2015 Subic Bay Auto Show set for April 11

The 6th Subic Bay Auto Show is all set for April 11 at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall in Subic Bay Freeport.

Customized rides, highly-modified cars and hot models will be present once again at the Manila Parking section of Harbor Point Ayala Mall as the 2015 Subic Auto Show is set to take place on April 11, 2015, 3:00 PM.

Hosted this year by Passion Creatives, the 6th Subic Bay Auto Show will not only host the usual display of wicked rides and gorgeous eye-candy, the event will also be holding the Tire Change Challenge where speed, precision and teamwork will be key factors in the winning the competition.

Other competitions that will take place during the event include Kicker Audio's Sound Off Challenge and Ms. Subic Bay Auto Show where 10 aspiring car show models will face off for the title.

Beyond that, top-notch tattoo artists are also invited for the 2015 Subic Bay Auto Show wherein they'll compete in the event's Stop The Hate 4 Tattoo Competition.

Furthermore, categories that can be won in this year's Subic Bay Auto Show include Best Sport Truck, Best in Engine Display, Best Bodykits, Best Old School Car, Best Car Club, Best Shop, Loudest Car and the coveted award of them all, Best in Show.

Each ticket costs PhP 70 while the Registration Fee for Street and Pro vehicles is rated at PhP 1500. (www.autoindustriya.com)

Read more: http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/2015-subic-bay-auto-show-set-for-april-11.html#ixzz3W3GNBoxf
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Subic Bay is all set for summer vacation - SBMA

The Subic Bay Freeport is now ready for the expected influx of summer visitors, especially during the Holy Week when thousands gather here for various religious activities, as well as for relaxation.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency has installed directional signs in strategic locations to guide motorists to the different tourist attractions here.

“The whole place is ready and visitor-friendly,” Garcia said. “Motorist assistance booths are in place, and police and medical teams are around to respond to any emergency. There are even some mechanics and towing service along the way,” he added.

Garcia also said that business establishments in Subic that cater to tourists have been prepping up for the summer vacation.

“This is especially true among the five theme parks operating in the free port. Most of them have added new attractions to make your visit more memorable,” he added.

Meanwhile, religious devotees will also find the Lenten activities in Subic more engaging, as the Subic community has prepared a Pabasa, Cenaculo, processions, and Salubong at the San Roque Chapel here.

On Maundy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Washing of the Feet is scheduled at 5:00 in the afternoon at the San Roque Chapel, to be followed by the Visita Iglesia at 6:00 p.m. and the re-enactment of the Last Supper at 6:30 p.m. at the Chapel grounds.

On April 3, Good Friday, a Grand Procession will start at 6:00 p.m., also at the San Roque Chapel, and will go around Subic’s Central Business District. This will be followed by the Healing Prayer and Musical Concert “The Passion of Jesus” featuring Karylle, Julie Anne San Jose, and Lauren Young at the Boardwalk Area, and capped by Party DJ Mixing at 9:00 p.m. by no less than the deejays of SBMA's radio station, 89.5 FM, MySubic Bay Radio.

On April 4, Black Saturday, a local band and some DJs will light up a party also at the Boardwalk Area starting at 4:00 p.m., with back-to-back performance by balladeer Nyoy Volante at 10:30 p.m.

Likewise the mass-blessing of the Paschal candle, fire and water will be held at the San Roque Chapel at 7:00 p.m. the same day.

On April 5, Easter Sunday, activities will start at 4:00 in the morning with the Lenten rites Salubong: Risen Christ, which will start at the intersection of Manila and Dewey Avenues, and Maria Dolorosa, which will begin at the Spanish Gate along Dewey Avenue. Then the First Mass at the San Roque Chapel will start at 5:00 a.m., followed by a community breakfast and an Easter egg hunt at the Chapel grounds.

