P25-million firing range opens in Subic Freeport

A new firing range opened inside this premier Freeport on Tuesday (January 7), allowing gun enthusiasts and law enforcers to practice their shooting skills.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño disclosed that the new Subic Freeport Shooting Range Inc., located at the Corregidor Highway, Ilanin Forest, has a committed investment of P25 million.

The commercial shooting and target range aims to promote target shooting as a sport inside this premier Freeport, while also developing target shooting or shooters at par with the world’s best target shooters.

Aliño and the SBMA Board of Directors led the opening of the firing range, together with the country’s best shooters, Jethro Dionisio, and Khalil Viray.

The 3,000 square meter facility is a former US naval building (Bldg. 2027) with an indoor range measuring 100 square meters. The company leased the area for 25 years and has 15 employees.

A special provision was accorded to SBMA Law Enforcement personnel to utilize the facility free of charge for training purposes. (MPD-SBMA)

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Philippines' Leyann Ramo and China's Peng Cheng Li seal Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay glory

Chinese Peng Cheng Li and local standout Leyann Ramo delivered outstanding performances at the IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay, demonstrating remarkable speed, strength, and endurance in their victories here Sunday. 

Li maintained a commanding lead throughout the race, finishing with an impressive time of 4:20:05.  His dominant performance saw him outpace Great Britain's Christopher Weeks by a substantial margin of 10 minutes in the challenging 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21.1km run event. 

Weeks finished in 4:30:18, while August Benedicto, a local favorite, secured third place in 4:34:21. 

The IRONMAN Philippines and the IM 70.3 Subic drew over a thousand triathletes from 54 countries, underscoring the global appeal of the IRONMAN-branded events. 

The two races also offered qualifying slots for three World Championships, including the ongoing full-distance race featuring a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, and 42.2km run. 

Li, who placed sixth in the full IRONMAN Australia last year, set a strong pace early in the swim leg with the fastest time of 28:38, establishing a two-minute lead over Weeks. Transitioning to the bike leg, the 33-year-old multi-age group winner in 70.3 races extended his lead with a time of 2:21:38. 

He capped off his performance with a powerful finishing kick during the run, completing it in 1:23:58. 

Meanwhile, Ramo showcased impressive form despite fluctuating weather conditions, including intermittent sunshine and overcast skies. 

She set the pace with a swim time of 00:30:57, maintained her lead during the bike leg with a time of 02:45:42, and concluded strongly with a run time of 01:47:06, securing the women’s overall crown with a total time of 05:07:33. 

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” said Ramo, proudly representing Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte. 

Winner of the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa last year, the 31-year-old Tri SND Barracuda spearhead expressed heartfelt gratitude to her family, teammates and province for their unwavering support in her latest triumph. 

Israel’s Hadar Shahar finished second with a time of 05:16:04, posting leg times of 00:32:38 (swim), 02:46:26 (bike), and 01:52:53 (run). 

Hong Kong’s Ruby Cheng claimed third place in 05:23:57, with respective times of 00:29:44, 02:49:23, and 01:58:32 in the swim, bike, and run segments. 

Ramo also earned the age-group title in the 30-34 division ahead of Cheng, while Shahar topped the 25-29 category, culminating a significant triathlon weekend that included the Underpants Run and the Choco Hero IRONKIDS. 

Weeks began strongly with a swim time of 00:30:26, followed by a bike time of 02:22:41, and concluded the run in 01:33:27, finishing with a total time of 04:30:18. 

Benedicto, winner of the IRONMAN 70.3 Cebu in 2022, completed the swim in 00:34:26, the bike in 02:23:48, and the run in 01:32:49, finishing at 04:34:21. 

The top three male finishers also ruled their respective age-group categories: Li claimed the 30-34 age group, Weeks secured the 35-39 trophy, and Benedicto won in the 40-44 division. 

Benedicto also narrowly edged out Thai top triathlete Jaray Jearnai in both overall and age-group standings, with Jearnai finishing in 04:37:08 with leg times of 00:30:23 (swim), 02:26:56 (bike), and 01:35:16 (run). 

