WHERE COASTLINE, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY CONVERGE

DIVE INTO THE REFRESHING RIVERS OF SAN NARCISO, RIDE THE WAVES AT LA PAZ BEACH, AND EXPERIENCE LAMBAKLAD FISHING WHILE INDULGING IN ZAMBALES’ WORLD-FAMOUS MANGOES. WHETHER YOU SEEK ADVENTURE, CULTURE, OR A PEACEFUL ESCAPE, SAN NARCISO OFFERS A ONE-OF-A KIND EXPERIENCE YOU WON’T FORGET.

A destination where history, nature, and local livelihood come together to create an authentic and enriching experience—this is San Narciso, Zambales. Beyond its beaches, this charming town is home to vibrant fishing communities, cultural landmarks, and skilled artisans who keep local traditions alive. Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the shore or a deeper connection to its heritage, the town welcomes you to explore its unique blend of beauty and tradition.

PAPER TREE RIVER RESORT

For those who love the water but want to avoid sandy beaches, Paper Tree River Resort offers a refreshing alternative. This hidden gem allows visitors to enjoy the cool, clear waters of San Narciso’s rivers without worrying about the sticky mess of saltwater and sand.

One of the best things about this resort is its affordability. While a small Php30 environmental fee is required upon entry, the resort itself offers free admission. Visitors can rent cottages starting at just Php300 for six people, with larger options available for up to 25 guests at Php1,000 making it an ideal spot for family outings or barkada getaways. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to relax and cool off, this is a must-visit.

CLAY AVENUE POTTERY

Art and craftsmanship thrive in San Narciso, thanks to Clay Avenue Pottery—a studio owned by Mia Casal, a talented artist who started this venture in 2013. Her pottery has made its way to high-end restaurants in Manila, showcasing the skill and dedication behind each piece.

Creating pottery is no simple task. It begins with shaping the clay, followed by careful drying, kiln-firing, and glazing before the final product emerges. What makes these pieces even more special is their connection to Zambales itself. If you check the bottom of any Clay Avenue pottery, you’ll find a distinct black sand mark, a signature of the region’s volcanic-rich soil. This place is perfect for those who appreciate handmade artistry and want to see the magic of pottery come to life.

LAMBAKLAD FISHING

Fishing is more than just a livelihood in San Narciso— it’s a way of life. One of the most fascinating local livelihoods is lambaklad fishing, a method that combines the words “lambat” (net) and “baklad” (fish corral). This sustainable fishing technique ensures a steady supply of fresh seafood while preserving marine life.

Charina Arguelles, president of the Deep Sea Fisherfolk Association, shares how the organization was formed in 2013, with many fisherfolk migrating from Antique to settle in San Narciso. The fish caught here range from tuna in deep waters to smaller species near the shore.

What makes lambaklad even more unique is the live-selling practice associated with it. Every 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM, their secretary, Sholyn Brocoy-Ronduen, goes live on Facebook while aboard a flat boat, showing buyers the freshly caught fish. This modern approach ensures that most of the fish is already sold before reaching the shore.

The fishing area spans about 8,000 square meters, marked by floating barriers that keep boats from passing through. It has three stages, meant to ensure that fishes caught in the third net are already adults and ready for harvest. In the event that a sea turtle gets caught in the lambaklad, which usually happens because food is abundant there, they make sure that it finds its way out of the net. Thanks to a donation from Senator Risa Hontiveros and combined efforts of the local government unit and the Deep Sea Fisherfolk Association, materials for the lambaklad project were secured, benefiting 89 members, including 30 active f isherfolk.

SAN SEBASTIAN CHURCH

At the heart of San Narciso stands San Sebastian Church, a historic structure located near the municipal hall. A visit here takes you on a journey through time, beginning with the

legendary Bells of San Sebastian Parish. The oldest bell was cast when San Narciso was founded from five Ilocano barrios: Alasiis, Bobolon, Sindol, Pamasirauan, and San Marcelino. This same bell later served as the first church bell in 1849, after a powerful typhoon devastated the town in 1844. It was later replaced in 1868 by Fr. Alberto Serrano De Santa Ana, and the last bell, commissioned by Fr. Francisco Moreno De Dolores in 1894, still rings today.

Inside the church, visitors are greeted by a large painting of Jesus Christ, a serene sight that invites reflection and prayer. As part of the Diocese of Iba, the church continues to be a cornerstone of faith for the people of San Narciso.

LA PAZ BEACH

For those seeking adventure, La Paz Beach is the perfect place to ride the waves. Though not as famous as other Philippine surfing spots, its uncrowded shores and consistent waves make it an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.

The waves are particularly strong during peak months, making it an exciting challenge for those who love the sport. Around the beach, there are several resorts, including Selah Campsite and Beach Resort, where guests can either bring their own tents or rent accommodations.

Beyond surfing, Selah Campsite and Beach Resort offers thrilling activities like banana boat rides, jet skiing, and sunset bonfires. As the sun dips below the horizon, the entire beach transforms into a scenic paradise, with locals and tourists alike enjoying food, music, and the simple pleasure of ocean air.

MANGO HIGHWAY

No trip to Zambales is complete without tasting its world-famous mangoes. Enter Mango Highway, the ultimate pasalubong center, where visitors can find every kind of mango product imaginable—fresh mangoes, dried mangoes, mango shakes, and more. Aside from mangoes, the stalls here also sell bagoong, chicharon, accessories, ref magnets, and singkamas—making it a great stop for food items and souvenirs before heading home. If you love mangoes, this highway is nothing short of heaven!