Subic Getaway

We promised Ikoy we’d let him see tigers and dolphins so the holiday was the best chance for us. We were able to convince Papa Chime to join us through Ikoy’s power. Papa Rene, Kuya Sheng-sheng and Desy tagged along and so did Tita Bebe, Ate Beeday and Migs. This was the third time I went to Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure, but this was a different experience because of Ikoy.

What’s to see on Zoobic Safari:
1. A mini-zoo of exotic animals. Shashing afraid of birds. Ikoy was happy to see the lion.
2. Serpentarium. Ikoy afraid of snakes, he had his eyes closed the whole time.
3. Rodent world.
4. Aeta’s trail with a short show of the natives.
5. Savannah. Nuni scared of ostriches.
6. Croco loco. A close encounter with crocodiles.
7. Tiger Close encounter. Tigers inside cages.
8. Tiger safari. All were amazed with the different experience, feeding the tiger. Especially Ikoy and Migs.
What’s to see in Ocean Adventure:
1. Aquarium. Ikoy was happy to see Nemo.
2. Sea lion show. Funny and cute sea lion.
3. Walk on the Wild side. Entertaining show that features wild life of the forest. Papa Rene found a bag under his seat—with a snake inside.
4. Rap, jump and roll. Migs liked the mascots. We enjoyed the acrobats dressed as dolphins.
5. Dolphin show. Still spectacular the third time around! For me, this is better than HK’s Ocean Park dolphin show. Mamalilub agreed.

Ark Avilon

Ark Avilon is near Tiendesitas, beside The Fun Ranch. A miniature of the Avilon Zoo located in Montalban, Rizal. We decided to go to Ark Avilon instead, since it was late already. Entrance was Php 200.00 and it’s open until 8PM.

Don’t expect to see much since it’s just small. But there’s a white tiger, two bears, a lion, a jaguar, miniatures horses, sheep and lambs. There’s also a rabbit feeding station where you go inside the fence and you could feed the rabbits, we didn’t do this because there were rare white furry chickens with the rabbits.


You could also take pictures with a friendly orangutan, dressed in pink with matching pick Crocs, that would put her hand on your shoulder, even touch your legs. There is a small swamp with a bridge on it where a variety of ducks and turtles reside on one side. On the other is a crocodile.

It is recommended if you like to see an assortment of animals. Plus it’s just within the city. But if you wish to see more, the Avilon Zoo is the place.

It was worth it, even if we’re five adults with just one child. What’s important is we made the one child happy, especially if he just turned three. We just needed to explain that we can’t buy the white tiger.

Couldn’t get enough

The five-day stay with them was the best. First night was rainy, but I had the best cream-tomato-sauce-combined shrimp pasta in whole world. Second day, I brought him to places I’ve been during the first time I went there. Still rainy, but we managed to find our way (with Daddy’s ever reliable map), to the IT Mall and to Merlion. We took the boat to Clark Quay, then to Orchard, then to Chinatown. Third day, rain made way for us, so I was able to ride a tandem bike for the first time, along the beach. One hour passed very quickly and I enjoyed the ride. Then we went to my favorite furniture shop in the whole world!

Sunday, I was able to attend a Catholic Mass where a lot of Pinoys were there. Then we headed off to the zoo. This time, we didn’t let the rain get in the way. The butterfly garden was scary because they put birds inside. And with our plastic raincoats, I was able to see the Polar Bears, finally!

Who would have thought I’d survived commuting, riding the bus and train, with the all-purpose Ezlink card. Sleeping as long as I want, waking up to cook breakfast, sitting on the dining table and having dinner, having mommy make me hot tea. Best part was seeing mommy and daddy and spending time with them. The airfare was worth it.

Now that I’m back, I wish I could stay longer, or forever maybe. I just couldn’t get enough of it.