Blogs from Subic, Philippines, Asia

It started and ended in Subic. A White-throated Kingfisher and a Large-billed Crow welcomed us as we drive past Subic International Airport going to Anvaya Cove in Morong. Then, Whiskered Tree-Swifts roosted on power cables were our last twitching the next day. Need I say more? I had 9 lifers in 2 days; not to mention the most impressive and eye-catching bird displays and behavior in the wild. Wild. My lifers include: Bar-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike Pink-necked Green-Pigeon Blue-throated Bee-eater Mangrove Blue-Flycatcher Blue-naped Parrot Greater Flameback Green Imperial-Pigeon Red Junglefowl Whiskered Tree-Swift ... read more

I have been around the Philippines and I can honestly say that the most hospitable and accommodating people are found in the staffs of ZOOBIC SAFARI located in Subic Bay Freeport Zone Zambales, for they treated me with the utmost care that I have never imagined someone would do to me in a million years… It all started when my friend/supporter Aprilyn Esposo who is a staff photographer there invited me to go back to Zoobic Safari for they have launched their latest unique offering found only in their Zoo all over the Philippines and that is NIGHT SAFARI held only during Saturdays from 5 PM to 10 PM… So I decided to give a visit to Zoobic Safari and to her as well. When I arrived at Subic Bay Freeport Zone, I went straight to ... read more

Subic Zambales is a former military naval base of the Americans during World War II but as time ensues, it has been slowly converted into shipping ports, resorts and various tourist attractions. My Wildlife Encounter started when I stayed at Camayan Beach Resort which is inside Subic and owned by the same company who owns Ocean Adventure Park. It is a Beachfront resort where you can do kayak. And it’s just a 3 minute walk to Ocean Adventure Park where you can witness performing Dolphins, Sea Lions, and False Killer whales. I also visited ZOOBIC SAFARI, which is a mini-zoo and their main attraction here are Tiger encounters, Yes! You’ve read it right! They will place you inside a secure transportation and you will enter into their natural habitat. It’s a different approach and it is ... read more

This is Lesley posting our next update. Honestly, I don't know where to start; there's so much to share in the few days we've been here. Pastor Ely keeps us busy which we like. Thursday, we visited a VBS at one of the satellite churches Brother Richard pastors. Lots of kids from the area attended. One of my favorite parts was listening to their songs. The song I can't wait to teach my kids is "Do you know about Jesus" and it's sung to the tune of "Take me out to the ballgame." I have a video of it that I will try to post, but it might be too large. I was asked to teach grades 4-6 which I thought meant helping one of the teachers. However, Brother Orlando took me up in front of ... read more

The trip was tough but from the moment we landed it has been incredible. We attended a funeral last night that Pastor Bishop was asked to preach. The father of Pastor Ely's wife's sister-in-law was killed in a motorcycle accident and we were all asked to attend. The tradition is quite different as the deceased is laid in a casket inside the home and friends and family spend days and nights around the bereaved. playing cards, eating, and having a generally good time. Ladies from Pastor Ely's church sang a Tagalog song which was incredibly beautiful even though we did not understand a word. Pastor Ely asked Pastor Jerald to present the Gospel to about 50 people who had never heard the Gospel presented. I watched as he explained how the body may be laying dead, ... read more

Olongapo: Bits and pieces Olongapo is derived from "Ulo ng Apo", which means head of the chieftain. You will be overwhelmed by the slogan welcoming you in bold letters written on the wall or along the highway, which says " Fighting for Excellence" and "Bawal ang tamad sa Olongapo." You will be fascinated by the active night life of the people, where the nights are like days and the days are like night. You will be enliven by the colorful jeepneys and tricycle which represent the transportation system of Olongapo City. You will know that people just call Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority as the gate, "loob", Subic which later on confuse you with Subic town. You will be annoyed with those taxi barkers, who follows and offer you to ride their taxi. Plus the taxi, they're ... read more

Perhaps life is like a journey where everyone moves on forward and not backward. Perhaps life is like a story where every pages is filled with various experiences which begins, continues and comes to an end. Perhaps life is like a song where every melody speaks of the rythm of the universe. I have asked my self over and over again, Where am I now? For 25 years of my stay here on earth, I wonder what things I made which have helped other people or not. I couldn't name them actually but I think I have made some things which made me close to my best version and some which made me to be at my worst sometimes. Of course, these involves major decision like schooling, family matters, love life, health, relationship, self-esteem, learning, etc. ... read more