Experience ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ in Zambales
Looking for a refreshing visit to a seaside town inspired by the hit K-drama “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”? You don’t have to fly out to South Korea—you can just visit the breathtaking province of Zambales for the same vibe
Have you ever felt the overwhelming need to pack your bags and move to a small town and start over? Honestly, the pilot episode of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is totally relatable.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha tells the heartwarming story of Yoon Hye-Jin (Shin Min-A), a Seoul-based dentist who made a life-changing decision to move to a seaside village, the village’s all-rounder and dependable neighbor Hong Doo-Shik (Kim Seon-Ho) and how their lives collide and how romance blooms in the charming neighborhood.
The Shin Min A-Kim Seon Ho romantic comedy tvN/Netflix series feels like a pleasantly cool, early morning ocean breeze that sweeps viewers off their feet every weekend mainly because of the drama’s feel-good, slice-of-life stories and the lead stars’ topnotch chemistry.
One of the K-drama’s strongest assets is its amazing cinematography featuring spectacular landscapes and aesthetically pleasing sceneries highlighting the fictional town of Gongjin. In reality, the drama was filmed in the charming seaside area of Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province of South Korea.
Some of the beautiful places in the drama reminded us of the beauty of no less than the Philippines’ very own majestic province of Zambales.
Metro.Style invites you to fasten your seatbelt as we take a trip up north in Zambales to visit resorts and spots where you can get a dose of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha vibes. While you’re at it, sing along as we play the drama’s well-loved OST, Romantic Sunday.
Lalalalalalala
Romantic Sunday
Lalalalalalala
It’s a beautiful and shining day
Ready? Here we go:
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha In Zambales
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha In Zambales
Maragaha Campsite
Want to have a pensive solo moment at the beach? Just like when beautiful dentist Hye Jin went to Gongjin beach to quietly mark her late mother’s birthday, you can also visit Maragaha Campsite in Botolan, Zambales.
Photo Credit: Grace Diez
Maragaha Campsite
Think of and remember beautiful moments while feeling the soft ocean breeze and drinking in the stunning ocean view at the beachfront.
Photo Credit: Grace Diez
Maragaha Campsite
Who knows? You might even meet a Mr. Hong on the shore while you’re at it.
Photo Credit: Grace Diez
Maragaha Campsite
Contact Maragaha Campsite: https://www.facebook.com/maragahacampsite/ or call 09272292872
Photo Credit: Grace Diez
The Lighthouse Marina Resort Subic
Remember that red lighthouse on Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha? It’s quite a standout in the seaside town and served as a witness in an unexpectedly emotional conversation between Hye Jin and Doo Shik.
Photo Credit: @lighthousesubic
The Lighthouse Marina Resort Subic
Relive the moment and check in at Lighthouse Marina Subic. Located at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (technically, just on the border of Zambales), The Lighthouse is a great choice if you want to enjoy a cup of coffee, an excellent meal and hotel stay. Contact The Lighthouse Marina Resort: https://www.lighthousesubic.com/, https://www.facebook.com/lighthousesubic/
Photo Credit: @lighthousesubic
Capones Island
If you’re still on a lighthouse hunt but with a penchant for a more rustic setting for a more authentic “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” feels, head over to San Antonio, Zambales and take a boat ride to Capones Island.
Photo Credit: Grace Diez
Capones Island
The island is breathtaking in itself for the majestic ocean view it offers and the stretch of powdery white sand and inviting crystal clear waters but it also houses an amazing old Lighthouse called Faro de Punta Capones. Perched on top of the Capones Island, it was built in 1890 and have guided ships in the bay area through the decades.
Photo Credit: Grace Diez
Capones Island
There are also some rock formations up on the hill you can sit on and have a relaxing time there just like what Doo Shik does on the drama.
Photo Credit: Grace Diez
Capones Island
To go to the island, one can just go to Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales and arrange a trip with boat owners in the barangay.
Photo Credit: Grace Diez
Crystal Beach
Our favorite good boy Kim Seon Ho wowed us as surfer dude Hong Doo Shik and here in Zambales, you can also ride the waves at Crystal Beach Resort.
Photo Credit: @crystalbeachresort
Crystal Beach
Sun, sand and the sea as you surf? What a dream. You can live your ultimate beach fantasy at Crystal Beach. You may event want to consider wearing your prized and favorite pair of heels as you enjoy the scenery.
Photo Credit: @crystalbeachresort
Crystal Beach
Some surfer might just take notice and be drawn to your shine. Contact Crystal Beach Resort: https://www.facebook.com/crystalbeachresort/ https://www.instagram.com/crystalbeachresort/?hl=en Call 09150087625
Photo Credit: @crystalbeachresort
Potipot Gateway Resort
Feel like a local and stay at this charming seaside village in Candelaria, Zambales at Potipot Gateway Resort that gives you not only a view of Potipot Island from afar but also a boat access to the breathtaking island.
Photo Credit: Grace Diez
Potipot Gateway Resort
As you walk along the resort beachfront, you might even encounter fisherfolks and residents with interesting stories to tell just like our favorite neighbors on Gongjin. At Potipot Island, you can also contemplate about life or read a book ala-Hong Doo Shik while enjoying the ocean view. Contact Potipot Island Gateway Resort: http://www.potipotgateway.com/, https://www.facebook.com/people/Potipot-Gateway-Resort/100064116340132/ https://www.instagram.com/potipotgateway/?hl=en call 09773061095
Photo Credit: Grace Diez
Sundowners Zambales
Unlike Hye Jin, you can rent not just an ordinary apartment but even have a luxurious stay at a villa in Sundowners Zambales.
Photo Credit: @sundownerszambales
Sundowners Zambales
Located in Botolan, Zambales, this resort also houses the Reef ‘n Beef bar and kitchen where you can unwind and chill just like in the drama’s favorite neighborhood coffee shop.
Photo Credit: @sundownerszambales
Sundowners Zambales
Order your favorite snacks, meals and drinks while basking in the golden hour of the gorgeous Zambales sunset or just watch the waves crash against the sand.
Photo Credit: @sundownerszambales
Sundowners Zambales
No, we can’t promise a handsome Mr. Hong to give you a piggyback ride after having some drinks at the bar. Contact Sundowners Zambales: https://sundowners.ph/zambales, https://www.facebook.com/sundownerszambales/ https://www.instagram.com/sundownerszambales/?hl=en
Photo Credit: @sundownerszambales
Xtremely Xpresso Café
Trust us, the coffee is good here. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’s neighborhood café owner Chun Jae might have struggled on making delicious coffee (and in his music career) but Xtremely Xpresso Café wouldn’t be Subic’s favorite café if not for its delectable and tasty offerings.
Photo Credit: @xtremelyxpresso
Xtremely Xpresso Café
When in Xtremely Xpresso, you can also opt to take out a drink or two and enjoy it at the beachfront as it is only a few steps away from the Subic Bay boardwalk.
Photo Credit: @xtremelyxpresso
Xtremely Xpresso Café
Situated at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Xtremely Xpresso Café gives off a homey and cozy vibe that makes it a delight to dine in. Contact Xtremely Xpresso: http://xtremelyxpresso.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pg/xtremelyxpresso/photos/?ref=page_internal https://www.instagram.com/xtremelyxpresso/?hl=en
Photo Credit: @xtremelyxpresso
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