City of non stop action and fun…

As we wrap up the month of July 2008, we have decided to build Paraiso Philippines into more of a resource center to a much broader reference by the inclusion of city articles all over the country. Thanks to the contribution of this article from the owner of When Silence Speaks, website owner Mitch Carvalho, a native and resident of Olongapo City. The City of Olongapo has been a landmark for decades since it was made into a city in 1966. But prior to that it was a part of the United States Naval Reservation and was owned by the US until they handed it over to the Philippine Government in 1949 and made as a municipality. The now closed Subic Base and know as Subic Freeport Zone, located in Olongapo City is home to the US Fleet that guarded Asia even in the Korean and Vietnam War. I remembered how the perimeters inside and out of Subic looked like those times and much like the Mabini area. Bars and Clubs lined the streets with live bands playing nightly. That also paved the way for most of our musical talents in rock n roll such as Joey “Pepe” Smith of the Juan De La Cruz Band, Mike Hanopol, Freddie Aguilar, Sampaguita and other musical talents that performed there and made their way to different parts of the world. It all started in Gapo.

Olongapo City a part of Zambales that became famous and known through the years with the motto that reads “Bawal Ang Tamad sa Olongapo” and later on people came up to another one that says “Fighting For Excellence” or “Aim High”. This was due to the time when Mt. Pinatubo erupted and at the same time when Americans bid goodbye to the Subic Naval Base. At first it was a horrifying experience for all the residents. They never thought the place would be saved from the killer volcano. Plus the fact that Americans vacating the Base has affected a lot of people whom have lost their jobs. But as what the sayings go “Bawal Ang Tamad Sa Olongapo” and “Fighting For Excellence” led the people to strive more and get up from where we have left off. That was the time when the Subic Freeport Zone was made.

Thanks to the people of Olongapo who have dedicated their time and effort saving the place. There were hundreds of people who have worked as “Volunteers” all throughout the maintenance of the whole zone. And guess what the best part was, Olongapo City boomed more than expected. Colored coded jeepneys were maintained. Sidewalk Vendors, Drivers and Public Utilities willingly complied to wear the uniforms given in every designated area. Jeepneys Drivers wear blue shirt with their names printed at the back. Flower or Sampaguita Vendors wear pink vests and pants. Sidewalk Vendors show off their goods in a uniformed blue painted stall. These things have always made the place well. It does not only project a “beautified or maintained town” but because of the “unity” and “concern” that the people of Olongapo City has always shown and extended to their beloved hometown.

After so many years, now it could be claimed that the people of Olongapo City have recovered all the losses after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption and proved that they could survived. Olongapo has now become one of the famous and often visited places in the country. One of the spots that attract tourists and other country’s residents is the newly developed “Zoobic Safari” the only tiger safari in the Philippines. For just P395 entrance fee you’ll get to see different animals and the whole place for at least 3 hours. Fair enough eh? One of the main attractions is the “Tiger Encounter” where you have the chance to see and feed the tigers safely (P200 for a whole of chicken), of course with the help of the professional trainers. Not only that, there’s another one called Crocoloco where crocodiles are kept. Just like the tigers you are allowed to feed them in the feeding area (a piece of chicken for just P50). Believe me you will enjoy the experience. Resorts, accommodations, restaurants, malls, airport and even theme parks are now the most visited that changed the ways of life of every residents in Olongapo City.

Tags: Gapo, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zoobic Safari