Why is it More Fun to Live in Zambales?
For savvy home investors, location is the crown jewel of every property. It defines the rhythm of your life, the pulse of your community, and ultimately, the decision to “buy” or say “goodbye.” In the Philippines, the urban roar of the metro can be both enticing and exhausting, while the provincial whisper of peace beckons weary souls.
But what if you could have both tranquility and thriving potential? What if your ideal haven exists, brimming with natural beauty and opportunity? Enter Zambales, a rising star in Luzon’s provinces.
Why Live in Zambales?
Zambales is a province located in the Philippines’ Central Luzon region. The vast China Sea embraces the province’s entire stretch of western coast, its waters lapping against shores edged by a patchwork of coastal plains, many beaches, and valleys. As the second-largest in Central Luzon, it covers an area of 361,103 hectares. The province comprises 13 municipalities and one highly urbanized city—Olongapo City.
Brief History
Sambali
In 1572, Don Juan de Salcedo formally organized the Zambales Province during his exploration, including the towns of Agno, Alaminos, Anda, Bani, Bolinao, Infanta, and San Isidro. Long before his arrival, the land teemed with the vibrant cultures of its earliest inhabitants (Malay, Negrito, and Aeta communities), whose descendants proudly uphold their traditions to this day. Their reverence for ancestral spirits, known as anitos, earned them the name “Sambali,” derived from the Malay word “samba,” meaning “to worship.” Over time, this evolved into the Spanish “Zambal,” ultimately giving rise to the province’s enduring name – Zambales.
The Province of Zambales
The province of Zambales is located in Central Luzon with Iba as its capital. It borders Pangasinan to the north and northeast, Tarlac to its east, Pampanga to the southeast, Bataan to its south, and to its west, the South China Sea. Zambales is the second largest province in Central Luzon, with Nueva Ecija occupying the first spot. In terms of accessibility, the Clark International Airport in nearby Pampanga is the closest airport in operation; NLEX, SCTEX, and TPLEX.
The close by Bataan Freeport Zone is haven to a host of tourist attractions including hotels and resorts with casinos, wildlife parks, malls and outlet stores, beaches with cottages and water activities, as well as historical sites.
Discover Zambales
Beyond its stunning coastlines and exciting adventures, Zambales beckons travelers and investors with its unique local culture and arts, as well as a bevy of recreational activities. Here, delicious flavors explode in your mouth with every bite of homegrown delicacies. Explore traditional dance steps tell stories of the past, while colorful festivals infuse every corner with the vibrant spirit of the community. From weaving intricate crafts to celebrating ancient rituals, Zambales invites you to delve into the heart and soul of the region, creating memories that linger long after your return.
Delicacies
Like the rest of the Philippines, your trip to Zambales thrives on food. Here are some Zambales delicacies that go beyond just “delicious” and you shouldn’t miss trying.
Zambales Mangoes
Mangoes are perhaps the most famous delicacy of Zambales. You can delight yourself with the fruit’s incomparable sweetness. It is one of the many reasons people keep coming back and visiting the province. As you see the province, you are not just bringing home a bagful of mangoes because Zambales mangoes are also preserved into delicious desserts and refreshing drinks.
The most popular variety among other Zambales mango varieties is the Dinamulag variety. This is why Zambales named a provincial feast called Dinamulag Festival and celebrates it annually.
Bagnet
Little did you know, Zambales also has a version of the famous Ilocos Pork Chicharon, commonly called bagnet. This version of chicharon is meticulously prepared by the locals of San Felipe, Zambales. As they say, this is so crispy and too delicious to describe. If you ever find yourself in Zambales, this is a must-try.
Ginipang
Ginipang is considered to be a native delicacy of Sta. Cruz, Zambales. It is a kind of cake that is made of dried rice grains flavored with a uniquely sweet concoction. It is indeed one of the most favorite snacks of Zambaleños and pasalubong treats of visiting tourists.
Town Fiesta and Festivals
Zambales pulsates with life not just for its many stunning landscapes but also for its vibrant festivities. Each celebration unveils a unique facet of the province’s soul, inviting you to witness, participate, and be swept away by the infectious energy.
Dinamulag Festival
Dinamulag Festival, or Dinamulag Mango Festival, is the biggest festival in the province of Zambales. The “Dinamulag” is a symbol of Zambales’ rich heritage. Its name whispers of the Sambali language, where “dinamulag” translates to “carabao.” Witness farmers’ pride as they showcase their golden bounty of mangoes. But the festival is more than just fruit madness. Immerse yourself in cultural presentations, witness traditional games like “paluan,” and be captivated by the vibrant street parades showcasing the diverse ethnicities of Zambales.
Domorokdok Festival
Celebrated every May 3rd and May 4th, the Domorokdok Festival is a two-day spectacle that paints the streets of Botolan, Zambales, in vibrant movement, music, and traditional hues. This rising star amongst Zambales festivals invites you to witness a cultural exploration from age-old dance, contemporary energy, and the crowning moment of Botolan beauty.
Singkamas Festival
Dubbed the Singkamas Producing Capital of Zambales, San Marcelino celebrates their annual Singkamas Festival. Singkamas Festival is a week-long extravaganza transforming San Marcelino, Zambales, into a paradise for all things “singkamas” every last week of February.