Furthermore, the top 25 male triathletes from the ongoing full-distance race earned coveted spots in the Kona, Hawaii World Championship scheduled from Oct. 22-28. 

Additionally, the top 15 female athletes secured qualification for the Vinfast IRONMAN World Championship in Nice, France, set for Sept. 24-28. 

The IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay also offered 45 age-group qualifying slots for the Vinfast IM 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand, on Dec. 14-15, with 15 slots reserved specifically for female participants. 

In relay competitions, Go for Gold Team topped the men’s event in 04:05:20, beating Isabela Tri Club (04:10:02) and Go for Gold Team 2 (04:19:17), while Isabela Tri Club topped the mixed relay in 04:25:29, and the Isabela Tri Club Girls ruled the women’s side in 05:04:32. 

Other division winners were Kenneth Bonda (4:45:49), and A.R. Toroganan (4:40:05) in 25-29. 

The Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines and IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay is backed by Global Premier Partners Global Premier Partners Vinfast, Hoka, Roka, and Breitling; with Global Technical Partners Athletic Brewing Co., Hyperice, Maurten, Santini, AG1, wahoo, Qatar Airways, FulGaz and TriDot; with global supplier partners Always Advancing, Nirvana, Compressport and ekoi. Media Partners Outside+. Title Partner Century Tuna of Century Pacific Foods Inc., and Venue Host Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Official Hydration Partner Lightwater, Bike Leg Racing Partner NLEX & SCTEX, Official Courier & Logistics Partner 2Go. Event Partners Birch Tree, ion Advanced Electrolyte Drink, Lightwater, Sante, Teresa Marble, Sportograf, The Philippine Star, One Sports, and Cignal. (SNL)

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World’s top triathletes to compete at the Subic Bay 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup

All roads lead to this premier Freeport as the world’s top triathletes compete at the 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup in Subic Bay on May 4-5, 2024.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, “Top Filipino triathletes Kim Mangrobang and Fer Casares will go up against the top triathletes of the world this coming 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay elite division.”

He added that six-time Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) gold medalist Mangrobang and 2023 men’s elite champion Casares will compete alongside other fellow Filipino triathletes such as Raven Alcoseba, Erika Burgos, Josh Ramos, veteran John Chicano and Kira Ellis.

“So expect an exciting weekend this May as these top Filipino athletes will compete in the Elite Men and Elite Women of the SUBIT 2024 on its 31st year here,” he added.

The official revealed that 16 countries will take part in the 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup Subic, including from Iceland, Japan, Australia, Taipei, Canada, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa and the Philippines.

Organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines and in cooperation with the SBMA, Subic Bay Freeport will be the venue for the said event. Aliño mused that Subic Bay Freeport will cheer for the Filipino athletes as they compete against the best contenders in the world. “We want them to feel that we are proud of them representing our country,” he added.

The event is presented by NTT and Asia Triathlon and is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission Asian Center for Insulation, Standard Insurance, Gatorade Philippines, Western Guaranty Corporation and Fitbar, along with hotel partners Subic Grand Harbour Hotel and Subic Travelers Hotel. (MPD/SBMA)

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SBMA prepares to hold bigger Subic International Marathon in 2025

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now preparing to host the much-awaited Subic International Marathon (SIM) 2025 here in January.

Dubbed as “I Run For My Heroes”, the commemorative run will be held in honor of the Special Action Force (SAF) 44 heroes who sacrificed their lives in Maguindanao while neutralizing Malaysian terrorist and bomb-maker Zulkifli Abdhir and other Malaysian terrorists or high-ranking members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) back in 2015.

“It brings me great pleasure to welcome all to this exciting kick-off event. We are thrilled to be hosting the Subic International Marathon and to play a part in bringing this inspiring initiative to life within our community,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said. 

 

During its launching ceremony at the Riviera Hotel here, Aliño also recognized the bravery of the SAF 44 heroes for sacrificing their lives in exchange for the safety of the country. 

 

He added that the event also hails everyday heroes such as the police, nurses, firefighters, soldiers, doctors, family and friends who have become heroes to other people in their own rights. 