Chairman Garcia added that local entrepreneurs will put up booths at the Central Business District to sell food, drinks, and souvenir items to visitors. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
BISI(KLE)TA IGLESIA. A cyclist pedals his way out of the San Roque Chapel grounds in Subic Bay Freeport after a church visitation as his own version of Visita Iglesia on Holy Monday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

2015 HOLY WEEK ACTIVITIES IN SUBIC BAY FREEPORT:

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Floating bookstore Logos Hope to return to PHL in May

The MV Logos Hope, the world-traveling floating bookstore, will return to the Philippines for a three-month stay from May to July.

The ship will be berthed at three locations during its stay in the country.

According to its website, the ship will be in Cebu from May 4 to May 29 (though according to its Facebook account the ship's Cebu stay will start on May 5); at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone from June 1 to July 7 (though its Facebook account gives its Subic dates as June 9 to July 7); and San Fernando (province not specified) from July 8 to July 23.

The Logos Hope is operated by the German charity group GBA Ships, whose initialism stands for Gute Bücher für Alle ("Good Books for All"). According to the group, the Logos Hope has visited more than 150 countries and seen a total of 44 million book lovers check out its store of more than 5,000 titles for sale "at a fraction" of the books' retail price.

The Logos Hope was last in the Philippines in 2013. (BM, GMA News)

PHOTO:
Logos Hope leaving the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore on March 5, 2015. (Photo from Logos Hope's Facebook page)

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/461746/lifestyle/literature/floating-bookstore-logos-hope-to-return-to-phl-in-may

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8th Commodores’ Cup Regatta up in Subic

The Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing (SAGS) Club will hold the eighth Commodores’ Cup Regatta on April 7-9 with a strong field expected to vie for top honors in Subic Bay.

Hong Kong’s IRC Racing defending champion Jelik of Frank Pong and IRC Cruiser B winner Selma skippered by Ricky Sandoval will head the cast in the event held in cooperation with The Lighthouse Marina Resort and Philippine Sailing Association, according to PSA vice chair Jun Avecilla.

IRC Cruiser A champion Red Kite II skippered by Anthony Root, however, will not participate this year.

Since 1962, international yachtsmen and women have pitted themselves against the cold rough seas off Hong Kong and the sun-drenched slope of the windless days off the Philippine coast.

This year, the race from Hong Kong will end up in San Fernando, La Union (480 nautical miles).

Avecilla said the Commodores’ Cup will feature several races of different kinds of training boats, including the Optimists, Flying 15, 420s and Streakers.

“Blessed with one of the best race management teams in Asia, safe marina facilities and the wide expanse of Subic Bay, the Commodore’s Cup Regatta makes for an exceptional racing experience,” Avecilla said.

He added that this year marks the expansion of the PSA sailing program in Subic Bay which is spearheaded by Judes Echauz, PSA chairman.

PSA sailing coach Medy Fidel, who is aiming for Olympic qualifier, will be the head of the expansion training this summer.

Filipinos have always been considered as one of the best sailors in the world. Pong’s crews are mostly Filipinos coming from Cebu, Bacolod and Manila. They have been sailing and competing for more than 20 years.

Pong, Asia’s top sailor and Asian Yachting Grand Prix Skipper of the Year, is one of the leading supporters of sailing in the Philippines. His donation of new sails for the training boats of the SAGS Sailing School in partnership with the PSA has helped jumpstart the sailing program in Subic.

“Whenever I can, we help out here and there. Oftentimes, youngsters have a limited budget and the people helping them also needs assistance,” said Pong.

The inshore races from Hong Kong to San Fernando are organized by the Saturday SAGS Club, in conjunction with the Asian Yachting Grand Prix in cooperation with The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Watercraft Ventures, Inc., Standard Insurance and the Department of Tourism. (The Philippine Star)

PHOTO:
The eighth Commodores’ Cup will feature various races for different kinds of training boats.


http://www.philstar.com/sports/2015/04/01/1439801/8th-commodores-cup-regatta-subic

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Zip through the tigers, Zoobic dares visitors

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Zoobic Safari has opened a zipline cage that takes visitors over a den of tigers, the first ever in the world to have this kind of ride.

