Exploring the Former U.S. Naval Base in the Philippines | Subic Bay

[@kenmcleod8618]

I was stationed there back in 1975 while I was on Active duty in the Navy 😊

[@MergimVlogsYT]

That’s amazing! 🫡

[@user-oo2hm1wk3f]

My parents were resided on Subic Bay Naval base. I was 6-7 years old when they participated in US Intelligence Surveillance Research Investigation of my behavior. They had my father place in couple of situations in the name of US Intelligence that had my put through sorts of situations so that US Intelligence can conduct sexual experiments on me from 6-7 years old. My father received assistance in divorcing my mother because US Intelligence from overseas disliked blacks.

[@djzrobzombie2813]

Did you got laid?

[@IrmaAbare]

Another educational video from Mergim, and as a Pilipino I don’t know some of the city in Philippines. This is the reason why I love his channel, promoting my country which I was not able to explore when I was young. Thanks Mergim and always take care.

[@komentator9125]

I think you surpass all foreign vloggers on this style of Vlog in PH. Very authentic, and informative. I remember suggesting the pagudpud trip to you before and can't wait to see more of your adventures to the north. Stay safe and God Bless. More power!

[@buzz_chill]

Hello from 🇺🇸!! Amazing Vlog as always Mergim. Great to see that side of the 🇵🇭. Nice! 👏🏽👏🏽You’ve revived your older style of reporting with all the powerpoint type of description showing us bits of what happened during the war. Thank you for this new series 🎬🎬. Very very informative and entertaining. That indeed sets you apart🏆🥇🎉!

[@222jojo]

Timely video considering it's memorial Day here in the US. Remembering these prisoners of war is the least we can do. Loved the Subic Bay tour, outstanding and well done!

[@felopzddefpotec1600]

Hi Mergim just continue move along the North-West coast as you will see some more of scenic beaches. You can also have an over night stay to any of the plenty resorts. Stay Safe I will follow yoh on your journey. That’s my beloved province by the way-the Province of Zambales.

[@MergimVlogsYT]

Yes I follow the west coast up to vigan city

[@yenmerza5756]

Just keep on vlogging especially the historical/ heritage or museum of Philippines. Be authentic . You are good in documentary report.

[@malpete]

Exactly 👍😁

[@jan-jans143]

i love mergim, he is my inspiration on how I want my vlog to look like, he really does some research before he comes into a place and does the story telling so well that i as filipino learns something new about our own culture, i don't watch him because he talks about Philippines but i watch him because his vlog is very well made. the overlay, the b-roll, the cuts(timing, Lcuts, Jcuts). it is all perfect - from a vlogger's stand point.

[@MergimVlogsYT]

Thank you Sir, your praise means a lot to me :)

[@kazsp]

Videos containing history may not be the more popular niche but thanks for always including them mostly in your vids.

[@amaliahightower]

Mergim nice to see you 😎 I’ve been waiting for this! You’re the 1st vlogger I’ve seen to feature the monument in Subic Bay. It’s very sad and heartbreaking at the same time. It’s Memorial Day in the States and what a perfect day to feature this video. Thanks for all your hard work. Drive safe and take care always.

[@MergimVlogsYT]

It’s heart wrenching bit of history, they went through absolute hell 😞

[@alannavx]

It's been so many years since I've been to Subic; SBMA, in particular, since Subic town is far from SBMA and Olongapo. Used to stay at Cabin Street off upper Binictican Drive. Thanks for the feature. Brought back tons of peaceful memories.

[@observations2011]

Another informative vlog , Mergim thanks for educating us. The horrors of war. They say that Subic will become another world class business district in the near future w skyscrapers again sprouting. 727 is actually my favorite number so I was kinda surprised to see a coffee shop bearing the numbers. More power Mergim and stay safe.

[@luzmalamion6428]

Everytime you head to the North, there's typhoon. Be careful and stay safe. Thanks for enjoying my country Philippines.

[@eduardochavacano]

The Subic Safari is one of thd most beautiful places i have been to in the Philippines. The giant trees alone were impressive. I also found the world outside subic to be nice. But crossing the bridge to SBMA is like getting to a whole new world.

