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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.

Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California

Disneyland Park is one of the two theme parks built at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California in 1955. Built by Walt Disney himself, it was the first of the many Disney theme parks built all over the world.

Founder Walt Disney thought of building an amusement park that cater to both children and adults alike. Initially, he envisioned it to be built adjacent to his office in Burbank, California but realized that the property was too small that is why he decided to purchase the Anaheim property after talking to his consultants.

Anaheim is the most strategic area since it has vast lands and has ample establishments that will be easier for the park visitors to go to for their other needs. Besides, hotels and lodging places are just a stone's throw away from Disneyland Park.

Inside the park, there are, of course, the usual rides meant for the children. But adults also enjoy riding on them. Aside from the rides, there are theme areas within the park for everyone to enjoy. The map shows the different places that can be visited in Disneyland Park.

Despite the size of the area, you cannot miss seeing the regulars of Disneyland Park - our most loved Walt Disney characters whom we grew up with. The likes of Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Goofy, Cinderella, Show White and all the other characters that were popularized by Disney.

I was lucky to visit Disneyland Park years ago when I was commissioned to do the fashion show of Filipino fashion designer Toni Galang at the Disneyland Park Hotel Grand Ballroom. It was fancy because the hotel was inside the park and roaming around it was easy-breezy.

Of course, there is an entrance free going to the park. A little more than $100 per person is charged for those who would want to enjoy the amenities inside it. With lots of fun and enjoyment, the entrance fee is good for lasting memories. After the pandemic is over, Disneyland Park promises to be back for better entertainment.

Credits to the owners of the photos.

Let's Go to Antipolo City

Antipolo City is now the capital of the Province of Rizal (before, it was Pasig City). It's proximity to Metro Manila makes it easy for the people of the big metropolis to go to the city for many purposes - social, religious and other activities which can be enjoyed in Antipolo.

It is in the Antipolo Church, under the Diocese of Antipolo, where the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is enshrined. Every Good Friday and May 1 of each year, people from different provinces flock to the church for their annual pilgrimage in honor of the Virgin Mary. The church is also one of the favorites for new car owners to have their vehicles blessed.

With its accessibility and good mountain roads, Antipolo is really easy to go to. From Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, you may reach the city through Sumulong Highway or from Ortigas Avenue. Newly-repaired roads and highways make it a breeze traveling to Antipolo.

In the years past, when you visit Antipolo, it means that you will also go to its famous tourist attraction - the Hinulugang Taktak falls. Pilgrims go to the famous falls after their church duties. Nowadays, there are other Antipolo attractions that should be visited like the Pinto Art Museum.

Many resorts and restaurants have also made Antipolo their place of business. Whether it be in the highway or in remote areas in the city, Antipolo offers a lot to its guests. Modern amenities as well as sumptuous food are but ordinary in the city now.

The building of malls are apparent in a developing city. Robinsons and SM have built their respective shopping centers to the pleasure of the public. Not to be outdone, its public market was upscaled to make the shopper's marketing experience a notch higher.

Educational centers have also opened to accommodate the learning needs of the youth of Antipolo. Even students from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces have made the city their center for schooling. With the ambience conducive to pure concentration, it is of no wonder that their schools, colleges and universities have high enrollment.

For those who also go for leisure, Antipolo is it. It is a much sought-after golfing venue - having many golf clubs. Its hills are also conducive for a coffee chit-chat with friends who would want to appreciate the skyline of Metro Manila especially on a clear night.

With the many things that you can do in Antipolo City, it's worth the trek. After this pandemic, a visit to the city will take your wearies away. There are lots of things to see, do, visit and eat in Antipolo.

Let's go to Antipolo City! In Filipino parlance...TAYO NA SA ANTIPOLO!

Credit goes to the owners of the photos.