 

“We hail them for being heroes in our eyes as they provide us inspiration to become better citizens of our country,” he said.

 

Among the other top honchos present during the launching were SBMA Director Raul Marcelo, Tourism Manager Jamelle Camba, SIM Executive Director Gen. Samson Tucay, SIM Director and SAF Director Gen. Bernie Banac, and SIM Director and Extribe Managing Director Rosalyn Domingo Imperio.

 

“The event captures the essence of the motivation and inspiration behind participating in the SIM 2025. Each participant has their own personal heroes, whether they be family members, friends or admired figures, who have influenced and shaped their lives,” Banac said.

 

“By running for their heroes, participants channel their admiration, gratitude, and respect into their running journey, turning each step into a tribute to those who have made a difference,” he added. 

 

As the event is expected to draw around 5,000 runners from all walks of life, Marcelo stated that the SIM would become “the Boston Marathon of the Subic Bay Freeport.” (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic hosts NCAA Season 99 Beach Volleyball Tournament

Subic Bay Freeport plays host once again to the NCAA Season 99 Beach Volleyball Tournament, the host of the prestigious collegiate event since 2012.

The tournament kicked off yesterday (January 24), culminating on the 28th at the Subic Bay Sand Courts, once the battleground of the best beach volleyball players from Southeast Asia during the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2019.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator for Administration Atty. Ruel John Kabigting cited that admission is free for any beach volleyball fan who wish to root for their teams during the games. He added that the continued hosting of Subic for the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament is a testament of the agency’s thrust to help budding athletes become part of the national talent pool.

“Subic Freeport is incomparable to any other place in the country. The sand, sea and mountains are great venues for various sporting events such as triathlons, duathlons, epic bike races, marathons, and of course, beach volleyball,” he said.

 “We are proud and honored to be the host of the event, and I hope that Subic Freeport remains the host for this event for the centennial season next year. It is also a great honor for us to cultivate the younger generation of athletes and make Subic their second home,” he added.

The official thanked the tournament organizers for promoting Subic Bay Freeport as their preferred sports destination, citing that their continued patronage of the area shows how much they trust the agency. He added that the SBMA is complete in terms of emergency responders, as well as competent security officers that keep the event safe and secure.

Jose Rizal University is the host of the tournament with Management Committee chairman Paul Supan leading the organizing of the event. Supan said, “We have an exciting tournament ahead of us. This year, we brought back our junior division so there are now three divisions: mens, women's and junior.

He added that the reason why the organizing committee chose this Freeport is that Subic provides the appropriate atmosphere and ambience of holding the beach volleyball event. He added that one of the players to look out for is Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Louie Ramirez who is a promising talent to become part of the national team.

According to NCAA Beach Volleyball Event Chairman Peter Cayco, 12 persons represent each of the 10 schools. However, since some schools brought their staff along with them, the delegation is now at 200, yielding a full capacity for billeting  hosts Bayfront Hotel and Terrace Hotel.  This also caused a spill over to nearby hotels such as Subic Park hotel and Seorabol Grand Leisure Hotel.

“The spill over to other hotels happened since some of the players came along with their family and friends. This is certainly good for the economy since Subic Bay Freeport is a brand name in the sports tourism sector,” he added. (MPD-SBMA)

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Alcala, Santiago endure heavy rains to win IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay

It rained and rained but the downpour neither stopped nor cooled down the fearless triathletes, who swam, biked and ran the IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay with John Dedeus Alcala and Ines Santiago pulling off victories in varying fashions here yesterday. 

Alcala pushed himself with all the strength he could muster in the closing run stage and pounded out the win in 4:43:45 while Santiago dominated the opening swim leg and cruised to victory in 5:35:59 in wet conditions in her side of the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run race at the Subic Bay Boardwalk. 

With the pack of intrepid bidders still disputing the centerpiece Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines crowns at press time, Alcala and Santiago took the spotlight in the half-triathlon, including $1,000 each, in rare damp and cold conditions. 

