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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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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“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 Bay named Philippines top sports tourism hub

Subic Bay, Central Luzon’s top tourist destination, added another feather in its cap with the recent awarding of the “Destination of the Year” by the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards (PSTA).

Subic Bay has consistently hosted sports events over the years and has helped position the Philippines as a competitive global sports tourism destination.

“There’s a variety of sports events held in Subic almost every month, and that’s really a plus factor. I hope Subic will continue to keep the momentum, and we look forward to the nomination again of Subic for this year,” says PSTA chairman Charles Lim.

He added that Subic bagged the award after judges saw the consistency with which prestigious sports events were held in the freeport.

He also noted that sports tourism is the fastest-growing component of the travel and sports industry.

Meanwhile, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma said the latest award shows that Subic remains the country’s most-preferred venue by local and international sports organizers.

“The award speaks well of the natural beauty and the unspoiled environment of Subic amid continuous economic development. It means that Subic had successfully harnessed the synergy of sports and tourism to make it to No. 1 for two consecutive years,” she noted.

The SBMA chief also pointed out that Subic won the gold award for best sports tourism destination in the 2017 Sports Industries Awards and Conference Asia (SPIA Asia) held in Thailand, and brought home the bronze award for the same category last year.

This year, it hosted the National Age Group Triathlon, NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon, Alaska Ironkids, Century Tuna Ironman 70.3. (Philippine Star)

https://www.philstar.com/sports/2019/07/27/1938285/subic-bay-named-philippines-top-sports-tourism-hub

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Subic bags PHL sports tourism ‘destination of the year’ award

Subic Bay was named “Destination of the Year” for 2016 and 2017 by the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards (PSTA), a Cebu-based awards body that honors organizers and groups that help position the Philippines as a competitive sports tourism destination worldwide.

PSTA chairman Charles Lim, who visited Subic last week, presented a 14-inch gold trophy to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma to signify Subic’s recognition as a top sports tourism site for two consecutive years.

Lim said that Subic received the PSTA’s nod after the panel of judges took into consideration the consistency with which sports activities were held in the Freeport.

“There’s a variety of sports events held in Subic almost every month, and that’s really a plus factor,” Lim said, noting that Subic has also hosted major events like the Ironman and Alaska races, as well as the annual regatta.

“I hope Subic will continue to keep up the momentum, and we look forward to the nomination again of Subic for 2018,” Lim also said.

SBMA Chairman Eisma, meanwhile, said the new award only shows that Subic remains the sports destination in the country most preferred by local and international sports organizers.

“The award speaks well of the natural beauty and the unspoiled environment of Subic amidst continuous economic development,” Eisma said. “It means that Subic had successfully harnessed the synergy of sports and tourism to make it to Number 1 for two consecutive years.”

The SBMA chief also pointed out that Subic won the gold award for best sports tourism destination in the 2017 Sports Industries Awards and Conference Asia (SPIA Asia) held in Thailand, and brought home the bronze award for the same category last year.

Eisma added that Subic will continue to join competitions in order to improve its tourism services and facilities further.

During the meeting with the SBMA chairman, Lim said that sports tourism is now the fastest-growing component of the travel and sports industry, especially with the current boom in medical tourism, agri-tourism, and eco-tourism.

He said that with Subic’s hosting some of the SEA Games events in November, the estimated 5,000 participants and officials that will join sports events here may bring along an average of three family members or friends, relatives or supporters with them.

“So the number could reach about 15,000 visitors. That means they will need at least 7,000 rooms, which would be a tremendous boost for the Subic economy,” Lim said.

The PSTA was organized in 2015 by the Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Promotions Board, and Selrahco Management and Consultancy Services, as the lead private group. It is now managed by Selrahco-Primetime headed by Lim.

Lim explained that the PSTA was actually conceived in 2004 as a result of many years of encouraging sports events organizers to promote sports, recognize and professionalize the organizing management skills of organizers, and urging volunteers to be involved in the organization of sports events.

