Now that’s all-natural! Photo taken at Crystal Beach, Zambales where you can rent surfboards. As pictured.
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Cool Waters at Kanawan Village Falls
Making it here was worth the longest hike I’ve ever made. 9 hours total to make it up to the waterfall then back down. We were guided by a group of indigenous Aetas. The cool water from the 150 foot tall waterfall was heavenly. The beginning of our trek began at Kanawan Village in Morong, Bataan which can be accessed through the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Thank you to Atty. Chot Kabigting of SBMA for organizing this expedition into the high rainforest.
Posted in Nature, Recreation
Tagged as: bataan, morong, philippines, subic bay freeport zone, waterfalls, zambales
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Awesome Island Performers–Kawangis Ng Tribu!
My favorite music and dance performers in the islands. Kawangis ng Tribu based in Palawan has been giving colorful and stunning percussion, music, and fire dance performances on the beach at Ocean Adventure every summer. They perform all over the Philippines.
Click the link below to watch an amazing fire dance display by Rhyan Tomampo of:
Posted in Culture, People
Tagged as: music and dance, palawan, philippines, subic bay freeport zone
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Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)
Opened in 2008, the SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) is the second longest toll expressway in the Philippines. It boasts almost 60 miles of paved roads with lush surroundings. I remember dreamily staring out at rice paddies, caribous, and gorgeous hilly landscapes from the car. This relatively new expressway has significantly reduced the drive time between Manila and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone/Olongapo area from 4.5-5 hours to just 2.5. Definitely worth paying the extra toll fees to enjoy the scenic views.
Posted in Travel
Tagged as: clark, manila, olongapo, subic bay freeport zone, tarlac
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What to order at Swell
Being a surfer-themed bar and cafe, order the Surfer J’s Guilt-Free Burger (made with shredded carrots, squash, and zucchini) served with a side of sweet potato chips. A couple of short boards hang out at the bar and there’s even a wall mural of Tahiti’s famed Teahupoo, known as the heaviest wave in the world. A perfect pit stop for surfers, Swell is located less than an hour’s drive away from some very rideable waves along the Zambales coast. No wet suits necessary.
Swell
I had the pleasure of working on the menu and overall concept for this surfer themed bar and restaurant in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. For more info, check out their facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/Swell.Bar.
Muji’s in Manila!
Muji’s in Manila. And right across the way from my last post. These next few places I’m highlighting are located at Bonifacio High Street, a pleasant outdoor shopping center minutes from Makati. This is mainly to demonstrate to foreign visitors some of the shopping amenities we have available in the nation’s capital. Muji is a great store for getting organized. This Japanese retail company is known for their sleek and simple containers to store your things and the things that go inside them: office gear, toiletries, food snacks, etc. Muji also has a signature line of clothing for men and women. Not to mention furniture, table and kitchenware. Their aesthetic is minimal. My favorite. check out: http://www.muji.com/motion/
My favorite bookstore in Manila
Fully Booked at Bonifacio Global City (Taguig) has a wide international selection of books, magazines, and music. From the latest New York Times Bestsellers to coffee table books on Art, Architecture, Design, Food, and Travel. The store boasts five floors of well-stocked sections, listening stations for new music releases and a Starbucks on the third floor. You can lose yourself here for hours and there’s something for everyone. My son loves the comic book and anime section on subterranean floor. There are actually 14 Fully Booked locations throughout the Philippines (a majority of them in Metro Manila) http://www.fullybookedonline.com/
Grilling in Boracay!
This scene is ubiquitous. Right on the beach. Fresh seafood ready to throw on the barbie. Lobster, prawns, fish, you name it!
Breakfast in Boracay
Find the little alleyway in Station 2 that leads you to Real Coffee. You won’t be disappointed. There you can enjoy espresso made in a proper stovetop cafeterra and a kalamansi muffin! A real treat since I’m real serious about my coffee in the morning. Owned by an American ex-pat, this place is rustic-chic and has a smart and simple menu that definitely caters to bohemian health nuts like me!
