Last updated on February 28, 2003
Q: Can you tell me how long it takes to ride the bus from Olongapo to Angeles City? Can you get on the bus in Barrio Baretto? What's the fastest way to go there?
A: Two ways to go. One is the van that departs Barrio Barretto from several points daily. From Bart's it leaves at 10 AM and takes about an hour and a half to 2 hours depending on weather, and delivers you to your destination. Cost is currently 300 pesos. It returns AC to Subic about 12:30 in the afternoon from several locations. Swagman Travel has this same service but just 3 times weekly. Victory Liner from Olongapo leaves hourly and is probably around 80 pesos. But they drop off in San Fernando and a jeep is then taken to Angeles City for 5 pesos. The best and least expensive by Victory Liner is to catch the 9 AM bus to Baguio from the circle in Olongapo. This stops in AC so it is a one shot deal. Cost is probably around 100 pesos.
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Q: My wife is from Barretto and currently here with me in UK/Paris. But next month she will return to Barretto. She will look for a house in the Subic/Barretto Area to buy and if you know of anyone who has a place for sale?
A: When you arrive stop by and we may be able to point you in the right direction. Real estate companies as we know them in the west are not plentiful but some private people carry some listings. Finding houses is mostly legwork, word of mouth and checking out the area bulletin boards at places like the VFW and Retired Affairs Office.
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Q: I was stationed at Cubi Point for 18 months. Great site you have here. I was looking thru it and happened to see a patch for 100 missions over shit river. Could you tell me where it came from and is there a chance of purchasing a few, or one?
A: In searching the downtown area I could not find many. The best was at Rhudy's Woodcraft in Gordon Avenue Market. He still makes wooden plaques for sailors who happen into the area. He has some very generic patches like US Navy, US Air Force, etc. He says he can make patches if he has all the information, colors etc. You can contact him at rpalo72055@yahoo.com. You could point him to the URL where you found the patch and that would give him a design to work from.
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Q: I have a house up North in Ilocos Norte and want to retire in the PI. My wife is afraid to go back there because of a slight increase of terrorist activity. How are all you guys coping where you are? Has there been any additional danger to your lives? Now days it probably doesn't matter where we live, as long as we pretty much behave ourselves and don't try to cause anyone problems. Would appreciate any information you could give.
A: Nothing has really changed here in Barrio Barretto. There is an increased police presence on and off the old naval base. There are better checks going through the SBMA gates. Provincial living should not be the least bit dangerous as long as it is not an NPA infested area and even then you can probably deal with it. The danger is in Manila, in malls and on public transportation. And even then the risk is minimal and you have to have really bad luck. As always, take our recommendations and include security analysis you may find on embassy web sites and make the best decision for your family.
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Q: When I was there last year a new hotel was under construction, where the gas stations was across from t-rose bar. Is it open? And if so what is the deal there? Name? Rates? Appreciate the help and thanks, Ron O. - Seattle, WA
A: Ron, the name of the hotel is Anbon. It is open. I stopped by and did the tour. It's not a short time hotel exactly but pretty sparse. The rates reflected this. They were the bottom end but can't remember exactly how cheap. Have not spoken to a soul who has stayed there. I think they are appealing to the local market.
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Q: Could you possibly offer any info regarding the current status of Pals Inn in olongapo. I am planning a trip there soon and would love to get in contact with the old Mamasan, Francisco Garcia.
A: The answer to this question is almost the same for any Olongapo bar from the 70's to early 90's era. They are all gone. I think the old Pal's Inn is now a furniture store. You'll have to ask around but don't get your hopes up on finding her. Chances are she is back in her province.
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Q: Hi, I heard that there is a new resort, (or re-named) down the highway towards Olongapo. Near the Police Station? Can you tell us anything?
A: You probably mean Arizona Hotel and restaurant located where Uncle Bob's once was. They went through extensive renovations and the result is real nice.
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Q: I retire in 18 months, I have a Filipina wife and 2 kids, 10 and 11 years old. I will retire on E-5 pay, about $1,100 before taxes. Is this enough to live comfortably enough in Subic, and afford education for my kids?
A: No. People do it, but not comfortably. $1800 a month is more realistic. While it's true some retirees can and do survive on $1000 (and less) consider you have 2 children to see through school. To amplify on our answer if you want to enjoy western style living and housing with at least partial western cuisine, drive an automobile or jeepney and have decent health and dental care and partake of some recreational activities other than drinking beer in front of the local sari-sari store then $1100 is not enough. These numbers reflect living in the areas of Angeles City and Subic Bay, both more prosperous and more expensive. Sorry to be blunt but am sure you would appreciate some truth in this important matter. Good luck with your decision and congratulations on your upcoming retirement.
