After a long night and full day riding from SM Masinag, Antipolo to my re-starting line in Urdaneta, I was able to launch out at 0914 towards Alaminos. It was the hottest day of my trip so far. The date was February 6th, 2024. I traveled 93 kilometers today.
DAY 16: Alaminos, Pangasinan to Iba, Zambales
Following Alaminos, I visited downtowns with a biker friend named Mar. We had breakfast and took some photos. I starting hitting some simple hills nearly directly after departing Alaminos. My goal would be Iba, Zambales 116 kilometers away.
My first major hill climb since leaving Urdaneta yesterday hit at the 20kms marker from Iba sign. When I arrived in Iba, I found a decent motel to stay in before heading continual south towards Subic, Zambales. Subic is a required checkpoint on the Philippines Loop Adventure Tour.
DAY 17: Iba, Zambales to Subic-Olongapo, Zambales
Departing at 0603, I started heading along the coastline towards Subic. This area is not new for me since I lived here for four years of my life from 1989-1992 during the Mount Pinatubo eruption era. I covered 65 kilometers today to Subic.
Subic is a required checkpoint. My next checkpoint will be a distant Matnog, Sorsogon where I board the ferry to cross over to Samar.
While in Olongapo (which is nearly a twin city bordering Subic), I fellowshipped with some co-workers and stayed overnight at the YWAM Center there. I had one of the best meals I have experienced in a very long time. It was awesome.
DAY 18: Olongapo, Zambales to SM Masinag, in Antipolo City, Rizal
Today. February 9th, I would make the 140 kilometer trip home crossing San Fernando, Pampanga down through Bulacan to Valenzuela, Metro-Manila. This will be my last "day off" at home to get caught up on admin, video editing, laundry, etc, before heading south through Laguna, Quezon, and Bicol.