“As we went along, we found that it was a good gesture to start recognizing the people who organize, who take the trouble of travelling to organize the sports events,” Lim said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

PSTA Chairman Charles Lim presents the 2016-2017 “Destination of the Year” award to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma. The Subic Bay Freeport received the recognition for consistently hosting sports events that position the Philippines as a competitive sports tourism destination worldwide.

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Subic bags bronze as best sports tourism destination in Asia

As a testament to the successful sports tourism program of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the Subic Bay Freeport again won in the search for the best tourism destination of the year in Asia.

Subic Freeport romped away with the bronze award for “Best Sports Tourism Destination of the Year” in this year’s Sports Industries Awards and Conference Asia (SPIA Asia), beating countries like China, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and India.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado and SBMA tourism manager Jem Camba received the award during the 3rd SPIA Asia Awards Gala 2018 held in Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday.

The SPIA Asia awards is held annually to celebrate the brands, agencies rights holders, marketers, venues and destination, and organizations which positively influence the sporting landscape in Asia.

Entry to the awards is free and the judging rigorous, with about 400 entries this year and a panel of more than 37 international experts who judged the entries to determine the gold, silver and bronze winners.

The awards included four local and 14 Asian award categories, three public voted categories, and one achievement category.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said Subic’s recognition in the SPIA Awards “again highlighted the attractiveness of Subic as a natural setting for sports competitions, and confirmed SBMA’s success in sustaining sports as a pillar of the local tourism industry.”

It can be recalled that Subic won the gold award for best destination in the SPIA Asia awards in 2017. This year, the gold award went to Melbourne, Australia while the silver went to Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates.

Agregado said it was a “great achievement” for Subic to win awards in succession, considering the large number of entries vying for honors.

Other finalists this year in the Best Sports Tourism Destination category were: Amazing Thailand, Tourism Authority Thailand; Imagine Your Korea, Korea Tourism Organization; Mission Hills, China, Mission Hills Group; Vietnam - Timeless Charm, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism; Visit Malaysia, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board; Wonderful Indonesia, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia; and Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism India. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado (second, left) and SBMA tourism manager Jem Camba (center) receive the bronze award for “Best Sports Tourism Destination of the Year”

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Subic hosts Bike King TRI 2 on July 1

Over 500 triathletes brace for an unconventional long-distance multisport competition in the Bike King TRI 2 set on July 1 at Subic Bay.

After the 2km swim at ACEA Subic Bay, participants vie in the bike leg on the rolling 60km route of SCTEX until Dinalupihan before returning to Subic.

The final test of endurance is the 15-km run which includes the hills of Cubi Point.

The team competition will see large contingents from Century Tri Hard, FIT Phl, Herbalife, Pampanga’s Best Tri Clark, Sante Barley and Trimac vying for top honors.

Specially designed trophies will be awarded to the individual and team winners of the event supported by TAG Heuer, Biogenic Alcohol, NLEX-SCTEX, Standard Insurance, Vittoria, Smart, Gatorade, Nescafé Dolce Gusto, Saucony, Gardenia, Prohealth Sports and Spinal, ACEA Subic Bay, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Court Meridian Hotel & Suites, and Subic Holiday Villas.

Other events lined up by Bike King are the Bike King Duathlon presented by Clark Global City (Sept. 9), the Sun Life Aquathlon Series Championship (Oct. 14), and the MediCard Sprint Triathlon (Nov. 25). (Philippine Star)


https://www.philstar.com/sports/2018/06/25/1827722/bike-king-tri-2-slated-subic-july-1

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Subic Freeport wins ‘Best Sports Tourism Destination in Asia’ award

This premier free port reaped the highest recognition as Best Sports Tourism Destination of the Year during the Third Sports Industries Awards and Conference Asia (SPIA Asia) held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 7.

With the tourism theme “Funtastic Subic Bay”, Subic bagged the gold award in the sports destination category, followed by “Visit Victoria” of Australia which received silver, and “Amazing Thailand” which won bronze.

