Parenting Archive

My thoughts on parenthood, and what it's like to be a mom in the Philippines.

How To Go To Zambales (Anniversary Getaway Part 2)

It was our first time to go to Zambales..it’s a 4-5 hour drive from Metro Manila.. that’s quite nearer compare to La Union which will take 6-7 hours. By public transport though, (through Victory Liner) Zambales is 6-7 hours away from Manila.. thank goodness for SCTEX, the travel is shortened.

Going to Zambale is easy, with many signage along the rounds, you won’t get lost. Just take NLEX then follow the signs to Subic via SCTEX. When you arrived at Subic, juts follow the signs to Zambales. What we did not expect was, the drive is a boring one. If you are heading to Zambales, better stop over at Shell and stock on Starbucks coffee or any coffee you want, some chips may help too. The SCTEX stretch is supeeeeer boring. The road comes to life once you reach Subic and after that, boring roads again. Not much to see on the road, except the mountains which are not even nice to look at (kalbong kalbo na mga teh).

If you need to stretch a little, I suggest you stop by at Subic, stretch, eat or shop.. do whatever you want because this is your last chance to stop.. after Subic, no more stop overs.. not even a nice gasoline station to stop. Travelling to Zambales made us miss La Union more.. the road is different.. even it is a 7 hour drive, there is so much to see along the road.. haays sana wala ng oil spill sa May 🙁

Resorts in Zambales (Anniversary Getaway Part 1)

We’re supposed to spend the weekend in La Union but due to oil spill, we need to change venue. It was heartbreaking.. when we think of a beach resort, only La Union comes in mind. It’s like a second home to us.. and the fact that we can do a lot of things in that province, it’s very sad that we have to change venue. After a week of frustrations and disappointments, I finally found us a place. Zambales it is!

Now, finding a resort in Zambales that will cater to our needs (cooking facilities, swimming pool with kiddie pool and affordable accommodation is quite challenging. Zambales, I learned, has a long stretch of beach.. from end to end, almost.

Subic is the first town coming from Manila, though there is so much we can do at Subic, judging from the map, the beach, I guess is not a good one.

San Antonio and Pundaquit, both are nice beaches but is not ideal for family outing (I think). And though it is the jump off point to Capones Island and Anawangin Cove is a good camping site, we’re looking for a more family friendly “adventure”.

San Narcisco and San Felipe, based on my research, are Zamables’ surfing sites. It’s ideal for surfers but not for kids.

The next beach resorts are located in Botolan then Iba, Palauig (home of Mt. Tapulao), Masinloc (coral reefs) then Candilaria (Potipot Island) and last is Sta Cruz.

We decided to try the beach at Botolan.. Botolan Zambales resorts Google search, gave me a few resort to choose from:

Rama Internatiol Beach Resort has swimming pool (with kiddie pool), accommodation with cooking facilities (fan room) and air condition rooms for 2 persons up to 9 persons. Rate ranges from 899+ to 3000+ (with charge for ectra persons). Contact numbers: 0918 910 1280 or 0917 523 7262. This is where we stayed, the resort is very old 🙁 will post more about the resort and why you should not choose this resort.

Bali-Hay Private Beach Resort is inside Botolan Point Beach. There is not much details on their website or on their facebook page but judging from the photos, it has a nice swimming pool but no kiddie poll. It was not also indicated if they have cooking facilities or accommodations with kitchen. The resort looks very nice and with a very landscaping (from their FB page). Contact details: 3473881 email: balihayresort@yahoo.com

Ambay Botolan, no swimming pool but very cheap accommodation (800- 200) Contact number: 0920-455-1303

Haven Beach Resort, no pool with Bahay Kubos for accommodations. Contact details: e-mail address (haven@dimanche.phReservations) 0919 – 642 8611

Botolona Point Beach, no pool but the resort is really nice. Contact number: 09189399344

West Coast Beach Resort, with swimming pool and kiddies pool. Their accommodation is 1500-1800 air con room good for 4 persons. There is no room with kitchen but there are grilling areas. The resort has volleyball court. Contact number: 09177320716.

Of all the resorts in Botolan, West Coast Beach Resort is the best resort that can cater to our needs. A few reviews from the internet said that the beach front of the resort is not good.. that you need walk down the stairs to access the beach, it is actually not true as when we visited the place, the beach front is quite nice. Even the whole resort is way better than Rama’s. It is cheaper than Rama’s too and the rooms are waay better. Not to mention that the pool looks better too. Poor judgement hahaha well there’s always the next time.

When The Universe Conspires..

Proning ako today.. OK that’s my coined word for Pronoia.. the opposite of paranoia.. that’s a state of mind where in, you feel like the universe conspires in your behalf (The Alchemist).. that’s exactly how I feel today.. ayayay! Happy thoughts on Monday!

A few weeks ago, I was planning a Bataan getaway.. and in the middle of my frustration over hotels and resorts in Bataan, hubby said we move the getaway to a more fitting date and a better location.. OK fine! After all my frustrations! grrrrrr And yes he was right, just around the corner is our 10th year of being mr&mrs.. perfect excuse to spend a weekend in the beach! And as if that is enough.. our anniversary falls on Friday!

Then we learned that my two boys are candidates for honor and that the exam for the candidates falls a few days before our planned getaway..talk about PERFECT TIMING! and another reason to celebrate (hahah confident talaga ako na kasama sila sa honor no).. It will be a busy week for me.. reviewing them and planning the getaway.. busy but very fulfilling week.