Overnight in Subic ~ Day 1 ~ Sibit Sibit

Continued from:

• Overnight in Subic ~ Intro

Saturday, 23 May 2009

Because the Sibit Sibit boat races were scheduled to start by 9am, we decided to take off from our home in Mandaluyong shortly before 7am.

The drive took just a little over an hour and forty-five minutes, via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) then on to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). This route goes all the way to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ), but in our case, we went a little farther out northwest via the scenic hilly road leading to Barrio Barreto in Olongapo, where the races are going to be held.

Barrio Barreto is one cool seaside village surrounded by gently rolling hills, just about a ten-minute drive from the SBFZ’s Kalaklan gate.


Subic Bay, as seen from atop a hill in Barrio Barreto, looking northward

Subic Bay, as seen from atop a hill in Barrio Barreto, looking westward

another view of Subic Bay from atop a hill in Barrio Barreto, looking northward
A favorite hang-out of locals and visitors just off the freeport area, Barreto’s extensive shoreline faces Subic Bay, a vast haven for beach buffs and aqua sports enthusiasts. Along its coast particularly at Baloy Beach lie several resorts that offer alternative accommodation for those who prefer to stay by the sea, yet still be near the freeport.


the row of beach houses and resorts lining up the Baloy waterfront in Barrio Barreto
We arrived just in time at Driftwood Resort, a nice public beach facility where the bancas were all getting geared up for the event.


bancas queue along the shores at Driftwood Resort to compete in Sibit Sibit
During olden days, fishermen held banca races using traditional sibit sibit driven by paddles. Today though the races are done using motorized bancas. In a little while, the action ensued, amidst the awesome backdrop of the mountains of Zambales.





The competitions lasted for about an hour or so, after which we decided to get back to the freeport as we had a lot more things on our ‘to do’ list that day.

So off we headed to Herbie’s Mansion by the waterfront at SBFZ to check in and freshen up a bit as we still had a long day ahead.

Several times along the way, I stopped by the hillsides to at least catch a glimpse of the amazing views below. The photos of Subic Bay as seen from atop the hills were actually taken on our way back.

Continue to:

• Overnight in Subic ~ Day 1 ~ Herbie’s Mansion