Aptly named as Kamikazoo – a play on kamikaze, the Japanese term for suicide aerial attacks – the heart-stopping 130-meter ride puts tourists inside an enclosure made of metal that resembles a cage then
slowly zips them through a den of tigers.

Owner Robert Yupangco said the metal capsule has a capacity of eight persons and will have dressed chickens dangling on the cage’s side. From a height of 10 meters, the capsule will drop down to about one feet from the ground. “This will test the bravery of the tourists,” he added.

Aside from the zipline, Zoobic Safari has so many attractions that will keep tourists occupied and entertained.

The theme park also has the only black camel in the country, and pigmy donkeys that can only be found here.

The company has ensured that safety is its utmost concern, adding that there are emergency response teams on standby in every ride. First aid outposts are also found around the facility. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
A group of tourists ziplines through a den of tigers at the Zoobic Safari in Subic Bay Freeport. Kamikazoo, the newest attraction in Zoobic Safari, puts tourists inside an enclosure that ziplines thru a den of tigers. (Jonas Reyes)

http://www.mb.com.ph/zip-through-the-tigers-zoobic-dares-visitors/

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Subic maritime conference highlights growth potentials of Central, Northern Luzon gateway

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in cooperation with the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), is holding the 2nd Subic Bay Maritime Conference & Exhibit on April 24, 2015 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Themed “Subic Bay: Your Gateway to Central and Northern Luzon,” the conference will provide comprehensive updates on the Freeport’s exciting prospects as a booming logistics hub and investments destination in Asia.

Among topics to be taken up are the latest processing improvements at the hub, the launch of the Subic One-Stop Shop which will consolidate into one location all offices related to shipping through Subic port, and updates on new terminal equipment installed.

There will also be status reports on proposed development projects such as the construction of the New Container Terminals (NCT) 3 and 4, the Tipo Road expansion, and the planned Subic-Clark Corridor and Clark Green City.

Speakers and panelists, including SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, SBITC general manager Roberto Locsin, SBITC vice chairman Francisco Delgado IV, USAID Compete Chief of Party Dr Enrico Basilio, and Bases Conversion Development Authority president and CEO Atty Arnel Casanova, will likewise discuss potentials and opportunities at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The 1st Subic Bay Maritime Conference and Exhibit in 2012 attracted more than 500 shippers and cargo service providers.

This year’s conference comes at a time when Subic port has emerged as a vibrant complementary hub to Manila and international seaport for shippers in Central and Northern Luzon and is setting new records in container traffic.

In January this year, the facility posted a record volume of 14,892 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 433.6% increase year-over-year and overshooting the 14,175 TEUs handled in November 2014, its previous highest volume in a single month. For full-year 2014, Subic handled 76,652 TEUs, 104.6% higher compared to the throughput posted the year before.

For 2015, the port expects to see cargo volume increase by 55.8% to 120,000 TEUs, or 20% of the 600,000-TEU combined annual capacity of NCT 1 and 2, according to SBMA chairman Garcia.

The Subic Bay Maritime Conference & Exhibit will be participated in by Freeport zone locators, logistics and supply chain executives, import and export managers, manufacturers, shipping line executives, key national and local government officials, and other stakeholders.

Boeing Material Handling Corp., Isuzu Phils, The Lighthouse Marina Resort and TNL Express have signed up as bronze sponsors. Event partners include Subic-Clark Alliance for Development, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. Region III, and the Philippine International Seafreight Forwarders Association.

