Through the Highways and Byways : Zambales Super Mango Tour

The “Sweet Elena” variety is considered to be the sweetest mango in the world. I havent seen the certificate but according to Zambales locals, it was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Department of Tourism - Office of Product Research and Development developed this tour program back in 2009. It was launch sometime between 2009-2010. Last April 25, 2013, the program was "re-launched" and Korean Tour Operators were invited to try the daytour. There were some changes in the sites initially selected for the tour.

Venus Sales and I accompanied Ms. Stephanie Lee of HanaTour Manila, Inc and Mr. Harry Baek of RAKSO Air Travel & Tours Inc. to Subic Bay Freeport where the accommodation was arranged at the Subic Park Hotel. Ms. Leona Nepomuceno and Ms. Juliet Malonzo from the DOT Region 3 met the group upon their arrival at 5:30PM.

On April 25, 2013, the group, together with Ms. Cindy Kim, Manager of the IRC Subic Branch left for the day tour at 8:00AM.

The Zambales Super Mango/ Agricultural Tour started with a visit to Green Garden Farm in Castillejos. The site is approximately 30 minutes away from Subic Bay Freeport. The visit includes a guided tour around the facility, shopping for fresh produce and complimentary fresh sugar cane juice.

Normally, a short demo and briefing are conducted and the visitors are allowed to harvest vegetables which include Philippine and foreign varieties.

Here are photos from our initial launching in 2009/2010:

OPRD Chief Warner Andrada harvesting organic vegetables

A rolling tour around the Ramon Magsaysay Technological University San Marcelino Campus followed. Professor Ferdinand Domingo of the RMTU Research, Extension and Training Office served as tour guide. He explained the different types of mangos and factors affecting its growth and promulgation. He further mentioned the technology and research that the school has undertaken to enhance productivity of local farmers.

Grafting or mango propagation demo and tour inside the RMTU processing plant and laboratory are part of the regular Super Mango Tour itinerary however, it is currently under renovation.

The next stop is Rosa Farm.

Professor Domingo provided a tour of the farm providing interesting facts about the processes of mango propagation. The RMTU in cooperation with Rosa Farm is looking into year-round production of mangoes.

The farm has about six trees bearing oversized mangoes.

The guests were each given a sample of this extra-large fruit as token.

During harvest season, the farm offers a pick-and-buy activity wherein guests can harvest the mangoes they want to purchase.

Processed mango and duhat wine, fresh ripe mangoes, and other products were available for sale.

Farm owners Leonardo and Nelda Zulueta prepared scrumptious snacks featuring their mango produce and native delicacies.

The visit to Casa San Miguel, an art center established by acclaimed violinist Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata.

Entrance to Casa San Miguel

(Main) Building facade

The guided tour featured the Museum of Community Heritage, Corpus Hall, Aeta Heritage Museum, Seamen’s Gallery.

The group entering the premise through the Back Stage Cafe

Casa San Miguel offers accommodation for up to 20 pax as well as the Back Stage Café where visitors can hang about before or after watching performances.

Courses in music, drawing and painting, photography, film-making and creative writing are currently offered.

For more info, please refer to Casa San Miguel's FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/casasanmiguelph and Website: http://casasanmiguelph.com/other-services/bed-and-breakfast

· In Punta de Uian, San Antonio, the resident manager gave a tour around the 19-hectare property with their accommodation ranging from the standard rooms to duplex and villas. Different activities are available in the resort such as jet skiing, banana boat ride, kayaking, ATV ride, surfing and snorkeling.

The accommodation

A sumptuous buffet lunch was served featuring mango-inspired dishes such as the grilled tuna with mango salsa. The meal concluded with sampling of mango by-products such as mango wine, dried mangoes, mango tarts, mango cookies and mango pie.

Must-try delectable pasalubongs, mango pastries, wines and candies when in Zambales:

Mango pie from Green Thumb

Box of green Thumb Mango Pie (My absolute favorite!)

Dried Mango and Mango cookies

(I've tried dried mangoes from different towns and provinces in the Philippines but this is by far the sweetest and most delicious. There's really a very distinctive taste about it)

A mus try mango wine. I guess this is like a dessert wine.

Mango Tart taste different compared to the ones in other cities like Cebu or Guimaras

For more info, please refer to Punta de Uian's FB Page : https://www.facebook.com/PDUofficial and Website: http://puntadeuian.beachsubic.com/

· The group proceeded to Cabangan to tour the vicinity of Mango Camp, a resort offering a wide array of team-building facilities. General Manager Donnie Lajarca treated the visitors to some refreshments. The tour ended at 4:00pm and the group proceeded back to the hotel.