Wrapping Up Summer 2014 at Punta De Uian

Summer 2014 was one of the best we have ever experienced.

1. We opened the season with a 4- day visit to Baler.

2. Enjoyed an all-day fun swimming at my parents' pool.

3. Subic has always been part of our summer journey, and it's such a blessing to pay this place a visit every year.

4. As always, Punta De Uian, Zambales has been the go- to resort for an all- in beach experience.

In all our years as a traveling family who loves the beach, this was our first time to visit 3 beach destinations for summer.

Punta De Uian is like our home in Zambales. Anytime we want to go to the beach, I don't know, there's this connection we have with that place, we automatically go there.

One of the things that we enjoy along the way to Zambales is nature itself. We appreciate the things we don't have in Manila. Like these 2 Water Buffaloes. I know it's normal for it to take a dip, but this was my first time to actually see 2 huge water buffaloes cooling down in a clean river.

For the rest of my story as we end Summer 2014, let the photos below describe the reasons why Punta De Uian is also considered as home...

 With my other half whom I shared an incredible summer with and who made everything possible.

Mornings at Punta De Uian

 Sunset after the rain

View of our villa by the lagoon reflecting the fiery colors of the sunset.

The most relaxing view for this season, the islands of Camara and Capones.

Our lovely family picture at Punta De Uian (taken by: Noah)

"Uuwian ka namin talaga palagi Punta De Uian."

Beach Day in Subic

Let me take a break from making posts about our Baler trip. Here's another fun- filled journey I took  with my family. For summer 2014, as always, we went back to Subic. It was my sister's birthday celebration and at the same time, we wanted to take the kids to the beach. Summer will never be complete without the beach, and Subic is a great destination.

Our parents did not go with us. Our dad was on a business trip and my mom opted to stay at home. Since we're down to 2 cars, one of my sisters stayed with me and the other stayed with our brother. We convoyed our way to Subic early Saturday morning. Our check- in time at Forestview was at 2pm but we still went early so we can enjoy the cool road trip with less vehicles around.

The road to Subic was smooth as usual. The part that fell off mid of last year is still being fixed, so expect merging lanes at some point before hitting Porac.

Along the way, we were greeted with so much green scenery. The kids loved it. We traveled all the way to Subic with the car's a/c off and the cool morning was just breezing through. Leaving early graced us with the rising of the sun. It's as relaxing as watching the sunset.

We made a quick stop in SCTEX and took some photos. It was actually for my brother and his family. Since it was their first time to drive along SCTEX, we just have to give them a little token, a shot by the road.

It was a perfect day to go to the beach. We had reservations at All Hands Beach Resort so we were able to get a good spot. Our hut was located near the bar that is beach front. As soon as we got there, we unpacked our stuff, got the grill going as the kids were accompanied by my husband for a swim.

Since we're early, the beach wasn't as full, but around brunch time, people started to come in. Most of the huts were already reserved, so imagine those who just walked- in that day, they didn't really get any tables. For summer, it's always best to plan and make reservations ahead to avoid disappointment.

There were a lot of water sports available including Kayaking. The kids enjoyed the kayaks with their Titas.

I never experienced sunset in Subic in my years going back and forth in that place. This trip was truly inspirational. For the very first time, I was gifted to view the beautiful sunset from this part of the country--- and with the people I love.

Our brother Nano needed to attend to a bulk delivery at the restaurant he is managing that weekend, that's why he wasn't able to come with us. But we made sure to get the whole family together once we get back in Manila.

Personally, trips spent with family makes me feel grateful again and again... I feel so blessed knowing that my family is together. Anytime we want to see each other, everyone is a call or even just a text away. Yes, we didn't "have much then", but we are gifted with such "colorful and blooming relationship now". We're made happy through simple things such as spending time talking and laughing... 

Thank you Lord, thank you for giving me this family, my family to spend my lifetime with.

Cheers for another memorable summer!

Summer Affair At Punta De Uian

Aside from Subic which is a quick getaway for us, Zambales was also our second home the whole summer of 2013. We went to Zambales twice just for the first month of summer. It is a 4 hour drive from Manila, but we  tend to forget about the long road trip once we think of the crystal blue waters of Zambales, its not too crowded beaches and clean resorts.

One of those beach resorts is Punta De Uian.