Aside from this prestigious award, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) bagged the silver for Best Sponsorship of a Sport, Team or Event (USD$250,000), which was one of the 17 international awards given in the occasion.

The awards were received by SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado, SBMA tourism manager Jem Camba, and tourism officer Raquel Junio during the awards ceremony held at the Centara World Convention Center in Bangkok.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said the award “validates efforts by the agency and the whole Subic Freeport community to elevate the local tourism industry and draw more visitors via sports events.”

“It also speaks well of the natural drawing power of Subic’s unspoiled environment combined with modern amenities that visitors find very appealing,” Eisma added.

Camba, meanwhile, said the award stands as an accomplishment for “Team Subic Bay” because Subic stakeholders gave their full support and best service for every sporting event held in the Freeport.

She also expressed gratitude to the Department of Tourism in Region 3 (DoT-3) and DoT-3 Dir. Ronnie Tiotuico for being supportive of Subic’s efforts to become the sporting capital of the Philippines.

Camba also explained that the SBMA received the Best Sponsorship recognition for sponsoring triathlon events here in 2014 to 2016.

Industry records show that the Subic Bay Freeport earned a ranking of 85.80 percent in the 2015 Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship (APAC) overall satisfaction scores. The race ranking was just .09 percent shy of the global standard’s 85.89 percent and pushed Subic’s ranking above the Asia-Pacific standard of 83.95 percent.

The 2015 Ironman 70.3 APAC overall satisfaction scores placed Subic, along with Cairns in Queensland, Australia, at number six among the best triathlon sites in the Asia Pacific Championship series.

The list was topped in 2016 by Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia with a satisfaction rating of 90.20 percent. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado (left), Tourism Manager Jem Camba (2nd left) and Tourism officer Raquel Junio (right) pose with SPIA Asia Judge Cynthia Carreon after receiving two prestigious awards: gold for Best Sports Tourism Destination in Asia, and silver for Best Sponsorship of a Sport, Team or Event (USD$250,000).

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NCAA kicks off beach volleyball tourney in Subic

The NCAA Season 92 Beach Volleyball Tournament kicked off on Wednesday inside this premier Freeport making it one of the most sought after beach sports venue in the country.

According to the organizers of the event, this is the second time that they are holding the beach volleyball tournament here just to give “due diligence” to the sport, stating that where else would they hold a beach volleyball tourney aside from Subic Freeport which is known for its lush beaches.

“The tournament is geared towards the promotion of the sport in the country, but it also promotes the area where the tournament is held. We want people to know that the tournament and the tourism aspect of the sport go hand in hand,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Manager Jem Camba said.

Aside from making the area a staple for the beach volleyball tournament in the country, organizers have also introduced a new system that would reduce the weather factor that will affect the sport here. According to them, they have introduced a modular bleacher system that is easily built and stored, adding that it also blocks the wind that has been a bane of the game.

“These bleachers will hamper the gusts of wind that obstruct a great game of volleyball. These bleachers will also be able to seat the spectators so they can see the game,” they said.

The tournament also showcases star athletes such as San Sebastian’s Grethcel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa, San Beda’s Viray twins Maria Jeziela and Maria Nieza, Mapua’s Shaira Mhae Hermano, Kimberly Joy Luzon and Danielle Marie Ramiro.

San Sebastian won the tournament last year, besting San Beda with a 14-21, 21-9, 15-6 score in the finals match. Other star athletes from indoor volleyball like Arellano University’s Joviely Prado, Regine Arocha and Jenicalynne Tan will also showcase their talents.

The men’s category also features last year’s winners Rey Arth Andaya, Sam Damian and Alfredo Pagulong of Mapua. They will be up against JRU's Ronaldo Dampitan, Jr., Jethro Ferwelo and John Michael Flor, Letran's Christopher Cistina, Bobby Gatdula and Zecharia Sison and San Sebastian's Christian Calonia, Jahir Ebrahim and James Christian Eugenio.

