hardest part of enjoying the beach during a rainy day is to beat the cold wind. So, I started sitting down on the shoreline where waves meet their ends to wet my feet and legs to feel the temperature of the sea water to condition myself. Later, my youngest-four-year-old daughter dragged me to a deeper part of the sea where a long bench was planted by the management. She (wearing life vest) went up there all the time to dive. Minutes later, all her cousins were already there. Some wrestling on the bench and others snorkeling and skin diving.
Afterwards, in spite of the rain pouring hard, everybody wants to go further down to the deep to look for fishes and to any luck, corals. So they all went to a stage-board almost at the edge of the beach implanted by the establishment. The borders are surrounded by styroballs which were floating in line to indicate the secure area to swim.
I’ve been to a lot of beaches and this Camayan Beach Resort is a safe beach resort to see during this time of weather. I felt secure and so are my children and family. In spite of the rains, we enjoyed our beach activities there. Actually, we all enjoyed very much our snorkeling experience despite the fact that water is hazy during rain. The water is indeed clear even though there was no sun to give light under the sea and we were able to see different school of fishes. Batfishes, lovable clown fishes at large, blue tang, parrot fish, yellow tail damsels, angel fish, and other kinds of fish -- I saw many of them but I couldn’t name them all. My nephew had collected small crustacean crabs found with the styroballs.
At times, I had become so involved and was mesmerized seeing huge gatherings of color fishes and their beauty and started chasing a particular fish forgetting where I was when I know that some possible predators may be at large but thanks to the Camayan Beach Resort management and to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA my under-the-sea adventure was not spoiled that day!
Afterward, when it was raining so hard again, many rented kayaks and began paddling and playing the small waves.
Later in the afternoon, the resort was alive with music coming from the restaurant. The sound of live beach music coming from Reef Restaurant and Bar lured people to stay longer to a more promising beach party at night.
Enjoying the night fun is hassle free at Camayan Beach Resort. They offer great accommodations with picturesque view of Subic Bay, wake up in the great catch of ocean breeze!
Thinking of other things to do? Camayan Beach Resort owns the Ocean Adventure which is situated next to it. Another sea adventure awaits you there!
For comments and more information, email gagabytes@gmail.com.
Showing posts with label snorkel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snorkel. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Luvverly Jubberly Week at Subic Bay
By Jo Erlinda Gabot- Nebres
Printed in Philippines Today, April 08, 2009
http://www.philippinestodayus.com
Since I started college in 1993, myself and our big family spent Holy Week every y ear at Subic Bay. Year after year, I saw the growth of tourists visiting the former American Naval Base.
Now that it is Holy Week again, my older sister and her family who are based in Qatar will join our vacation this summer in Subic. And so, too, my other sister who is based in Dubai.
Why do we always Holy Week in Subic Bay?
We are four sisters and one brother. Each of us has our own family. We have different habits and likes. We have our own and wonderful children. We’ve grown into different sport activities and kids our kids also love to play, that’s why we love Subic. It’s one big playground for our big family!
Reminiscing all the years in Subic, they all went well. Always a luvverly jubberly’ week and each year is something new to look forward to. Always a great time lies ahead. A retreat, a home away from home. It’s pleasure traveling to Subic and resting in the pristine environment.
One early morning, during our first visit to the former Subic Naval Base Complex, we were introduced to the amenities of American soldiers in the virgin forest such as their bunkers and the hidden places where they stored their ammunitions.
As we drove to the area, we couldn’t help but say ‘oooh’, ‘ahh’ and ‘wow’ with the magnificence of nature that is our midst. Suddenly, in the roadside monkeys surface and watch us pass by. When there are plenty of monkeys around, we could not help but stop the car to look and see any possible moment to have our own picture with them.
I first noticed the virgin forest around us and wondered how the tall trees grew in the area seemingly undisturbed. I never thought after most of my mountainside travels, there is this untouched side of the mountain in front of me in spite of the fact that Subic Bay was formerly inhabited by foreign soldiers. The forest seemed to have been untouched for years what with its green foliage, wild flowers and ferns and what have you. It’s a spectacular sight.