This first image was taken from our visit during the Holy Week.  It's empty right? when it's expected to be crowded. Nowadays, most Filipinos use the long break from Holy Week for a vacation. My family started going with everyone else when my husband's work became a little hectic. We rely so much on long weekends and holidays to be able to take a break from city life.

Punta De Uian is a resort that offers affordable- fine rooms. The staff/ management of the resort is very accommodating. The sight of the islands of Camara and Capones is already a treat for their guests. They have lounge chairs and tables and tents where one can sit back and relax with the wonderful view.

Punta De Uian has a vast beach front with white sand and cool blue water. The current might be strong at times, but with extra care, swimming in the ocean is still fun.

The whole resort is very clean, not a sign of a candy wrapper. I had fun watching my 2 boys play together. My eldest son loves the beach so much, it's such a thrill for him that this time, his younger brother was around.

The sunset was a bonus attraction. During our first visit this year, we were given a room with a balcony facing the beach. After our afternoon swim, we freshened up, then ate dinner in our balcony while the sun was setting. It was just so-o relaxing... It's soothing to hear the ocean while watching the sunset. Exactly the reason why we went on a getaway.

At night, we had bonfire. Since our room has a balcony, we enjoyed the bonfire without going down to the beach anymore. The kids were sleeping so, my husband and I had some "us time". We were just gazing at the bonfire while having some cool drinks, talking about stuff, life, our blessings and our children.

Mornings in Punta De Uian is peaceful. We love an early morning swim while the water is calm and a bit warm. I wasn't able to ask for some details with regards to the facilities and other amenities of the resort. Everything here is based on our experience. On our next visit to Punta De Uian, we were able to book a room by the lagoon. The lagoon area is walking distance from the beach and it has a swimming pool. It's not that far and a stroll around the resort is as exciting as the beach area because it's beautiful.

We took a lot of pictures by the drive way lined with pine trees. The opposite side of the pine trees are houses with 2 bedrooms (beach front).

As we grow old as parents we want our children to have extraordinary experiences without going overboard when it comes to our expenses. As a kid, I carried memories of my parents taking me to one of the most congested beach resorts in Cavite. I consider those memories unforgettable and one of the happiest moments in my life because I enjoyed, I grilled and I swam like a frog with my parents and siblings.

We just want to be practical on the side. This practice will also help our children as they pass this habit to their own families. As long as the whole family is having fun together, the happiness that will flow among us is good enough to say that we had a grand vacation.

Why We Fell In Love With Subic

For the past 2 years, we have been in and out of the Subic Freeport Zone. Here are the reasons why we fell in love with Subic...

1. Good Roads

Now that SCTEX is already open, driving to Subic is smoother and easier. The usual 3 hour drive which most consider as a long, "exhausting" drive, has become a regular that we don't even bother about the traveling time and the stress of long road trips.

2. Perfect Accommodation: Forestview Residences
Location: El Kabayo Road Subic Bay Freeport Zone Philippines

Forestview has housed us for the past 2 years. It met our needs as a traveling family. Forestview offers villas that has 3 air-conditioned bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, living room, clean bathrooms and covered parking for your car. With 24- hour security, clean surroundings, green environment and a very nice management.

Forestview Residences Facebook

3. What Will Keep You Busy in Subic

I'm talking about activities outside Zoobic, Ocean Adventure, Tree Top Adventure etc. One of the things my family loves to do is to explore. Our April visit was when my husband and I went on a date trip. We took advantage of the free time without the kids. We drove around the streets of Subic, places we've never been to. We discovered a lot of hidden beaches, and I'm talking about nice affordable beach resorts. Along the way, we saw some monkeys. Though tourists are allowed to feed them, please be careful because these animals came from their natural habitat, consider them wild.

We were lucky to see soldiers assemble some equipments at the Subic International Airport in preparation for the Balikatan Joint Exercise for 2013. 

Malls in Subic. Sm Olongapo and a nice place to visit in Subic is the Harbor Point Mall.

Strolling around Habor Point gave us a beachy- relaxed malling experience. Everyone's wearing flip flops and light clothing. It felt so homey. On a busy weekend, the place is filled with both tourists and residents of Olongapo.

4. Duty Free Shops and The Subic Bay Yacht Club

When in Subic, it is always a must to go duty free shopping. Most of the time, I shop for imported chocolates, toiletries that we don't have in our place and stuff that came in cheaper in Subic than in Manila. We were able to visit the Subic Bay Yacht Club because we were invited to an event.

