McKenzie, Granger top Subic 5150

Australian triathlete Luke McKenzie and Belinda Granger humbled their respective rivals to share the limelight in the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon yesterday in Subic.

McKenzie crossed the finish line in one hour, 59 minutes and 25 seconds to beat closest pursuer Ben Allen by three minutes in the men’s division while Granger ruled the distaff side in 2:17:33, seven minutes off runner-up Michelle Gailey.

John Leerams Chicano, meanwhile, won the Filipino Elite Group in 2:09:45. Jonard Saim placed second at 2:10:29 while Nikko Huelgas took third at 2:11:00.

Jenny Rose Guerrero captured the Filipina Elite category at 2:41:48, defeating Rochelle Tan (2:52:56) and Marion Kim Mangrobang (3:03:20).

Wetshop Para Tri A team bagged the male relay event at 2:23:47 while David Salon B team secured the female team relay title in 2:47:36. The mixed relay division was dominated by the LM10 team composed of celebrity Solenn Heusaff, Rayzon Galdonez and Nicolas Bolzico at 2:25:25.

Nine hundred forty triathletes swam for 1.5 kilometers, rode the bike for 40 kilometers and ran 10 km in what is dubbed as the country’s largest Olympic distance triathlon series. (Manila Bulletin)

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SBMA, Resom sign P20-billion tourism project

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently signed a contract with Korean-owned Resom Resort Phils. (Resom) for the development in the Freeport of a world-class tourism resort complex worth P20 billion.

In a simple ceremony held June 13 at the Freeport, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia and Resom Chairman Sang So Shin signed lease development agreements that would pave the way for the construction of this landmark tourism project.

The first phase of the project involves the development of a prime waterfront property previously known as the mini-golf course with a gross area of two hectares and a buildable area of 6,000 sqm.

Resom is committed to invest P1.2 billion for the construction in this area of a luxury hotel with around 300 rooms, convention facilities, pool, spa, restaurants and other support facilities. This project is being targeted to be ready to serve the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in November 2015.

The second phase of the project will cover the development of the Resom City tourism complex involving several properties in the Naval Magazine area amounting to around 300 hectares.

This will include the construction of a world-class resort complex that will have hotels, condominiums, a theme park, luxury pool villas, casino and gaming operations, a waterpark and spa, health and wellness center, duty free shopping, and a championship golf course.

This phase involves an investment commitment of around P19 billion and is expected to take around 4 years to complete.

According to Resom Chairman Shin, the Subic Resom City project will be their centerpiece development.

Resom presently owns and operates four world-class resorts namely, Ocean Castle, Resom Waterpark and Spa, and the Forest Villa resort all in Korea, and a championship golf course and resort in Weihai, China. Resom operates a time-share membership chain and certain of their facilities are open to the public as well.

During the contract signing, Chairman Shin said that he loves nature and that Resom always develops their resorts by keeping and preserving the environment as a main priority.

He said the natural beauty of the forests and waters in Subic are the main features that convinced him that Subic is the ideal choice for their centerpiece resort.

On the SBMA side, Chairman Garcia welcomed this world-class resort project as a great tourist attraction that would draw millions more of local and international visitors to the Subic Bay Freeport and establish it firmly as one of the country’s major tourism destinations.

“This hopefully will contribute substantially to the country’s tourism campaign,” Garcia added. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia and Resom Phils. Chairman Sang So sign an agreement for the construction of a P20-billion resort complex in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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World-class triathletes gear up for Century Tuna 5150

Some of the world’s most respected triathletes are all set to take on the largest global Olympic distance triathlon series, Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon happening on June 23 in Subic Bay.

Headlining the list of high-profile triathletes who will join the 5150 Triathlon is two-time Ironman World Champion (2010 and 2007) and triathlon legend Chris “Macca” McCormack. The five-time International Triathlete of the Year, McCormack has won over 200 races around the world since 1993. His long list of accomplishments includes 2012 Long Distance Triathlon World Champion (Vitoria-Gasteiz), Ironman Australia Champion (2002-2006), and both ITU Triathlon World and ITU Triathlon World Cup Champion in 1997.

