Sidetrip at Subic Bay

One would agree that Subic Bay Freeport Zone is one of the most refreshing places to go to in the country. There is nothing like the sea, the sand, and the numerous hotels, resto-bars, coffee shops and yachts scattered along the area that would make you feel like you are not in the Philippines, but in an another coastal country.

Gateway to Subic.

Last May, I blogged about my election stint in Bataan and I mentioned that I was able to take a sidetrip to Subic Bay with my legal team. It’s lunchtime at that time and since Subic Bay Freeport Zone is just a few minutes drive away, we spontaneously decided to take our lunch there.

One of our paralegal, Marco, suggested that we have lunch at Coco Lime.

We ordered Filipino specialties such as Pork Binagoongan and Sinigang na Hipon, and a Korean chicken dish.

After our savoury lunch, we went to take a stroll near the Lighthouse Marina Resort.

Subic Bay Park is a popular venue for weddings, and who would not want to take her wedding march with a view like this?

A day at Subic Bay would not be complete without dropping by at the Yacht Club. 🙂

We were at Subic Bay Freeport Zone for only a couple of hours but those several hours are time well-spend indeed. It is always a pleasure to visit this place–it would temporarily take you out of the real world and delight you with its seemingly coastal state charm.

Election Lawyer Stint at Bataan

During this 2013 national and local elections, I participated on the election in a different manner. Instead of exercising my right to vote, I served as the election  lawyer for some local candidates in the province of Bataan.

This legal stint allowed me to re-visit the beautiful city of Balanga, Bataan. I have been there during the past two elections and I was amazed with the huge developments.

This is now the Balanga City Hall.

And this is the Plaza Mayor de Balanga at night. 🙂

Every elections, legal opportunities await private lawyers as they are hired as the legal counsels for national and local candidates. An election lawyer’s job is basically to monitor the votes of the candidates by making sure that there are no irregularities in the conduct of the voting. The duty is extended until the canvassing, where the election lawyer is expected to make manifestations or objections regarding material defects on the election returns or inconsistencies between transmitted results and election return results.

This shot was taken inside the session hall of the municipal building, while I was clarifying something with the Board of Canvassers.

This is a scene while waiting for the transmittal of election results.

The canvassing lasted until the next day. I was still at the session hall at the municipal building during the wee hours of the morning.

The shot above was taken from the balcony of the municipal building, at about six ‘o clock in the morning.

Despite the exhausting job, there are perks for legal stints like this. Aside from the exposure that I gained from representing both incumbent and newbie candidates, I also got to travel and see more of the country.

During election day, we went from one polling center to another. This was taken at one of the elementary schools, with a great view of Mt. Malasimbo. 🙂

While waiting for the canvassing and proclamation, me and my legal team managed to squeeze in a side trip to Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which is near Dinalupihan, Bataan, the municipality where I was assigned.

This is the lighthouse at Marina Bay.

The best feeling during this legal stint is when I was watching the candidate that I represented being proclaimed as the new mayor. 🙂

And after that, the next best feeling is when I was checked in at a hotel suite, courtesy of very thankful clients. 🙂 It is nice to rest after two days of non-stop monitoring and 2 to 3 hours’ worth of sleep.

Truly, a well-deserved sleep. 🙂