Last updated on November 17, 2007

Q: Is it true that PIOL has gone out of business? If so what alternatives are available for internet access in the Subic area?

A: PIOL (Philipine Islands On line) has gone out of business. But we now have all kinds of alternatives and various types of connections. For dial-up we heartily recommend the ultravision cards. These cards are sold in shops around the area. There are several others ISP dial-up companies but this is by far the best. For cable, the local CATV (Cable television) is also offering different types and priced services in most local areas. Their landline phone is 232-2020. For wireless both Globe and Smart are offering services. Again this depends on your location, but most of Subic is covered and several hotels have this already available. For information from Smart log on at https://www.smart.com.ph/. DSL is also available. This is more limited. On SBMA (old Base) all or most businesses and residences have access to it. Outside the gates it is available in some locations such as Santa Monica subdivision. This service is more expensive than the others but probably the most efficient too. Phone:  252-2000

Q: How does one get cash in the Subic area these days?  Any ATMs?  Credit Cards accepted?  I really don't want to carry a bunch of dollars on my person enroute.

A: We have ATM's all over SBMA (old base area). Banks and casinos have 24 hour access. Same applies to most Olongapo banks. There are none in Barrio Barretto. It is something we all want to see happen and we've been working on it. There is one at Metro Bank in Subic City.

Q: What happened to the Mango's Connection Page? I'd like my email address listed there.

A: Due to virus and spam activity associated with the Mango's Connections page we have removed that page from the Mango's website. One method of email address collection by spammers is to search the internet for valid email addresses using software known as web crawlers. With nearly 100 valid email addresses on the Mango's Connections page we were actually aiding spammers by providing email addresses of those who asked to be listed there.

The connections page then also contributed to virus activity due to a technique known as email spoofing. This technique can randomly choose an email address that it finds on an infected computer and use it as the "From:" address in an outgoing email. Many have complained about receiving viruses from Mango's when in reality the virus is coming from someone who has the Mango's email address on their computer. You can read a bit about this at: https://www.mangossubic.com/virus_info.htm.

We will continue to update the Mango's website on a bi-monthly basis and hope you enjoy the other content you find there. Tim - Mango's Webmaster

Q: How come you haven't been emailing subscribers when the website is updated?

A: Thanks for your interest in the Mango's website!  Due to virus and spam activity associated with the Mango's Newsletter Notification we have discontinued that service. Our notification was going out to hundreds of individuals. Many of them in turn have the Mango's email address on their computers.

This has contributed to virus activity due to a technique known as email spoofing. This technique can randomly choose an email address that it finds on an infected computer and use it as the "From:" address in an outgoing email. Many have complained about receiving viruses from Mango's when in reality the virus is coming from someone who has the Mango's email address on their computer. You can read a bit about this at: https://www.mangossubic.com/virus_info.htm.

We will continue to update the Mango's website on a bi-monthly basis but simply will not be sending out an email when those updates occur. Tim - Mango's Webmaster

Q: Hi there, your Greatest Hits page with all the MP3s is not working. Is it still in operation? Great site though!

A: Sorry 'bout that. You may have heard about the legal problems surrounding music sharing and copyright laws. Hundreds of individuals have been sued by music companies due to music file sharing on both large and small scales.  On our Greatest Hits page we had a nice collection of many hard to find songs that were popular in the Philippines during the 80's. All were recorded at low quality bitrates. We even provided links to the various artists websites and online stores so that you could quickly buy something you liked. We respect the artists who have provided so many great songs but felt if we provided low quality recordings and links to their sites that we would somehow be OK to share their songs.  But due to the legal ramifications we dropped the greatest hits page despite the measures we put in place. The Mango's website is a 100% free site maintained out of pocket by the owner and webmaster. We do not have the resources to fight a legal battle over songs we do not have the right to share.  We apologize for the long winded answer but this is a question we get frequently. Many are unhappy with our reply and wish we would repost all the songs. But we are glad you like the site!

Q: Hi Mangos! Do you know of any sky diving sites in Subic?. Do you have links to such or a phone number? Would you know how much it would cost?

A: I know of no organized jumps being done here. When the military was here people used to use small planes and skydive near Castillejos. There is/was a dirt runway. When I last attended the hot air balloon show at Clark in Angeles there was skydiving being done that day. I think that area is more likely to have sites as well as clubs doing that type of sport.

Q: I was just thinking about a vacation and thought about a trip back to Angeles City ... but was wandering about security with the terrorists activity in that area and even if Angeles or Olongapo still have any good bars open to Americans anymore?  Could you update me please?  Thanks - Wes

A: Wes - Except for the Muslim areas in the Southern Philippines and the usual problems associated with Metro Manila the rest of the country is probably as safe as where you live right now. (You're not in Oakland, LA or Detroit are you?!).  Angeles City and Subic Bay have had no "terrorist" incidents at all. Angeles City probably has more bars than when the bases were here. Many are very upscale. When the mayor closed the Ermita bars in Manila in the early 90's all that was left for foreigners were the Makati clubs which have gotten very expensive. Consequently many foreigners from the capital spend weekends in AC. Olongapo City is more low key. Dancers are no longer allowed in OC or Barrio Barretto. In Olongapo there are a handful of clubs on Magsaysay Drive and Gordon Avenue that do some good business. Most of their clientele are young Filipinos.

Barrio Barretto where Mango's is still has some bars whose clientele is primarily expat. But both Olongapo and Barretto are very different from the US Navy days. The focus is more on recreation, dining and beach activities. The pool leagues, dart leagues and horseshoe leagues are leisure pursuits and well attended. San Miguel beer is still consumed in gigantic quantities. Subic City has a number of bars that have dancers and the activity you associate with the base era and there is updated info on Subic in our Things to Do Page.

Q: Maria and I will be in Olongapo this Nov I believe. Do you think your rentals will be available then? We plan on an extended stay.

A: Extended stays are my favorite kind. I do not now have any reservations in November. But we're usually booked then. People tend to book that time frame around September. As you know we just have the 3 units one of which has been rented for 2 years now. Two are currently rented through mid-June. So as soon as you have your plans firmed up let me know. I have purposely quit taking short stay reservations since a two day stay can curtail a long term rental. Let us know if we can help in your stay in any way. Tom

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 Barretto? 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

Q: How do I get to Subic Bay?

A: Well there's the airports, taxis, buses, ferrys and more.  The best advice is to check out our Travel Page at https://www.mangossubic.com/travel_info.htm