Top professional triathletes from Australia are also set to fight for podium finishes. The elite group includes 2013 & 2012 Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippines Champion and 2012 XTERRA Pacific Triple Crown Champion Ben Allen, 2011 Rowing World Champion, and 2012 Dextro Energy (Sydney) Triathlon Champion and 2012 Northeim (Germany) Triathlon Champion Michael Murphy.

The female triathletes joining the 5150 Triathlon should not be taken lightly as well. Last year’s Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon Champion Belinda Granger is set to defend her title. Having competed in numerous triathlons for 18 years, Granger takes pride of her career record including 2011 Ironman 70.3 Japan Champion and 2011 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines Champion.

Another lady to look out for during the 5150 race is 2012 XTERRA World Tour Italy Champion and 2013 Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippines 4th Placer Jacqui Slack.

Also participating in the second run of the race in the country are global pro triathletes Luke McKenzie, Justin Granger, Fredrik Croneborg, Luke Gillmer and Matt O’Halloran.

International triathlon pros gear up…

Overall, the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon brings together triathletes from 23 countries including United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, United States of America, Singapore, France, Germany, Taiwan, Japan, and Philippines.

Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon Philippines is organized by Sunrise Events Inc., the same group producing the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines. The event is also sponsored by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, 2XU, Air Asia, Alaska, Aqua Sphere, Cupcakes by Sonja, David’s Salon, Department of Tourism Region 3, Devant, Finisher Pix, Gatorade, Globe, Intercare, LBC Solutions, Manila Beer, Mastercard, Multisport, Oakley, Prudential Guarantee, Philippines Star, Planet Sports, Regent, Safeguard, Samsung, Shotz and Timex. (Manila Standard Today)

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US nuclear submarine docks at Subic for provisioning

ANOTHER nuclear-powered submarine arrived in Subic Bay on Monday for rest and recreation (R&R) of its crew and provisioning.

It was the second visit of the same submarine in the country in 13 years. It is docked at the Alava Wharf beside the submarine tender USS Frank Cable and two other US surface ships.

The 6,200-ton USS Asheville is a fast-attack submarine that is armed with 12 Tomahawk missiles and 21 MK-48 torpedoes and can cruise at depths in excess of 800 feet at 25 knots.

Three Filipino-Americans are among the ship’s complement of 15 officers, 16 petty officers and 115 ratings.

Frank Cable, on the other hand, is based in Guam but conducts maintenance and support on submarines and surface vessels deployed in the US 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility. More than 700 sailors and civilian mariners are aboard the USS Frank Cable (AS 40), which arrived in Subic on June 7.

Frank Cable personnel will participate in several community service events in Olongapo—at the Niños Pag-asa Orphanage, Association for Differently Abled Persons in Zambales and a local women’s and youth’s center.

The American Embassy invited some journalists to tour the submarine on Wednesday. Cmdr. Douglas A. Bradley, the Asheville’s skipper, showed members of the media the killer-sub’s tightly-packed innards, including the three-level bunk for the crew to sleep on, his 10-square-foot command post, the mess hall, laundry area, the ship’s auxiliary power system, its diesel engine, the command center where dual periscopes are located and the forward section containing 21 MK-48 torpedoes.

Bradley says only “the best and the brightest” naval personnel make the cut as submariners, eschewing claustrophobia and loneliness in a sardine-packed environment that would not see sunlight, “sometimes for six months.”

Guiding the submarine as it navigates Subic harbor to dock is 24-year-old Filipino American, Lt. Densel Mejia, whose roots are from Pangasinan.

“This is the proudest moment of my life, coming back to the Philippines at the helm of my submarine,” he says.

The two other Fil-Ams, Bryan Santos, 21, who comes from a US Navy family, is responsible for the submarine’s fire control system, while Gabriel Pajas, 22, is the submarine’s electronic expert.

The Los Angeles-class Asheville is the 47th of its class. It is armed with vertical-launch cruise missiles and has a state-of-the-art submarine combat control system and electronic counter measures, and highly advanced sonar for navigation.