Despite of the many people here for years, Subic is so clean! With the strict enforcement of the law here, you will be afraid to throw your cigarette butts or a small candy wrapper anywhere. Even driving around, you’ll have to be cautious and observe the traffic rules. Everywhere are the traffic men are there to capture you for a wrong turn.
We always had lunch in the Jungle Environmental and Survival Training or JEST Camp with the local delicacies offered by the native Aetas manning the camp. Here, we could see with different colors, sizes and kinds of birds. The camp also has a butterfly garden where you can frolic with the rainbow-colored butterflies. The spiders gallery in the camp has its own surprises - native and big spiders, many of them imported from the Amazon jungles of South America. It is so nice to capture a moment with a butterfly is on your hand or shoulder!
Don’t miss the life surviving demonstration at Jest Camp. You’ll be amazed how a person can survive with mere bamboo in the forest! I thought then that in order to endure the forest when you are thirsty, you will have to climb a coconut tree and drink coconut juice. But to the native Aetas, it is easier to drink with a young bamboo shoot. You can even start a fire and cook with bamboo. You’ll discover the essentials of bamboo in order to survive in a forest!
Hiking in the heart of the rainforest is a unique experience at the Jest Camp and the surroundings. An overnight stay in the jungle could also be arranged but you should bring your own tent, flash lights and other scouting gadgets.
Some 150 families of the natives called Aetas live inside the Subic Forest. The Pamulaklakin Forest Trails is a starting point of the Eco-life and cultural show from the Aeta community. Pamulaklakin, with its river and big stones, and the big trees surrounding, is a great picnic area!
If there’s an eco tour in Subic, there is a Zoobic Safari, the newest and most popular attraction to give us a chance to see various animals up close or pet them. A chance to hold a tiger cub or a huge python! Most of the animals found there are native of Philippines; others were imported from overseas such as the tigers, ostriches, sheeps, a moon bear and cassowary.
To complete your Zoobic visit, everybody should take the safari ride! You will ride on a jeepney to see the tigers lolling in pools and lazing under the sun.
The thrill of Zoobic Safari ride won’t be complete without tigers chasing your jeep! What a thrilling moment and thanks to the iron mesh of the jeep! Especially when the tour guide swayed live chicken through the jeepney’s window!
Then there are big ostriches also around!
Subic, with its perfect environment, has different recreational facilities, luxurious hotels, marina, beaches, golf greens, eco-tourism, watersports, car and go-kart racing, skating, bowling, cycling, motocross, duty-free shopping, casinos, restaurants, videoke bars and other amusement facilities.
If there’s Zoobic Safari for land animal lesson tour, there’s another attraction in Subic to introduce you to the water habitats, the Ocean Adventure.
Subic Bay offers different kinds of nightlife from floating bar to beach shore restaurants. Different recreation sports also available. Go karting, golf, horse riding at El Kabayo, tennis, basketball, swimming pools available everywhere!
I like the Tree Top Adventure where I can soar from tree to tree while securely suspended face down and feet up, or I may able to quench my adrenaline in this thrilling trail while rappelling down the side of a 60-foot tree or to ride in a motorized cable 100 feet above the ground or even trek in the jungle!
Small beaches can be found inside Subic Bay. Many water sports and adventures are available. Jet Ski, kayaking, aqua cycles, platoon ride are available for those who want to tour and discover Subic.
For scuba divers, Subic oceans will give you an ultimate experience of discovering wrecks. Subic’s World War II (WWII) wrecks covered almost the entire war period. No less than 25 Japanese ships were reported sunk during the war years. Some of these may have been removed in the late fifties as salvage operations were done to open up the bay for shipping. Nineteen of these fabulous war wrecks have been discovered. Additional ships were sunk after the war either as targets or victims of mother nature. The area is not limited to WWII wrecks, at the entrance to the bay alongside Grande Island, is the Spanish American war wreck San Quintin. Outside the bay in deep water lies what remains of a Spanish Galleon as well as a 16th century Chinese Junk and they are beyond diving range.
There are lots of activities available for the entire family at Subic Bay. Things to do there won’t pose a problem to any individual. So see you this Holy Week at Subic!