With summer approaching the horizon, this premier Freeport is geared to tackle any summer sports activities. Officials of the SBMA are positive that the influx of tourists will double in the coming summer months. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
MARIA Jeziela and Maria Nieza Viray of San Beda came up with twin wins on Thursday in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament in Subic. The Viray twins bested St. Benilde's Ma. Angela Enginco and Ma. Kaila Selena Mendoza, 21-11, 25-23 then scored a 21-6, 21-15 victory over Mapua's Shaira Mahe Hermano and Kimberly Joy Luzon. (Spin.Ph)

http://www.spin.ph/volleyball/news/jeziela-viray-nieza-viray-san-beda-ncaa-volleyball-relan-rey-taneo-perpetual-help-emilio-aguinaldo-college

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Subic Bay to be highlighted at the 1st Sports Tourism Awards, NorthPhil Travel Expo

Subic Bay is among the country’s sports tourism venues vying for the coveted Destination of the Year at the 1st Tourism Sports Awards to be held at Resorts World Manila on November 22.

Charles Lim, founder of the Philippine Sports Tourism Award, in a letter addressed to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba, said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone has been shortlisted as a nominee in three categories: Destination of the Year, Event Sponsorship of the Year and Organizer of the Year- Government.

Subic Bay hosts some of the biggest sports competitions in the region like the 5i50 Century Tuna Triathlon, Asian Duathlon Championships, Subic Adventure Race, Bike Festival Asia, SMART Subic International Marathon, Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT), among others.

It recently received high ratings as a venue of some of the top triathlon events in the world. At the 2015 Ironman 70.3, Subic Bay garnered a superior rate of 85.80% in APAC overall satisfaction score and was placed at number 6, along with Cairns in Queensland, Australia, among the best triathlon venues in Asia-Pacific.

In the meantime, the SBMA expressed support to the NorthPhil Travel and Tourism Expo to be spearheaded by the Department of Tourism Central Luzon in Clark on November 11.

SBMA Chairman Martin Diño and OIC-Office of the Administrator Atty. Randy Escolango will head the Subic Bay delegation composed of hoteliers, event organizers and theme parks executives in the said affair. They will also lead the opening of SBMA Tourism Booths that will showcase the sounds, colors and tastes of Subic Bay.

Chairman Diño said the travel expo will help boost even more the tourism industry of the region by recognizing, promoting and marketing the unique elements of tourism each province has.

“It should be noted that Subic Freeport was named as the region’s most visited tourism destination since 2013 and as the Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon by the Department of Tourism (DoT) regional office for obtaining the highest number of local and foreign travelers who visited the region,” he said.

The three-day tourism expo, which will present the “Seven Days in Central Luzon” tour package promoting the unique strengths and potentials of the seven provinces and two economic zones of the region, is a project of DOT Central Luzon director Ronnie Tiotuico to be launched on November 11.

“Tourists will discover how they would enjoy surfing in Aurora, agri-tourism in Nueva Ecija, heritage culture and arts in Bulacan, culinary journey in Pampanga, pilgrimage in Tarlac, adventure in Bataan, beach and nature in Zambales, and MICE (meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibits) events in Clark and Subic, all during the Seven-Day Tour Package,” Tiotuico said.

Tiotuico also lauded the Association of the Tourism Organizations of Central Luzon (ATOCEL) for its active participation in designing tour packages showcasing the accessibility and the diversity of the region in terms of tourism products, activities and experiences.

Expected to grace the travel exposition are DOT Directors Helen Catalbas of Region 6 (Western Visayas), Judy Gabato of Region 7 (Central Visayas) and Mary June Bugante of Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).

Also invited were DOT regional directors Martin Valera (Ilocandia), Marie Venus Tan (Cordillera Autonomous Region), Virgilio Maguigad (Cagayan Valley), Rebecca Labit of (Southern Tagalog) and, Dir. Tiotuico for Central Luzon, to open the NorthPhil. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Subic Bay provides the ideal environment for various sports competitions (AMD/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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Celebrities to join Yellow Cab Challenge triathlon in Subic

MANILA, Philippines - A host of TV and news personalities signed up for the Yellow Cab Challenge Philippines, all-geared up for the challenge in the swim-bike-run event set Feb. 19-22 in Subic.