In February one of the US Navy’s most advanced warships, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale, also called on Subic Bay to replenish supplies, as well as provide its crew rest and recreation. (Recto Mercene, BusinessMirror)

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Top Timor-Leste officials visit Subic Bay Freeport

Top officials of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste visited the Subic Bay Freeport last Saturday as part of the five-day state visit to the country of Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, along with members of the SBMA board of directors, welcomed the delegation and briefed them on developments in the free port.

The delegation was composed of Jose Luis Guterres, Minister of State and of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; Bendito Freitas, Minister of Education; Gastão de Sousa, Minister for Public Works; Mariano Assanami Sabino, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries; Francisco Kalbudi Lay, Minister for Tourism; Dirce Carolina de F. Soares, Director for ASEAN Affairs; and Julio Martins, National Director of Finance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Garcia oriented them on the history of the Subic Freeport, its development into one of the premier free ports in Asia, its facilities, and the incentives given to investors here.


The SBMA official also told the visitors how the Subic agency was able to make a financial turnaround last year and recover from the net loss in the previous years through sound fiscal management.

The Timor-Leste officials said they were particularly interested on how the SBMA conserves the natural resources in the free port, particularly the forests and coastal areas, and how the community takes part in environmental protection.

The delegation was also interested on how SBMA promotes eco-tourism, which they see as a potential attraction for Timor-Leste, and how it promotes Subic as a shipbuilding center among other countries.

The Timor-Leste officials also toured the Subic Freeport after the briefing with Garcia.


Gusmão, who was unable to join the delegation during their visit to Subic, arrived in the country last June 5 for a five-day state visit in connection with his country’s bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Gusmão has met with President Benigno Aquino at the Malacañang palace and the two heads of state discussed areas of mutual interest and cooperation in such areas as education, trade and investment, infrastructure, and defense. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (right) welcomes officials of Timor-Leste led by Minister Jose Luis Guterres, Minister of State and of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, during their visit to the Subic BayFreeport on Saturday.

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Chinese steel pipe factory to ramp up exports through Subic port

Chinese metal pipe manufacturing firm HLD Clark Steel Pipe Co. Inc. is expected to increase its export operations through this free port after gaining concession to ship via Subic’s New Container Terminal-1 (NCT-1).

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), operator of the NCT-1, had given the Chinese firm a bigger space for stockpiling its cargo in response to the requirements of the Chinese exporter.

HLD, which is a subsidiary of Huludao City Steel Pipe Industrial Co. Ltd. in China, specializes in the production of high-frequency straight-line welding pipes that are being used as casing pipe for petroleum products.

The company has been based since 2009 at the neighboring Clark Freeport, where it had since expanded its production program for steel pipes from ½ to 14 inches in diameter, including the carbon steel variety.

HLD has actually started shipping its pipe exports here in January after it signed an agreement with the SBMA and SBITC for the use of NCT-1, said SBMA seaport manager Jerome Martinez.

The firm, which ships its products to the United States and Canada, initially tried break-bulk shipment at the NSD area, but realized that the place had no more space left for an eight-hectare stockpile.

Martinez also said that with HLD’s shipment operations via NCT-1, the Subic agency expects to boost its income from the SBMA seaport.

He said that from February to May this year, the SBMA already earned around P3 million from HLD operations, the bulk of which came from SBMA shares from the SBITC.

He added that in the past four months, the Chinese pipemaker had shipped its cargoes using four vessels of from 20,000 to 30,000 gross tons, thereby increasing collections as well in wharfage fees and other seaport payments. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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Century Triathlon set in Subic

Century Tuna takes health and fitness to a whole new level when it holds the 5150 Triathlon Series on June 24 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The event is an extraordinary demanding competition that challenges even the best and most seasoned triathletes who will see action in a 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run event.

“We are very proud to be part of this world-class event. As Century Tuna is a brand that upholds the value of health and fitness, we think it is only fitting that we support an event of this magnitude so we can encourage more people to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Century Canning Corp. vice president and general manager Greg Banzon, a seasoned triathlete.

