Provinces across the country are rebooting their post-pandemic tourism industry one after the other, and the charming northern getaway of Zambales is not to be outdone.
One of Luzon’s top destinations in the pre-Covid era, “Zamba” as it is fondly called, is dancing the proverbial samba as it has reclaimed its tourist magnetic pull and has even reached new milestones.
According to latest local tourism statistics, accommodation establishments in Zambales has reached 340, or more than doubled the 2018 pre-pandemic count of 151.
“We have everything that tourists would want—from waterfalls and rivers to beaches and islands. And they can enjoy all of these in relative safety and comfort even during pandemic,” says provincial governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.
He noted that the phenomenal growth of tourist establishments can be attributed to the rise of new attractions which were developed during the pandemic to provide visitors with vast open and green space which are compliant to health protocols.
“Aside from beach hotels and restaurants that offer open-air dining, other accommodation types had surfaced and became hugely popular in the last three years: pool resorts, farm and garden resorts, and campsites,” the local chief executive revealed.
“These definitely helped local tourism to bounce back after an initial slowdown at the onset of the pandemic,” he added.
Ebdane predicts that if the growing arrival trend continues until the year-end, Zambales may outdo its pre-pandemic visitor arrival level.
With its proximity to Metro Manila and easy access via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), it has become a top-of-mind destination by small groups seeking powdery sand beaches, clear water, Bohemian lifestyle and intimate dwelling places.
And with a coastline of about 300 kms in the mainland and islands, every town is a beach hideaway with an infinity of sleepy shores.
To make its public presence more strongly felt, the provincial government unveiled the Surf and Glamp Adventure which showcased two of its major tourist recreations—surfing and glamping or glamor camping.
Supported the Department of Tourism-Central Luzon regional office, the three-day launch revolved around the coastal municipalities of San Felipe, San Narciso and Botolan which are sought-after for their surf sites and beguiling bodies of water.
With the famed Liwliwa beach and surf site as event hub, and The Glamp as homebase, the program included surfing introductory lessons and tournaments, bodyboarding, beach sports, yoga, evening entertainment and a host of activities so there won’t be a dull and boring moment.
The participants also forayed into Lubong Nangaluan Waterfalls tucked inside San Felipe’s lush interiors which has a curtain-like cascade and a natural icy basin.
For a consummate experience of the Zambales waterworld, the launch swung by the Botolan Mangrove Eco-Park, where guests navigated the area on board a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or pedal board.
This unique ecosystem can be accessed through the Bancal River Adventure Park which has a cozy boardwalk, restaurant and floating cottages overlooking the scenic waterway and wetlands.
On the cultural front, the provincial government made a strong statement with its recent revival of the Laruk-Laruk Festival in Candelaria town. The cultural activity is based on the long-lost tradition of making “laruk-laruk” or rice crisps as part of thanksgiving after the palay harvest season.
Held at the beach village of Uacon, the event was incepted in 2012 by Governor Ebdane who grew up with the tradition which dates back to the mid-1800s with the arrival of migrant farmer settlers.
Spearheaded by the Candelaria municipal government, the five-day fest put to the fore the townsfolk’s culture, indigenous games, homegrown produce, and way of life. The most-awaited activity is the pounding of rice husks by townsfolk, men and women, in preparation of the laruk-laruk or most popularly-known as “pinipig.”
“This is a rediscovery of the culture that defined us as Candelarians and Zambals, and we hope this would rekindle among the present generation an appreciation of local culture and ignite love of our town and people,” Ebdane said.
He said the tradition of making laruk-laruk best exemplifies the town’s closely-knit community and cooperative endeavors like “pukot,” wherein neighbors help each other haul fishing nets at Uacon Cove at daybreak.
To spice up the agrarian fest, diverse non-traditional elements were incorporated, so the province can engage a bigger audience and entice them to make Zambales their destination of choice.
Situated in the province’s northern part, Candelaria town takes pride in its panoramic Uacon Cove which has a concentration of spacious beach resorts, Uacon Lake, and the white sand island of Potipot which is currently under redevelopment for glamping and water-based recreation.
With the confluence of surfing, glamping, adventure, culture, and everything in between, Zamba is undoubtedly doing the samba on its way to tourism recovery.