TV host and active triathlete Drew Arellano heads the cast in the first leg of the challenge race this year, which consists of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21.1km run. GMA news anchor Kara David, on the other hand, will be joining the Powerpops TriKings in the run event, while Onemig Bondoc will also participate in the run relay.

Former PBB housemate Paul Jake Castillo, TV commercial director and entrepreneur Sid Maderazo, and triathlon coach Miguel Antonio Lopez are also competing in the event which offers the biggest prize purse in Asia.

The inaugural race in the country last year drew over 729 athletes from 38 countries, including two crown princes of Bahrain.

On the other hand, the race’s broadcast coverage extends to over 82 countries worldwide, showcasing the Philippines as the most desired lifestyle and sports destination.

On June 14, the team will stage another race, this time in CamSur, where multi-awarded world champs and local celebrities are expected to join. This one is touted to be one of the fastest races in the world.

Aside from the main event, there will be an epic post-race awards party at the Lighthouse Resort in Subic, which will be open to all, and which will be attended by local celebrities and top athletes. This world-class season opener for long-distance racing in the Philippines – and all other festivities – will be held at the Camayan Beach Resort, Subic Bay, and at the rugged and beautiful province of Bataan.

Get social with the Challenge Philippines Family and acquire instant access to live coverage of all Challenge Family races while on the go.

For details, visit the Challenge Philippines website at www.challengephilippines.com.ph. (Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2015/02/18/1425030/celebrities-join-yellow-cab-challenge-triathlon-subic

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1,800 triathletes troop to Subic for 5i50 triathlon

Over 1,800 triathletes arrived in this free port for the 2014 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon on Sunday, marking the biggest number of participants in any Olympic-distance race to be held in the country.

In the third straight year that Subic has hosted the race, participating athletes again pitted themselves against a challenging course set against the picturesque locale and well-preserved environment of this former military base.

Among last Sunday’s racers, Australian Casey Munro topped the men’s pro elite division after completing the course which involved a 1.5-kilometer swim leg, 40-kilometer bike leg, and 10-kilometer run course.

Munro, who placed fifth in the Ironman 70.3 Busselton and Geelong competitions, finished the race in 2 hours, 7 minutes and 22 seconds.

Coming in at second was fellow Australian and last year’s third placer Michael Murphy, who clocked in at 2:08:26, while 2008 Olympian Simon Agoston placed third with 2:09:13.

Caroline Steffen, who won this year’s Ironman Australia Asia-Pacific tourney, led the women’s pro elite division with 2:15:32, followed by Australian Belinda Granger with 2:25:05, and Monica Torres of the
Philippines with 2:28:20.

Jonard Saim led the local triathletes by topping the Filipino men’s elite with 2:13:45, followed by Banjo Norte with 2:14:46, and last year’s winner John Leerams Chicano with 2:15:20.

The Subic Bay Freeport has been earning raves as the triathlon capital of the Philippines after playing host to several major triathlon events like the Subic International Triathlon and the 2014 Family Challenge Philippines.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency has been maintaining the beauty of the free port and building better facilities and accommodations to further develop Subic as a premier sporting and tourist destination. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
"Mermaids" and “Ironman” on flyboard provide entertainment for spectators and triathletes at the start of the 2014 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon held at the Subic Bay Freeport on June 29.