Now on its second year, the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon Philippines has so far attract a big field that includes two-time Ironman world champion Chris McCormack, Luke McKenzie, Ben Allen, Jacqui Slack, and Belinda Granger. Also competing are Filipino elite triathletes, among them Filipino defending champions John Leerams Chicano and Monica Torres, Kim Mangrobang, and national triathlon record holder, Olympic hopeful and Century Tuna Tri Hard member Nikko Huelgas.

Also expected to compete are entries from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, United States of America, Singapore, France, Germany, Taiwan, Japan, and Philippines.

Interested parties can log on to www.5150philippines.com, or the race’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CenturyTuna5150Philippines for more details.

Backing the event are Finisher Pix, the competition’s official photographer, 2XU; Air Asia, Alaska, Aqua Sphere, David’s Salon, Department of Tourism Region 3, Dole, Gatorade, Globe, Intercare, LBC, Light ‘N Up Marketing, Manila Beer, Master Card, MultiSport, Oakley, PGA, Philippine Star, Pioneer Insurance & Surety Corp., Planet Sports, Regent, Safeguard, Shotz, Timex, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (Malaya)

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Fishers’ group joins SBMA in advocacy vs. plastics

Fisher folks in the Subic Bay Area have joined the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in its advocacy against the use of plastics and other non-biodegradable products that pollute the environment.

During the celebration of the “Araw ng Mangingisda” last Saturday, members of the Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (SBIFARMC) said they have rallied to the call by the SBMA for a ban on plastics as their contribution to the cause of environmental protection and sustainable development.

The SBMA had enforced a “No Plastic Bag/No Styrofoam” policy among retail establishments inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone starting January 1 and has put in place stiff penalties for repeated violations.

“Ito ngayon ang adbokasya ng IFARMC na nais naming iparating sa mga residente, lalo na iyong mga nakatira sa tabi ng mga ilog (This is now the IFARMC's advocacy that we would like to convey to residents, especially those living by the riverside),” said SBIFARMC chairman Restituto Del Rosario.

“Ang mga itinatapon na plastic sa mga ilog ay pumapatay sa yamang-dagat na ikinabubuhay natin. Kaya huwag sana tayong magtatapon ng basura, lalo na ang mga plastic, sa ilog at sa dagat (Plastics that are thrown into the river kill marine resources, which is our livelihood),” Rosario appealed.

He added that in conjunction with its advocacy project, the fishermen’s group will plant mangrove trees and undertake regular coastal clean-up drives along the coastlines and in the sea off Barangay Baraka in Subic, Zambales and Barangay Barretto in Olongapo City.

SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency will continue to support SBIFARMC in its projects to prevent illegal fishing and to preserve marine biodiversity in Subic Bay.

“The SBIFARMC is our major partner in securing and preserving marine biodiversity here. We are glad that we are again together in this advocacy against the use of plastics and Styrofoam materials that pollute the environment,” Garcia said.

The SBIFARMC is an organization representing fishermen from communities around Subic Bay — the town of Morong in Bataan, the municipalities of San Antonio and Subic in Zambales, and Olongapo City.

The council, which is supported by the SBMA through its Ecology Center, has been deputized by the Philippine Maritime Police and Philippine Coast Guard, and recognized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) as a partner against illegal fishing.

With financial assistance from the SBMA, the SBIFARMC has been able to implement various projects, such as the manufacture and installation of 60 artificial reef modules in the coastal areas of Morong, Subic Bay, and San Antonio, Zambales.

The SBMA assistance has also provided livelihood projects to SBIFARMC members and benefited their children through a scholarship program.

In the recent “Araw ng Mangingisda” celebration, the SBIFARMC organized a three-kilometer fun run to raise funds for its upcoming advocacy projects.

The fun run also helped raise awareness on environmental protection and marine resources conservation. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Participants break out from the starting point during the fun-run organized by Subic Bay fisher folks during the “Araw ng Mangingisda” celebration on Saturday.

