Subic International Hotel general manager Michael Wilson says, people take for granted a weekend trip to the former American naval base because of the misconception that it is so far away.
"What people in Metro Manila do not realize is that it’s so much more difficult to get to any mall in Manila on a weekend," he explains. "If you leave early on a weekend, you’ll reach Subic in less than three hours."
Ever since the United States formally turned over the base to the Philippine government in 1992, it has been under the administration of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Under the current administration of Felicito Payumo, a number of attractions have been developed to offer more recreation options for visitors.
"Subic has something for the whole family," Wilson adds. "Dad can go golfing, Mom can go duty-free shopping, while the kids can spend a day at the beach or at Ocean Adventure."
And for the perfect Subic holiday accommodation, Subic International Hotel offers cozy rooms for the whole family or barkada.
SIH is a complex of hotel and restaurant establishments that are conveniently located within Subic’s central business district. It is within walking distance from the main gate, giving guests easy access to Olongapo City, as well as Times Square, a tiangge and fair area open during holidays, a number of duty-free shops and the waterfront and boardwalk area.
The hotel occupies what used to be barracks for American military. Alpha and Bravo buildings were formerly the bachelors enlisted quarters, while Charlie and Delta buildings were detailed for officers.
While three of the buildings have been refitted with the conveniences of modern hotels, Bravo building remains almost untouched with many of the original fittings in the rooms retained. Most of the peepholes on the doors might be a little too high for some guests, while the metal cabinets have handles that can be padlocked. With a stretch of the imagination, you can imagine yourself transported back to the time when Americans had a free run of the base.
The four buildings offer 300 well-appointed deluxe rooms and suites. Most of the rooms are configured for quadruple sharing, and they are big enough to give ample space for four people to move around. Except for Bravo building, which has central air-conditioning, all the other rooms have separate temperature thermostats.
"We’ve tried working on the air-conditioning at Bravo building, but somehow the Americans did something to the air-conditioner," adds Wilson. "We can never adjust it for the comfort of most guests. That’s why we have installed heaters in some rooms. Whenever I think of it, the thought of having heaters in rooms is quite surprising."
The conveniences don’t end there. The hotel maintains a number of food and beverage outlets throughout Subic Bay Freeport where guests can easily sign for their orders. Hotel guests can move around throughout the Freeport and just enter SIH’s restaurants to have their fill.
Its outlets include: Golden Dragon Restaurant, which specializes in authentic Chinese food; Seafront Restaurant, which offers continental, Filipino and Asian specials; Cafe Subic, Bravo building’s coffee shop; Captain’s Lounge, an after-hours haunt at the lobby level of Seafront Restaurant; Terrace Café, an intimate coffee shop at the lobby level of Delta building; and Golden Tea House, located beside Golden Dragon Restaurant and serving dim sum, congee and noodles.
As part of its service, the hotel can make the necessary arrangement for guests to use of a number of recreational facilities throughout the Freeport. Golf aficionados can swing their way through an 18-hole championship golf course at the Subic Bay Golf and Country Club. Beach buffs can relax at a number of beaches around the Freeport, while nature lovers can go on a jungle tour and a number of nature-related activities at JEST (Jungle Environmental Survival Training) Camp. The kids will enjoy the mini zoo at Summit Park, where world leaders gathered together during the 1996 APEC Summit for a souvenir group photograph. Or, they can drive all the way to Camayan Wharf for the sea lion and whale shows at Ocean Adventure.
For those in search of a holiday getaway, SIH has a number of room packages tailored for the whole family and the barkada.
Its Christmas-4-Four promotion is priced at P6,888 per night for a room for four. It comes with Christmas Eve buffet (western and Filipino), set breakfast, Christmas set lunch and coffee and pastries at Terrace Cafe, with a second night priced at P1,500. Guests should check in on Dec. 24 to avail of the promo.
Its New Year’s Eve Blast promo is priced at P3,888 per night for four. It comes with New Year’s Eve buffet, set breakfast and complimentary use of a Videoke room for two hours, with a second night priced at P1,500. This offer is valid for guests who will be checking in on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, 2003.
SIH keeps a busy schedule during the Christmas holidays. In 1994, Wilson started the Simbang Gabi tradition within the Freeport. Although the hotel holds its dawn mass at 10 p.m., it hasn’t dampened the spirits of Olongapo City residents who come and join in the festivities. After the Mass, the parking area outside the hotel offers traditional Filipino fare that keeps the crowd merry until the wee hours of the morning.
"I’m glad to say that it has become a tradition for many Olongapo City residents and guests," he adds.
A day at Subic Bay Freeport isn’t enough to discover all its attractions. Wilson says first-time guests should stay for at least two or three days to enjoy the activities inside Subic. Considering the long Christmas and New Year weekends, it isn’t surprising that many Metro Manilans might do just that.