Subic as second home

Some of us treat Subic as more than just a vacation spot. Fact is, it is like an extension of one’s own village or in someone else’s backyard. Subic never fails to ignite familiar feelings and unforgettable memo-ries of pleasant togetherness, from shopping in duty-free stores to driving around the former military base in all its cemented road glory.

Although we admit, guiltily we must say, to missing the long lines inside the duty-free shops and marveling with wide-eyed enthusiasm at the array of imported goods, the charm of Subic continues to bring out the excitement. It could be because Subic has maintained that feeling of community among its citizens and visitors. One such place that clearly demonstrates this point is Subic International Hotel.

A landmark and reference point within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Subic International Hotel takes great pride in keeping its homey atmosphere while staying current and true to new guests and long-time patrons.

Just recently, the hotel had been occupied with adding more amenities such as the swimming pool and the meeting hall. The pool, located at the hotel’s Delta building, is inviting enough for those in outdoorsy mood. It has its own bar where one can hold cocktails and parties around the pool and the nearby garden. The meeting hall seats up to 200 and is open for various functions. Of course, these are just some new reasons to attract guests.

Subic International Hotel general manager Michael Wilson believes that by improving on both amenities and services, guests will feel more at home and want to repeat the same pleasant experience. Fact is, he takes pride in sharing that the hotel boasts of a high repeat-guest factor.

“People who come here are always hooked on the place. There are always new things to do. So when they come here, they are actually going for the entire destination that runs a gamut of activities, from water sports to jungle trekking and everything else. Plus, this is a safe area,” Wilson says.

“Usually, the Subic experience begins when you come in on a Friday night, relaxing in the evening and preparing your weekend program. When you check out on a late Sunday afternoon — oh yes, we can let you stay until 3 to 5 in the afternoon, provided we’re not full — you will feel recharged. With the new Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), you will be back in Manila in much lesser time. Plus, the amazing countryside view along the SCTEx is a bonus,” he adds.

Wilson stresses that the point is for guests to feel the joys of home. For those who have become frequent visitors, hotel staffers already know them by name, their preferences, and whatever else.

“We want guests to feel relaxed and comfortable. If you want us to do the baby bottles, we will do it. Some of our guests would bring their own special dishes and request us to warm up the meals. This endears both our staff and guests to each other that the latter do not think twice about coming here more often. It is these seemingly little things that matter to our guests the most,” Wilson says.

What is noticeable now, declares the general manager, is the increase in families staying in the hotel. “I think the families know that even with kids in tow, they can be sure that both grown-ups and kids will have a great time. The club lounge, which is exclusive to guests and their families, guarantee fun moments together. There are times when we would put on Cartoon Network for the kids or a live sports match for their parents.”

It is also to the hotel’s advantage that it is conveniently situated near support facilities such as the Subic Bay Historical Museum, beaches, water sports spots, firing range, guided jungle and eco tour, riding stables, cinema, learning center, banks, and places of worship.

The 284-room Subic International Hotel has its own must-visit spots: the Golden Dragon Restaurant, which serves authentic Chinese cuisine; the Golden Tea House; the Terrace Café at Delta building, which offers light meals and international dishes; the Café Subic at Bravo Building, an all-day dining coffee shop; the Health Club; the boutique shop; and the Oriental Paradise Casino.

“There are so many variables that come together at the Subic International Hotel. That include the hotel itself, the people, the location, and the ambience inside and outside,” Wilson says. “Staying here has become a family tradition. We are glad that people see us as more than just a hotel.”

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Subic International Hotel is located at Rizal corner Rita Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, Zambales. For more information, call (632) 243-2222 to 33 or e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected]. Visit its official website at www.mysih.com.