5. Food Adventure

On road trips, I still bring home-cooked food. Usually on the first day, good for breakfast and lunch. The remainder of our stay is often spent eating out. Like every place in the world, there will always be the presence of famous restaurants. Meat Plus has always been a tourist destination. But other than that, if you explore some more, you will find other food havens that will make your adventure unforgettable. 

This summer, we made 3 discoveries: 

• Cafe Balooga Habor Point Mall
• the Coca- Cola Soda Fountain inside Royal Duty Free
• 7-11 store in front of the Subic Bay Yacht Club

Aside from the one in Subic, please let me know if there's a 7-11 somewhere else in the Philippines that has an area where their customers can sit, relax and enjoy their refreshments by a lagoon.

When it comes to food discoveries, I go for anything to eat that will make me happy and satisfied... I never limit myself to the famous ones and most especially to expensive restaurants.  One of the things I enjoyed this summer was eating halo-halo beach side at the Camayan Beach resort and having tea while getting pampered in a spa. And speaking of spas...

6. Subic is also a Stress- free Zone 

You will find a great no. of spas that also offers home services and are open up to 12 midnight.

7. Blue- Green Waters

Subic is known as a beach destination. Even driving around the place, you will enjoy taking a refreshing glimpse of it's blue- green sea.

Subic has almost everything you need if you're looking for a great location for the family that's why we love it. We never get bored of it.

Please check out some related links:

Beachin Around Subic-
Zoobic Safari
SubicViaSCTEX
Meat Plus
Café Balooga 

Life In Capones

Last time I island- hopped was when I was 10 years old. My Auntie would take me and brother with her every time she would go to the beach. As a kid, it was one of the good memories I had. I can still remember getting pricked by a sea urchin. It was really great to be able to experience to go to an isolated island again.  Isolated, because even with tourists around, the people of Zambales was able to control the crowd and they were able to maintain the original feel of a deserted island in the middle of the ocean.

I went to our balcony around 4am in the morning. I just thought of having some "me time". When I got out, I saw the moon shining over the islands of Camara and Capones. When I went to bed the night before everything was dark at that very same spot. This has got to be one of the treats I enjoyed during our stay in Zambales. The moon served like a spot light over the islands. The sky was clear and the stars were shining brightly as well.

After my short sight-seeing of the moon over the islands, at 6am, I went to the reception area to reserve a boat for our island hop. With our experience, it's best to go island hopping early in the morning. The water is calm and it's safe to get a healthy exposure with the sun. After our reservation, I had our breakfast packed so we can eat at the island. At 7am, our boat was ready and waiting.

The boat was equipped with life vests both for adults, kids and even for a 1- year old. Our boat ride went smoothly. In the middle of the ocean, we saw through the crystal blue green water, enjoyed looking at corals and fishes.

Capones Island

 Breakfast in Capones

We chose Capones because the beach area is bigger than in Camara, with lesser visitors also because most would prefer Anawangin Cove. When we arrived in Capones, there were tourists around. Most of them, slept at the island.  When our boat man told us about tourists sleeping, camping over at the island, I feared that we might end up with trash everywhere. I'm really happy that they kept the place clean.

Me and my sister Les

One of the things we enjoyed in Capones was the clear water that housed some shells, corals, crabs and small fishes. It was quite an experience for my kids. My youngest son, played with sand for the very first time... swam in sea water. My eldest went snorkeling with his dad. It's wonderful to see my children love nature.

Like I mentioned earlier, there were tourists but the beach remained the same. Everyone had their own spots to enjoy.

The sand was white and fine. But near the water, you'll find shells small stones.

For me, it's instant paradise. I don't even have to fly some place, beat a number of people for a spot.  Define beach, adventure and fun all together, here in Zambales, we have an untouched treasure. Let's take care of it, respect and preserve the beauty of the famous islands of Zambales.

Island Hopping: 

Camara, Capones, Anawangin Cove: Php3,500

Camara only: Php 1,100

Capones only: Php 1,300

• You can stay on these islands for as long as you want during the day and even overnight. It is important to make clear arrangements with the resort management and boat man before going.
• Bring umbrellas, tents or anything for cover. 
• Bring lots of drinking water.
• Food is allowed, but make sure to bring your excess/ trash back with you.
• Fishing, snorkeling is by request. Ask your resort management with regards to this matter.
• Ask your boat man about the famous lighthouse in Capones.
• Going to San Antonio Zambales