Interview w/ Olongapo City's JAMES O'BRIANT of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines

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The Other Subic in Zambales

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Olongapo City are the popular places that side of Zambales. Little do people know that there is a town named Subic which is just a stone's throw away from both SBMA and Olongapo.

Located in a perfect cove, it is no wonder why many people frequent the place even just for a weekend getaway. In the mid to late 90s, I was in Subic almost every weekend. It has the same scenery as the SBMA but cheaper in so many terms.

The town's national highway have affordable accommodations that are littered along the way. If you want for a high-end hotel, you can find them there, too but not as expensive as the hotels in the naval base.

The municipal government is capitalizing on its proximity to the nearby more progressive places thus getting a share of the benefits mainly from tourism. But the town's officials should be commended for letting tourism-related establishments prosper to the delight of its visitors. Overall, the town is as clean and peaceful as can be.

Snake Island and Patal Falls are some of the attractions that can be enjoyed in Subic. These and others and, of course, the beaches in town are some of the many places that can be explored in the town. There are a lot of activities that can be enjoyed there.

Other activities that can be done in the town are mountaineering and biking. There are even trails for this purpose. Subic is located between the sea and the mountains of Zambales hence, activities for both sea and the highlands are offered.

It is not hard to go to Subic since is in the area of SBMA and Olongapo. One can never get lost most especially that it is also a gateway to the other towns in northern Zambales. It is worth staying a night or two in the "other" Subic of Zambales where we are all welcome.

Credit goes to the owners of the photos.

The City of the Head of the Elder Known as Olongapo City

This city traces its name from a legend about two warring tribes and whose elder's head resting on a bambo pole was found by a boy. The boy then ran around town shouting "ulo ng apo" which means the head of the elder. Thus, the name Olongapo came into fruition.

Today, Olongapo is a busy independent city which has seen ups and downs through the years. As in any other centers in the different regions of the Philippines, Olongapo has its share of city problems that go with progress.

The local leaders of the past and present have made Olongapo City to what it is now...bustling, progressive and self-reliant. Thank God for government officials who have genuine love for the city. When I visit Olongapo, discipline is very evident. This discipline goes to the minds of its citizenry that is why it is clean and beautiful.

After the Americans left Subic Naval Base and the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, many thought that it was the end of Olongapo City which relied much on the blessings that the naval base brought to its people. These two and the order of then President Estrada to close down business establishments inside the base made it hard for the people to cope with a triple whammy.

Olongapo City was able to return to its feet and they even have an SM City and an SMX Convention Center. Since it is a much sought-after place for seminars and convention, there should really be a venue for such events.

Local businesses still have their own markets despite the presence of a major mall and even with the shops inside nearby Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. With the increasing population of the city and the swell of visitors, there is always a niche for everyone.

Being a busy city should not be an excuse for government services to be neglected. Different government offices have their branches in Olongapo. This is to make sure that the people's needs will be addressed and served.

Olongapo City still have it natural charm intact. The beaches in the different barangays near the sea are conducive for family outings and swimming. The river is as clean as can be. Olongapo is synonymous to cleanliness.

Being at the gateway of the province of Zambales, Olongapo City is indeed in a strategic place that will help further its enhancement as a city and a catalyst for the further development of its mother province. With new highways built going to and coming from Olongapo, commute has become very easy.

Through the intercession of St. Joseph coupled with the discipline of its people, Olongapo City still has greater heights to achieve. It has been blessed and will continue to be blessed because its people are always aware that their city has to be the "ulo ng apo" in this side of the region.

Special mention to a departed friend, Brenda Lopez, who welcomed me and my friends to her home and family whenever we had weekend getaways to Olongapo City and Subic. We miss you and may you be at peace in the embrace of our Lord.

Credit to the owners of the photos.

Iba is at the Heartland of Zambales

Iba is the capital town of the Province of Zambales. It is at the heartland of the province which makes it strategic in terms of services that need to be rendered to Zambalenos. It is a second class municipality and the birthplace of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay.

Its local government is trying its best to make Iba an important town in the province. Not just being the capitol town but also as a major hub aside from the province's well known city of Olongapo and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. With its new municipal slogan, Iba wants to entice more tourists to visit their municipality.

Provincial malls have started to open in the town. The Iba Town Center as well as the CSI Mall cater to the shopping needs of its people and those of the neighboring towns. It will not be surprising anymore if the bigger mall conglomerates will start building their business establishments there.

Several resorts have opened to cater to the town's visitors. Having its own coastline, Iba is also a venue for swimming just like other known towns in Zambales. Aside from the sea, the resorts also have pools for those who go for swimming inside the resort premises.

Swimming in the beach is still tops for the visiting public as well as Iba residents. Being in the western coast of the island of Luzon, Iba beaches are perfect places to watch the sun set. With the West Philippine Sea in the horizon, you can just sit back and see the sun fade into the evening.

For residents, whether you live in a modern house or the old provincial type, Iba is definitely a place where rest can really be called REST. Its quiet surroundings, the unaffected people and nature at its best are perfect combination to call the town a homey environment.

Colleges and universities are important facilities especially in a capital town or city. With the increasing population of Iba, the President Ramon Magsaysay State University provides public education while institutions like the Micro Asia College of Science and Technology provides private education. These are but some of the schools that give the students of Iba and nearby municipalities their educational needs.

Iba, having the second largest land area in Central Luzon, has a lot to offer. The local officials as well as its people have maintained the cleanliness of their town and its environs. When I visited Iba, it was evident that the town is still lush at this age and time.

Many may think that Iba is just the quaint capital of Zambales but it is the most important town in the province where all decisions emanate since it is where the provincial capitol is located. My only wish is for Iba to retain its provincial allure despite the beckoning of modernity. After all, it is at the heartland of Zambales.

Credit to the owners of the photos.