What happens when a forgotten piece of land gets a second life?

Years ago, Marianito “Nani” Fernandez, proprietor of Moonbay Marina in Subic, looked out over a neglected stretch of a former American naval base and saw more than just an abandoned space — he saw an opportunity. What began as a vision to breathe new life into the area has since grown into Moonbay Marina Leisure Resort, a sprawling destination where staycations, dining, sports, entertainment, and open spaces come together to create an easygoing, family-friendly escape.

Even its name carries a piece of the property’s story. Inspired by the moon, the name is a fitting nod to its location by Subic Bay and the quiet, almost cinematic atmosphere that settles over the resort after dark.

While Subic has long been a favorite for quick getaways, Moonbay Marina offers a compelling reason to stay a little longer. It is the kind of place where a weekend can start by checking into a Mediterranean-inspired villa, move to a hearty Filipino lunch, transition to an afternoon at the driving range, and end with a relaxing evening surrounded by greenery. You don’t even have to leave the property to experience a full, enriching weekend.

“Moonbay makes an exciting destination for families, especially during weekend holidays,” Chico Fernandez, Nani’s son, told the DAILY TRIBUNE. Chico took over the management of Moonbay in 2017 after returning from San Francisco.

Your weekend home away from home

At the heart of Moonbay Marina is The Villas, a collection of accommodations inspired by the seaside Renaissance homes of France and Spain. The aesthetic leans into a relaxed Mediterranean vacation mood, yet maintains a distinctly tropical Subic setting. Surrounded by lush greenery, the villas offer a residential approach to resort living, making them especially appealing for families seeking space, comfort, and privacy.

“Let’s start from checking in here at the villas, where we have a family-sized swimming pool, plus a cafe and dining area featuring some of our favorite Filipino dishes,” Chico shared. “Some of those menu items were created by my grandmother, which inspired my parents to push forward with our current menu.”

The room lineup gives guests plenty of options, whether for a quick stay or an extended escape:

• El Viento Standard Room: Starts at P4,100 per night (up to P4,500 during peak season).

• La Estrella (No Kitchen): Ranges from P5,812 to P6,668.80.

• El Sol (With Kitchen): Ranges from P6,484 to P7,122.40.

• La Luna (With Kitchen): Ranges from P8,612 to P9,463.20.

Stay all day, unwind all the way

A great resort understands that leisure should never feel like a strict itinerary. At Moonbay Marina, your day can seamlessly shift from a casual basketball game on the covered court to a full workout, an afternoon stroll through the gardens, or a session at the golf driving range. There is no rush and no rigid schedule.

Golf has naturally become one of the property’s standout experiences. However, Moonbay Marina isn’t interested in making the sport feel exclusive. You don’t need a country club membership or a polished swing to step onto the course. Instead, Sunset Swing — the on-site driving range — is designed as an approachable introduction to the sport, particularly for families and first-timers.

“One of our goals here at Moonbay is to make golf accessible to all,” Fernandez explained. “We want to eliminate the intimidation factor that has surrounded the sport for years. If they love it, they come back for more. If they don’t, at least they got to try it.”

Golf here is less about perfecting your form and more about spending quality time together. “We want to give everybody the chance to try golf. It’s a sport that brings people together — businessmen, families. It’s even a great first-date spot,” he added.

Beyond the staycation

What makes Moonbay Marina truly unique is that it caters to more than just overnight guests. The dining options, recreational facilities, open spaces, and an on-site chapel give the development a deeper layer than a typical resort.

St. Anne’s Chapel hosts Sunday Mass at 9 a.m. and is available for weddings, baptisms, and other celebrations.

“On Sundays specifically, we have St. Anne’s Chapel, part of a larger diocese project spearheaded by my stepmother,” Fernandez said. “It’s open for people to host activities revolving around the Catholic Church.”

Family business with a lifestyle of its own

At its core, Moonbay Marina is a family story — one that is proudly being carried forward by the next generation.

“This is a family business. I’m taking over from my father and stepmother,” Fernandez shared, noting that his goal is to build on his family’s foundation while creating something distinctly their own. “We’re moving forward and keeping their legacy going, while establishing our own legacy of fun.”

Yet, beneath the leisure lies a core value that remains close to the family’s heart. “Everything is focused around having a good time here, but we’ve never forgotten about our faith.”

If the Moonbay Marina experience could be distilled into three words, Fernandez keeps it beautifully simple: “Family, fun and faith.”

What was once a neglected stretch of land has evolved into a vibrant haven where families can stay, play, celebrate, discover something new — and, most importantly, make time for one another.