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Q: I am going to be visiting the Philippines next month over the week of Thanksgiving. I have heard that there is a curfew being enforced there due to all the recent events. Any truth to that rumor? Thanks in advance for clearing this up.
A: There is no curfew. There have been meetings concerning security. There are more cops and soldiers on the streets. They do serious checks on vehicles entering SBMA which cause long lines. That's it so far. For additional information please see our November 2002 monthly newsletter located here.
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Q: Hey Mango's, you #$%&@ idiots emailed me the w32.klez.h@mm worm virus. What do I do now?
A: Several friends and acquaintances have indicated they got the virus from Mangos in Barrio (Tom), or our webmaster (Tim), in Austin. The truth is that the virus itself is using an address (in this case ours) from someone else's address book and making it appear that the virus came from us. Both Tom and Tim are running identical antivirus software (Norton 2002), with up to date virus definitions and the maximum incoming and outgoing protection selectable. Tim runs a virus check on his systems daily at 9:00 AM and has never detected a virus. Tom is just about as religious.
If you are using a current version of Norton Antivirus software and have the most recent virus definitions, and a full system scan with Norton Antivirus set to scan all files does not find anything, you can be confident that your computer is not infected with this worm. For your convenience we've cut and pasted some of the less technical jargon and a link to solutions on a temporary page located here. We've even copied a screen capture and activity log from Tim's PC as evidence the virus activity some of you may be experiencing is not coming from Mango's. With over 30,000 hits to the Mango's website this year alone, Tom and Tim's email addresses are very widely known. The last thing we would want is to be the cause of any virus activity to our site visitors. We're not exactly Tech Support type guys here but hopefully this info will help.
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Q: I will be spending some time in Barrio Barretto, are there any gyms available nearby? Brian
A: General's Gym run by retiree Don West is in the heart of Barrio Barretto and very reasonably priced. Slimmers World on the old base is more upscale and better equipped but more expensive.
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Q: I am trying to find the name, email address, web address or phone # of someone in the Subic Bay area that still makes "hand made" belt buckles. When I was over there, 5 yrs ago, I had bought one but I need a new one now and I wont be back over there for 2 years. Would you be able to point me in the correct direction?
A: Cavite Silver were moved off of Magsaysay Drive in Olongapo. They are presently in the back of a house near the Pagasa Market. They don't have a phone much less an e-mail address. You had best wait to get the buckel when you are back in-country.
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Q: I want to deposit some money in a bank there in PI. What is a safe bank to use? One that's not going to go bankrupt. Also are you aware of the interest rate on savings?
A: I assume you're talking about a foreign currency account. The minimum deposit and what you must maintain is US $500. If you deposit checks it takes about 30 days for them to clear. Interest rates suck. 1 to 2% are common. Philippine peso accounts are 1%. Any bank that is not a rural bank is reasonably safe. Metrobank for example is a subsidiary of Metropolitan Bank of New York. Other good banks are Cocobank, (PNB) Philippine National Bank, (BPI) Bank of the Philippine Islands.
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Q: Recently a road a trip report from an Angeles City local who visited the Olongapo/Barrio area. I got the impression from his report that you cannot drive around on the former Subic Bay Naval Base (The Current Subic Freeport) on a motorcycle or scooter. Can you tell me if this is correct? No personal motorcycles or scooters allowed on the base? Thanks - Brian
A: If the bike is 400 CC's or above there is no problem. Carry registration and appropriate paperwork but nothing else is necessary. If it is smaller than 400 CC's but can keep up with traffic on SBMA (former base) then you must stop at the entry, present paperwork and they give you a sticker. This is a one time stop. After that you can come and go as needed. As a guide to what can keep up with traffic the motorcycle law enforcement personnel on SBMA are riding 170's.
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Q: What is the speed on the base? 80kph, 100kph? Thanks - Brian
A: Top speed on the expressway is 60 KPH. Around the base it's 30 KPH. Everyone drives over those limits.
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Q: I'm coming to Barrio in October and bringing my Dad. I know all about Basa and San Miguel, but what's the latest on Golfing at Binictican? Not worried about price, just whether or not we can play there without being members.