For more information on the Subic Bay Maritime Conference & Exhibit, please call event manager PortCalls at (02) 552-7072, 551-1775, 551-1972, 551-387, or (0917) 555-5273. You may also email info@portcalls.com. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
The 1st Subic Bay Maritime Conference and Exhibit in 2012 was attended by more than 500 local and international participants. The 2nd conference, set for April 24 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, is expected to welcome a similar number of delegates in a discussion of Subic port’s potentials as a Central and Northern Luzon hub.

http://www.portcalls.com/subic-maritime-conference-highlights-growth-potentials-of-central-northern-luzon-gateway/#

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Elite bets coming for Subic race

FOREIGN triathletes seeking qualifying points for the ASTC Triathlon Asian Cup series and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics are set to figure in a battle royale in the 2-day 2015 Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Cup 2015 co-presented by Speedo on April 25-26 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Eight elite entries from Japan, three from Macau and about 40 triathletes from Australia, Uzbekistan, Iran, Hong Kong, Syria, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Singapore and Canada are competing in the event.

Among the foreign pros to watch out for is Australian Kelly Perkins who is coming off an impressive performance in the Maloobala Oceania Cup last March 14. He will be challenged by triathletes from Japan and John Chicano, who will lead the Philippine team.

Outstanding Philippine age-grouper Kim Kilgroe and Zoe Bowden, Malaysia’s back-to-back 13-15 category champion, will make their debut in the elite ranks of the distaff side backed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, Philippine Sports Commission, Standard Insurance, and the Lighthouse Marina Resort, among others.

Under the mechanics of the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines in cooperation with the SBMA, Asian Triathlon Confederation and the International Triathlon Union, top local and international elite athletes will get ITU points for Asian and world rankings and qualification to major international competitions.

The elite junior (ages 16-19) competition will feature Briton Sam O’Shea and American Kyle Izzo who will be tested by Philippine athletes led by Edward Macalalad, Julius Constantino, Justin Chiongbian and Jimuel Patilan. (Malaya Business Insight)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/sports/elite-bets-coming-subic-race

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NLEX, SCTEX integrate to ease holy week traffic

Motorists using the two tollways, NLEX and SCTEX, during the Holy Week break will already experience the ease and convenience resulting from the integration of the toll systems.

“To handle the expected increase in traffic volume during Holy Week, we will pilot-test the integrated toll system to provide motorists with a foretaste of the smooth travel experience that the project, once completed, will bring about,” said Rodrigo E. Franco, president of the Manila North Tollways Corporation , builder and concessionaire of the expressway. “With the integration, travel through NLEX and SCTEX will be faster and more convenient.”

On April 1 and 2, northbound motorists exiting NLEX, except for those whose vehicles are equipped with Easytrip tags, will not have to stop and pay at the Dau Exit Toll Plaza. All manual lanes in the toll plaza will be designated as “pass thru” lanes. However, there will still be dedicated Easytrip lanes where payment stubs that serve as receipts will be given to motorists with Easytrip transactions.

At the Dau and Sta. Ines interchanges, temporary booths will be set up to collect toll from motorists exiting NLEX. On the other hand, motorists exiting NLEX and continuing on to SCTEX—either to Subic or Tarlac —will have to pay their combined NLEX and SCTEX toll at the SCTEX Mabalacat Entry Toll Plaza. Payment stubs and manual official receipts will be issued to motorists as proofs of payment.

In anticipation of the usual 20% increase in the expressway’s traffic volume during Holy Week, MNTC is putting up 20 additional booths in the area. And as an added treat to motorists going all the way from NLEX to SCTEX Subic or SCTEX Tarlac, they can buy Express Cards in any of the gas stations along NLEX that will entitle them to a toll discount.

Motorists traveling to SCTEX Subic or SCTEX Tarlac just need to surrender the payment stubs issued to them in Mabalacat or the Express Cards bought from NLEX gas stations when they exit the expressway.

On April 4 and 5, southbound motorists using NLEX will not need to stop at the Dau Entry Toll Plaza where all entry lanes will be designated as “pass thru” lanes. No transit tickets will be given out.

While traveling along the expressway, motorists can again buy Express Cards from any of the NLEX gas stations to entitle them to toll discounts. Toll payments as well as Express Cards will be collected at the Bocaue Toll Plaza. To speed up collection, 15 temporary toll booths will be installed.

“While this system is still temporary and just being set up for Holy Week, it will soon be a permanent fixture once the NLEX-SCTEX system integration is fully completed,” Franco said.