[@paulnicolaparua300]

You are an excellent researcher Mergim.. I love how the way you explain things that can be experienced in the area you are visiting. 💖

[@johnpower8356]

I really enjoyed the Philippines, visited subic in 76 it was my favorite port, also Manila, friendly attractive people. A place i will never forget

[@reyzuna]

12:14 The oil will turn black if it goes in the engine and turned the engine on even for the first time, the color is not the indicator to change the oil even it gets darker... The Oil will get thick if exposed to dirt inside the engine so that's the reason you need to change your oil if it gets thicker by dirt from a long KM ride. However, I believed that on fully synthetic you can go over the manufacturer's advice of changing oil from 3000km you can go more 5000km or even more.

[@Jessphil258]

Great you're back. Thanks for this vlog, never been to Subic! :) See you again soon!👀👍

[@marlaruce]

I was there in the former Naval Base for an audit of our business office when it was still under US and a year after eruption of the Pinatubo volcano. The base was big, beautiful and clean. In the harbor, the water was crystal clear with a lot of sea urchins.

[@MergimVlogsYT]

I hear the US pulled out shortly after the eruption occurred

[@marlaruce]

Yes, that's correct.

[@rommari4835]

Next mergim visit Mt. Samat in Mariveles Bataan the ground zero of Death March.

[@marcomalandac7510]

Oh look, a vlog that educates of the history of the place that is being visited, does not travel the usual tourist routes, does not pepper the video with endless platitudes and tells it like it is and does not need to exploit poverty to make people of both the country being visited and foreign ones happy. And coffee. Must be a Mergrim video.

[@dzikijohnny]

@dzikijohnny 0 seconds ago US left when the rent got to expensive after the end of the cold war and the base was practically destroyed by Mt Pinatubo. Now they want the US Navy back because China is taking Philippine's Land.

[@kuyaIhor]

I worked for 10 years in the fishing fleet of the USSR and I can imagine what the hold of a large ship is like - this is a really terrible and tragic story.

[@dennismartinez9671]

Correct me if I'm wrong,but I think you're the one I used to see here in Samal right? 😊😅

[@kuyaIhor]

@@dennismartinez9671 yes !

[@LoneWolf-oi4yx]

Kumusta sir Igor 👋

[@carlosbarretto8299]

This is a great video, it reminds me of the old City growing up. I have not been back for almost 40 years, hopefully be able to go home and visit. I am from Zambales. Thank you for showing my province to the whole globe.

[@janejapus7131]

let’s go...sir Igor you’re also watching sir Mergim’s vlog

[@dalisayhd1980]

Visit Corrigedor island lots of history during WW2

[@nightwing4065]

I believe there's a super typhoon coming at the north of Luzon, so stay safe as always. 👍

[@JABM-AU]

Nah, wont hit the country. Batanes might get heavy rain but that's about it, thank God.

[@MergimVlogsYT]

Storm Betty?

[@wynnsandiego5001]

Very informative, reminds us again the Philippines history, during world war..❤😂

[@giangapan2190]

727 Coffee & Co. is my favorite! I believe its one of the best in the Philippines! 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@mzilplik]

Are you still in Subic, Mergim? If you are, try to explore the Subic mountain and jungles.

[@jes2731]

What a flood of memories as you exited the base from what was once the "Back Gate" onto what was then Hwy-1, turning left towards Barrio Barretto. The last time I was back in the Olongapo area was mid-2000, and being stationed at NAS Cubi Pt. from 89-92' !!!-Nice-!!! Thanks for the forward facing camera memories. !!!-Mabuhay-!!!

