Zambales

Zambales comes from Zambal which comes from the Malay word Samba, meaning worshipping spirits. When the Spanish arrived in 1572, they discovered the highly superstitious natives worshipping spirits called Anitos which eventually led to the present name of Zambales. The Spanish drove away a group of Chinese pirates from the coast of Bolinao, earning the good will of the natives. A Zambal army was raised in 1660 in support of the revolt of Andres Malong of Pangasinan. The Zambal army crushed the opposition initially but the revolt was finally put down by the Spanish. In 1895, the Spanish began construction of a new naval base at Subic Bay. This was eventually taken over by the Americans in 1898. Although Zambales was not one of the eight provinces placed under martial law with the outbreak of the revolution, it did revolt against Spanish rule at the same time. Because of this, Zambales has unsuccessfully argued the case that it should be included and therefore, the sun on the national flag should have nine rays instead of eight.

Botolan

Botolan was established in 1819. The name comes from botal meaning seed, and an meaning with. This is from the name of a kind of banana plant with sweet seedy fruit called Boto-an, which the town was named after. Because of activity from Mount Pinatubo, on June 9, 1991, some residents were forced to evacuate to lowland area. Mount Pinatubo erupted on June 15, 1991, burying parts of the town under ashes and lahar.

Mount Pinatubo

The 4x4 stops at Sitio Dapili as vehicles are not allowed to go beyond this point. (June 2003)

Walking along Crow Valley - a barren wasteland created by the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption. (June 2003)

The O'Donnell River runs through Crow Valley from the Mount Pinatubo crater. (June 2003)

While walking up Mount Pinatubo, peaks loom in the background. (June 2003)

Subic Bay Freeport Zone

During the Spanish regime, Subic Bay was declared a naval base in 1884 and construction of facilities commenced in 1885. The Americans also established a naval base in Subic Bay. The area was bombed by the Japanese in 1941 and the facilities were seized by the Japanese in 1942. After the war, the RP-US Military Bases Agreement was signed on March 14, 1947, for a 99-year period although the period was reduced on September 16, 1966, to expire in 1991. The base was under US sovereignty until 1979 when the Philippines claimed sovereignty over the area and reduced the area of US administration to about a quarter of the original size. The base was devastated by Mount Pinatubo's eruption in 1991. In the same year, the Senate of the Philippines rejected proposals to renew the Military Bases Agreement. The US withdrew from the Philippines in 1992. Under Republic Act No. 7227, The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was established to administer the former US naval base which has since become the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Spanish Gate

West Gate or Spanish Gate as it is most commonly known as was the main entrance to the US navy yard. (April 2006)

Ocean Adventure

At Ocean Adventure, there a number of events involving marine life. In this event, it is the Killer Whales. (April 2006)

There is an opportunity for photos with the Dolphins and swimming with the Dolphins (children) or Killer Whales (adults) but at extra cost. (April 2006)

The third and final event is the Sea Lions, including a message about the environment and protecting endangered species. There is also an aquarium onsite. (April 2006)

Zoobic Safari

The first part of Zoobic Safari involves walking around an area where a variety of animals are confined. (April 2006)

This type of tree is specifically used for the production of paper. (April 2006)

This old bunker now houses the snakes and some other reptiles. (April 2006)

Being inside a caged jeepney passing through the tigers area is the second part of the tour. For the purchase of a live chicken, you can see the tigers being fed. (April 2006)

The final part of the tour is driving through the ostriches area. (April 2006)