52 Weekends of Family Fun: Part 3

March 2: Zoobic Safari

Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Well, tigers more than anything else – the Zoobic Safari is the best place in the country to see tigers up close and personal. Hop on over and pay them a visit!

Why go there: The standout feature of Zoobic Safari is a ride on a special jeep which takes you through a man-made savannah where tigers come close enough to sniff you out. Luckily, the jeep’s very secure and the handlers seem to know what they’re doing.

Family-friendly factor: There’s lots for the whole family here – special 3D movies, train rides, zip-line rigs, animal shows, cultural dances and lots and lots of magnificent and fascinating animals from all over the world.    

May cost you: P500-P700, depending on the activities you select.

Fun factoid: They’ve brought back their Night Safari for a limited time, so you can now visit the tigers in the evening. In your safe and secure jeep accompanied by a guide and handler, of course.

Contact details:
Zoobic Safari
Address: Group I Ilanin Forest, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines
Landline / Mobile (+6347) 2522272, (+63929) 7072222
Website: /www.zoobic.com.ph

Image from zoobic.com.ph

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March 9: Tree Top Adventure

This nature theme park boasts some of the most pulse-hammering rides in Subic! Hop onto superhero-themed rides such as the Superman and the Silver Surfer or take the plunge with the death-defying Parachute Drop!

Why go there:  Sheer adrenaline is the order of the day at Tree Top Adventure.  It’s also a plus that all of these rides are in a lush jungle so there’s the fresh air and pleasant scenery to look forward to while you’re suspended several hundred feet in the air.

Family-friendly factor: Some of the scarier rides are for older children but everything is quite safe. All the harnesses, rigs and safety equipment is very sturdy and regularly tested. They also have tours with survival guides that show cool ways to live off the jungle.

May cost you: from P450-P800 per person depending on the ride package you select.

Fun factoid: You can also visit the one in Camp John Hay (see The Manor) in Baguio or for something closer to home, there’s one in Quezon City.

Contact details:
Tree Top Adventure Philippines
Address: JEST Area, Upper Mau Cubi Point Subic Bay Freeport Zone 2222
Landline / Mobile: (+047) 2529425, (+63920) 6288740,
(+63932) 1715729
Website: http://www.treetopadventureph.com

Image from ensogo.com.ph

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March 16: Zoocobia

Our understanding of nature is something we take for granted in the artificial world of books, TV and the internet. Take your kids to Zoocobia and bridge the gap a bit by letting them learn something about the animal kingdom, on a more personal level.

Why go there: Zoocobia is one of the best places to go to if you want to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. Birds, in particular, are Zoocobia’s specialty.

Family-friendly factor: They have gravity cars and a fun maze for kids, as well as various petting and feeding interactions. The zoo also has lots of special events for kids.

May cost you: admission fee is P475.

Fun factoid: This is the only zoo in the world that I know of that sells live animals to the public. For a reasonable price, you can buy a trained lovebird from Zoocobia.

Contact details:
Zoocobia Fun Zoo
Address: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
Landline / Mobile: (045) 4991179, (045) 4990695, (0908) 7239514,
(0928) 5046769
Website: Check out http://zoomanity.com.ph/theme-parks/zoocobia/ and http://www.clarksubicmarketing.com/sports_leisure/clark_zoocobia_family_fun_zoo.html

Image from megadeals.ph

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March 23: Isdaan Floating Restaurant

Are you and your brood fond of the uncommon?  Do you also delight in fresh seafood and traditional Filipino food? Start your Holy Week with a road trip to Gerona, Tarlac and head on to Isdaan, where you can get more than your fill of the bizarre, culture and comfort food all in one place!

Why go there: Isdaan is a theme park devoted to fish, Buddha, goats, strange sea gods and EDSA Revolution political figures. Don’t ask me why.

Family-friendly factor: Isdaan’s cabanas are in a man-made lagoon where you can relax and munch on favorites such as fried seafood, roasted pork belly and pinatolang baka.  Kids will love the sago and halo-halo.

May cost you: around P200 – P500 per diner.  

Fun factoid: You may catch your meals yourself if you wish to do some fishing in the lagoon. But check out the Tacsiyapo Wall where for a fee, you can hurl breakable plates and vases at an insult-riddled wall. You can also toss an old TV set for P2000.

Contact details:
Isdaan Floating Restaurant
Address: McArthur Highway, Gerona, Tarlac, Philippines
Landline / Mobile: (+6345) 9312196
Website: Look for them on Facebook and Foursquare

Image by webzer from Flickr Creative Commons

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March 30: Thunderbird Resort

Are you looking to pamper yourself and your loved ones? Spend a heavenly Easter weekend at Thunderbird Resort at Poro Point, La Union and you will definitely catch a glimpse of the divine in nature.

Why go there: 5-star facilities, gorgeous suites with a view of the seashore, a swimming pool the size of a football field, a golf course and casino, all in San Fernando, La Union.  Hard to top that.

Family-friendly factor: The staff cater to every possible situation, with the utmost discretion and care.  Your children will be the least of your worries.

May cost you: anywhere between P10000 – P25000 for an overnight stay

Fun factoid: Anne Curtis and Derek Ramsay’s 2011 movie No Other Woman was filmed in Thunderbird, Poro Point.

Contact details:
Thunderbird Resorts, Poro Point
Address: VOA Compound, Pennsylvania Avenue, San Fernando City, La Union 2500 Philippines
Landline / Mobile: (+6372) 888-7777
Website: www.thunderbirdresortsporopoint.com

Image from lifesgreatestindulgence.wordpress.com

See the rest of the 52 Weekends list: Part 1, Part 2