For comments, email gagabytes@gmail.com
Printed in Philippines Today, April 08, 2009
http://www.philippinestodayus.com
Since I started college in 1993, myself and our big family spent Holy Week every y ear at Subic Bay. Year after year, I saw the growth of tourists visiting the former American Naval Base.
Now that it is Holy Week again, my older sister and her family who are based in Qatar will join our vacation this summer in Subic. And so, too, my other sister who is based in Dubai.
Why do we always Holy Week in Subic Bay?
We are four sisters and one brother. Each of us has our own family. We have different habits and likes. We have our own and wonderful children. We’ve grown into different sport activities and kids our kids also love to play, that’s why we love Subic. It’s one big playground for our big family!
Reminiscing all the years in Subic, they all went well. Always a luvverly jubberly’ week and each year is something new to look forward to. Always a great time lies ahead. A retreat, a home away from home. It’s pleasure traveling to Subic and resting in the pristine environment.
One early morning, during our first visit to the former Subic Naval Base Complex, we were introduced to the amenities of American soldiers in the virgin forest such as their bunkers and the hidden places where they stored their ammunitions.
As we drove to the area, we couldn’t help but say ‘oooh’, ‘ahh’ and ‘wow’ with the magnificence of nature that is our midst. Suddenly, in the roadside monkeys surface and watch us pass by. When there are plenty of monkeys around, we could not help but stop the car to look and see any possible moment to have our own picture with them.
I first noticed the virgin forest around us and wondered how the tall trees grew in the area seemingly undisturbed. I never thought after most of my mountainside travels, there is this untouched side of the mountain in front of me in spite of the fact that Subic Bay was formerly inhabited by foreign soldiers. The forest seemed to have been untouched for years what with its green foliage, wild flowers and ferns and what have you. It’s a spectacular sight.
Despite of the many people here for years, Subic is so clean! With the strict enforcement of the law here, you will be afraid to throw your cigarette butts or a small candy wrapper anywhere. Even driving around, you’ll have to be cautious and observe the traffic rules. Everywhere are the traffic men are there to capture you for a wrong turn.
We always had lunch in the Jungle Environmental and Survival Training or JEST Camp with the local delicacies offered by the native Aetas manning the camp. Here, we could see with different colors, sizes and kinds of birds. The camp also has a butterfly garden where you can frolic with the rainbow-colored butterflies. The spiders gallery in the camp has its own surprises - native and big spiders, many of them imported from the Amazon jungles of South America. It is so nice to capture a moment with a butterfly is on your hand or shoulder!
Don’t miss the life surviving demonstration at Jest Camp. You’ll be amazed how a person can survive with mere bamboo in the forest! I thought then that in order to endure the forest when you are thirsty, you will have to climb a coconut tree and drink coconut juice. But to the native Aetas, it is easier to drink with a young bamboo shoot. You can even start a fire and cook with bamboo. You’ll discover the essentials of bamboo in order to survive in a forest!
Hiking in the heart of the rainforest is a unique experience at the Jest Camp and the surroundings. An overnight stay in the jungle could also be arranged but you should bring your own tent, flash lights and other scouting gadgets.
Some 150 families of the natives called Aetas live inside the Subic Forest. The Pamulaklakin Forest Trails is a starting point of the Eco-life and cultural show from the Aeta community. Pamulaklakin, with its river and big stones, and the big trees surrounding, is a great picnic area!
If there’s an eco tour in Subic, there is a Zoobic Safari, the newest and most popular attraction to give us a chance to see various animals up close or pet them. A chance to hold a tiger cub or a huge python! Most of the animals found there are native of Philippines; others were imported from overseas such as the tigers, ostriches, sheeps, a moon bear and cassowary.
To complete your Zoobic visit, everybody should take the safari ride! You will ride on a jeepney to see the tigers lolling in pools and lazing under the sun.
The thrill of Zoobic Safari ride won’t be complete without tigers chasing your jeep! What a thrilling moment and thanks to the iron mesh of the jeep! Especially when the tour guide swayed live chicken through the jeepney’s window!
Then there are big ostriches also around!