[@juanitawilms9842]

Oh I haven’t seen that, I’ve been in Subic Bay before but I’ve never been to the Naval Base ,Schade

[@mikelloyd5780]

I love Subic Bay we ended up staying in Barrio barretto look forward to returning in October

[@mariogallano1778]

Good day sir mergim, keep safe and good health 💯💪💖 remember subic naval base and Angeles city clack air base of the USA, have many benefits, to the filipino people's but when the senate approves to withdraw all USA bases here then what happened now, the Chinese gov't is very angressive on Philippines sea, many filipino people's disagree dismantle the us bases. now Chinese govt is very angressive. then the Philippines gov't and us gov't now have joint together a balikatan millitar excercise, but before we have it same together because of the aggression of Chinese military on the Philippines sea, what a hackkk!!! 😢

[@TeacherEric173]

I appreciate your coming to SBMA, formerly known as the US Naval Base, and to Olongapo City, where I was raised. If you recall, I suggested you visit Olongapo. And I appreciate you adding it to your lists for road trips. Continue driving and try to stop at the area where you can hike up all the way up to Mt. Pinatubo so you can see the mountain's crater and the Aetas, who are natives of the province of Zambales. One of the country's original settlers.

[@armin_nicolas]

Quite long journey for Luzon loop. Take extra care driving.

[@auenski1092]

Nice one, Mergim..as always ...quality video....be careful and safe

[@jesusmerto7000]

Its true Mergim, I'm also from Sta. Cruz, Zambales, take your time exploring Zambales and stay safe!!

[@rotsure3542]

Another great video. Happy Memorial Day to all 🎉. I really like the way you are very detailed about describing everything. Definitely one of my favorite vlogger. Have a great day all 👍👍👍

[@damncars2618]

Welcome to Subic!! Enjoy your stay. I wish we could meet. My girlfriend and I have been here a year.

[@cecilroldan280]

Beautiful Subic

[@Karrrlaa134]

Hi Mergim, I always wish your safety everytime you travel ... Just a Tip: If you consider to travel at the Southern Part of the Philippines - Be very careful ...

[@MergimVlogsYT]

May you be referring to Mindanao

[@bryanchiu6489]

Yes in Mindanao particularly Davao City and Siargao Island. Mindanao is safe.🤗🙏

[@bornedz9515]

nice to see you again. good day mergim.🇵🇭🇬🇧❤️

[@perlaaguinaldo]

Hello mergim your documentary style of blog is what i am loving and watching you always.thanks for promoting our country always stay safe and take care.😍👍✌

[@pinkish8888]

Hope you explore Bataan soon🙂

[@marinakano6239]

Wow 🤩 Thank you Sensei Mergim

[@elmira6672]

Congrats you almost see all places of our beloved county Philippine.🎉🎉❤

[@wengrm6204]

I love subic bay...❤

[@andrepilar5375]

thank you so much for this video..

[@RolandJrMacabata]

i have recently seen local vloggers in babuyan islands. The islands spell is magnificent. I can only wish somebody like Mefgim can vlog about those islands.

[@RolandJrMacabata]

@@kilometer6712 but the reward. If only bigger ferries are more available tulad ng siatgao One of the islands now has an airport.

[@mskimyu]

I hope this trip ends soon! ☺ I can't wait to binge this new series adventure of yours. Ingat ka, Mergim! 😘

[@perlitaenriquez5131]

Drop by at d NEW CLARK CITY too, near Subic.

[@friendsaroundtheworld7184]

Always interesting spot you have found. Cool coffee shop

[@MergimVlogsYT]

I think 727 cafe is probably the best coffee shop in the subic area

[@friendsaroundtheworld7184]

Thanks Mergim for sharing info. Hope to visit there when I go back to Philippines.

[@cecilroldan280]

Sad to remember what happens to our prisoners of war dedicated there lives to our country.

[@ZushiRolls_]

mergim vlog is educational somehow reminds me of becoming filipino and finnsnow a very informative vloggers promoting ph on diff ways. salute 🫡

[@Marie760]

Another epic adventure. I always like your soothing background music

[@floren879]

Great road travels

[@erwinwenpakssencio6665]

Alas.... here we go... welcome back bro...

[@erwinwenpakssencio6665]

Mechanic also... Nice...

[@MergimVlogsYT]

Long ride ahead

[@YaelFactsandTriviaCorner]

I miss Subic during late '90s and early 2000s. It very different now

[@TheOttecarlos]

The vietnamese-cambodian-laotian refugee camp is a must see in that area

[@suzukisd6266]

hey brother please visit batanes island before you go back to Manila, you won't regret it brother! highly recommend

[@get2riz]

Mergim -- Not gonna lie, I'm nervous for you. This is going to be a long difficult trip. Ingat.