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SBMA to assist in security of Hanjin shipyard

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will be deploying personnel from its Law Enforcement Department (LED) to assist in the security of the Hanjin shipbuilding facility here and help guarantee the safety of workers and properties therein.

The assistance is contained in a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed recently by SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia and Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation (HHIC)–Philippines, Inc. representative Joong-Gyu Kin.

Garcia said the deployment of SBMA-LED personnel in the shipyard and its vicinity will improve police visibility in the area and deter unlawful activities.

Under RA 7227, otherwise known as the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, the security of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the maintenance of peace and order therein falls under the responsibility of the SBMA through its law enforcement unit.

Under the MOA, six uniformed and armed LED personnel will be detailed inside the shipbuilding facility owned and operated by HHIC-Phils., the biggest locator in the Freeport with US$2 billion in investments.

“Hanjin’s shipyard in Subic is located far from the Freeport’s Central Business District or local police stations. Putting up a LED detachment in the area will strengthen our efforts to maintain peace and order there,” Garcia added.

The Hanjin facility is located in the mountainous Redondo Peninsula, which is politically a part of Barangay Cawag in Subic, Zambales. It is about 20 minutes by boat across Subic Bay or some 30-minutes’ drive from the Freeport.

Garcia said that under the agreement, HHIC-Phils will also provide adequate and suitable quarters for the use of LED officers, communication equipment, and other provisions necessary for the conduct of patrol operations with the firm’s internal security group.

LED personnel will also help in enforcing laws, including traffic rules and regulations; arrest and investigate violators of laws, except violation of criminal laws which shall be coordinated with municipal police stations; and other appropriate security actions. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Lopez group eyes industrial park in Clark, Subic

MANILA - Lopez-led conglomerate First Philippine Holdings Corp says it is eyeing Clark and Subic to be the site of the next industrial park it is building.

This comes amid increasing demand from foreign manufacturers following the country's winning back-to-back investment grade ratings and improving infrastructure.

The Lopez group has already expanded its existing industrial park in Sto. Tomas, Batangas from 300 hectares to now a 450-hectare economic zone after it attracted 5 new locators - Japanese printer companies Canon and Brother, electronic components producer Murata, aircraft interior fabricator BE Aerospace, and Danish maker of hearing aids, Sonion.

That brings the number of locators in Sto Tomas industrial park to over 60, employing 40,000 and by 2014, up to 50,000.

But FPH CEO Federico Lopez said they're in talks with five more new locators, mostly Japanese, so that they'd need more room for them.

"There will be more suppliers/contractors coming in to be close to their main customers (like Canon, now a locator at First Phil Industrial Park)," Lopez told a media briefing after the company's annual stockholders meeting.

Industrial parks contribute about 15% to FPH's revenues. (ABS-CBN news)

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Culinary school opens branch in Subic Freeport

Culinary enthusiasts and restaurateurs in the region now have a chance to hone their kitchen skills without having to go to Manila, as one of the country’s premier culinary schools opened its doors in this free port.

The Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS) recently opened a branch here — their fifth thus far — to address the rising demand for quality culinary education in Region 3.

CACS offers one-year professional diploma courses for Commercial Cooking National Certificate (NC)-IV, Commercial Cooking NC-III, Commercial Cooking NC-II, and Bread & Pastry Production NC-II certifications from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The school also offers basic skills program where the students will receive NC-II in commercial cooking, as well as one-day short courses.

Chef Gene Gonzalez, CACS president, said the school would complement Subic’s growth as a thriving tourism capital by filling in the demand for culinary professionals here.

He also said that the school would boost the local food and beverage industry.

“When we first branched out to Davao, immediately on the first year we saw growth in the restaurant industry there. Immediately, there were 60 restaurants that opened in that once sleepy city,” Gonzales said. “That is what we would like to happen here.”

He also said that he was very pleased with the warm welcome from residents of Olongapo City. “It’s enticing that they see a need for a highly professional school,” he added.

Gonzales added that they initially intended to offer only short courses for their Subic branch, but decided to open a one-year diploma program because a lot of local residents expressed interest in enrolling.