Subic, with its perfect environment, has different recreational facilities, luxurious hotels, marina, beaches, golf greens, eco-tourism, watersports, car and go-kart racing, skating, bowling, cycling, motocross, duty-free shopping, casinos, restaurants, videoke bars and other amusement facilities.
If there’s Zoobic Safari for land animal lesson tour, there’s another attraction in Subic to introduce you to the water habitats, the Ocean Adventure.
Subic Bay offers different kinds of nightlife from floating bar to beach shore restaurants. Different recreation sports also available. Go karting, golf, horse riding at El Kabayo, tennis, basketball, swimming pools available everywhere!
I like the Tree Top Adventure where I can soar from tree to tree while securely suspended face down and feet up, or I may able to quench my adrenaline in this thrilling trail while rappelling down the side of a 60-foot tree or to ride in a motorized cable 100 feet above the ground or even trek in the jungle!
Small beaches can be found inside Subic Bay. Many water sports and adventures are available. Jet Ski, kayaking, aqua cycles, platoon ride are available for those who want to tour and discover Subic.
For scuba divers, Subic oceans will give you an ultimate experience of discovering wrecks. Subic’s World War II (WWII) wrecks covered almost the entire war period. No less than 25 Japanese ships were reported sunk during the war years. Some of these may have been removed in the late fifties as salvage operations were done to open up the bay for shipping. Nineteen of these fabulous war wrecks have been discovered. Additional ships were sunk after the war either as targets or victims of mother nature. The area is not limited to WWII wrecks, at the entrance to the bay alongside Grande Island, is the Spanish American war wreck San Quintin. Outside the bay in deep water lies what remains of a Spanish Galleon as well as a 16th century Chinese Junk and they are beyond diving range.
There are lots of activities available for the entire family at Subic Bay. Things to do there won’t pose a problem to any individual. So see you this Holy Week at Subic!
For comments, email gagabytes@gmail.com
A veritable rest break away from the city
By JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES
Printed March 10, 2009
http://www.philippinestodayus.com
Therapeutic breath in a warm tranquil place, lying in a finely white sand
Arriving at La Luz Resort, one could not possibly believe a jewel resort existed in Batangas. A cozy, beauteous and picturesque beach with pleasing accommodations is hard to miss! Nevertheless, one cannot forget a utopian beach…
La Luz Beach Resort is an aspiring place to an impeccable escape from fussy life of busy city. Resting under a white umbrella, lying lazily in a foam beach wooden chaise lounge, star gazing at night, enjoying the sultry air, or behind the elegantly lacy white curtains of a four post wooden outdoor cottage with nipa roof of cabana.
La Luz Beach Resort is a privately owned beach resort which was recently opened to the public but its owners have maintained its orderliness and cleanliness. There’s no loud music, no crowd or vendors to pester you during your stay. You can enjoy your break at the wooden chaise lounge while drinking their lush shake of mango fruits - an idyllic place to relax!
If you are seeking for water adventure, La Luz is not a diving spot but there are two dive spots available near the resort. A motorized banca is available for rent for those who wish to do an island hopping or snorkeling at shore. You would be surprised with what you would find during your underwater exploration.
La Luz is located in Barangay Laiya in
I will never forget a perfect serene place like La Luz Beach Resort. The romantically-elegantly dressed cabana, the white sand, the
A solitary retreat is hard to find. La Luz Beach Resort is an ideal rest oasis for everybody! It's the ultimate haven for honeymoon or romantic gateway for its simplicity and tranquility -- a lavish atmosphere of adventure for amatory affairs!
There is not a single television available at La Luz Beach Resort. One either has to enjoy its veritable luxury in harmony of mini-break, rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of city life or work to enjoy the nature.
While you’re there, you might want to try hiking at
If you are looking for nightlife, this place is not for you. The place is best suited for people who are up for a revitalizing and peaceful beach experience.
Don’t forget to buy tuba or lambanog (coco wine or coco vodka) and palayok (clay potteries) on your way home.
For comments, email gagabytes@gmail.com.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Palawan's enchanting underground river
TRAVEL TIME
Jo Erlinda G. Nebres
Published in Philippines Today
http://www.philippinestodayus.com
Marvelous! Enchanting! Extraordinairy! Wow!