Binabayani Festival
Prepare to be swept away by a tidal wave of rhythm, tradition, and vibrant storytelling. Binabayani Festival is a pulsating celebration that transforms Masinloc, Zambales, every November 30th into a stage for bravery, unity, and ancestral reverence. “Binabayani” translates to “bravery” in Sambal, the heart language of Zambales. The Binabayani is the Zambales version of the legendary Ati-Atihan festival. Witness the dynamic battle dance between the vibrant costumes of the “Kristiyano” and the soot-covered bodies of the “Aeta.” Their movements tell the story of a historical encounter, their drums echoing the rhythm of ancient warriors.
Olongapo City Grand Mardi Gras
Unleash your inner party spirit with Olongapo Grand Mardi Gras, where German-inspired revelry meets Pinoy passion in a three-day feast. Olongapo’s Mardi Gras is a vibrant twist on Germany’s iconic “Oktoberfest.” Set against the backdrop of Magsaysay Avenue, this three-day extravaganza showcases the best in music, dance, and comedy.
Tourist Destinations
Zambales has been gifted a perfect combination of tourist destinations everyone will love on their first visit. From wildlife farms and historical places to pristine beaches and magnificent coves, Zambales surely will not disappoint you. Here are some of the must-visit sites in Zambales that you wouldn’t want to miss if you chose to visit or live in Zambales:
Inflatable Island
Photo source: metrodeal.com
This is considered a top tourist and summer attraction in Zambales. The Inflatable Island in Subic claims to be the biggest floating water park in the Philippines and Asia.
Kids and adults will surely enjoy the waterpark because it’s also loaded with fun challenges and obstacles, given its playground-like features.
Also, bloggers and Instagrammers will enjoy capturing IG-worthy scenes and photos. When you live in Subic, Zambales, you will surely enjoy 365 days of summer staycation.
Capones Island
Located off the coast of San Antonio, Zambales, Capones Island is a favorite travel destination in the Philippines.
Going to the island, you shouldn’t miss seeing the famous century-old Capones Lighthouse and a breathtaking view of Zambales.
Capones Island is also just near the other beautiful coves in the province.
Potipot Island
Potipot Island is one of the Philippines’ most astounding islands, found in Uacon, Candelaria, and Zambales. It is a secluded islet that has become one of the most popular beach destinations in the country over the years because of its creamy white sand and crystal clear waters.
You’ll surely choose to have a quick and frequent getaway to this island to experience tranquility and the ambiance of therapeutic nature.
Anawangin Cove
If you are a nature lover, Anawangin Cove is your right destination. It is genuinely a paradise in the country found in San Antonio, Zambales.
Its laid-back and beautiful surroundings draw many travelers here all year round. This is perfect for those who love camping, trekking, and surfing.
Ocean Adventure
Ocean Adventure is one of the premier attractions in Subic Bay. It is considered the first open water marine theme park in Southeast Asia.
Kids and even adults will enjoy it because of its various activities and sites, like animal shows, swimming with dolphins, dining, and an aquarium.
Ocean Adventure gives tourists a perfect combination of environmental awareness lessons and wholesome entertainment.
Subic And Its Beaches
Subic is a first-class municipality in Zambales. It is considered an absolute investment destination not just in the Zambales province but also in North Luzon.
The Subic Bay Freeport is considered to be an ideal destination for business or pleasure or both, and that is because of its unique combination of business and tourism infrastructure, facilities, and amenities.
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway
Subic is made very accessible for every traveler because of the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), which is the country’s longest expressway. SCTEx provides a more efficient transport corridor between Subic Bay Freeport, the Clark Freeport Zone, and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac.
Another thing that will surely give everyone travel convenience is that Subic is made accessible via land, air, and sea. It has 24-hour public transport services, a booming cruise ship destination, and the Subic Bay International Airport, which has opened an Overseas Filipino Workers landing port.
Subic is most commonly known as a tourism hub in North Luzon. As the many faces of Subic greet you with a warm, welcoming smile, it is also filled with a magnificent masterpiece of nature and a unique mix of attractions and activities. You will surely enjoy its pristine beaches, first-rate beach amenities, and safe water.
Dream Home Destination
Another reason that makes Zambales a province to live in is the communities that have been developed. Zambales is one of the country’s provinces with a township community. Camella, the country’s top house and lot developer, has a project in Zambales located in Subic.
Camella Subic
Camella Subic is a 17-hectare Mediterranean-themed township community situated along the National Highway Brgy. Aninagway-Sacatihan, Subic, Zambales. It is one of the first township communities established in Zambales, and it continues to attract families with its promise of a fulfilling lifestyle.
As Camella promises, it creates a community that every Filipino dreams of – safe and secure, peaceful, with complete amenities, and a community that is beset with tranquil scenery.
You may visit Camella Subic or Camella Subic’s Marketing Page for your house and lot for sale in Subic.
With close to fifty years of excellence in the industry, Camella has become a household name in the Philippines. From a single community, it has grown into a township developer with projects spread across 47 provinces and 149 cities and municipalities, catering to around half a million families. Camella has always been committed to creating communities that are not just beautiful but also safe and secure for its residents.
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