Location: Ilanin Forest Area in Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Entrance Fee: 50 php
Just before returning to Manila, we passed by the Mangrove park for to educate ourselves on how important this place is to the residents of Subic Bay.
It was around 5-10 mins walk from the main gate and I was enchanted upon entering the Mangrove Park, because of greens everywhere and beautiful Bird of Paradise surrounding the place.
To my surprise, I was not only greeted by mangroves but also a peaceful and relaxing ambiance.
If you are looking for a nature trip with perfect ambiance, this place is a MUST.
The Mangrove Park is one of the reliable source of income in the area and plays home to numerous marine species. For an affordable 50 php entrance fee, you get to have a tour guide who will also help you understand the importance of the mangroves.
The enchanting place will make you feel like a fairy lost in the forest and the picturesque view
is perfect with your loved ones while you feel the fresh air.
I will highly recommend this place! the entrance fee will surely add a great contribution to the economy and tourism in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
We were supposed to go to La Trinidad for some Strawberry picking but we decided to go to where La Presa is located since it's now a famous destination in Benguet.
After several research and questions asked to the locals of Benguet.
I therefore conclude that La Presa is just a fictional name.
It became a tourist destination because this is where the hit teleserye "Forevermore" set is located.
The Real name of La Presa before it became renowed is actually "Sitio Pungayan"
in Tuba, Benguet. It's a small village near Mount Cabuyao and yes, you have to trek in order to reach this beautiful scenery.
We had our private vehicle on our way up and we saw several people trekked up the mountain. We never saw a Jeepney but we were told that you can rent a taxi for about 250 php. We were surprised
because we never encountered a bumpy road and on our way up is literally flawless.
We didn't know where to stop so we went up 'till we saw a long line of private vehicles on the road.
From there, we knew we reached our destination. We had to leave our car on the side of the road and trekked for about 15 minutes to reach the famous "La Presa" lcoation.
I was hesitant at first because the place is flooded with people but the view made me want to trek for more. I swear, it's worth it. According to the locals, we are still lucky because the number of people in the area is not even 1/4 of the actual number of people visiting La Presa most specially when there is taping of Forevermore. Maybe because we came around 6:30 in the morning.
This is the famous house people are talking about. I am not a fan of Forevermore but my sister who keeps on chasing the lead cast "Enrique Gil" wanted to take her chance to see her ultimate crush.
She said this is the main area of the actual taping. This is where the Lead star Liza Soberano is living.
According to one of the locals we spoke to, they taped here twice or thrice a week! Can you just imagine? they have to go to Baguio every week!
Feeling Agnes and Xander |
Hopeful :) |