Alcala put up the kind of finish he flaunted in stealing the show – but in stifling heat – in the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa in Palawan last November, racing at his own pace in the swim (39:19) and bike (2:33:21) before pouring it out with a best 1:27:05 clocking in the run leg. (SNL)

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IRONKIDS starts off strong in the sports tourism capital of the Philippines

The future of Philippine Marathon showcased the fruit of their labor as they flashed their way to excellence at the IRONKIDS here in Subic Bay. 

A total of 171 kids aged six to 15 years old clashed for this year’s first IRONKID title in the event starting and ending at the heart of Subic Bay. 

The IRONKIDS race covered various distances depending on age category from 100 to 250 meters of swimming, and one to two kilometers of running for the young ones, who could potentially grow up competing in the 5150, 70.3 and full IRONMAN in the future. 

Winners of the IRONKIDS were Euan Ramos and Zabelle Eugenio.

Ramos battled back from joint fifth in the swim with a big surge in the bike then stayed in control in the closing run to rule the premier 13-15 division in 24:34 with combined clockings of 04:53 (swim), 11:07 (bike) and 06:50 (run) over 250-m swim, 6-km bike and 2-km run distance. 

While, Eugenio, from San Isidro, Rizal, bested Erin Burgos in 28:54, clocking 05:01 in the swim and sustaining her charge with 12:20 and 09:01 times in the bike and run legs. 

Burgos finished in 29:22 with times of 05:17, 12:22 and 09:00, while last year’s Vermosa winner Celinda Raagas settled for third in 30:04 (05:32-13:15-08:40). (SNL)

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Ironman 70.3 full triathlon back in Subic

A mix of seasoned campaigners and rising endurance racing stars gear up for another riveting duel of power, speed and stamina when the Century Tuna (Full) IRONMAN Philippines and the IRONMAN 70.3 are held back in Subic Bay next month. 

Close to a thousand bidders from at least 33 countries, including 33 from Japan and 15 from the US, have so far confirmed their participation with the total cast expected to double or triple with still four weeks left before the sport’s centerpiece event is fired off on June 11 at the world-class Subic Bay course. 

Registration is ongoing. For listup and details, visit https://www.ironman.com/im703-subic-bay-philippines

The full IRONMAN PH race, set over the punishing 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km run distance, has lured an early roster of 339, including 89 bets in the 45-49 age group division. 

Other age categories (male and female) are 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74 and 75-and-above. 

Five hundred and two triathletes, on the other hand, are listed in the early Subic IRONMAN 70.3 roster, including 92 in the 40-44 age bracket. They will dispute the titles in various categories over the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run. 

“We are excited to provide these triathletes another great racing experience and at the same time showcase once more the best the country can offer,” said Princess Galura, general manager of the organizing The IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc. 

Also on tap is the IM 70.3 relay event. 

SEI and Century Tuna staged the first full IRONMAN in 2018, also in the country’s triathlon capital with Nick Baldwin from Seychelles ruling the event in eight hours, 50 minutes and 13 seconds and Aussie Liz Blatchford topping the women’s division in nine hours, 22 minutes and 22 seconds. (SNL)

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Australians, HK ruled in 2023 Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT)

Australians Oscar Dart and Charlotte McShane ruled the sprint senior elite category in the 30th Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) over the weekend.

Dart claimed the gold medal in the men's division after posting the best aggregate time of 52 minutes and five seconds in the 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer (km), bike and 5-km run race of the event billed as the 2023 NTT AST Subic Bay Asia Cup.

Joshua Ferris, also from Australia, placed second (52:12), while 2022 champion Ren Sato of Japan was third (52:23).

Sato's teammates, Genta Uchida (52:29) and Jumpei Furuya (52:38), finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

McShane, who was born in Scotland but moved with her family to Australia in 2005, topped the women's division in 58:43.

Chinese Yifan Yang registered 58:54 to settle for second place, followed by Australian Ellie Hoitink (58:58).

The rest of the top 10 finishers were China's Meiyi Lu (58:54) and compatriot Angi Huang (59:07), Japanese Manami Hayashi (59:21), Hungarian Zsofia Kovacs (59:23), Slovakians Zuzana Michalickova (59:30) and Romana Gajdosova (59:37), and Japanese Chisato Nakajima (59.40).