A: Playing is not a problem without membership. Rarely is anyone on the course except weekends. Weekdays the cart, caddy (not optional) and green fees will probably run about P2400 or US $48. If you are going to be playing it a lot it might be worth your while to find a member to sponsor you. Stop by Mango's or see Shorty Philips at Little Wheel for help with this.
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Q: I am moving to Olongapo within the next 5 weeks and wondering if you could advise me on who are the main suppliers of internet connections there and if possible what are their approx charges a month for how many hours? Nick
A: The easiest is piol.net You buy their card and use time. No monthly charges. There are several other providers in the area and if you don't like the service at piol then you can try them. Find out more at www.piol.net
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Q: Can you recommend a good place to stay during our visit to Subic Bay this July?
A: I'm assuming you are asking about hotels off of SBMA (the old military base) Most people stay in an area called Barrio Barretto where Mango's is also located. There are many hotels and in July you shouldn't have any trouble finding accommodations at very good prices. You might try Bart's at www.bartssubic.com. Let us know if we can be any further help.
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Q: My family are planning a trip to Subic in July. We'd like to know if there is a parasailing during July, and if there is how much does it cost. - Regards, Ana
A: There is parasailing in July provided the weather is OK. July is the heart of our rainy season although it has nice days too. Parasailing is 1200 pesos a person which at P50 to the US dollar is $24, very reasonable. Their local phone number once you are here is 252-2206.
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Q: Can you help me find the phone number of Columban Parish church in Olongapo city? Thank you very much.
A: 63 47 222-3329
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Q: Could you please send me the recipe for the drink MOJO. My buddies and I drank it all the time when we were stationed in Subic 1984-86. Thanks.
A: Popular question! Here is MOJO and Bullfrog. Remember they taste better when served by a brown girl.
| MOJO (one pitcher) | BULLFROG (one pitcher) |
| I bottle of beer | 5 shots white rum |
| 5 shots dark rum | 5 shots vodka |
| 5 shots vodka | 5 shots gin |
| 5 shots gin | Fill with pineapple juice |
| 5 shots whisky | |
| 4 oz of pineapple juice | |
| 4 oz of orange juice | |
| 4 oz of sprite | |
| 1 shot of lime juice | |
| dash or grenadine | |
| 5 pieces of calamansi or 1 lemon | |
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Q: I hate to bother you, but can you tell me what happened to the Jupiter Club out in Subic City? The old mamasan was there on my first WestPac back in 1977 and she was still there when I left the Philippines in 1992 (so was a girl by the name of Grace). Any info will be appreciated.
A: Jupiter is ancient history. It was and is one of the nicer buildings in Subic City and is currently the home of Foxhole Bar. I have no idea what happened to the mamasan or Grace. Just too long gone.
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Q: I'm coming for a two month visit late this summer. I know I saw some info about nice, clean, safe rooms you had for rent. I can't find the page anymore. Can you please send me a link. If I rented for a solid 2 month block would you make me a deal on the price?
A: We have the 3 apartments. Two are rented on a long term basis and one is rented every other month by a merchant seaman. When you're sure of your plans check back with me. If anything changes I can let you know or make other arrangements for you in the area if you'd like. We took down the link to the apartment reservation page as they are booked well enough regardless.
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Q: Sorry to take up your time but just a question about the Rambler. Has it moved or has it folded? I'm only asking because on a different site it said the Midnight Rambler was finished...this would be a great shame if it is....it was a top bar. However if it has just moved then it means another chapter has begun for one of the Barrio's top bars. - Max
A: Max - It closed last July but reopened in October across the street. They had lost their lease but the guy did them a favor. Much nicer now. If you go back through our newsletters on the site www.mangossubic.com the June or July one probably has the story of the closing. The reopening story is in October and November. They were both great parties. Take care. - Tom
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Q: Usually I go to AC or Cebu, are there many girls in the Subic area? Also any good hotels under $50 USD per night near the beach? Do you know a bar manger who looks like Mel Gibson? Is the area safe? - Tom
A: Tom - We have many female employees in the area. Most hotels are under $50. We don't know any managers who look like Mel Gibson except this woman that had a sex change. Yes, the area is safe - read article below.
