Subic transports you. Just a leisurely two-hours from the harried city, it is a whole different world. One that excites, uplifts, becalms, amazes and reinvigorates… certainly, it is all these. And more. Much, much more than its reputation as Shopping Heaven. Here and there, are touches of the south of France, the languid Mediterranean, pulsing LA, the exotic tropics, and the best and most promising, of course, of the Philippines.
We settle at the Crowne Peak Hotel, the same hotel renowned in Subic for its world-class distinctions. Crowne Peak is tastefully furbished according the luxe standards. For those who decide to enjoy Subic with the whole brood, there’s the absolutely delightful Forest Hills, perfectly complementing the demands of a large group.
First stop: Grande Island on board the sleek yacht, the Rosalle. Well, the slice of the Good Life has merely begun. On the yacht’s bridge, we take in the crisp cool breeze and marvel at the breath-taking marina, enticing, like the south of France. At night, it is a-lit like an iridescent Monte Carlo.
We dock at Grande Island, a historic site. Here the group take in the past with remnants of American war relics, and absorb its rich history as a once-disputed territory between the Spaniards and the Americans. It is one of the best snorkeling sites, for the rich trove one encounters in its crystal-clear waters. We insist on lingering a little longer.
We opt next for a swing to Triboa Bay, a heavenly destination for the family. The kids will be thrilled to pass through the renowned rainforest, and watch the popular Subic monkeys gambling by the roadside.
It’s off to the Equestrian Center for horseback riding next, taking on the docile thoroughbreds for a leisurely tour of the jungle, straight out of a Discovery channel episode, then the Butterfly Farm. In a foliaged enclosure, filled with rare flora, a number of species of butterflies about, making like gossamer-clad fairies. Truly, this is one of the most pleasing portions of the trip, one that in its simplicity endows visitors with a moving experience back from when we were all children.
The highlight of our trip is a tour of the famed Mediterranean villas made especially for US President Bill Clinton and the G7 world leaders during the APEC Meet here. Marveling at the exquisitely constructed villas, one realizes how Subic’s potential can host such an estimable gathering of the world’s leaders, attesting only to its viability and security as a premier world-class destination and a global economic player.
Subic continues to be a place that previews the potential of the country. It is a world-class setting, replete with all the global standards in its facilities and amenities. Clean, orderly, governed by smooth, expedient systems in just about every aspect, Subic is a modern day wonderland and a place that we should always gift ourselves with, every time we can.