Reasons Why You Should Live in Subic Zambales

What comes first to mind when you hear the word Subic? It depends on the person, to be honest. For the young ones, they may easily recall the Zoobic Safari, one of the popular tourist spots in the area. For more mature audiences, it used to be an area where the Americans built a naval base which in turn became a special economic zone. However, did you know that there is more to Subic than just these preconceived ideas? Discover why you should choose living in Subic Zambales and the factors why it has always been an attractive destination to own investment properties such as an affordable house and lot in the Philippines.

What's in a name? The Origin of Subic Zambales

In the old days, the natives call the area Hubek, meaning head of the plough. When Spanish missionary priests and colonizers came to them, they mispronounced Hubek as Subiq, and were even contorted to Subig, by the time the American occupation happened. In time, the people began to revert to "Subiq", but instead of using the letter 'q', it was replaced with 'c'. Hence, its name today-Subic, Zambales.

What Region Belongs

Subic is located in Zambales, a province in Central Luzon. With a land area of 287.16 square kilometers or 110.87 square miles, Subic, Zambales constitutes 7.91% of Zambales's total area. According to the 2020 Census, the total population of Subic dwellers was 111,912. It constitutes 17.23% of the total population of the province of Zambales or 0.90% or just a bit less of a percent of the overall population of the Central Luzon region.

It is said that in every square kilometer, there are 390 inhabitants living in said area, or 1,009 inhabitants per square mile. Its elevation is estimated at 8.0 meters or 26.2 feet above mean sea level in deep waters.

Advantages of Living in Subic, Zambales

1. Subic is part of a special economic zone.

If you're looking for economic stability in a place where you want to own a property, then Subic, Zambales has its own secret weapon in its arsenal. Because part of the town is within the jurisdiction of the Subic Freeport Zone and is managed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. As a result, the special economic zone's revenue goes to the seven municipalities that include Subic town, and the city of Olongapo.

2. Subic Zambales is one of the famous and established tourist spots in the North.

Even before Siargao and La Union became popular beach spots, the Subic Bay area in Zambales has always been one of the popular tourist spots for city-based residents who want a quick getaway from the busy streets of the urban area. In just two to three hours, you can already escape from Manila, ensuring you have a year-round amazing vacation.

3. Traveling to Zambales is now more convenient, thanks to ongoing construction projects.

With various road-building projects from the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH), traveling to Zambales is now more convenient. And even though Subic is a coastal municipality, major roads abound in the area where people can easily travel within and outside the Zambales region. Among them are the National Highway and Govic Highway.

4. There are lots of leisure and recreational activities to do in Subic, Zambales.

Subic Zambales promotes ecotourism. You can choose to get guided treks and jungle survival tours. If you're into extreme sports, you can try its theme parks, diving spots (wreck diving), sailing, extreme water sports, and adventure parks. If you're more of the indoor type, you can try various outlet shops and duty-free shopping centers and enjoy great deals.

Arts and Culture

Because Subic Zambales used to be a US Naval Base for almost a century, they have developed a different kind of cultures such as establishing different kinds of businesses, such as logistics and shipping. In recent days, there is an influx of Koreans due to the shipbuilding industry flourishing in the area. As a result, they have restaurants, hotels, and entertainment centers that cater to foreign members of the community.

Fun Activities and Tourist Spots

Leisure areas and tourist spots in Subic, Zambales also reflect these influences. Some of the most popular tourist spots are listed below.

1. Boardwalk Park and Waterfront Road, Subic, Zambales

Resembling Miami, Florida, or Sta. Monica beach in Los Angeles, this park and road will give you a majestic view of the clear blue ocean paired with fine powdery sand. The view itself along with the peaceful walk as you look on Subic Bay. Best of all, you can enjoy for free.

 2. Zoobic Safari

A day in the zoo is always a treat for your kids. You can choose to walk and appreciate the animals at your own pace, or you can ride a tram and join a lion and tiger safari encounter.

3. Ocean Adventure, Subic, Zambales

If you've had enough of zoo animals, learn about animals from the water, instead! Increase your know-how when you visit Ocean Adventure. Catch a glimpse of the adorable marine animals, join scheduled shows and presentations, and see marine creatures live.

4. Inflatable Island

If not land animals, or from the sea, why don't you try enjoying an imaginary animal, instead? Try out this Inflatable Island, instead! A unicorn theme beach resort, you can also enjoy a massive floating unicorn-themed island found in the middle. As a result, on this inflatable island, the sky is the limit to the fun that you could have.

5. Spanish Gate, Subic Zambales

If you want a taste of history, then here's a must for you. This place served as the entrance of the naval station. Made up of stones, this iconic landmark is said to be a part of the rich history of the country. You can make this educational tour along with your friends or family.

6. Royal Duty-Free, Subic, Zambales

A trip would not be complete without shopping for pasalubong. That's why a trip to Royal Duty-Free for goods and branded items is a must. Hence, you can shop 'til you drop.

Food/Delicacies to Try in Subic, Zambales

Staying true to foreign influences, restaurants intended to cater to these tastes. Check out the following food shops and restaurants.

Meat Plus Café specializes in affordable steaks and other kinds of meat to satisfy your palate. Founded in 1993, this food spot is already an institution in Subic.

Said to be the original real American smokehouse in the Philippines, Texas Joe’s claim that their meats are smoked in real hickory wood, never boiled or dipped in hickory smoke.

Seoul Korean Restaurant is an excellent place to satisfy your craving for Korean food. Granted, it’s not unlimited Korean barbecue, but they can provide you with the best K food on sale.

Named after a character in Popeye the Sailorman, Wimpy's for Burgers is a well-loved and well-known burger joint in Subic Zambales, and its neighboring town, Olongapo City. Instead of the premium burgers, burgers here are of the Filipino homemade type—a burger with cucumber and tomato slices, mayonnaise, and processed cheese all sandwiched between 2 soft buns.

Infrastructure Projects in Subic, Zambales

Aside from the numerous roads and highways that abound in Subic, Zambales, such as North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac (SCTEX) Expressway, you can also check out other infrastructure projects in the area. Very soon, several malls under construction such as Vista Mall Subic and Robinsons Place Subic will open, giving you more options to shop, dine, and even get your essentials.

You can get around Subic Zambales via various public utility vehicles, such as jeepneys, mini-bus and coasters, taxis, and even tricycles. The travel time is two to four hours, depending on the traffic condition. Just bear in mind that there are color-coded routes for jeepneys and not every road is passable for every vehicle.

Housing Market Trends in Subic, Zambales

With an influx of foreigners, houses are either on a long-term lease or for rent as Airbnb for short-stay tourists. However, you don't have to be intimidated. You can have an affordable house and lot of your own in the Philippines with Lumina Homes. For starters, check out these aspects you need to know about choosing to start your life in Subic, Zambales.

• Language: Zambales has three main languages — Tagalog, Ilocano, and Sambal.

• Modes of payment: Credit card payments are widely accepted, especially in business districts. But if you will be outside urban zones, cash is your friend.

• Connectivity: Plenty of strong data signals for both Smart and Globe, especially in urban areas.

• Electricity Info: 220V, 60Hz. Mostly, Socket Type A.

Your Gateway to Affordable House and Lot in the Philippines

You don't need to be a foreigner just to get your own house and lot in the Philippines. You can enjoy its sunset, its tourist spots, its food, and the place in general when you have your own forever home. In Lumina Homes, you have ample space in bedrooms, living room, and around the property, but you also have leisure areas such as a multi-purpose hall, and playgrounds, within the gated community. If you need information and are interested to find affordable house and lot for sale for you and your family, speak to an accredited Lumina seller today!