In the area where Olongapo is now situated, there was a leader, an old man, famous for his love and care for his tribe. This leader was known as APO. When he was killed and beheaded, the villagers punished the culprits and in order to cherish and emulate the example of leadership shown to them by the Apo, they called their village “ULONGAPO” (Head of the Leader). Thus, the locality bears its name and became OLONGAPO.

Photo from DOT Olongapo

The Sibit-sibit Festival is an annual event held in Olongapo to depict the reach and colorful history of the city. Sibit-sibit is a word derived from the erstwhile saga of Ulo ng Apo which connotes the small paddle banca used for fishing, as Olongapo was ultimately born from being one of the ancient fishing villages of the country.

This long stretch of beach is a haven for the sun, sea and surf enthusiasts. Olongapo’s beach are accessible and affordable that offer a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Photo from DOT Olongapo

Discover the hidden falls in Olongapo City. Mampueng Falls had been frequently visited by the Americans when the US Naval Base was here. It was used to be a deep waterfall but became shallow when Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991. It was formerly called Malabig Falls. Another falls is the Martin Falls. The falls was named after as alleged caretaker of the natural formation, “Mang Martin”. And the Butig Falls are series of small waterfalls far north of Sitio Banca Bancaan in Gordon Heights. It’s just a three-hour hike to and from the jump-off at Banca Bancaan Aeta Tribe. Outdoor lovers will experience trekking the mountains of Olongapo.

Photo from DOT Olongapo

Olongapo is a 25-minute drive to Subic, a coastal municipality in the Philippines, northwest of the capital Manila. Its sandy beaches face Subic Bay, a popular dive site due to its shipwrecks and coral species. The town’s 19th-century Spanish Gate is a legacy of its past as a Spanish naval base. To the east, Subic Bay Freeport Zone features casinos and a golf course. Farther around the bay, theme parks include Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure.

Photo from Wikipedia