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Challenge Philippines lure royalty, international triathletes to Subic Bay

Winning People’s Hearts: An ecstatic crowd greets His Highness Prince Shaik Nasser bin Hamad of the Kingdom of Bahrain as he negotiates the 21-kilometer run leg of the Challenge Philippines triathlon in Subic Bay Freeport on Saturday morning. The Bahraini royal earlier had committed some $3-million worth of humanitarian projects for survivors of Typhoon Yolanda. The projects include the construction of 500 houses and a vocational center for residents of Tacloban City, as well as a vocational and training center for the youth in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Australian Matt Burton celebrates after crossing the finish line and emerging as champion of the first Challenge Philippines Triathlon held on Saturday at the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Subic tourism prospects for 2014 ‘very positive’

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is expecting another “record-breaking year” in tourism this year, as it intends to ride on last year’s accomplishments and whip up greater momentum with bigger events and more attractions this year.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia said in a recent report to tourism stakeholders here that Subic faces a “very positive” period this year because of increasing tourist arrivals brought about by the hosting of more sports events, as well as meetings and conventions, in the free port.

“We have been gaining much ground in tourism in the past three years, and in 2014 we intend to do better as we host several major events here in Subic,” Garcia said.

“We have the product—the Subic Bay Freeport, and we just need to get it out there so that we can maintain, if not surpass, the big numbers we attained in 2013,” he added.

According to figures released by the SBMA last week, there was a 20-percent increase in sports-oriented events staged in the Subic Bay Freeport in 2013.

These major events included the Subic Bay to Boracay Race on February 16, the Commodore’s Cup Regatta from April 2 to 6, the Asian Triathlon Championship and the TRAP National Triathlon Championship from April 26 to 29, the Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon on June 23, the Safeguard 5i50 Triathlon on October 6 and the Subic Duathlon Open Championships on December 1.

Garcia said the unprecedented 134-percent increase in the number of participants joining sports events here has made Subic Bay “arguably the sports tourism capital of the Philippines.”

He added that Subic also hosted several meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) events in 2013, leading to a 52-percent increase in participants as of September, compared to the level of participation as of September 2012.

“Visitor, tourist and hotel guest arrivals have all increased respectively by 8.3 percent, 0.86 percent and 0.89 percent as of October 2013, as compared to levels as of October 2012,” Garcia also said in his report.

Garcia also said aside from aggressively promoting Subic Bay as a must-see tourist destination, the SBMA had undertaken regular projects to protect and enhance the natural environment of the free port, which is Subic’s core tourism product.

Among the measures SBMA had taken for the environment in 2013 was the full implementation of a “no plastics” policy in January, regular beach and river clean-up projects in coordination with neighbor-communities, and the holding of a water summit to ensure adequate clean water supply in the area.

To provide more momentum to SBMA’s tourism initiative for 2014, the agency had booked major events like the 1st Asia-Pacific Drive Tourism Conference, Auto and Travel Show, which opened here on Tuesday.

Subic will also be the venue of the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014 scheduled from May 7 to 11, and is eyeing to host the International Table Tennis World Championships this year, Garcia said.

The “Drive Tourism” event, which will last until Sunday, February 2, is a joint project of the Department of Tourism and the Automobile Association Philippines.

The Ad Summit Pilipinas, which is touted to rock the core of the country’s advertising industry, is organized by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines. (Henry Empeno, Business Mirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/economy/26699-subic-tourism-prospects-for-2014-very-positive

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National triathlon set in Subic

A showcase of new talents of the Philippine triathlon and duathlon team will serve as the highlight of the opening leg of the 2014 National Age-Group Triathlon (NAGT) series which will start at sunrise on Jan. 19 at the Dungaree Beach, Subic Bay Freeport.

The new PHI team members composed of Jared Macalalad, Claire Adorna, Nestor Cagas, Vicky Deldeo, Justin Chiongbian, Baltazar Valencia and Nancy Papaya will compete against tough competitors in the special elite category which will determine their rankings as well as their preparations for this year’s Asian Games, Asian Beach Games and the Youth Olympic Games.

Also competing are national standouts like Nikko Huelgas, Jon Chicano, Km Mangrobang, Kevin Eijansantos, Robeno Javier, Pawee Fornea, Mirasol Abad and Magali Echauz.

The elites along with seasoned age-groupers will endure the Standard Distance 1.5 kilometer swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run course which will take them from Dungaree to Argonaut Highway (until Corregidor) and to Naval Mag in the freeport.