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Q: What's up Mangos - I was lucky to spend 6 years of my life in PI I really want to go back but, is it really safe to vacation there with all the terrorism going on in the world. I hear allot of talk on your web site about Barrio Barretto but I don't hear much about Olongapo. Is there still any entertainment or restaurants still there. What is the crime like there today? I see the exchange rate is 51 pesos to the US Dollar but what is the cost of living like. i.e. (cost of a beer). Right now airfare to PI is only about $750.00 dollars. What would a room cost for a month? Nothing special, but not a dump. I would like to spend about a month there, can you help me with some answers to some of my questions? Thanks For Your Help! - Mac
A: Mac - We see nothing that would make us think the area is not safe. Once in a awhile someone's house is robbed. Usually this is when they are out of the country and no one is home. A beer is 25 pesos. (50 US cents) A room nightly is about $12 to $15. Olongapo still has some restaurants. But it's mostly things like Domino's, Shakey's, Max's. They also have a few nightclubs. Gigolo's, Rock Hard, Blue Note. They are primarily Filipino kids places. I was in Gigolo's once. It was OK. I was the only white guy there!
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Q: Dear Mango's - I am an American living in Olongapo (Gordon Heights) and am in need of dental work, probably requiring a crown. I remember reading about dental work on Mango's site a couple of months ago, so perhaps you can recommend a good dentist. I have a car, so I can go anywhere in the Olongapo/Subic area; my fervent desire is to avoid having to go to Manila to get it done. Any help you can give is appreciated. - Jim
A: Jim - We use a wonderful dentist clinic. It is Lorenzana dental clinic located behind the Bajac-Bajac market in Olongapo. The address is #14 20th St. Their phone number is 222-3638. They are really good with children too. "Enjoy" the crown.
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Q: Hello! Could you please tell me how to get to Subic if we have our own car and we would start from the north diversion? What exit should we take out? And How much would be the rates for horseback riding there? Because I'm primarily interested on horseback there. Thank You for your help! - Michelle
A: Hi Michelle - You take the San Fernando exit. Then it's a straight shot with the road to Olongapo well marked. Riding horses at el Kabayo is P450 and hour. The current dollar rate is P51 to $1. You can find more about El Kabayo on our Things to Do in Subic Bay page. Last we checked they're open 8:00AM to 5:00PM and can be reached at (63-47) 252-1047.
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Q: Hello Tom - I am living in Kansas at this time and working civil service at Ft. Riley. My wife is from Bulacan and we visited Olongapo, that was 2yrs ago. I am planning on retiring in two more years and I have a question I would like your comment on. My son will be 10yrs old then, will it be very hard for him to adjust to the life there. Thank you for your answer. - John
A: John - Probably. Definitely. Without knowing your son I'd think that yes it would be a shock. If he's been in the same location for sometime probably more so. There are advantages here as there are there. It sounds like a tough one and I'm glad it's yours. We have two daughters 3 and 4 and right now it's a no brainer but at some point will I prefer them in the US or here? I'll have to decide then. - Tom
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Q: Hello and thanks for the website. I'm an American with a young family, Filipino wife and 1 year old baby. We were planning to move to the Subic area in Nov. but yesterday the US State Dept. issued a travel warning for Americans in the Philippines. I wouldn't worry myself and I know that the majority of problems are involving the southern region. Still we need to take extra precautions with my young son? Can you tell me as an American in the PI do you feel any type of threat in these bad times? Would you recommend delaying our move? Any input appreciated. Thanks - Brian
A: Brian - Great question! I have two daughters ages 3 and 4. I certainly understand your concern. I hate to sound so sure but I'd have absolutely no worries about moving to Subic Bay. I'm not positive but I think that travel advisory applied to Mindanao. Going to Mindanao hasn't been safe for about 300 years if ever. We have had no type of incidents. No kidnappings. Few robberies except the usual pickpockets or maybe breaking in a house where the owner has been gone for a month. Nothing that doesn't happen everywhere and probably less so here. That said, the Retired Services Association who have a facility in Barrio Barretto have put on increased security and you must show an ID to gain entrance to check your mail or whatever. We too have done some security training with our staff too.
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Q: "We're planning to move to the Philippines. Should we bring a computer with us or can we find them there?"
A: There are many computer stores here and you can find what you want at competitive prices. Also you get a guarantee so it can be replaced or repaired on warranty. On the other hand if you are stateside or military stationed overseas, our Web Master works for Dell and can point you to how you custom configure a Dell PC to fit any budget. You deal directly with Dell, he'll just help you get started building the machine you need.
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Q: We're thinking about relocating to the Subic Bay area, any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated?
A: Obviously we get this question rather often. The single best answer is to point your browser to the Subic RAO site where they have a page dedicated to this subject. You can get there directly by clicking here.
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A: The Manila (Ninoy Aquino International) Airport is a mess. It is dirty, noisy, crowded and extremely confusing. Keep your wits and humor about you at all times.
