Get dressed. Pack up your things. Bring a map because we will go to Olongapo City. Fasten your seat belts. Start your engine. Are you ready? Go.
There are three ways to get to Olongapo: by air, water and/or land. Olongapo has a modern international airport--Subic Bay International Airport. There are several budget airlines that operate flights to Olongapo City. If you choose to travel by sea; you make take a ferry boat, ship ride or RORO boats that will lead you to the Subic Freeport. If you are not apprehensive by long land journey you may take domestic buses or taxis that are bound to Olongapo City via Subic-Clark-Tarlec Expressway SCTEX or passing through the Layac intersection. Either ways, you'll reach the city.
As you pause for a while, sitting back in your car or just stepped down from a bus, standing, you will feel the ambience that only Olongapo can bring to you. Smell the breeze. You will see what history brought to the city; the phenomenon, places, and people.
Myths says Olongapo before was just a fishing village. It's Leader was known as Apo, well-dedicated in loving his place and a model for citizenry. The name of the city originated from him, Ulo ng Apo!
Changes happened when Americans started to depart. They built bases, they mingled with Olongapenos, and some even stayed for living. Situated in the heart of World War II.
An innocent village became urbanized. Modernization took place but it took sins with it. Romantic places such as restaurants, hotels, motels, beach resorts emerged but along with this was a high rate of prostitution. Casinos rampaged, gambling became a habit. Crimes including rape, drug addiction, and murder were king, lurking the place into the darkness.
This was the time "Sin City of the Philippines" nicknamed Olongapo. This was history, marked in city, and remembered by the whole citezens of Olongapo. An issue of the past but left hanging questions to some Olongapenos.
It didn't end up here. Olongapenos knew it was wrong so they made a move, and traveled to the right path. They initiated theirselves and created an atmosphere of volunteerism in the city. The place underwent alterations. Though history remains, the people have changed.
Second asset of the city are the people. Olongapo is being inhabited by hundred thousands of people of different ethnicities and races, different levels of urbanization, and statuses in life. Whether born or not in the city, they consider them selves as Olongapenos.
Whenever youn walk the streets, even if they don't know you, Olongapenos will smile. Saying that you're very much welcome here. Please enjoy your stay. If there's one product of Olongapenos to promote, it's their smile. Amidst everything that happened or still happening, they still manage to smile. In fact, it is more natural than anything else.
Feel them as you get to know Olongapo better. Try to ask them if where you could go. They will say, anywhere the wind blows. LOL. Every corner of the city has attractions to see. With or without money, you could go on, up to the four directions and the nearby Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority(SBMA).
Off to your car. Try riding the color coated jeepnies and tricycle and experience the Manila-like pavements without traffic. Every color corresponds to the place where it will go. Like the blue jeepney, its destination is a place near the blue waters like Barrio Barretto wherein beach resorts are commonly found.
If you want to eat and really in a hurry, there are fast food chains like Jollibee, Mc Donalds, Mang Inasal. Fine Dining? Try Kong's Restaurant, Max's, and a lot more located along Magsaysay and Rizal Drive, the business center of the city.. Or if you want to buy ingredients? Go to wet and dry markets in Pag-asa, Bajac-Bajac, and the Lumang Palengke.
Olongapo will also serve you the finest and latest clothes in shopping malls, divisoria type stores, and the night market open all year long. Night market serves as a theme park for it provides enjoyment through rides, bingo sessions. For physical activities, the city has Track field, bowling center, and gyms. For relaxations? Go to spas, salons, and parks like Marikit. There is also a grotto of Our Lady of Pardon located near the side of Kalaklan Bridge in Barangay Mabayuan, Catholic devoteed, pray and pay homage to the Lord of Pardon at this Sacred Place. See? you have a lot of things to do.
Got bored? Tired? And hurt by hurt by the sun? Wait till night falls. Olongapo is awake at night! This is what everyone says. When night begins, party music starts to rock the streets, spotlights are seen in the sky, party lights light the night. Party goes on and on everyone night speacially when its Friday and Saturday. Music Lounge, bars, and disco are available. C'mon! Dance the night out.
Myths says Olongapo before was just a fishing village. It's Leader was known as Apo, well-dedicated in loving his place and a model for citizenry. The name of the city originated from him, Ulo ng Apo!
Changes happened when Americans started to depart. They built bases, they mingled with Olongapenos, and some even stayed for living. Situated in the heart of World War II.
An innocent village became urbanized. Modernization took place but it took sins with it. Romantic places such as restaurants, hotels, motels, beach resorts emerged but along with this was a high rate of prostitution. Casinos rampaged, gambling became a habit. Crimes including rape, drug addiction, and murder were king, lurking the place into the darkness.
This was the time "Sin City of the Philippines" nicknamed Olongapo. This was history, marked in city, and remembered by the whole citezens of Olongapo. An issue of the past but left hanging questions to some Olongapenos.
It didn't end up here. Olongapenos knew it was wrong so they made a move, and traveled to the right path. They initiated theirselves and created an atmosphere of volunteerism in the city. The place underwent alterations. Though history remains, the people have changed.
Second asset of the city are the people. Olongapo is being inhabited by hundred thousands of people of different ethnicities and races, different levels of urbanization, and statuses in life. Whether born or not in the city, they consider them selves as Olongapenos.
Whenever youn walk the streets, even if they don't know you, Olongapenos will smile. Saying that you're very much welcome here. Please enjoy your stay. If there's one product of Olongapenos to promote, it's their smile. Amidst everything that happened or still happening, they still manage to smile. In fact, it is more natural than anything else.
Feel them as you get to know Olongapo better. Try to ask them if where you could go. They will say, anywhere the wind blows. LOL. Every corner of the city has attractions to see. With or without money, you could go on, up to the four directions and the nearby Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority(SBMA).
Off to your car. Try riding the color coated jeepnies and tricycle and experience the Manila-like pavements without traffic. Every color corresponds to the place where it will go. Like the blue jeepney, its destination is a place near the blue waters like Barrio Barretto wherein beach resorts are commonly found.
Olongapo will also serve you the finest and latest clothes in shopping malls, divisoria type stores, and the night market open all year long. Night market serves as a theme park for it provides enjoyment through rides, bingo sessions. For physical activities, the city has Track field, bowling center, and gyms. For relaxations? Go to spas, salons, and parks like Marikit. There is also a grotto of Our Lady of Pardon located near the side of Kalaklan Bridge in Barangay Mabayuan, Catholic devoteed, pray and pay homage to the Lord of Pardon at this Sacred Place. See? you have a lot of things to do.
Got bored? Tired? And hurt by hurt by the sun? Wait till night falls. Olongapo is awake at night! This is what everyone says. When night begins, party music starts to rock the streets, spotlights are seen in the sky, party lights light the night. Party goes on and on everyone night speacially when its Friday and Saturday. Music Lounge, bars, and disco are available. C'mon! Dance the night out.
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