Chef Mark Bernardino, one of the school’s instructors, said that CACS would operate as a true school, and all of the students would receive quality training from their best instructors.

"You come here to learn to cook not for yourself, but for others,” he said.

He added that Subic’s location at a halfway point between Manila and North Luzon would make their school ideal to students from the Central and the North Luzon areas.

The CACS Subic branch has already started its first class for the professional course with eight students, most of whom are restaurant owners.

The school is also promoting Philippine cuisine and is gearing up for the “International Adobo Day” on June 12, when renowned chefs from all over the country will be here to judge the best in adobo cooking. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Chef Gene Gonzales, president of the Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS), explains cooking techniques to students at the opening of the culinary school branch in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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SBMA’s Q1 net profit expands by 62%

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently reported a healthy increase of 62 percent in its net profit for the first quarter of the current year, as compared to its performance for the same period in 2012.

According to SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia, the agency’s net income expanded from P464 million to P753 million, as revenue improved by 32 percent and expenses were reduced by 16 percent.

“Just like last year, the agency’s improved financial performance for the first quarter can be attributed to higher revenues and reduced expenses,” Garcia noted, referring to SBMA’s 2012 net profit of P811 million, which was the highest ever in the agency’s 20-year history.

According to Garcia, SBMA’s revenues for the quarter came from its seaport operations, which improved revenues by 58 percent and its regulatory income, which grew by 118 percent.

He added that additional revenue increases were gained from tourism activities, as well as new land and building leases, which advanced by 22 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

Contributing equally to SBMA’s better financial performance for the same period was a corresponding decrease in its various expenses such as repair and maintenance by 85 percent, and power and water consumption by 59 percent, as a result of the agency’s conservation programs.

“But what is truly noteworthy is that SBMA’s Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) increased substantially by 141 percent. This means the Agency is not only pursuing effective strategic initiatives but is implementing them efficiently as well," Garcia said.

For 2012, SBMA recorded an improvement of 91 percent in its EBITDA, as its operating profit rose from P328 million in 2011 to P628 million for the year.

“Moving forward, we hope to strengthen the agency’s financial turnaround further to provide funds for our strategic plans, including the implementation of long overdue salary increases of SBMA employees and the procurement of badly needed equipment for security, maintenance and infrastructure development work,” the SBMA chairman said. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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Participants in Subic Bay tourism events surge in 1st quarter

Subic Bay once again proved itself as a tourist magnet, as total visitor arrivals here rose by 12 percent for the first quarter, as against last year.

In particular, there was a noticeable upsurge in the number of participants in Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibits (MICE) and other tourism-related events, and sports events, which grew by 254 percent and 308 percent, respectively, for the first quarter of 2013, compared to the same period last year.

Statistics from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo revealed that Subic Bay succeeded in drawing some 72,780 participants in MICE and other tourism-related events, and 21,620 sports enthusiasts from January to March. In contrast, only 20,569 visitors for MICE and other tourism-related events, and 5,300 sports players were registered for the first quarter of 2012.

“This big increase really goes to show that Subic is living up to its twin title of ‘Premier Convention Capital in Northern Luzon’ and ‘one of the Top Destinations in the country’. It also validates the fact that Subic has indeed emerged as a favorite venue of sports organizers,” Marcelo said.

The biggest crowd drawer under the MICE and other tourism-related events category was Ayala Malls Harbor Point’s special event featuring the cast of the movie, “Must Be Love”, which pulled in some 10,000 fans.

On the other hand, the biggest sports event for the quarter was the Subic leg of the Philippine National Red Cross Million Volunteer Run “I choose to run to save lives”, which attracted some 9,000 participants last February.

As in other destinations, Marcelo also noted that while visitor arrivals would traditionally peak in summer, as well as during the Christmas and New Year holidays, summer visitor turnout this year had been particularly heavy.

“Vehicular count for the 2013 Holy Week alone, for instance, reached 50,000, bringing in roughly some 200,000 visitors based on a conservative estimate of four passengers per vehicle,” he added.

