SBMA set to attract more Japanese investors to Subic Bay

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is eyeing more Japanese companies to invest inside this premier freeport after the agency bagged a contract with Japanese company Subic Smart Community Corporation (SSCC) to upgrade the Subic golf course.

SBMA Administrator Atty. Wilma T. Eisma said that the upgrading of the Subic golf course will play an integral part in attracting more tourists to the Freeport.

The Subic Bay golf clubhouse 

“When we first envisioned the Subic Freeport during its initial stage, we were thinking of making this into a port city like Singapore. Aside from the usual port operations like cargo and bulk handling, we imagined Subic Freeport as a tourist haven for local and international tourists alike,” she said.

The SBMA has approved a $30-million investment for the upgrade of the Subic Bay golf course by the SSCC. According to Masafumi Miyamoto, the company will develop Subic Bay golf course into a world-class venue for tournaments and a housing facility for the elderly and retirees.

Miyamoto is the founder of the Smart Community Co., Ltd., the first and largest continuing-care retirement community in Japan.

The two-pronged development project is touted as a potential major asset in the Subic Freeport. The first part is the $3-million renovation and redevelopment of the whole golf course within the span of two years.

The renovation will include the clubhouse, sprinkler systems and repair of ponds, improvement of the greens and the upgrade of machinery and equipment such as golf carts and service vehicles.

Miyamoto said the golf course will remain in operation despite the renovation, leaving open a minimum of nine holes.

The second part of the development project is the $27-million expansion of all areas for the Subic Smart Community within a six-year period. This will include the construction of 200 residential units within the span of two years.

Another 1,800 residential units will be added, including various amenities such as a gym, a sports center, arts and crafts studios, karaoke or music rooms, function rooms, library and bars and restaurants.

The plan to create residential areas is part of Miyamoto’s proposal for Japanese retirees after a market study showed that Japan’s elderly care businesses rose to a whopping $252-billion in 2015. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

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Japanese firm sets $30-M to develop Subic Bay golf course

A Japanese company will be developing the Subic Bay golf course into a world-class venue for tournaments, coupled with a facility that will offer housing complexes and fulfilling lifestyle choices for retirees.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said the Subic agency had awarded the golf course development project to a firm headed by Japanese businessman Masafumi Miyamoto, founder of the Smart Community Co., Ltd., the first and largest continuing-care retirement community in Japan.

The Subic Bay golf course clubhouse

“This project is a game-changer for Subic,” Garcia said, noting that it will transform Subic’s existing fairways that had been left rotting in the past few years into a major year-round tourist attraction.

He added that the visiting friends and relatives of those who would reside in the retirement village would likewise generate more economic activities in transportation, shopping malls, medical facilities, hotels, tourist attractions, banks, restaurants, and other businesses.

The project would cost a total of $30 million, excluding a fixed annual rental fee of $350,000 and a five-percent gross revenue share payable to the SBMA for the entire 50-year lease period.

Garcia said that in awarding the lease development contract to Miyamoto, the SBMA considered the overall concept of the project, the proponent’s financial capability, market availability, and business plan presented to agency officials in December last year.

“This s a two-pronged development project that considered the best potentials for what could be considered a major asset in the Subic Freeport,” Garcia said.

Accordingly, the first component, at the cost of $3 million, would involve the renovation and re-development of the whole golf course within two years, from June 2016 to June 2018. This will cover clubhouse renovation, installation of sprinkler systems and repair of ponds, improvement of the golf course, and upgrade of machinery and equipment, golf carts, and service vehicles.

Garcia said the project proponent had promised that the golf course would remain operational throughout the renovation period through a rotational renovation plan that would keep a minimum of nine holes open at a given time.

The second component is the $27-million development of all allowable open areas for the Subic Smart Community within a six-year period. This would consist of the construction and development of an initial 200 condominium units from 2016 to 2018. Next would be the completion of about 1,800 condominium units with various amenities like gym, sports center, arts and crafts studios, karaoke or music rooms, function rooms, library, and bars and restaurants, among others.

Garcia said that Miyamoto’s proposal was based on a market study that showed Japan’s aging society as becoming a financial burden to both the Japanese people and government. This situation had reportedly led to the emergence of elderly care businesses that had rapidly grown to a $252-billion industry just in 2015.

