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P H I L I P P I N E SZambales Provincial Tourism and Investment Promotions Ofce2nd Floor Capitol Building, Iba, Zambales 2201 PhilippinesTel. No.: (047) 811 7216 (047) 811 7956 loc 115 Telefax: (047) 811 7218

ptipozambales@yahoo.comzamabalestourism@yahoo.com

tourism.zambalesnow.com

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The area now occupied by Zambales

was rst explored by the Spanish in

1572, led by Juan de Salcedo. Among

the earliest towns ounded were Subic

(1572), Botolan (1572), Masinloc (1607),

Iba (1611), and Santa Cruz (1612).

[3] Masinloc became the province'srst capital. However, the capital was

moved among the last three towns

above during its history beore settling

in Iba, due to its strategic location. The

rst civil governor o Zambales during

the American era was the Honorable

Potenciano Lesaca rom 1901-1903.

The name o the province is derived rom its earliest inhabitants, the Zambals, whom the Spanish

ound worshipping spirits called anitos. They were reerred to as Sambali, rom the Malay word

samba, meaning to worship. The term was later Hisparicized to Zambal.

When Juan de Salcedo came to explore the area in 1572, he landed at Cape Bolinao, then a part o

Zambales. The Spaniards drove a group o Chinese pirates o the coast o Bolinao thereby earningthe good will o the natives.

Zambales was one o the earliest provinces created during the Spanish rule. As ounded in the 16th

century, it was composed o the area extending rom Cape Bolinao in the north to Subic on the

south. Due to their inaccessibility rom the capital, seven towns in the northern portion o Zambales

- rom Bolinao to Inanta and including Alaminos - were later ceded to Pangasinan, orming that

provinces western part.

Zambales is the home province o the seventh president o the Philippine Republic, Ramon

Magsaysay, who hailed rom Castillejos.

The province's name came rom the word zambal, which is a Hispanized term or Sambali. Zambal

reers to the language spoken by the early Austronesian inhabitants o the place. A contending

version states that the name was derived rom the word samba, meaning worship, because the

Spanish supposedly ound the native inhabitants to be highly superstitious; worshiping the spirits

o their ancestors.

Zambales Day is celebrated every August 30.

BRIEFHISTORY

By land rom Manila, exit or take the North Luzon Expressway (NLE), and exit at San Fernando.

Go all the way to the Dinalupihan junction, and turn right at the Crossroads where Soldiers posethe Bataan Death March. Go straight and stay on the let side when you see the Shell Station

splitting the road to two. Turn let into the SBMA Bataan gate. Taking this route will save you 30minutes o travel time to the north o Zambales, and gives you a view o SBMA.

Exit through the Subic gate, and turn let. Getting lost should never be a concern because

Zambales has only one highway all the way up to the North, crossing all towns. I the eeling obeing lost does indeed creep up, you may ask any town municipal usually ound in the center

plaza o all towns.There are about a handul o new GOVIC Highways newly built almost all townso Zambales.

You may take them i you are trying to cut across town proper as shortcuts.The Subic GOVICis not yet ully complete. The castillejos GOVIC Highway is great. You turn right into this Highway

at the side beore the Jesus Magsaysay Highschool and exit past the town center. The San AntonioGOVIC Highway is complete already but still too dark at night. The GOVIC Highway in Iba helps

you get aster into the beach area o Iba without having to chase Tricycles o the roads.

By bus, take the Victory Liner (http://www.victoryliner.com) to Iba. Air conditioned and non-air conditioned buses are available. These buses will pass all the towns leading to Iba, take theIba bus, and change buses in the Olongapo Victory Liner Terminal, and take the bus that leads to

Alominos, Pangasinan. This will stop in Sta. Cruz, and other Zambales destinations arther norththan Iba. From a town to another, you may take jeepney rides.

Fare rates are low.

By air, you may rent private planes, jets, and choppers at the Domestic Airport in Paranaqueat Subic Air to land in three places in Zambales. There is an International Subis Airport, A Castillejos

Airstrip, and the Iba Local Airport. Best to y daytime 6:00 a.m., or 6:00 p.m.By erry, take the erry ride to Subic near Manila Hotel, situated along Manilas Roxas

Boulevard. Upon arrival, take the SBMA shuttle to any gate, and take the jeepney ride to theVictory Liner Terminal in Olongapo. From here, the Victory Liner may be taken to Iba or Alominos

Travel TipsWhat to bring: Sunblock, insect repellant, bottled water (although these are available at most

sari-sari stores), thong slippers, shorts, cotton clothing, beach ware, large hats, your prescriptionmedicines, cold medicines, etc.

What to do:

Visits the town market place, and check out all the available goodies. Everything you need is

usually in this area, usually situated in every towns major plaza, by the towns parish church, trueto any colonial town set-up. Always ask around i in need o anything. 95% o the locals speak

uent English. Locals are willing to answer any query or help any person in need. This is a tourist-riendly place. Nobody is actually considered a visitor, and you should eel at home. Check out

the municipal buildings and look or the tourism ofcials who can assist in your every need. They

enjoy entertaining visitors, and would usually host a gathering with the town mayor.