The said vehicular count, which compared to last year’s Holy Week increased by 25 percent, covered the total number of vehicles that entered Subic Bay Freeport via SCTEx Tipo and also via the other entry points to the Freeport during the period.

In welcoming the bright tourism developments in Subic Bay for the quarter, SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said, “We look at these increases in our tourism figures as an undeniable sign that people of varied interests and from all walks of life truly enjoy Subic and its many attractions and year-round events, and that we're on the right track as far as attracting arrivals here is concerned." (AMF/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
Tourism and sports events in the first quarter drew unprecedented record crowds at the Subic Bay Freeport.

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New faces reign in Subic Tour

New faces took the spotlight in the AboitizPower Tour of Subic Stage 3 road race with Globalport’s Jester Mendoza ruling the 90km race at the close of the event at the Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday.

Mendoza, 15, dominated the field in the lung-busting race in the premier Category 3 Class, finishing in two hours, 27 minutes and 37 seconds to frustrate Von Dutch rider Ricky Calla again.

It was Calla’s third straight runner-up finish after the 20km individual time trial and the 40km Criterium race of the two-day event organized by Bike King Philippines and co-sponsored by AboitizPower and its subsidiary, SN-AboitizPower Group.

Aldrian Adlawan of Admor Team topped the Category 4 in the event backed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, Unilab Active Health, Orbea, Corima, Crystal Clear, Garmin, Pocari Sweat and Mini Phlippines.

Adlawan, who settled for a pair of fourth place finishes in the ITT and criterium, turned in a 2:52:45 clocking to beat Rodel Ramirez of Franzia Wine and Nicasio Onan.

Former national cyclist Marita Lucas of David’s Salon, meanwhile, stamped his class in the shorter 85-km event with a 2:53.39 clocking.

Lucas defeated triathlete Keshia Fule and Marella Vanie Salamat in a fitting follow-up to her victory in the criterium event.

Salamat bucked a spill and took the bronze after ruling the ITT race and settling for second in the criterium.

A total of 273 cyclists, including 34 female cyclists, representing different clubs, saw action in the annual event which also drew entries from the Weather Philippines Foundation (WPF).

An advocacy of the Aboitiz Group in partnership with Swiss firm Meteomedia, WPF provided the participants with accurate, localized weather information and digital race course.

All winners received specially designed trophies and gift items from the organizers and sponsors led by Bike King executive Raul Cuevas.

For the complete results and list of winners, visit the organizer’s official website at www.bikekingphilippines.com and their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BikeKingPhil. (Philippine Star)

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Tour of Subic draws huge field

MANILA - Close to 300 cyclists representing the country’s varied sports clubs slug it out for top honors in the Aboitiz Power Tour of Subic firing off at 7 a.m. tomorrow at the Subic Bay Freeport in Subic.

Organized by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas, the first day of action will have the 20km individual time trial which will start along Argonaut Highway. A total of 135 participants have listed for the 20km ITT. In the afternoon, the 40km criterium will be held utilizing the NCT road.

Race criterium for female have been set for 2 p.m. followed by Category 4 participants (3 p.m.) and Category 3 participants (4 p.m.).

On the final day (May 19) of the event sponsored by SN Aboitiz Power, Unilab Active Health, ORBEA, Corima, Crystal Clear, GARMIN, Pocari Sweat, Mini Cooper and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the 90km RR will commence at 6 a.m.

Participants will start from the Travelers Hotel.

The awards rites will be held at the Rialto Ballroom of Travelers Hotel. At stake are specially designed trophies and gift items four units of Garmin Edge 500 to be raffled off.

The event is backed by Aboitiz Power for the 3rd year in a row and it continues to attract the participation of top executive teams such as Aboitiz Power Cycling Team, Von Dutch, PLDT Bike King, Fitness First, Franzia Wine and David Salon’s Cycling Team. A total of 273 participants have listed, including 34 females. For the complete list of Participants, Race Schedule, Race map and weather information, please visit the event website at www.bikekingphilippines.com. (The Philippine Star)

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