SBMA to unveil ‘Waterfront Strip’

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to unveil this month the "Waterfront Strip," a beachfront area providing a scenic view of Subic Bay and boasting of the best restaurants, hotels and bars in town.

SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga, who will lead the inauguration of the new tourism district during the National Tourism Week, said the SBMA is developing the area to attract more tourists to the Freeport.

"We have observed that the Waterfront Road has become the most ideal venue for sports and entertainment events here. Complemented by the scenic view of the bay and tourism establishments of all sorts, it has now become a favorite hangout of visitors of all ages," Salonga told The STAR.

The Waterfront Strip, which starts near Building 229 where most SBMA offices are located, now boasts of several hotels and restaurants, including the Subic Diamond Restaurant, Subic Park Hotel, Vista Marina Hotel and Resort, Pista sa Barrio, Scuba Shack, Legenda Resort Hotel, Gerry’s Grill, El Centro, and Boardwalk Inn.

Found at the end of the kilometer-long strip is the Moonbay Marina complex where visitors can go to the Pier One Restaurant, Sibil Bar and three other hotels.

"There is everything in it that any tourist group would ever want. There is entertainment, there is water sports, and there is fine dining," Salonga said.

SBMA officials also announced a "merrier and louder" month-long tourism festival this September as a follow-up to last month’s "Rainy Day Tourism Promo."

SBMA administrator and chief executive officer Armand Arreza said the SBMA is taking a more aggressive tourism campaign as it is eyeing bigger tourism revenues this year.

He revealed that because of the rainy day promo where hotels and other tourist facilities offered discounted rates, the Freeport experienced a full occupancy rate last month.

"That was quite surprising in the face of heavy rains and typhoons. We are hoping to get the same or better feedback as we celebrate the Tourism Week this month," he added.