“Subic Bay has been chosen particularly because of its relatively constant weather patterns conducive for year-round golf play and because of its untapped areas that have great potential for a retirement complex,” Garcia noted.

Aside from starting the Smart Community in 2004, Miyamoto founded in 1986 the Square Enix Co., Ltd., which is engaged in publishing, distribution, and licensing of digital entertainment content worldwide, including the highly successful Tomb Raider Final Fantasy.

Miyamoto also founded the Sunpia Golf Club, in Japan’s Tokushima City, which has a total of 100 hectares, with three helipads, 300 parking slots, and driveways lined with cherry blossom trees. (NBM/MPD-SBMA)

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Global property portal lists Subic Bay among best PHL places for foreign retirees

This premier Freeport again made it to the list of top destinations in the Philippines for foreign retirees, as gathered by an online global real estate marketplace.

Online global property portal Lamudi issued its “Best Places in the Philippines for Foreign Retirees” where Subic Bay Freeport is listed among 15 locations offering the best retirement options in the country.

Sunset at Subic Bay (RFV via Commons)

Subic Bay Freeport is the only special economic zone in Lamudi’s list, as most of the areas that are in the roster are highly-urbanized cities. It is listed at number 7 by the portal.

“Renowned for being a former overseas U.S. military installation, the Subic Freeport Zone is perfect for foreign retirees who want to continue their American suburban lifestyle in the Philippines. Along with its duty-free shopping, there are also a number of great schools, hospitals, and hotels and resorts in the city,” Lamudi said.

“While there is plenty to do and see in the Freeport Zone, probably one of its biggest draws as a retirement area, is the location’s cleanliness and orderliness,” it added.

According to the portal, choosing from among the Philippines’ 7,107 islands can be challenging for foreign retirees, but taking into “consideration cost of living, the presence of basic necessities, and the overall retirement atmosphere in an area, it becomes just a little bit easier to narrow the list down.”

Other areas that made it to Lamudi’s list are Imus and Bacoor in Cavite; Santa Rosa and Calamba in Laguna; and the cities of Tagaytay, Cebu, Dumaguete, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Baguio, Tagum, Lipa, and Batangas.

In 2015, Forbes Magazine, also well known for its lists and rankings, cited Subic Bay as a top retirement destination in the Philippines.

Forbes' list of 20 best foreign retirement havens in 2015 includes the Philippines, particularly mentioning Subic Bay as one of only two locations in the country that are popular retirement spots, the other one being Tagaytay.

Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. It is a real estate marketplace which offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a secure and easy-to-use platform to find or list properties online.

This fast-growing platform is available in more than 30 other countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 800,000 real estate listings across its global network. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay cited by Forbes as top retirement haven in PH

Forbes Magazine, well known for its lists and rankings, cited Subic Bay as a top retirement destination in the Philippines.

Forbes' latest list of 20 best foreign retirement havens includes the Philippines, particularly mentioning Subic Bay as one of only two locations in the country that are popular retirement spots, the other one being Tagaytay.

Screen grab from Forbes' gallery of the 20 Best Foreign Retirement Havens for 2015. 

Source: http://www.forbes.com/pictures/fgmi45mmdd/the-philippines/

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia said Forbes Magazine bolstered the marketing efforts of the agency in promoting the Freeport as the best retirement haven in the country.

“Subic is a very attractive place for tourists and retirees alike, providing both an eco-friendly environment and a cost-effective locality,” Garcia said.

“Aside from scenic views and friendly environment, Subic is a much secured area,” Garcia said, noting that the Subic Bay Freeport is securely bounded by perimeter fences and has a very good law enforcement unit that is well-known for its expertise and alertness.

Garcia added that Subic is also primed to push its advantage in medical tourism, having recently opened two world-class hospitals that cater to retirees and provide excellent medical services at very affordable rates.

Forbes ranked the top 20 best foreign retirement havens in 2015 by looking into issues such as cost of living, cultural attractions and scenery, safety, tax matters (especially breaks for retirees), local hospitality, weather, availability of adequate healthcare and prevalence of English.