On the other hand, Renz Wynn Corbin and Karen Andrea Manayon of Talisay, Cebu ruled the Under-23 Elite category.

Corbin clocked 1:01:38 to beat Irenold Reig Jr. (1:04:13) and Mark Joshua Perez (1:04:58).

Meanwhile, Hong Kong swept the Super Sprint Youth (13-15 years old) category.

The 15-year-old Nok Hei Wong finished the 750m (swim)-20km (bike)-5km (run) race with an aggregate time of 32 minutes and 05 seconds to pocket the gold medal in the boys' division.

Lok Shi Lam won the silver medal in 33:04 while Kwong Hei Anson Tsang clocked 33:07 to settle for the bronze medal.

Lai Ki Nicole Man, 15, captured the gold medal in the girls' division with a total time of 36 minutes and 17 seconds.

Petra Stamenovic placed second (36:53) followed by Sarah Elise Modiano (37:52).

In the Sprint Para-Triathlon, Cebu City's Alex Silverio bagged the gold medal in one hour, 18 minutes, and 26 seconds while teammate Cedei Nemeño Abellana got the silver medal in 1:44:22 in the men's PT4 category.

Michael Bayani topped the men's PT5 category in 1:22:39 while Edison Badillo ranked second (1:34:57).

National team coaches Ani de Leon Brown and George Vilog lived up to expectations as they ruled the “Battle of the Legends.” 

Brown, who mentors the Philippine women’s squad to next month’s Phnom Penh SEA Games, clocked 43 minutes and 38 seconds to beat the field that included Mimi Lucas and Maris Bondoc, second and third with a 54:12 and 54:49, respectively. 

Vilog, a former national titlist and Arafura Games junior champion, topped the men’s side in 38:22 ahead of Noel Salvador (39:20) and Allan Barredo (40:55), who completed the podium in the race covering 500 meters of swim, 10 kms of bike and 2.5 kms of run. 

The SuBIT, which is the longest-running Olympic distance triathlon in Asia, is co-organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and presented by NTT and Asian Triathlon with the Philippine Sports Commission, Standard Insurance, and Asian Center for Insulation Philippines, Inc. (SNL)

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Casares, Alcoseba rule NAGT 2023 in Subic Bay

Filipino-Spanish Fernando Jose Casares displayed his awesome form to claim victory in the sprint men's elite category of the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Series in Subic Bay Freeport Sunday.

Casares, born in Madrid to a Spanish father and a Filipino mother, clocked 57 minutes and 16 seconds to prevail over Cebu City's Matthew Justine Hermosa (57:34) and Andrew Kim Remolino (59:12) in the swim (750m)-bike (20km)-run (5km) event.

"The competition was tough. My rivals are strong. But I am determined to win," said the 26-year-old Casares, who also ruled the same category at the National Duathlon Championships at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac last December.

Casares earned the standard distance swim (1.5km)-bike (40km)-run(10km) gold medal at the 2022 Vietnam SEA Games. He pocketed the mixed relay gold medal with Chicano, Kim Mangrobang and Clair Adorna at the 2019 Manila SEA Games.

Cebu City's Raven Faith Alcoseba topped the women's category in 1:04:36, beating Erika Nicole Burgos (1:08:03) and Karen Manayon (1:08:25).

Alcoseba, who hails from Talisay City, also won the sprint gold medal the duathlon competition in New Clark City last year.

Meanwhile, Dayshaun Ramos and Kira Ellis were crowned champions in the junior elite division of the tournament organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) headed by Tom Carrasco Jr.

Ramos won the men's category in 1:01.56 while Akio Habana (1:03:43) and Aidanreed Mercado (1:03:51) finished second and third, respectively.

In the women's category, Ellis posted 1:05:51 to grab the gold medal. Gene Heart Quiambao (1:06:15) took the silver medal and Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz (1:07:18) settled for the bronze medal.

"This tournament is part of our national athletes' preparation for the Cambodia SEA Games in May," Carrasco said after the awarding ceremony.

