๐ŸฅŸIlocos Empanada: A Crispy, Savory Icon You Must Try in Vigan

One bite of Ilocos Empanada, and you’ll know why it’s a street food favorite across the Philippines. It’s crispy, flavorful, filling, and affordable—a full meal wrapped in golden orange goodness.

Here’s everything you need to know about this must-try delicacy from Ilocos, and where you can get one even if you're not in the region.

๐Ÿ•Œ Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: The Largest & Most Majestic Mosque in Brunei

Also known locally as the Kiarong Mosque, the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is the largest and most magnificent mosque in Brunei Darussalam. Built in 1992 to commemorate the 25th year of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s reign, this grand structure stands as a glowing symbol of faith, royalty, and architectural splendor.

☕ Kopi Bandar – A Must-Try Local Favorite in Brunei’s Capital

If you're looking for a local restaurant in Brunei that serves delicious food, generous portions, and is budget-friendly — Kopi Bandar is the one. Nestled along the BSB Waterfront, this cozy spot became an instant favorite during our Brunei trip!

๐Ÿ›️ Brunei Museum: A Glimpse of Southeast Asia’s Rich Past (But Oops, It Was Closed!) ๐Ÿ™ˆ

Have you ever been so excited to visit a place, only to get there and find out... it’s closed for renovation?

Well, that’s exactly what happened to me at the Brunei Museum — the National Museum and the largest museum in the country.

๐Ÿž️ Mount Pinatubo Crater Lake: A Catastrophic Beauty Worth the Trek

Mount Pinatubo is one of the most famous active stratovolcanoes in the Philippines, forever etched in history for its catastrophic eruption on June 15, 1991. It was the second largest terrestrial volcanic eruption of the 20th century, only surpassed by the 1912 Novarupta eruption in Alaska.

๐Ÿฅฌ Tamu Kianggeh (Pasar Kianggeh) – Explore Brunei’s Cheapest Local Market

If you want to see how locals live, shop, and eat in Brunei, head over to Tamu Kianggeh, also known as Kampong Kianggeh Open Air Market. Situated right beside the Kianggeh River in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, this humble yet bustling market offers a genuine slice of everyday Bruneian life.

๐Ÿฌ Ocean Adventure Subic – Fun Sea-side Escape Even on a Rainy Day

What was supposed to be a trek to Mt. Pinatubo quickly turned into a spontaneous sea-side experience at Ocean Adventure, Subic—and what a surprise adventure it turned out to be!


๐ŸŒง️ A Rainy Change of Plans

Our group had already traveled for hours and reached the Mt. Pinatubo pit stop, only to find out the trek was canceled due to rain. We were already packed and ready, so instead of heading back, we decided to stay the night in Subic and visit Ocean Adventure.


๐Ÿณ Breakfast in the Barrio

We hadn’t eaten yet, so we asked a kind local family if we could cook breakfast at their house. They graciously let us use their kitchen, and we whipped up a simple but comforting meal of tuyo, sardines, and onions from a nearby sari-sari store.

(As a “thank you,” one of my friends started sweeping dried leaves in the yard—barter system, maybe? ๐Ÿ˜„)


๐Ÿš— Long Drive, Big Smiles

Since the visit wasn’t part of our package, we paid the driver Php3,000 to bring us to Ocean Adventure from Tarlac. The drive took more than 2 hours, but we managed to nap and recharge.

We arrived just in time—the park opens at 9:00 AM—and bought our entrance tickets.

๐ŸŽŸ️ Entrance Fee (As of Latest Visit):

  • Adult: Php650.00
  • Senior Citizens/Children 12 & below: Php520.00
  • Children under 30 inches: FREE
    (Prices include access to all shows & aquarium exhibits)

๐Ÿฆญ First Stop: Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show

We headed straight to the Sea Lion Point—just in time for the Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show! ๐Ÿฆญ

It was my first time seeing an animal show, and while I felt a tinge of sadness for the animals, the trainers explained how these rescued animals are being cared for and rehabilitated. That gave me a bit of comfort.


๐Ÿ“ธ Photo Tip:

  • A souvenir photo with the sea lion costs Php250 per person for 2 pictures.
    (I was volunteered to complete my friends' group photo—fishy smell and all!)
 

๐Ÿฌ El Capitan Theater: Dolphin Delight

Next, we rushed to the Dolphin Show—and wow, it was so much more interactive and exciting! Though we didn’t get front-row seats, the show took place in an open ocean cove, which made it feel even more natural and lively.

The dolphins performed flips, spins, and splashes with their trainers. I would've loved a photo with them, but at Php500 for 2 pics, I settled with enjoying the moment and keeping it in my memory.


๐Ÿ  Underwater Fun: Ocean Discovery Aquarium

Before lunch, we strolled into the Ocean Discovery Aquarium—a beautifully curated exhibit featuring ecosystems like coral reefs, freshwater streams, mangroves, and even dark sea caves.

Perfect for people who want to admire marine life without getting wet! ๐ŸŒŠ
We giggled and explored like excited kids.


๐Ÿฝ️ Lunchtime Letdown

I was curious to see if the park served fresh seafood (since we were surrounded by it!). Sadly, it wasn’t as fresh as I hoped. Still, the meal filled us up for the rest of the day.


๐ŸŽญ Eco-Theater Experience

Post-lunch, we caught the last show of the day at the Eco-Theater, which introduced us to the native Aetas’ way of life and featured some exotic animals.

It was informative, but honestly… I was sleepy from lunch, and the afternoon heat didn’t help. ๐Ÿ˜… My friends, however, looked totally hooked.


๐Ÿ›️ Souvenirs

We freshened up in the park’s clean shower area and passed by the souvenir shop before leaving. The items were lovely, but a bit pricey for my budget at the time.

Still, the day that almost got canceled turned into an unforgettable experience. I’ll definitely return someday—hopefully for a full weekend and a stay at the Camayan Beach Resort & Hotel, just next door.


๐Ÿ“ Travel Tips:

๐ŸŒค️ Wear light and breathable clothes
๐Ÿšฐ Bring lots of water
๐Ÿ“ท Bring a camera with zoom to capture the dolphin show
๐Ÿงด Don't forget sunblock
๐Ÿ—บ️ Grab a map of the park before exploring


๐Ÿ“ Ocean Adventure, Subic Bay, Philippines

๐Ÿ•˜ Park Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Rain or Shine)
๐ŸŽŸ️ Entrance Fee includes shows & aquarium access
๐Ÿš— How to Get There: Click here for directions
๐Ÿจ Nearby Attractions:

  • ๐Ÿ… Zoobic Safari
  • ๐ŸŒณ Tree Top Adventure
  • ๐Ÿ–️ Subic Bay Beachfront

๐Ÿ“ฃ Don’t let the rain stop your fun!

Plan a visit to Ocean Adventure in Subic and witness marine magic come alive—even under gray skies. ๐Ÿฌ

๐ŸŽŸ️ Book your tickets early, and don’t forget a raincoat or umbrella just in case!

 
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