The event is sponsored by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc. (ACIP), Gatorade, Standard Insurance, Green Triathlon, Lifestyle Subic Bay and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

The age-groupers (20 and above) and the 16-19 participants will handle the Sprint Distance course (750 meter swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run) while teen participants aged 13 to 16-years-old will engage in the mini-sprint course of 350 M swim – 16 Km bike – 2.5 Km run). Lastly, a SuperTriKids aquathlon side-event
will be held for participants aged 9-10 years (200 M swim – 400 M run) and 11-12 years (350 M swim – 1.5 Km run).

At around 8:30 a.m., participants will be allowed to take their post-race meal followed by the event’s awarding ceremony at about 10 a.m. Medals and gift items will be award to the Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female winners of the different categories covering all distances. Meanwhile, race participants will be entitled to finishers’ medals and t-shirts.

Registration is ongoing until Jan. 12 with entry fees set at P3,500 for standard distance events, P3,000 for sprint distance, P2,500 for mini-sprint and P1,000 for STK aquathlon races. BIKEKING (Bonifacio High Street) and SPEEDO Concept Stores (Alabang, SM Megamall, The Podium, Glorietta 4 and Bonifacio High Street) are the registration centers.

For inquiries, interested parties may contact the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) via numbers 0915-6394233, 710- 8259, 399-6598, fax 809-3136 and email fabiedavid@yahoo.com and AFC_0412@yahoo.com. (Tempo)

http://sports.tempo.com.ph/2014/01/national-triathlon-set-in-subic/#.UstraNJDuGM

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PBA players set charity game for Olongapo leptospirosis victims

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Basketball fans will get the chance to watch their favorite players in action during a charity game to be played here on October 25 for the benefit of leptospirosis victims in Olongapo City.

The event, dubbed as “Thriller Time”, will feature several active players from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and will be held at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Gym in this free port.

The SBMA, which is supporting the charity project, will provide free use of the sporting venue.

Apart from the PBA players, the event will also feature players from the SBMA and Lyceum of Subic Bay, who will clash in an exhibition game.

According Willie Miller, the event organizer, “Thriller Time” aims to raise funds for the benefit of leptospirosis victims in Olongapo City, as well as to raise public awareness on disease prevention.

He added that they are also hoping to donate enough medicines to the local government to prevent another outbreak of the flood-borne disease.

Miller, who is currently playing for the Global Port Batang Pier, hails from Olongapo City.

The city recently suffered a leptospirosis outbreak after heavy monsoon rains resulted in severe flooding in all but one of the 17 barangays in the city.

Eleven victims died in the aftermath, while close to 500 people were hospitalized due to the outbreak of bacterial infection. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Tri United race returns to Subic

ANOTHER season of excitement and endurance is all set to start with the launch of Unilab Active Health’s 2013 Tri United series of races with Tri United 1 at Dungaree Beach, Subic Bay Freeport on March 10.

Other than an all-new, scenic location, endurance tests await 600 participants who have signed up to compete in the Standard Distance (1.5 Km swim, 40 Km bike, 10 Km run), Sprint Distance (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) and Teens Distance (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) events.

Swimming and transition will be at Dungaree Beach while the bike leg is set along Argonaut Highway and the run leg and finish line will be along San Bernardo Road.

At stake in the event sponsored by Unilab Active Health, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Aboitiz Power, Enervon Activ, Enervon HP, I-on Energy Drink, Hydrite, BIKEKING, 3rd District of Bohol, Pocari Sweat, TIMEX, Crystal Clear Mineral Water and Orbea are medals and gift packs for all Top 3 winners of the Elite Male, Elite Female, Team Relay, Team Competition, standard and sprint distance age-group categories, and the Teen Male and Teen Female categories.

Organized by BIKEKING (headed by Raul Cuevas) in cooperation with the SBMA Tourism Department and presented by Unilab Active Health, Tri United 1 is the first of four races scheduled for 2013. (Journal Online)

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Subic Bay to Boracay race begins

The race from Subic Bay Freeport to Boracay Island is on!