The easiest, safest way to travel to Subic is to go to one of the rental desks in the foyer of the airport. (Before you ever leave the building) Avis is as good as any. For about US $50 a car and driver will whisk you through the Manila madness, onto the expressway, through San Fernando and into Zambales and Subic. This is a 2-4 hour evolution depending on your arrival time and Manila traffic.
The least expensive way is to take a taxi to Pasay (pronounced PASS-EYE) bus terminal. Here Victory Liner busses leave every hour until 10 at night for Olongapo City. The taxi will run you about $3.00. Again this depends on the Taxi driver, don't count on the meter to work. For about another $2-$3 you get a clean, (fairly) safe air-conditioned ride complete with a movie. The last Air-conditioned bus leaves for Olongapo about 8:00 at night. After that you have to take a regular. These can be packed and very uncomfortable. The trip by bus is about 3-4 hours to Olongapo. Once you arrive at the Victory Liner terminal in Olongapo look for the blue jeepneys. For 4 pesos you ride the 15 minutes to Barrio Barretto. Just tell the driver to drop you at Mango�s. You can then get your bearings.
Another option especially if you plan to visit Angeles City is to use the Swagman Hotel shuttles. From their hotel in Manila they have 3 trips daily to and from their hotel in Angeles. They also have a daily trip from Angeles to Subic by van. Another van service called Blue Bus has daily van trips to Subic. These one way trips from Angeles to Subic are about US $7. To find out more about the Swagman Hotel shuttles visit our related links page or call (632) 523-8541 to 45 Fax (632) 522-3663.
A 3 passenger seaplane can take you Manila-Subic or Subic-Manila. Mike O'Farrell has been operating this service for several years. Contact him at seaplane@svisp.com or phone at 63-47 252-2230.
Ferry Service
For the seasoned traveler without a lot of luggage, who has been here before there is a new and exciting way to reach Subic. The ferry service is called Mt. Samat Express. The ferry is a Supercat 6 and called OK Ka Ferry. It leaves from the Philippine Cultural Center (PCC Bldg) on Roxas Boulevard and goes to Orion in Bataan. This is conveniently located approximately a mile from the US embassy or Swagman Hotel. This is not a leaky, old, overloaded, unsafe vessel. Rather it is a modern and efficient, Hobie-styled craft capable of carrying a couple hundred people. It has snack bars and clean restrooms. Once seated the TV's aboard tell you where to find flotation devices etc. In any case it is but a 50 minute crossing to the Bataan peninsula. Once there a transportation desk can get you a van to Subic. This is a well-run operation with secured areas as well as parking. Departures times are listed below, basically every hour and a half during daylight hours. There are two windows at the terminal (one ferry goes to Cavite) so make sure you go to the right window to get the right ferry. It is about a 5o minute trip and costs P180. If it is stormy weather they will not run.
If you're already in the Subic area and you MUST go to Manila and your business is in the Ermita, Binondo, Pasay, US Embassy area this is the deal. It is a 50 minute drive to Orion. They have secure day or overnight parking. Their ferries are on time and again do not operate in bad weather. Same travel time and price as Manila to Subic and you arrive at the ferry terminal across from the Cultural Center on Roxas Blvd. Taxi's are right outside in a secure area.
| Manila to Orion | |||||||
| 6:00 AM | 7:30 AM | 9:00 AM | 10:30 AM | 1:00 PM | 2:20 PM | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
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Orion to Manila |
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| 6:00 AM | 7:30 AM | 9:00 AM | 10:30 AM | 1:00 PM | 2:20 PM | 3:45 PM | 5:30 PM |
Before going call and check the current times at 02-551-5290. We use it all the time.
Subic - Manila Bus Service
Effective March 2002 there is a new bus service now available direct from Subic - Manila! Forget the hassles of driving to Manila. Lounge in air conditioned comfort and enjoy a movie en route. Price is P210.00 one way.
Departs Subic International Hotel Daily at 8:00 a.m. to Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Makati
Departs Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Daily at 7:00 p.m. to Subic International Hotel
Arrive a few minutes early prior to boarding for security checks. Tickets available at SIH and Mandarin Oriental.
For further information, call Subic International Hotel 252-2222.
Susan Dudley
Executive Director
SBFCC
Building 866
Waterfront Road
SBFZ
Tel: 63 47 252 3180
FAX 63 47 252 3190
sbfcc@svisp.com
www.subicchamber.org
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