In appraising the Philippines as a retirement destination, Forbes noted the appeal of the country to U.S. retirees due to its low cost of living in a tropical environment, and permanent residency that can be had on a minimal showing of retirement income.

Popular locations include Tagaytay because of its cooler climate, and Subic Bay with an infrastructure from the old U.S. Navy base, Forbes said.

International Living Magazine, an Ireland-based publication catering to retirees all around the world, also put the Philippines on the 17th spot in its shortlist of 23 best countries to retire in 2016.

The magazine’s rankings are based on its Annual Global Retirement Index that considers a number of composite factors such as real estate costs, special benefits for retirees, cost of living, leisure amenities, healthcare services, infrastructure, and climate. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport eyed as retirement haven by American retirees

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has its sights set in further developing the Freeport as a destination for retirees.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia recently met with officials of the American Baptist Homes of the West (ABHOW) for a possible development of a retirement facility in this Freeport.

ABHOW is a non-profit and non-sectarian corporation, which is committed to providing exceptional service to older adults, their families and the wider community.

ABHOW president David Ferguson said that they have conducted a survey among American and Filipino-American seniors and many are considering retiring in the Philippines.

“We are excited with the opportunity and see what Subic has to offer,” Ferguson said.

In the meeting, Garcia told Ferguson and company that the Subic Bay Freeport is a preferred retirement destination for retirees and now has numerous retirement facilities that are operating here.

“Subic is a perfect destination for American retirees because of the rich American culture here, a result of Subic's being a former US naval base,” he added.

Garcia also stressed that the huge number of nurses in the country can provide adequate care for the retirees.

“We are happy that you are considering Subic as your location and we will be ready to support and assist your group,” he said.

Meanwhile, Randall Stamper, chairman of the ABHOW board of directors, added that accessibility is their main reason for considering Subic as a location.

Aside from being connected to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, which cuts travel time to Manila to just two hours, the Subic Bay Freeport also has its own seaport and airport.

Subic has also become a popular location for several retirement homes due to its modern health and wellness facilities amid a healthy natural environment and laid-back atmosphere. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic is still the best retirement haven, Fil-Ams told

Subic is still the best place for retirement.

This was the message by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia to visiting Filipino-American delegates during the 22nd Trade Mission to the Philippines, a workshop-conference organized by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

Garcia, who was keynote speaker in the conference dubbed “Global Citizenship: The Filipino American Experience,” updated the delegates on the strategic advantages of doing business or retiring in Subic.

“Aside from scenic views and friendly environment, Subic is a much secured area,” Garcia said, noting that the Subic Bay Freeport is securely bounded by perimeter fences and has a very good law enforcement unit that is well-known for its expertise and alertness.

Garcia added that Subic is also primed to push its advantage in medical tourism, having recently opened two world-class hospitals that cater to retirees and provide excellent medical services at very affordable rates.

“Subic is a very attractive place for tourists and retirees alike, providing both an eco-friendly environment and a cost-effective locality,” Garcia also pointed out.

Citing the experience of a Japanese friend who is paying P150,000 monthly for services in a nursing home where his aged mother stays, Garcia said this same amount “can already buy him a very nice house and lot with 24-hour service nurse here.”

“Now, my Japanese friend is considering retiring in the Philippines,” he added.

The recent trade mission here coincided with the annual outreach project of the American Services Division of the US Embassy in Manila for the large American resident community in the Subic Bay area.

On the same occasion, US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas personally answered some queries and concerns from the American community here.

Also invited to the same occasion were Carlo Ponti Zialcita, officer in charge of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) at its Subic-Clark office, who talked about “The Philippines and Subic/Clark as a Retirement Community Destination”; Darrin Morgan, regional federal benefits officer at the US Embassy; and Dr. Dean Alegado, president of DT Alegado Consulting Group, who discussed issues and concerns related to retiring in the Philippines. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport eyes growing retirement market

The retirement-tourism industry in this free port is expected to take off this year, as government agencies and the business community here teamed up to come up with a more aggressive marketing program.

Eyeing the development of Subic Bay as a prime retirement facility, the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) signed a memorandum of agreement with the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) for more effective promotion in the world market.

