News: Subic businessmen propose ad ban along SCTEx

Businessmen in the Subic Bay Free Port are calling for a ban on commercial billboards along the scenic Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, saying that the clean, natural landscape would be a bigger attraction for tourists.

Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) president Danny Piano said that while tourists have expressed their appreciation of the view along the SCTEx, the absence of clear-cut policies on commercial billboards might prompt the spread of giant outdoor advertising along the 94-kilometer stretch.

Piano said that the group's position is backed by several organizations and local government units (LGUs). The SBFCC has sent a position paper to Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president Narciso Abaya on the the proposed billboards ban. Abaya has reportedly committed the agency's full support to protect the beautiful sceneries along SCTEx.

The full article can be viewed here: Subic business wants billboards banned along SCTEX.

My first trip along the SCTEx was of May last year, and really enjoyed it. The roads were smooth and clear, and not only did it cut the trip from Manila to Subic, it gave us this really amazing view of the provinces we passed through. I've been traveling to and from Zambales my entire life, and this was a very pleasant change of scenery.








We hardly saw any houses along the way. It was nothing but fields or mountains still lush with trees. There was also an occasional fog, but not the thin ones you'd associate with lowland fogs, but the thick, rolling kind, like what you'd get when you're in Tagaytay or Baguio.

I'm all for this, and I hope that it pushes through. I also hope that the residents would be supportive of keeping the scenery around SCTEx as it is. It is also my hope that the business won't sell out by giving permits for malls or other structures to be built on these lands. If that were the case, give me the billboards.









All photos © Kat Sales

Zambales Road Trip

My family and I took a trip to SBMA today. From Candelaria, the journey would take about two hours, about three if you take the Victory Liner. It was a pretty good trip, and it made me appreciate our lovely province more.

It's kind of sad to see that many modern houses are replacing the old ones. I wonder if there are any families who still have their ancestral homes and would consider restoring it instead of tearing it down for a fancier home. I know that many people consider such houses a sign of wealth, but it's sad that we're losing them.

There are also many interesting places to visit around Zambales. Casa San Miguel is among them, and many of the beaches in the surrounding area is fast becoming the place to visit for the summer. Last year, many of my friends visited Anawangin and Capones. Some even made it to Potipot Island here in our town. Granted facilities are sadly lacking, but if you want the ultimate in solitude, these are the places you must visit.

We shopped around the duty free stores (there were alot of people in Royal Duty Free), picking up chocolates that aren't easily available in department stores in Manila, and picking up things we need at home.

On our way back, I saw Mt. Tapulao and vowed that someday soon (maybe even next year?) I'd go and visit.