TRAVELLERS GUIDEtrip to ZAMBALES

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CANDELARIA

ANAWANGIN is a cove in the town o San Antonio in Zambales. It is a beach

that has an o-white sand and an evergreen orest cover near the shore (youll

rarely see a coconut tree in Anawangin). Behind the orest is a small stream

that ows out to the sea (During summer this stream dries up into a shallowpond). There are also two beach clis bounding the beach, which you can hike

up and enjoy the view.

CAPONES ISLAND is one o the main attractions in Pundaquit Zambales.

The island is actually a big lump o rock ormation with very little soil. Beaches

around the island arent that homie or the usual tourist mainly because o the

sand and rock mixture rom the crashing waves o the open ocean.

One o the best things to do on the island, aside rom just hanging around andnot being able to enjoy the beach, is go up and take a tour o the lighthouse.

POTIPOT ISLAND is located roughly 1 km rom the mainland shore o Uacon,

Candelaria, Zambales. Uacon is about 240+km rom Manila by road.

Some o the attractions o Potipot Island are: its white sands that completely

surround the whole island, the calm clear waters, its proximity to the mainland

that allows visitors to reach the island in only 5 minutes by banca, the lushvegetation and trees that provide shade along the beach (and even on the

water).

Gentle breeze and warm placid waters o the South China Sea welcome

travelers to this charming and peaceul little tropical island o coast o the town

o Candelaria in the northern part o Zambales. Literally meaning small white

island, Potipot Island boasts o lush array o coconut, mango, kamachile and

talisay trees, coral shells, hermits crabs, starshes, and the most spectacular

sunsets ever witnessed in this side o town. And i the weather is just right,

dolphins will honor you with their presence. This untamed and untouchedisland makes an ideal camping and picnic spot.

There are no resorts on the island. Visitors usually stay at the resorts on the

mainland in Uacon where they hire bancas to take them to Potipot

One such place is suited with Candelaria and is called Potipot Island. Its the

nearest island rom mainland Zambales where tourists or travelers can simply

rent a boat rom any o the resorts.

Ater a 15 minute boat ride rom the shore, I ound mysel on a small and

uninhabited Potipot Island, an unspoiled haven that is completely surrounded

with cream sand beaches and lled with trees. Many have enjoyed spending a

day here, basking around the sun, enjoying its waters and solitude it brings.

SAN ANTONIO

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MASINLOCPALAUIG

SAN SALVADOR is an island barangay under the jurisdiction o the municipality

o Masinloc, Zambales, in the northwestern Luzon. The rees in the northeastern

part o the island are ringing, characterized by a vast ree at with sudden

drop-os in the crest. Spur and groove ormation is common along the ree

crest, particularly in the area acing the South China Sea. A 127-hectares shsanctuary and a nearby Taklobo or Giant Clam Farm is the usual attraction to

diving enthusiasts.

It is located in the western side o Masinloc, a municipality on the northern most

part o Zambales. The island is about 2.5 kilometer away rom the mainland, or

a 20-30 minutes pump boat ride rom the municipal halls coast. Its abundance

in marine resources has made it most amous as a scuba divers paradise. Divers

would certainly love easting their eyes on seeing the largest Manta Rays in the

country, each measuring about 10 eet in diameter. The island is rich in ruit-

bearing trees like mangoes. Clear water, smooth beaches coupled with powderywhite sand and cool sea breeze.

White pristine beachesclear blue watersmysterious cavesmountainous

trailsabundant terrestrial and marine lie These and more complete

the picturesque San Salvador, an island located on the western side o the

municipality o Masinloc. A scuba divers paradise, San Salvador enjoys an

unspoiled marine setting and oers sanctuary to all aquatic lie orms. Divers

have a east in swimming with the largest manta rays, and exploring the giant

clams (taklobo). Thats not all; exotic birds and wild animals have also made

this island their home. On the top o this, San Salvador possesses the sweetest

mangoes in the world as judged by the Guinness book o the World Records orve straight years. Denitely, a prime natural resource is worth discovering.

MAGALAWA is an island barangay lying 6 kilometers, northwest o the

Poblacion. Surrounding the island is the vast China Sea. Beyond the north is the

San Salvador Island o Masinloc and on the east is Sitio Luan, Lipay. It is known

or beautiul beaches. Magalawa is 56 hectares in area.

Although the island is surrounded by the sea potable water is abundant within

the island and uses jetmatic and pitcher pumps. The main source o livelihood is

shing and some are engaged in shell crat industry.There is a complete primary

school with two teachers. No rice is planted in this area, so the people resort

in buying everything they need except sh. Coco trees and century trees are

abundant also.