Other tune-up events lined up for the team are the National Aquathlon Championships at Vermosa (Cavite) in March and the Subic International Triathlon in April. (PNA)

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Subic hosts season 98 NCAA beach volleyball tournament

This premier Freeport again plays host to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Beach Volleyball Tournament after a long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, who was represented by the Chief of Staff and Deputy Administrator for Business Atty. John Aquino, the hosting of the NCAA’s Season 98 Beach Volleyball Tournament is among the first of many sporting events that will be held in Subic Freeport.

Paulino cited that the hosting of the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament is also a grassroots thrust of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in molding the youth to become the country’s representative in the Olympics.

Around 150 delegations, including players, coaches and game officials from participating schools are currently in Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) to take part in the tournament. Paulino reminded the participants to keep the SBF clean as they go around and visit various places and establishments. 

NCAA Season 98 Management Committee Chairman Estefanio Boquiron Jr. expressed elation over the venue of the tournament, citing that if the court is good for the Southeast Asian Games, it is certainly good for the NCAA.

“We started playing in Subic Bay Freeport several years back, using the sands at the Boardwalk area. After the first tournament held here, we just fell in love with the place because of the friendliness of the people and the cleanliness of the area,” Vice-chairman Paul Supan of the Jose Rizal University said.

Supan added that the Subic Bay Freeport is certainly the home of the NCAA’s Beach Volleyball Tournament, adding that the association aims to hold all of their beach volleyball tournaments in this premier Freeport.

Supan also said that the San Beda University Women’s team and the Emilio Aguinaldo College men’s team will defend their title in their respective divisions. He added that due to the long hiatus, teams from various schools are raring to show off their game.

The NCAA tournament will be held from January 17 to 21 at the Subic Bay Sand Courts.

In December last year, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation held its Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour at the Subic Bay Sand Courts. (MPD-SBMA)

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Chicano, Alcoseba best Filipino finishers in Subic International Triathlon

John Chicano and Raven Alcoseba became the best performing Filipinos as Japanese bets reigned supreme in the 2022 NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone last Sunday.

 

Chicano clocked 1 hour, 51 minutes and 2 seconds to finish at 22nd place in the men’s division that was topped by Asia’s No. 3 and world No. 56 Ren Sato, who timed 1:43:11.

 

Chicano’s teammate John Remolino was at 23rd with 1:52:11, while Iñaki Lobres finished at 25th with 1:54:22. 

 

Japan made a 1-2 finish with Ryoya Tamazaki settling behind Sato in 1:43:37. Australia’s Oscar Dart came in third with 1:43:48.

 

In the distaff side, Alcoseba finished 13th after timing 2:09:56 behind eventual champion and Youth Olympic games gold medalist Yuka Sato, who posted a winning time of 1:58:49.

 

Hong Kong’s Choi Yan Yin Hilda pocketed the silver in 2:00:37 while Slovakia’s Margareta Bicanova settled for bronze in 2:01:02.

 

The 1.5-kilometer swim, 40km bike and 10km run race serves as an exposure for national athletes bound to the 31st Southeast Asian Games slated in Hanoi, Vietnam next week. (Manila Bulletin)

Source:https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/02/chicano-alcoseba-best-filipino-finishers-in-subic-international-triathlon/

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“Tourism is back in Subic” – SBMA chief

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino has confirmed the return of tourism activities in the country’s premier freeport.

“First, Ironman was here two weeks ago. This is the second international sporting event after my appointment as SBMA chairman. And this goes to show that tourism is back in Subic,” Paulino said.

Paulino welcomed guests and participants of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the second international sporting event to happen here, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IAFT-MEID) placed Central Luzon under alert level 1, among most areas in the country.

The Clipper Race is a yacht race that goes around the world, facing one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other. Each fleet of yacht has a fully qualified skipper and first mate to safely guide the crew.

Now on its 12^th edition, the Clipper Race 2019-2020 took off from London, UK in September 2019; made way to Portimāo, Portugal in September 2019; then Punta del Este, Uruguay in October 2019, Cape Town, South Africa in November 2019, Fremantle, Australia in December 2019 and Whitsundays, Australia in January 2020.