The agreement was signed the other day by PRA chairman Edgar Aglipay, SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga, SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, and SBFCC president Danny Piano at the SBMA Board Room.

The three parties agreed to integrate their marketing and promotional activities, including information dissemination, public relations, special events, and other retiree-related tourism programs to maximize Subic’s market reach.

Each party also committed to act as an advocate for the design and development of new products and investment opportunities for foreign retirees and tourists, thereby enhancing retiree-related sites, facilities, and services through tourism planning and product development.

“Only through strong partnerships and consolidation of individual corporate goals into one, could the retirement industry in Subic match up with those in the neighboring countries of Asia,” Aglipay said.

Aglipay reiterated that the Philippines has almost all the advantages — climate, manpower, culture and services — to outmatch other Asian nations in the retirement business, especially since Filipinos are known worldwide for being highly efficient and professional.

Salonga, meanwhile, noted that the agreement “was very timely, since the number of foreign retirees seeking a safer and more comfortable place to live in is increasing.”

A large number of these retirees visiting Subic Bay have settled here for a time, he added.

Arreza said that the Subic Bay Freeport already has world-class retirement facilities, including the Subic Holiday Villas, which is described as a modern leisure and retirement village that can accommodate up to 500 retirees, plus their families.

Other similar facilities in Subic include the Subic Holiday Mansion, the Tropical Paradise Retirement Village, Subic Heights at the Upper Mau Area, Subic Bay Leisure and Resorts at the Boton Area, the Subic Executive Loft Condominium, and Poco A Poco at the Subic Commercial Park.

These world-class retirement communities in the Subic Bay area can accommodate retirees from Japan, Korea, Taiwan and other foreign countries, Arreza added. (SBMA Corporate Communications)


PHOTO: Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Feliciano Salonga and Philippine Retirement Authority Chairman Edgar Aglipay shake hands after signing an agreement to promote Subic Bay as a retirement destination. With them are (from left): Susan Dudley, of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, and SBFCC President Danny Piano.

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Century21 to sell Subic retirement homes

New Jersey-based Century21 Real Estate LLC, one of the world’s largest residential real estate trading organizations, has opened here to help promote Subic as a retirement haven particularly for Filipino-Americans.

Century21 Subic President Josephine Chua said the company will provide expertise and help clients narrow down their choices by sharing market trends and local real estate information.

“Buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions you will make in life and that’s why it’s in your best interest to choose an experienced real estate agent,” Ms. Chua said, following the opening of the firm’s office near the Royal Subic Mall.

The firm operates in 64 countries, with more than 8,800 offices and 145,000 brokers and agents.

Ms. Chua said Century21 Subic will offer “personalized service.”

Ramon Agregado, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) deputy administrator, said Century21 will help promote Subic free port as a retirement haven particularly for “Fil-Ams” and overseas Filipino workers wanting to go back home.

“Retiring Filipinos abroad wanting to stay in a safe and clean environment would have a better option in choosing Subic as their retirement home,” he said.

Century21 Subic will provide buyers a “Home Search System” and sellers “Customized Home Marketing.” The Century21 Home Search System promises “full service” and an “anxiety-free real estate experience.”

“The home search system offers proprietary marketing tools,” Ms. Chua said.

Services include an Internet marketing program, a global referral network, a quality service survey, property management, home inspection services, and local government assistance.

“This customized Home Search System answers all of the questions and concerns that buyers are challenged with when purchasing a house,” Ms. Chua said.

For those interested to sell their houses, the firm’s Customized Home Marketing System provides sellers with assistance in differentiating their homes from others for sale in a highly competitive marketplace.

The marketing system provides online marketing, a global referral network, information on specialty markets, property management, a home inspection service, and government assistance.

Century21 is aiming to increase its presence and market share in the US and elsewhere, with operations throughout Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia, Ms. Chua said.

While more buyers now use the Internet to gain access to listings or available properties for sale, it is still a good idea to use an agent, Ms. Chua said.

She pointed out that an agent brings value to the entire home-buying process. “He or she is available to analyze data, answer questions, share professional expertise, and handle all the paperwork and legwork that is involved in the real estate transaction.” (Rey Garcia, BusinessWorld)

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