Unplanned: Subic

Following the "Destination" series, I will now start the "Unplanned" series. If the Destination series is focus more on places I wanted to visit in the world. The Unplanned series will be concentrated on the many places I have already visited in an unplanned way. Meaning, these are unprepared getaways, not scheduled and just effects of the spontaneous part of my brain.

For the first part of this series... Subic.

Last February 16, 2008, just 2 days after Valentines Day, while having bonding time at a friend condo in Makati at around 4 am, we all suddenly decided to go somewhere. 2 hours later, we were at a Victory Liner Bus Station in Cubao. We didn't know where to go!!! We thought of going to Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tagaytay and so many other places. Suddenly on the spot we decided to go to Olongapo. The adventure begins.

It was really a fun day, partly because all were just spontaneous. We went to Subic and visited the Zoobic Safari. I have heard of the place before, but I was really amazed there is such a place in the Philippines. The entrance fee, if I remember correctly, was about 300 to 400 pesos each. But it was all worth it.

The first part was a walking tour in a zoo/farm-like atmosphere. A guide will tour the group. There were so many animals. It was the first time I was actually touching camels, deers and other species. Then there was also a part where you get to view snakes. One cage was even open... that was scary. And of course, the highlight of the zoo are its tigers. There were so many of them. You will be asked to ride a special car where you passed by tigers. The thing is you have to buy a dead chicken so the tigers will get close to you. There was also a part where native Aetas will perform a dance number for the group. And also view hundreds of crocodiles in one small area. Of course, you will also have to buy dead meat to feed the animals.

Generally, it was a fun and educated trip. Zoobic occupies a huge space, although it is quite far. You really need to have a car or hire one. After the safari, we went shopping at a Duty Free store and then rode a Victory Liner Bus back to CubaoTiring but so coool. I mean, just hours earlier, we didn't have plan at all, then at the end of the day, I have seen all those animals and kept another fun memory in my mind and heart.