Each host port offers a unique opportunity to be immersed in its culture and explore the city’s highlights.

The race has restarted in Subic Bay, having been on-hold for two years since the Covid-19 pandemic restricted the movement of people to prevent the spread of the disease.

After leaving the waters of Subic Bay, the fleet of 11 yachts and about 250 crew members are heading to Seattle, USA and leave by April 2022; then to Panama and leave by June 2022; Bermuda by June 2022; New York, USA by June 2022; Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland by July 2022, and London, UK by July 30, 2022.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, co-founder and chairman of the Clipper Ventures, expressed appreciation to one of the host ports, Subic Bay. He also thanked the chairman and Tourism manager Jem Camba, “whose teams have worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of Clipper Race stopover in Subic Bay.”

Knox-Johnston, himself, was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in June 1968. He was one of the nine sailors to compete in the Times Golden Globe Race, who set off on a voyage that lasted ten months, securing his place in the history books after he arrived back in Falmouth, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom in 312 days at sea in April 1969.

Meanwhile, Camba disclosed upcoming tourism events for the rest of the first semester.

She mentioned there will be fun run, trail run, and cycling events. Holy Week activities will also resume, which is the peak season of Subic Bay, as well as other religious and non-religious events.

For the Holy Week, which will start on Palm Sunday and will end on Easter Sunday, she said that there would be nightly activities at the Boardwalk area, as well as entertainment from Holy Wednesday to Black Saturday.

Also, there will be three concessionaires in different areas—weekend night market at San Roque chapel, as well as concessionaires at the Boardwalk, and a Banchetto (banquet) at the mini-golf.

Paulino, who was appointed new SBMA chairman and administrator on March 1, said that he plans to bring back the “old glory days” of Subic Bay by making it attractive again to more tourists and visitors.

“Come to Subic! It is still the one of the most beautiful destinations in the country, and the number 1 in Region 3. We have fast, flexible and friendly people in Subic,” Paulino said. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic sets ‘bubble’ for FilBasket inaugural tourney

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will also require a sports bubble set-up for the Filipino Basketball League (Filbasket), an upcoming amateur basketball confederation, which is awaiting approval for its inaugural play-off here.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the “bubble’ concept, which isolates players and organizers from the public, will be implemented for the tournament because it is a proven safety measure for various events here in Subic.

“The sports bubble has worked here in Subic and with this we have successfully hosted the 2021 Gatorade-PSL Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup last February and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) playoffs last March,” Eisma explained.

“With the continuing risks from Covid-19, we need to ensure the health and safety of the participants, organizers, and even the locals who would interact with the visitors, that’s why we always insist on a bubble,” she added.

Eisma issued the statement after FilBasket League commissioner Jai Reyes confirmed that the inaugural tournament will be held in the Subic Bay Freeport and not in Batangas, which is still under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Subic is under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

According to Reyes, league organizers are just waiting for the go-signal from the SBMA and the Regional Interagency Task Force (RIATF) to hold the event.  

Eisma said that the safety protocols under the FilBasket bubble will be the same as that of the previous sporting events held here: players and organizers, as well as the league’s dedicated media team, will be isolated in hotels, with access only to the tournament venue, and all had to undergo a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test upon arrival.

“There will be no live audience watching the games, as the tournament will be broadcast by television,” she added.

FilBasket, which was founded by two-time UAAP champion Jai Reyes of Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards (MPBL), will have 11 amateur teams competing in the inaugural tournament.

The teams will play for a single round-robin elimination match-up from which the top four teams will qualify for the semifinals round. The winners in the semis will square off for the championship. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, bikers unite to promote responsible biking in Subic Freeport

A week after several bikers were injured in an illegal bike race here, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and local cycling groups agreed to enforce self-regulation and promote responsible biking in this popular sports tourism destination.

In a meeting with local bikers last Saturday, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma urged for the creation of volunteer marshals who will police the ranks of local cyclists and enforce discipline among their members while biking in Subic.

“These volunteer marshals would be the eyes and ears of your groups to stop illegal bike races here, and they will be deputized by the SBMA,” Eisma said.