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo sounded the horn here at 12:00 noon on Saturday to mark the start of the Subic Bay to Boracay Race, sending sailors to take advantage of a good easterly breeze of 20-22 knots to position themselves ahead of the pack.

Local and foreign yachtsmen from the Asian Yachting Circuit are participating in this competition, along with the succeeding Boracay Regatta, to vie for the prestigious “Asian Yachtsman of the Year” and “Yacht of the Year” titles.

The yachts, which are sailing under racing, cruiser racing, and cruising classes, are expected to finish the Subic-Boracay Race from 17 to 40 hours, depending on the size of the boat and the sea and wind conditions in the route.

Organizers said that to help race enthusiasts monitor the event, participating yachts have been installed with PLDT F.A.S.Track GPS live-tracking devices for the duration of the gruelling 210-nautical mile ISAF Category 3 Offshore race.

Fans and the public alike can be a part of the race by following the sailors online via the dedicated website http://www.pldtfastrackonline.com.ph/SBBR2013/, or they can fly with Cebu Pacific, the official air carrier of the regatta, to the exotic island of Boracay to catch the excitement in the Boracay Cup Regatta from February 18 to 22.

Overall winners in each racing class will bring home an impressive handcrafted solid-brass trophy designed by Ferdinand Cacnio, a multi-awarded visual Filipino artist, which was officially commissioned by the provincial government of Aklan.

Sailing in the Philippines, particularly in Subic Bay and Boracay, has evolved with growing popularity and interest over the last several years, catching the attention of Grand Prix yachts and top-notch local and foreign sailors.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the annual Subic to Boracay Race has catapulted the Philippines, along with Subic, among the high-ranked sailing destination with a lot of beautiful places to visit.

The Subic Bay to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta are organized by the Subic-based Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen’s Sailing (SAGS) club and the Boracay Cup Organizing Committee in conjunction with The Lighthouse Marina Resort, the municipal government of Malay, the Philippine Coast Guard, the provincial government of Aklan, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and Watercraft Ventures Corp. under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Association.

The Subic Bay to Boracay Race is supported by Subic Bay International Terminal Corp (SBITC), Standard Insurance, Cebu Pacific , PLDT Subictel, PLDT Alpha Enterprise, PLDT SME Nation, San Miguel Corp, Tanduay, R.O.X., TIEZA, and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce.

The Boracay Cup Regatta is supported by the Department of Tourism, TIEZA, PCSO, Ibiza Beach Club, Movenpick Resort, Discovery Shores, Boracay Regency, The District Boracay, Boracay Beach Resort, 2GO, FILA and Ralph's Wines & Spirits. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo sounds the horn to start the Subic to Boracay Race, after which participants took advantage of favorable winds to exit Subic Bay.

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Patillan, Echauz Top YOG Elims

Olongapo bet Jimuel Patillan outlasted Cebu's Justin Liam Chiongbian in a wild rush to the finish to rule the second Youth Olympic Games (YAG) qualifying tournament yesterday at the Dungaree Beach in Subic.

In topping the event, Patillan summoned his remaining energy in the final 200 meters to beat out his rival.

Organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, the race was staged in a new distance of 500-m swim, 20-k bike and 2.5-k run with Patillan posting 55 minutes and 12.32 seconds.

Chiongbian, who settled for third in the Batang Pinoy National Finals last December in Iloilo behind Patillan and gold medal winner Sixto Louie Lalanto, clocked 55:12:79 while Mandaluyong City bet Samuel Ranque took third with 55:37.00.

Magali Bernasconi Echauz stamping her class anew in the women's with 1:01:25. A far second was local bet Victoria Deldio at 1:02:22 while Laguna's Jessica Salazar took third in 1:08:05 time.

Patillan was ahead after the swim and bike leg but Chiongbian and Ranque made their moves in the run event to make the contest more exciting. (Manila Bulletin)

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