These are a few words to describe this-must-see
This simply unique underground river has been known as the world's largest underground river and is found in Puerto Princesa,
The mystical eight-kilometer St.
Outside this cave, you can lie down sunbathing on a pristine, powdery white sand beach or begin snorkeling on the emerald blue waters on the coast! Nothing beats the excitement of cruising in a mystical underground river!
From Puerto Princesa it will take you two hours drive to the pier where a boat ride takes you to the underground river. Going to the underground river is an adventure itself. Upon reaching the island, there is a little bit of trekking on a forest trails leading off into the jungle. One of these leads to a boat lan
ding point where you charter your boat and boatman to take you into the caves. While hiking, there are monkeys and large monitor lizards roaming freely. You can hear and watch many beautiful birds there! The entrance to the underground river is a sight to see with its calm deep blue green water encased by sharp, pointed rocks!
Now, going inside the underground river is another totally different experience. More mystery unfolds. If you’re afraid of the dark and deep water, then this adventure could pose a problem for you. Each boat carries one light only that primarily points to fantastic stalagmites. The boat ride is quite long, more than 30 minutes and if I remember correctly, covers at least four kilometers of the distance but when riding on kayaks it will push farther.
On your way back, when you see the opening of the river, you kind of heave a sigh of relief because the ride is almost over. Then again, you’ll see breathtaking sceneries that make you want to stay a bit longer.
Marveling at this one of the
Puerto Princesa, capital of Palawan, prides itself as the cleanest city in the
So come to the
For comments, email gagabytes@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Calatagan, a perfect getaway for whole family
Calatagan, a perfect getaway for whole family
By Jo Erlinda Gabot
Posted in Philippine News Today US, September 18, 2008
As a mother of four - my youngest is three and my eldest is 12 - I always scout for a nice and affordable vacation place during summer. In 2006, I discovered Calatagan, Batangas and my family and I have been going there since.
The first time I arrived at Ivory Beach Resort in Calatagan, I immediately was awed by its beauty. For only 50 pesos per person, the beach is yours for a memorable ocean adventure.
Add a few more pesos and you can stay for a day plus free table and chairs! If you want to stay overnight, just pay double and rent a room.
But I don’t prefer renting room. I suggest you bring your own tent for the whole family to make and enjoy bonfire at night. You don’t need a picnic hut to rent. It’s full of trees to give you a very nice shed even during summer.
Bring your ipod with speakers if you want music while having barbecue during the stay.
For only a few know the still and clear water white sand beaches there. The place is quiet and not crowded and thus is good for a whole family, like you are renting a private resort.
The whole family will get to enjoy a nice swim on Calatagan’s shallow clear water even a small kid could manage. Give them snorkeling gadgets, they will enjoy a whole day of fun at the sea or give them a big bucket, it will return to you full of starfishes and shells!
Calatagan shore is a fun way to explore the marine life living between South China Sea and Balayan Bay .
The coast is full of sea grass. Different color of shells, starfishes, crabs and colorful fishes can be found at the clear stumpy water which are a good starting place to introduce snorkeling for children.
You have to walk long before you get into an inter-tidal zone, a very interesting place for people who are interested in marine life and biology.
You’ll get the chance to enjoy the view of sunset. Sunsets in Calatagan are very beautiful and enchanting because it’s right on the west coast of Batangas.
If you want to see a coral reef garden, try to visit the Elizalde Beach resort. There you’ll find a big sign ‘Danger Zone’! Yes it’s a very dangerous zone, yet you’ll find the amazing coral reef garden in a sheer drop! Next to it is real deep water. You can’t even see the seabed and what lies ahead. So beware for those who are just starting into snorkel. I suggest even for the expert swimmer and snorkelers to put on their life vest.
Don’t forget to ride a motorized banca in early morning during low tide to take you to the islet of white sand! Surely, you’ll love to walk and swim on very shallow sugary white sand. Beside it, it’s for a snorkel wannabe exploration!
Calatagan in Batangas is only about two hours away from Manila via the South Luzon Expressway, into the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Highway and on to Batangas.
So, see you there!
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