Ultimate Barkada Getaway: Magaul Bird Park at JEST Camp Subic

Saturday morning. Nearly 30°C.

I was among the travel bloggers invited to the launch of Wings of the World birds show at Magaul Bird Park, JEST Camp, Subic. Our pick-up location in Quezon City: Caltex gas station fronting Trinoma mall.

Minutes past 7:30 AM when our vehicle arrived. I couldn’t wait to leave the city as the sweltering morning heat started to seep in and the humidity was becoming unbearable. At that rate of sunshine, I could tell it was indeed the beginning of summer. At 8 AM, our vehicle finally set off for Subic.

Overlooking Subic Bay Freeport Zone

By the time we reached the three-hour mark of our land travel, our van was driving uphill a forested area in Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Soon enough, we would come to a complete stop at Magaul Bird Park inside JEST Camp.

How to make a rice cooker the primitive way

We gathered at the Pavillion near the main gate of Magaul Bird Park. We had a quick welcome chat, an overview of our itinerary for the day, and the activities we would have over the weekend. After dropping our belongings at the Barracks, we headed to the Demo House for a short survival session.

Making fire out of bamboo stalks

Our Jungle Survival Demo was facilitated by an officer who happened to be of Aeta descent. The lecture was mainly about making fire out of bamboo, creating a set of utensils using the same material, and extracting potable water out of a wild vine. The room was filled with oohs and aahs during the demo.

Greenwich Ultimate Overload Barkada Pizza

Just when I thought we’ve escaped the summer heat in Manila, it was as scorching that day in JEST Camp, even hotter if it wasn’t for the towering trees in the vicinity. Thankfully, the guys from Greenwich Pizza started giving out pearl coolers to all guests at the venue so we had some pre-lunch refreshment to combat the summer heat.

Greenwich Jumbo Crunchy Chicken

And it didn’t end there. Greenwich even prepared a barkada feast for our group at Bird’s Eye View Deck. Served on the table were boxes of ultimate overload barkada pizza, lasagna supreme, a bucket of jumbo crunchy chicken, mango pearl coolers, and choco banana crisp. It was mouthwatering and palatable at the same time.

Steamed rice cooked in bamboo tubes

After our Greenwich meal, we headed upstairs for a more primitive style of lunch. Kawayan Kitchen prepared sinampalukang manok (PHP 180) and steamed rice (PHP 120), both cooked and served in bamboo tubes, as well as buttered shrimp (PHP 295) and grilled liempo (PHP 185). Sinampalukang manok was the clear winner—it was full of flavors and not too sour for our taste buds.

The gorgeous Angelee delos Reyes seated at the opposite table

It was during our lunch when I started recognizing faces from mainstream media. Down below, near Sky Flyer, was TV personality Kat de Castro, daughter of famous news anchor Noli de Castro. Not too far from my seat was the perky Maey Bautista from GMA 7, who wore a striking amalgam of colorful feathers and bright accessories. Lastly, close to our table was a gorgeous lady who undoubtedly stood out from the crowd. I learned from my friend that she’s Angelee delos Reyes, a titleholder beauty queen—no wonder she exuded such regal and stunning beauty!

500 birds were brought to stage during the Wings of the World launch

At 2:30 PM we converged once again at Alula Amphitheater for the official launch of Wings of the World. A spectacular birds show was ready to take place and a record-breaking half-a-thousand birds were set to be brought to stage for the audience to see. As expected, the crowd went wild when the birds got released, some soared overhead, and flew toward their trainers onstage.

Celebrity Maey Bautista had a close encounter with the birds

After the bird show, our group agreed to try Aerial Adventure Walk. It was like an obstacle course made of tight ropes and parallel cables attached to trees—guests must cross all the bridges to complete the adventure challenge. It started so easy at Burma Bridge, but after we passed Barreling, things became tougher. The cable bridges were wobbly, the steps seemed more unstable, and our palms got damper that a minor slip could leave us hanging (safely) from the wires. In the end, we successfully finished the activity and made our hearts shout in full triumph.

Experienced Sky Flyer before we ended the day

Come nightfall and shortly after dinner, we gathered near the Demo House for another activity to formally close the night. Once the pile of dry wood was assembled and the bonfire was lit, we stepped closer to the blaze and drew out our bamboo sticks.

For now we would enjoy the moment as we grill cocktail hotdogs and fluffy marshmallows by the fire. Tomorrow, friendships would temporarily fall apart and new allies would form as we battle it out for the 5th JEST Camp Hunger Games.

Who would emerge victor? My final thought was more like, “May the odds be ever in my favor”.