Tax- Free Shopping at Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Local selling a Pasalubong

Second day of the itinerary, when we are about to go home, we dropped off at Subic Bay for Shopping or simply “buying pasalubong” for one hour. Some were grabbing a bite at the fast-food located within the vicinity, but most of us travelers we were roving around for shopping.

I went around aimlessly, I checked the originals branded dresses in out warehouse outlet, I also looked some chocolates and other goodies at duty-free store, and I inquired some of the pasalubong stuffs but I never got an item. Until I saw a store, a store that captured my attention and interest. The said store was RJ guitar store. I went inside and check the guitars that were being displayed. When I saw the price that was pretty affordable compared to the guitar in SM Megmall, Shangrila Mall and even in Carriedo (It’s been a long time, I am planning a new guitar in replacement of my damaged guitar, that’s why I am already aware the pricing of the guitars.)

Cups with Subic Bay labels for sale

When I take a look at and test the guitar, it was best in sounding, it was durable and it was surely authentic. So I didn’t think twice, so I paid it right way for only PHP1, 175.00 for my extra allowance. It was not actually my plan to buy such guitar right then and then, because of my tight budget but then again, the chance of buying is already there.  I asked the store taker, “Why is it the price here is lower compared in Carriedo/Raon, in fact Carriedo and Raon is popular of selling guitars with low prices” I asked. “Because it is tax-free” he answered. When I audit my receipt, I saw the proof that truly I am not paying for the tax, it was not indicated in the official receipt (OR).

Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ), which is known simply as Subic Bay, is the Philippines' first successful case of a military base converted through volunteerism into a tax- and duty-free zone similar to Hong Kong and Singapore, operated and managed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA. So it was my first time buying such item in a commercial establishment without tax. It was quit cheaper, no wonder lot of commercial establishments are scattered around the proximity. Authentic branded apparels are very affordable.

Subic Bay is surrounded by the municipalities of Subic and Olongapo City in Zambales and Hermosa and Morong in Bataan .It was converted into a commercial zone largely through the efforts of some 8,000 residents of nearby Olongapo City.  After I buy the guitar, I wonder around and innumerable items are available. Home Furniture and display, bracelet, T-Shirt and cup with Subic label, shells for displays, and many more which are best for Pasalubong.

Subic Bay, the Philippines' first free port, continues to be one of the country's major economic engines with more than 700 investment projects, including the 4th largest shipbuilding facility in the world. Not only are those, hotels bars and resorts proofs of increasing economic growth of the said place. Shopping centers here are Harbor Point, Subic Royal, Subic Duty Free Mall, Puregold Duty Free, Freeport Exchange and the Outlet Store.

All I can say, MASARAP SANA MAMILI KUNG MADAMI LANG AKONG PERA!

HERE IS THE MAP
Some of the local Products for sale

The Team took our last Group Pictures and went inside the vans, ready for the three hours of road trip going back to the Reality of life waiting in MANILLA.