El KAbayo: Subic adventure trail

SUBIC BAY Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Felicito Payumo enjoys the picturesque crystal waters of Minanga Beach, the last stop of the eco-trail offered by the El Kabayo Riding Stables. Payumo recently joined the members of the El Kabayo Riding Group led by Gabby La’O, into the new trail from the riding stables called El Payumo.

Subic Bay Freeport – The El Kabayo riding stables here recently bared their latest offering for the more adventurous Subic tourist, a trail which runs through the lush forests and jungles of Subic and a picturesque peek at the crystal waters of the bay.

The trail, called the "El Payumo ride," is a combination of trails from the El Kabayo riding stables to the good-natured waters of Minanga Beach in Morong, Bataan.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Felicito C. Payumo took part of the trail recently along with some riders from the riding stables.

"This is part of our efforts to promote "edutainment," combining education with entertainment and tourism at the same time. We wish to instill the values of learning something new through the scenic and exciting route," he said.

Payumo added that the trail is a panoramic extravaganza for those who will partake of it. It was conceptualized through the efforts of the El Kabayo riding group headed by Gabby La’O, who is strongly banking on Subic’s rich natural resources and scenic views to attract more riders for the trail.

"Where else can you get a route which runs from the rich jungles of Subic to its lush foliage into the mountains, capping it off in a pristine beach? The whole thing is a delight to the senses," La’O said.

The trail is composed of multiple subtrails and can be passed through by foot, horseback or by mountain bike. But La’O promised that whichever way one goes, he is bound to have fun. The group even offers overnight camping for those with a real mindset for adventure.

The eco-trail is divided into three parts, noting that at each stop one has the option to return to El Kabayo which is the starting point of the route.

The first part of the trail runs from riding stables to the El Kabayo waterfalls and the Mahogany tree forest to the former CUBI hospital, now converted into the new Subic Bay Medical Center, one of the largest and most modern medical centers in Central Luzon.

The second part is a trek through the new hospital to the Historical 394. From the hill, the path heads on straight to Minanga Beach.

Payumo further pointed out that "the real challenge to take is the El Payumo trail, an adventure one should not pass when in Subic. It’s truly worth the ride."