“They would have direct contact with the SBMA Law Enforcement Department (LED) for better monitoring and speedy action against illegal races,” she added.

The proposed creation of marshals came to light after an illegal bike race was organized by Olongapo City public school teacher Eduardo Velasco Jr. at the San Bernardino Road here on June 19. The “friendly race” took in participants for mountain bike male, road bike female, and road bike male categories at an entry fee of P20 each.

A race video that went viral on social media, however, showed racers overtaking a container truck and a spill involving several bikers as they converged on one lane to overtake the vehicle. A 14-year-old biker was among those reportedly injured.

The SBMA said the organizer did not have any permit for the event and subsequently closed San Bernardino Road to bikers for “wanton disregard of safety among themselves and other motorists, as well as in violation of health protocols being enforced in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.”

In an advisory issued on June 19, Chairman Eisma said the reopening of San Bernardino Road to bikers “will be subject to the implementation of proper procedures that will govern such activities.”

“As much as we encourage exercise and other physical activities among stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and take pride that Subic has become a popular destination for biking, we cannot allow activities that may endanger the life and limb of the public while they are inside the SBMA’s jurisdiction,” she added. 

During the dialogue with bikers, the SBMA chief reiterated her call for safety and pointed out that only responsible cyclists can prevent a similar accident from happening again.

In the same forum, renowned triathlete coach Melvin Fausto fielded suggestions on rules that will be set for cyclists in the Subic Bay Freeport. 

He said that creating bike lanes would not be enough, and that self-discipline would be the key to having a safe and enjoyable bike ride here.

Road bike and mountain bike enthusiasts present during the talks showed great interest in establishing volunteer marshal among their groups. These included 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist John Leerams Chicano, a resident of Olongapo City.

Fausto said that if the Subic community wants to create another gold medalist among the ranks of cyclists who frequent the Subic Bay Freeport, it would be best if they trained properly and in the right venue. (MPD-SBMA)

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Eisma: MPBL hosting boosts Subic’s ‘safe haven’ claim

The successful conclusion of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) championship games here at the Subic Gym on Sunday has further cemented Subic’s claim to fame as a safe destination for sports events under the “bubble” concept.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the MPBL finals is the latest crowning glory in Subic’s bid to be an exclusive safe haven amid the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’re proud to say that the bubble held until the last game of the MPBL finals. And that’s because we are firm here in Subic in observing health protocols laid down by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases),” Eisma said.

“The Freeport community has taken painstaking effort to keep Subic safe, knowing it’s necessary for the nation’s economic rebound, and this determination is now paying off for everyone,” she added.

Prior to this, Subic also hosted the 2021 Gatorade-PSL Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup organized by Philippine Super Liga (PSL) under a similar sports bubble that required participants to be housed in dedicated accommodation facilities and monitored by health personnel.

Under the sports bubble, spectators were not allowed in the playing area, and players and technical crew were prohibited from interacting with the public. The games were livestreamed over online video platforms.

MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said the bubble championship games in Subic ended without any hitch, despite initial problems when some players of the Basilan team tested positive before the semifinals. The whole team was not allowed to enter the Subic bubble.

But Duremdes pointed out that “no one was tested positive inside the bubble.”

The championship games ended on March 21 with Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife winning the 2019-2020 MPBL Lakan Cup by defeating defending champions San Juan Knights-Go For Gold 89-88 in an overtime.

With the 2019-2020 MPBL championship ended, Eisma said Subic looks forward to its return for the league’s regular season subject to the approval of the IATF. She added the SBMA is also negotiating with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation for a similar bubble tournament here.

Apart from sports events, Subic’s reputation as a safe haven has made it an international crew-change hub for mariners, and a center for corporate jet maintenance in Southeast Asia.

Eisma said the SBMA will further leverage Subic’s safe environment as today’s must-go destination for sports, pageants, conferences and other events under the bubble concept. (30)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma joins MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes (right) and other sports officials in presenting the 2019-2020 MPBL Lakan Cup at the Subic Gym on March 21.

[2] Members of the Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife team celebrate after winning the 2019-2020 MPBL Lakan Cup at the Subic Gym on March 21.

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