[@ceciliaabrilla3841]

Mergins vlogs are all interesting & gives historical informations in all the places he goes

[@reggierubio2893]

There's so much to see in your route, zambales then go explore pangasinan then la union, then the 2 ilocos provinces👍

[@nlf17]

Awesome vlog Sir! Keep the positive vibes, Keep going and Never give up! God bless you Sir!

[@ma.lourdesvillanueva7145]

Anxious to watch your vlog Mergim!, ingat lagi!

[@edzeljereza8234]

"Military occupation" is quite a harsh way of saying about presence of the Naval Base. The U.S. was paying hundreds of millions of dollars as "rent" to stay there...have not seen a document what the "rent" money was used for. I was one of the last US NAVY sailors to leave Subic Bay Naval Base in 1992. I was stationed up in Naval Air Station Cubi Point on the Bataan province side. The whole Naval Base complex is huuuuuge....in fact, it was the biggest US NAVAL base outside of the U.S. The biggest is in Norfolk Virginia. I was there in Subic Bay from 1990 until October of 1992....I survived the Mount Pinatubo eruption, it was hell on earth. When I retired in 2004, I went back to Olongapo with the family (spouse is from there), the former base was not quite maintained like before but the local goverment tries its best to manage.

[@Pageant_Updates]

Hope you try Corregidor Island. It's one of the most preserve historical island in the Philippines.✨

[@burningheart1224]

Take care because the typhoon Betty is heading to the north.

[@nzsl368]

i thought bataan's death march and the manila siege during world war 2 were horrendous enough sorry to hear and missed this part of history (the subic bay war story)

[@eyeseeyu]

You should stay at PLAYA PAPAGAYO Beach resort. Nice clean waters and fantastic food served to American soldiers back in the 1950s 🎉

[@reynaldosalucop7296]

Juicy vlog went back to the UK, I don't blame them considering the Philippines is in a wet season and the UK is just the start of the summer, THANK YOU FOR STAYING IN THE PHILIPPINES, as always we enjoy your vlog.

[@bb89670]

But they’re back now.

[@chas8334]

Wish you would've explored more of the base. Was there in 84 and 85 and hope to go back one day.

[@Henyo1070]

Hey is Aurora province also part of your trip? You should pay the place a visit. Nice for surfing.

[@blessedmileskie7764]

Keep safe Sir Mergim.

[@karlbasallote6719]

You haven't been to Legazpi City in Bicol Region.

[@CaptainSteveVPT]

Somethings I would like to know: Do you now own the Moped ? What happend to your Bird ? Do you still have a Thai Girlfriend ? How is your Dog ? Will you go home to the UK soon ?

[@zippie3868]

Oh you'll pass by Pangasinan. Please visit Tondol Beach, Patar Beach, Hundred Islands, Salt farms & Lingayen Capitol Complex!!! ❤

[@user-ko1fc8vv1j]

Been there in the 70s loved it and the women ex marine served 1975 to 1979 good duty

[@johntonelete]

I missed you there Mergim... It's my home town.

[@Canada93214]

enjoy your stay there take care

[@mickiteoxon]

Good shops around Subic bay. I remember the FedEx main headquarters and air ports, experience swimming the bay which tasted like “kalawang or rusts”. Check your motor always and keep safe wherever you go.

[@robertakizuki9806]

Mergim vlogs is the ari aster, denis vilenueve of A24 film quality, we’re as any other is like a Disney film

[@hello_its_me.]

I spent 3 1/2 months there aboard USS Bradley FF-1041 in '83 and '86. It was, no doubt, the best of times. I hope the PI govt will finally allow large expansion in bringing back the US Navy.

[@julim1029]

Stay safe

[@richardnuevo]

Beautiful views

[@carmz30gaming84]

Hi mergim how are you today.take care it will rain in luzon cause of typhoon betty🙏

[@MergimVlogsYT]

Better is sure bringing a lot of rain and thunderstorms

[@JL-kf6pm]

Do you own the motorcycle now? Btw, you shouldn't leave your helmet freely hanging or atop your motorcycle, there are instances that people steal them. Buy some motorcycle raincoat as well, as it's typhoon season..

