Adventure starts with Z: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary in Zambales

How do you spell adventure?

This week, “Biyahe ni Drew” journeys to one of the country’s surfing havens--Zambales! But aside from riding the waves, Drew Arellano and his team discovers other heart-pumping adventures you can try in this province.

Water activities

(1) What the wreck?!

Subic is a first-class municipality located in the northern coast of Zambales. It served as a military base for the Americans during the World Wars I and II. Some of the wrecks of ships and aircrafts were intentionally sunk into the water to serve as artificial reefs for marine wildlife.

Is that the ship, Drew?

One of these wrecks is the Landing Craft Utility ship or LCU. Among the wreck diving sites in Subic, the LCU is considered as the most diver-friendly because the area where it sank is not too deep for divers, both beginners and pros, to try. So when you dive the wrecks, you’ll surely say ‘what the wreck?!’ in awe.

(2) Feel electric with e-surfboard

While in Subic, why not try another water activity? After diving the historic shipwrecks from under the sea, surf the waters above using an electronic surfboard!

For those who love surfing but surfing does not love them back, the e-surfboard is your perfect match. It looks like an ordinary surfboard but it has its own motor which propels the board to the waves.

Goodbye, ropes! I have an electronic surfboard!

Say goodbye to swimming and paddling because you can now ride the waves with less effort. Electric!

(3) Fly with a hoverboard

If you have ever dreamed of flying when you were a kid, maximize your stay here in Subic and fly, or at least feel like you are flying. This hoverboard is basically a wakeboard with a jet propeller.

Fly, Drew, fly!

Not yet convinced? Instead of being pulled by a rope, the jet propulsion mechanism of the hoverboard pushes it until it elevates from the water. Balance is all you need to work on to feel the breeze of the salt water while being lifted by the jet propeller!

Mangoes, mangoes everywhere

Done with the waters? Visit a mango farm in Zambales! It’s in every record books that the province has the abundance of sweet mangoes. In one of the mango farms in the province, the cornucopia of the mango-incorporated dishes will fill the tourists’ empty stomachs after a whole day of traveling around Zambales. Here are some of them:

Mangoes, anyone?

(1) Sinigang, kare-kare and pizza, everything with mangga

Yes, Biyaheros, sinigang made sour by raw mangoes. It is a perfect substitute for your usual sinigang na sampalok or kamias.

Mangoes in sinigang, Biyaheros!

How about kare-kare with mangoes? The sweet and sour taste of mangoes is a good equalizer to the classic savory taste of kare-kare. Perfect for dinner!

Carry a bowl of mango kare-kare...and share it with everyone.

Pizza with mangoes? Why not? When you are in a mango farm, expect all the food being served to have mangoes in them.

(2) Mango iced tea and shake

In the metro, teas and shakes are sometimes artificially flavored. But here in Zambales, everything is pure and natural. Make sure to try some fresh mango iced tea or a glass of pure mango shake then dig into your plate again. Cheers!

Have a good night sleep at The Circle Hostel

Are your stomachs full with all the Zambales delicacies? For only P350.00 per head, you can wrap up your day in the province at The Circle Hostel. Just occupy one of the hammocks and you are off to dreamland. You can also choose to sleep in one of their bunk beds for only P450.00 per head.

See those doodles? Those were made by the guests! You can draw yours, too!

Also, the Circle is a common area for both men and women to share. Don’t forget to bond with your fellow tourists and have some fun before going to sleep.

Zambales: a place for everyone to visit

If you only know Zambales because it is one of the most famous surfing spots in the country, then you are probably missing out on a lot with all the other activities to do and places to visit here!

So Biyaheros, how do you spell adventure? Start with letter Z for Zambales!---Joseph Sonajo/BMS, GMA Public Affairs