"Baloy Beach Strip in Olongapo City" Olongapo City by sherleh

The Parish Youth Choir of Holy Cross in Amparo Village, Caloocan City decided to make a last hurrah to summer. I was quite apprehensive at first because the rainy season has laready started. But as a beachbum, it was now or never. After a week and a half of discussion, some suggested that we head to Olongapo for our summer outing.

The night before the outing, I prayed hard for fair, if not good weather.

We left our designated meeting place at 4 am. It was a cold, wet morning. Sigh. But things turned out to be promising during our first stop at the NLEX Petron Station. The sun was trying to peek out for the traditional sunrise.

Bored Shot of Myself

Personally, I did not know what to expect in Olongapo City's beaches. Matthew, the boyfriend of my kambal choirmate said Baloy Beach is a series of beach strips catering to almost every type of vacationer. I later found out that the beach strip is in Barreto, Olongapo (the way going to Iba, Zambales).

To our delight, the sun was shining bright in Olongapo City!

When we arrived, we had to pay 30 pesos entrance fee per head. I was like... what the--- when I folund out that we had to drive straight ahead to choose a spot for the group. Baloy is actually a beach strip. The first few resorts near the main entrance cater to foreigners and (rich) locals who want to dive, snorkel, ride a banana boat, jetski or go parasailing.

And while they were looking for a place to stay... I took some photos... of myself... heheheheee!

Come on let's join us! =D =D =D

We asked around for a place to stay within Baloy and found this cheap but decent place, Talisay Beach Resort. I was really suprised when most of the organizers (my choirmates) of the outing said we will just be sleeping in the cottages! A cottage fit for a day trip of 15 persons, not an overnight stay! I felt a bit restless about it.

But they haggled for ONE cottage, down to a thousand pesos. I knew right there and then that I will not be sleeping that night. But, the owner was nice and even told us that we can occupy the other cottages later at night if there are no other beachbums staying overnight. With that, I felt a bit relieved.

Their rates are 2,500 pesos for two cottages at the beach and a room with a doubledeck bed, fan and toilet. Since we were only staying in a cottage, a bath costs 10 pesos while using the toilet costs 5 pesos. I was only able to shake my head in disbelief. Now people have to pay for a bath or just to pee???

And while they were haggling, I took the liberty of testing my friend's digicam!

When all was settled, I checked the water, half-afraid that there might be jellyfishes or sea urchins. To my surprise, the water was clear! I could actually see my toes underwater! I was also glad that Baloy Beach seawater is not itchy on the skin!

• Pros:Near Manila if you want to go to the beach
• Cons:Quite confusing, with so many road signs of other beach resorts
• In a nutshell:Try Baloy Beach (dont forget to haggle)!