TOURISTS FLOCKED TO OLONGAPO

‘’Thousands of local and foreign tourists flocked to Olongapo City during the Holy Week,’’ said Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. during the flag raising ceremony of government officials and employees on April 13, 2009.

‘’Tuloy-tuloy lang ang pagpasyal ng mga bisita natin hanggang sa April 23 to 25 para sa gaganaping Sibit-Sibit Festival 2009 sa Beach Boulevard, Barretto,’’ Mayor Gordon added.

According to Rionyl Cercado of City Tourism Office, ‘’Two weeks before Holy Week pa lamang ay fully-booked na ang mga resorts and hotels sa Barretto at Ramon Magsaysay Drive. Maging ang mga maliliit na beaches ay napuno rin.’’

As early as sunrise, tourists were already on the beach enjoying the cool waters of Subic Bay and at night, the waterfront turns into a long stretch of party place as the resorts offered various sorts of gimmicks to attract people.

‘’Police visibility was maximized because it is important to ensure the public’s safety before, during and after the activities,’’ said Olongapo City Police Office Chief for Operation, PSUPT Dexter Rellora in an interview at SBC-DWGO.

Meanwhile, thousands of local and foreign tourists jam-packed at the Olongapo City Mall area to watch the ‘’Black Saturday Jam Concert’’ of Bonggo Band headed by Mayor Bong Gordon and Manila’s ‘’6 Cycle Mind’’ band.

The back-to-back concert sponsored by the Olongapo City Government and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) added spice to the long holiday break.

Mayor Bong Gordon and his Bonggo Band perform at the “Black Saturday Jam Concert’’ on April 11, 2009 at the Olongapo City Mall area. The concert was sponsored by the City Government of Olongapo and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). (Photo and Caption/PAO)
Pao/rem