Zambales in the Philippines and its Popular Municipalities/Cities

This province adjacent Pampanga Philippines is well known of course as the region where Mt. Pinatubo erupted during 1991 where it devastated almost the entire central Luzon Philippines. However, despite of this famous natural disaster, Zambales Philippines still stands out among the provinces of central Luzon Philippines. This is so because of Zambales Philippines prominent municipalities and cities like Olongapo city, Subic Bay Freeport, San Felipe Zambales, Iba Zambales, Botolan Zambales, Palauig Zambales and other famous Zambales municipalities.

Olongapo city Zambales is said to be the first class city in Zambales Philippines. It is said to have 227,270 dwellers within the city and one of cleanest city at Zambales Philippines. However, it is distinct city among the cities or municipalities of Zambales in the Philippines for it is a chartered city. That is, it has its own government and legislation in the city and not in compliance with the local governance of Zambales Philippines. This is due because Olongapo city before it has become One of the Philippine cities or rather one of Zambales municipality, it is under the governance of United States and part of United States naval reserves in the Philippines, it was only by the untiring effort of James Gordon, Olongapo city become Zambales own city but with chartered governance.

Another Zambales City which is adjacent to Olongapo city is the Subic City or Subic Bay Freeport Zone which is of similar situation with Olongapo city. As we know, Subic Bay is a home or former home of United States Military facilities outside the US mainland jurisdiction. And the US Naval Base location at Subic Bay is the one called Freeport Zone where the entire tourist (local and foreigner alike) flocks to play Casinos, rest and unwind at its beaches and resorts, etc. Like Olongapo city, Subic Bay was formerly held in administration of the United States Government but Like James Gordon have done to Olongapo city, his Son Richard Gordon lobbied its independence also.

Another famous Zambales Municipality of town is the home of Mt.Pinatubo which is Botolan Zambales. Botolan Zambales is the host of two major festivities at Zambales Philippines, namely the Domorokdok Festival held during May, and the Fiesta Poon Bato held during January. Botolon Zambales also boast of its fast growing recreational and resort areas like hiking near a waterfalls for example as a recreational activity.

San Felipe Zambales in other hand boast its best access routes into the slopes of Mt. Pinatubo and its Mountain ranges and rivers and beaches.

Iba Zambales,as we all Filipinos know that it is the birth place of former President Ramon Magsaysay and the Provincial Capital of Zambales Philippines. Iba Zambales has also beaches and rivers and its beaches is one of the busiest and most flock beaches in Zambales Philippines.

Palauig Zambales, however, home the highest peak mountain in Zambales Philippines, which is Mt. Tapulao with 2037 meter peak high. It is best for those who love mountain hiking. Actually, a Korean tourist who was impressed by Mt.Tapulao’s beauty has dubbed Palauig Zambales as the Baguio city of the Philippines of Zambales Philippines.