[@JL-kf6pm]

People usually have their Change Oil annually or after 3,000 - 5,000 Km worth of travel, whichever comes first.

[@myrnaalejandro7448]

Hi kuya Mergim ingat lagi wow nice video

[@MergimVlogsYT]

Salamat Po!

[@abcammym]

Nice one pal ..am coming back to the Philippines end of January... I always visit barretto subic..I haven't been to the USA naval bass ..but next time am going to visit there ...am Scottish...u sound very posh

[@ckfandor4300]

Very nice road trip man. 👌 Good to see Subic again

[@ourv9603]

Subic Bay Navy base was originally built by the Japanese during WW2. Grande Island originally had been the end of a peninsula. During a battle, the US Navy battleships dumped So many shells on it that they obliterated the peninsula & now only an island remains. The US captured the base from the Japanese & over time it was developed into Subic Bay Naval Air base. During the Viet Nam war, Subic was the supply center for ALL supplies & gear supporting the war. I was there in 1972 & 1974 back in those days Olongapo city was a wild place. You would walk out of the main gate of the base onto the main street of Olongapo city and you would see bar-hotel-bar-hotel-bar-hotel. Prostitution was legal back in those days the girls worked in the bars & you had to pay the barman a fine to take the girls out of the bar, usually to the hotel which was connected. The average $ was $7 USD for all night. Every bar a band & a dance floor. MAN! were they good. Some bars had country bands some had rock bands but MAN did the bands do the covers of the hits or the day sound SO MUCH like the original artists it was unreal. Yeah, fun fun fun fun fun times !

[@olddog103]

I USED TO MAKE THIS TRIP ON MY MOTORCYCLE WHILE I WAS STATIONED WITH VC5 DET CUBI POIINT 1965- 70, ILOVED BEING AWAY FROM OLONGAPO.

[@DukeRivers]

Maybe a new back tire and a haircut? 🤣🤣 Keep up the good vlogs my friend.

[@johnpower8356]

The exchange rate was 7.5 pesos to 1usd when I was there in 1976

[@manuelcamomot5152]

Enjoy your vacation .

[@bb89670]

Not all Filipinos opposed the U.S. military and navy only some senators. The President at the time was for the US to stay put. Filipinos were heartbroken when they left.

[@rm_alfaro]

Not all Filipinos were heartbroken, lol! It was mostly Filipinos who were working inside the US military bases and the bar girls that lost their jobs that were heartbroken. Honestly, the US bases leaving were the best thing that ever happened to Subic Bay & Clark! At least now, ordinary Filipinos and tourists can freely access & visit these former US military bases anytime we want to without restrictions unlike before. The economies of Clark & Subic Bay have also progressed immensely right after the US military bases left. Eventually, Clark Freeport Zone & Subic Bay Freeport Zone were successfully established that provided jobs to more Filipinos and contributed more to the economies of Clark & Subic Bay.

[@ch.811]

​@@rm_alfaroFunny how you can still say that when China is harassing your borders.

[@rm_alfaro]

@@ch.811 Yup, I still stand by my statement! If the US is truly an ally and a friend to the Philippines, they would help & stand by us not because there are strings attached but because it's the right thing to do! Protecting the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea is to the interest of the US anyway. If the US government wants to protect its interest in the Indo-Pacific region, they will need to help the Philippines. Even if I want to, Subic and Clark cannot be reverted to US military bases like before because the Philippine government had already turned Subic & Clark into successful and thriving economic centers like the "Subic Special Economic & Freeport Zone" and the "Clark Freeport & Special Economic Zone"! The current Philippine Constitution also prohibits any foreign military base in the Philippines! They will have to change or amend the Philippine Constitution first to allow the return of US military bases or any other foreign military base in the country for that matter.

[@victortan4191]

As always, a vlog well done. Thank you Mergim.

[@laylacodilla4805]

Safe travel always Chairman🌞🎉🎊

[@joban7851]

More success to your blog 🏆

[@slainteron4027]

I was born on the other side of the bay at Sangley Point.

[@adelinahipolito67]

Wow amazing views