Experiencing the Ultimate P3 in Subic
by OWEN BAUTISTA-ALCARAZ
For busybodies that are always subjected to rigorous fieldworks and nerve-wracking deadlines, an out-of-town weekend of pleasure, pampering and partying (P3) is definitely a welcome respite.
Alright! Partying may not be a perfect word for relaxation but take into consideration the strenuous weekdays that pass by unnoticed either due to staying too long in front of the computer monitor or meetings with clients on how to maximize their exposure through advertisements and press releases – now, partying is just about the appropriate one, isn’t it?
Thanks to the generosity of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Honda Cars Philippines and Amiel Cabanlig, section editor of The Manila Times’ Popoli, a new lifestyle and society monthly special, a dream weekend getaway was recently held for a select number of media people. (Don’t you just love our job!) For three days and two nights, everyone was treated to a wonderful and exciting experience of nature adventure, physical indulgence and most of all, a Mardi Gras festival!
PLEASURABLE CONVENIENCE
On day one, participants were gathered early morning at Somethin’ Fishy in Libis, Q.C. for an orientation of what’s in store for everybody in the next couple of days. Honda’s people joined the group as they gave a short briefing on the new Civic, the car everybody would be using going to and around Subic. For someone who doesn’t know how to drive and who’s not really into cars, I found the brief lecture interesting enough. After all, if I were to ride on one of them, might as well learn how to appreciate all its glory.
Among the Civic’s features that had me wishing I owned one were the helpful elements found inside. It has dual map lights that illuminate each front seat separately for ideal reading convenience. It also has a handy console pocket with a cover located within easy reach near the gearshift lever. A sliding shutter covers the storage space between the front seats. Simply slide it open for easy access to two front cup holders and slide it close again when not in use. The front armrest slides 80mm forward and backward for the comfort of the driver and front passenger. Just raise the armrest to reveal a large console box with space for up to 27 CDs. As for the rear passenger comfort, Civic includes a fold-down rear armrest with cup holders for two, a folding hook on the back of the front passenger seat, and a front seatback pocket that can neatly hold maps and magazines. There are many other things that can draw Civic to people who seek more out of their cars and by the time, the briefing was over, I was all the more convinced that I should get a Honda Civic if I were to buy a car.
Now, imagine the disappointment of not being able to ride on one after hearing all the good stuff about it. There were limited Civic models and what’s left were the City and the Jazz. Good thing, Honda people promised there would be switching of cars on the way back. Problem solved!
On our way to Subic, we were made to group ourselves into two – the driver and the navigator. Turned out the trip wouldn’t just be a long drive but a treasure hunt with an Azimo doll prize for the grand winner. Ironically, we – Gabby Libarios of Manila Standard Today and I - placed 2nd, losing against Manila Times’ Rome Jorge and Tribune's Michael Kho Lim. It was a close match having the same score but arriving a few minutes after them. And we were driving the Jazz! Not bad at all.
PAMPERING IN STYLE
As soon as the whole entourage arrived at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, we proceeded to Binictican Housing Area where the amiable Leo Alluso of the SBMA Tourism Department and our designated tour guide met us.
While some went on to take ‘powernaps’ after freshening up, the rest proceeded to have a relaxing massage at La Rossa Spa located at the Subic Bay Yacht Club. Among their signature massage that draws foreigners and locals alike is the ‘Synchrotherapy Spa’, a method performed by two therapists in synchronized movements using a fusion of massage techniques that brings serene calmness and fluid rhythm for that ultimate spa experience.
Another must-try are the Larossa Symphony Massage and the Oyayi Traditional Filipino Massage. The ‘Symphony’ is a fascinating medley of gentle and flowing strokes that sends waves of relaxation through the entire body. On the other hand, ‘Oyayi’, the olden form of Filipino lullaby is inspired by a mother’s angelic voice and nurturing touch that employs the traditional art of ‘hilot’ unlocking energy blockages. It’s a perfect tribute to ancient techniques.
After luxurious body pampering, everybody assembled for late dinner at the Legenda Hotel, the only five-star hotel in Subic. Dining at Legenda Hotel is something to look forward to. The Museum Restaurant offers authentic Cantonese, Peking and Szechuan cuisine prepared by chefs from Hong Kong. At Le Café, one can enjoy world-class continental cuisine 24 hours a day. A table on the café’s mezzanine gives one a breathtaking view of Subic Bay.
PARTIES AND MORE…
If Manila has the Baywalk, Subic has the Boardwalk, which was always our last stop each night as we watched the culminating activities of the Mardi Gras. The place was teeming with colorful street parties and parade with live entertainment staged left and right.
For those who would want to experience life in the wilds, I highly recommend the Zoobic Safari. The park is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. With approximately 13.60 hectares serving as home to different kinds of animals, both endangered and endemic species, it’s an adventure not to be missed.
There are a number of attractions young and old alike can try. There’s the Zoobic Park, a petting zoo in a walk-through tropical jungle where you can have a live interaction with a deer, ostrich, albino carabao, bear, monkey, eagle, and a lot more! Also, there’s the Tiger Safari Ride where you ride a safari jeep and enter an enclosed area with live tigers roaming and frolicking in their natural habitat.
Complete that Subic escapade by setting time for Ocean Adventure, the first marine park and aquarium in the country. It showcases Subic Bay’s marine life and some of the world’s most amazing sea mammals like dolphins, sea lions and false killer whales.
For busybodies that are always subjected to rigorous fieldworks and nerve-wracking deadlines, an out-of-town weekend of pleasure, pampering and partying (P3) is definitely a welcome respite.
Alright! Partying may not be a perfect word for relaxation but take into consideration the strenuous weekdays that pass by unnoticed either due to staying too long in front of the computer monitor or meetings with clients on how to maximize their exposure through advertisements and press releases – now, partying is just about the appropriate one, isn’t it?
Thanks to the generosity of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Honda Cars Philippines and Amiel Cabanlig, section editor of The Manila Times’ Popoli, a new lifestyle and society monthly special, a dream weekend getaway was recently held for a select number of media people. (Don’t you just love our job!) For three days and two nights, everyone was treated to a wonderful and exciting experience of nature adventure, physical indulgence and most of all, a Mardi Gras festival!
PLEASURABLE CONVENIENCE
On day one, participants were gathered early morning at Somethin’ Fishy in Libis, Q.C. for an orientation of what’s in store for everybody in the next couple of days. Honda’s people joined the group as they gave a short briefing on the new Civic, the car everybody would be using going to and around Subic. For someone who doesn’t know how to drive and who’s not really into cars, I found the brief lecture interesting enough. After all, if I were to ride on one of them, might as well learn how to appreciate all its glory.
Among the Civic’s features that had me wishing I owned one were the helpful elements found inside. It has dual map lights that illuminate each front seat separately for ideal reading convenience. It also has a handy console pocket with a cover located within easy reach near the gearshift lever. A sliding shutter covers the storage space between the front seats. Simply slide it open for easy access to two front cup holders and slide it close again when not in use. The front armrest slides 80mm forward and backward for the comfort of the driver and front passenger. Just raise the armrest to reveal a large console box with space for up to 27 CDs. As for the rear passenger comfort, Civic includes a fold-down rear armrest with cup holders for two, a folding hook on the back of the front passenger seat, and a front seatback pocket that can neatly hold maps and magazines. There are many other things that can draw Civic to people who seek more out of their cars and by the time, the briefing was over, I was all the more convinced that I should get a Honda Civic if I were to buy a car.
Now, imagine the disappointment of not being able to ride on one after hearing all the good stuff about it. There were limited Civic models and what’s left were the City and the Jazz. Good thing, Honda people promised there would be switching of cars on the way back. Problem solved!
On our way to Subic, we were made to group ourselves into two – the driver and the navigator. Turned out the trip wouldn’t just be a long drive but a treasure hunt with an Azimo doll prize for the grand winner. Ironically, we – Gabby Libarios of Manila Standard Today and I - placed 2nd, losing against Manila Times’ Rome Jorge and Tribune's Michael Kho Lim. It was a close match having the same score but arriving a few minutes after them. And we were driving the Jazz! Not bad at all.
PAMPERING IN STYLE
As soon as the whole entourage arrived at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, we proceeded to Binictican Housing Area where the amiable Leo Alluso of the SBMA Tourism Department and our designated tour guide met us.
While some went on to take ‘powernaps’ after freshening up, the rest proceeded to have a relaxing massage at La Rossa Spa located at the Subic Bay Yacht Club. Among their signature massage that draws foreigners and locals alike is the ‘Synchrotherapy Spa’, a method performed by two therapists in synchronized movements using a fusion of massage techniques that brings serene calmness and fluid rhythm for that ultimate spa experience.
Another must-try are the Larossa Symphony Massage and the Oyayi Traditional Filipino Massage. The ‘Symphony’ is a fascinating medley of gentle and flowing strokes that sends waves of relaxation through the entire body. On the other hand, ‘Oyayi’, the olden form of Filipino lullaby is inspired by a mother’s angelic voice and nurturing touch that employs the traditional art of ‘hilot’ unlocking energy blockages. It’s a perfect tribute to ancient techniques.
After luxurious body pampering, everybody assembled for late dinner at the Legenda Hotel, the only five-star hotel in Subic. Dining at Legenda Hotel is something to look forward to. The Museum Restaurant offers authentic Cantonese, Peking and Szechuan cuisine prepared by chefs from Hong Kong. At Le Café, one can enjoy world-class continental cuisine 24 hours a day. A table on the café’s mezzanine gives one a breathtaking view of Subic Bay.
PARTIES AND MORE…
If Manila has the Baywalk, Subic has the Boardwalk, which was always our last stop each night as we watched the culminating activities of the Mardi Gras. The place was teeming with colorful street parties and parade with live entertainment staged left and right.
For those who would want to experience life in the wilds, I highly recommend the Zoobic Safari. The park is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. With approximately 13.60 hectares serving as home to different kinds of animals, both endangered and endemic species, it’s an adventure not to be missed.
There are a number of attractions young and old alike can try. There’s the Zoobic Park, a petting zoo in a walk-through tropical jungle where you can have a live interaction with a deer, ostrich, albino carabao, bear, monkey, eagle, and a lot more! Also, there’s the Tiger Safari Ride where you ride a safari jeep and enter an enclosed area with live tigers roaming and frolicking in their natural habitat.
Complete that Subic escapade by setting time for Ocean Adventure, the first marine park and aquarium in the country. It showcases Subic Bay’s marine life and some of the world’s most amazing sea mammals like dolphins, sea lions and false killer whales.
Manila Bulletin
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