The agreement to integrate the two expressways’ toll systems was signed last January between MNTC and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the government-owned and controlled corporation that built SCTEX.

The integration will bring to SCTEX the modern features of NLEX’s toll payment system. These include dedicated short-range communication, radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker tags, as well as contactless and magnetic cards.

Under the integration plan, some toll barriers and toll plazas will be removed or transferred. Among the barriers that will be removed are the NLEX Dau Barrier and the SCTEX Mabalacat Toll Barrier. New toll plazas will be constructed at the existing entry and exit ramps at NLEX Dau and Sta. Ines. A new SCTEX Tarlac Toll Plaza will also be constructed.

The project is expected to be completed within the year. (Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/03/29/nlex-sctex-integrate-to-ease-holy-week-traffic/

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Ex-SBMA executives cleared of graft raps

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has cleared former officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) of graft charges over a 2010 port operations deal.

In its Feb. 3 order released this month, the ombudsman dropped the charges against former SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga and former SBMA chief executive officer administrator Armand Arreza for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and grave misconduct.

The order also reinstated SBMA senior deputy administrator Ramon Agregado and SBMA deputy administrator Marcelino Sanqui, who reassumed their positions on March 17.

Also cleared of the charges were former senior deputy administrator Ferdinand Hernandez former deputy administrator Ma. Cristina Millan and former SBMA board members Edralino Cajudo, Antonio Rex Chan, Ricardo Coscolluela, Angelita DJ Cruz, Teodoro del Rosario, Jorge Estanislao, Ma. Angela Garcia, James Lorenzana, Ma. Victoria Pineda, Stefani Saño, Jennifer Khonghun-Ting and Eddie Tamondong.

The charges against businessmen Reghis Romero II and Michael Romero, chairman and chief executive officer, respectively, of Harbour Centre were also dropped.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales dismissed the complaints filed by Subic Seaport Terminal Inc. and Amerasia International Terminal Services Inc. against the former SBMA officials for lack of merit.

“The SBMA’s act of signing the joint venture agreement was irregular, but insufficient to constitute manifest partiality or evident bad faith,” Morales said in her order.

Charges were filed against SBMA and Harbour Centre over a 25-year joint venture agreement for the development, operation and management of the naval supply depot and the ports in Boton, Alava, Rivera and Bravo inside the free port. (Bebot Sison Jr., Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/03/26/1437455/ex-sbma-executives-cleared-graft-raps

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Red Cross simulation exercises and MOA signing

[1] Philippine Red Cross volunteers evacuate "victims" of an earthquake during a simulation exercise for mass casualty incidents on Thursday at the PRC Logistics and Training Center at the Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Officials of the Philippine Red Cross and Makati Medical Center sign an agreement for the deplyment of emergency field hospital personnel during disasters. From left: Dr. Gabriel Gabriel of MMC, PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon, Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder, who served as witness, and MMC Foundation present Dr. Victor Gisbert. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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'Fire Olympics' highlights Fire Prevention Month in Subic Freeport

Employees of 15 locator companies in this free port tried their hand in connecting fire hoses, climbing ladders, and directing high-pressure water to put out fire, as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) fired off the Subic Bay “Fire Olympics” last Friday to promote safety awareness and preparedness among companies and their workers in the Subic Bay Freeport.

The SBMA Fire Department, in cooperation with locators and investors, launched the Olympics at the Subic Bay Gateway Park here in line with the observance of Fire Prevention Month.

The 15 participating companies joined the “games” prepared by SBMA firefighters as training modules, each sending five-man teams and technical crews to tackle the various challenges.

SBMA Deputy Fire Chief Raul Zapanta said that companies join this annual activity “because it is not only fun to the participants, but also hones their skills in firefighting and enhances rapport among the designated fire marshals from different companies.”

“It helps the volunteers build teamwork and cooperation with other fire volunteers, and also provides and an opportunity to put their skills to test,” he added.

Zapanta and fellow deputy fire chief Gerard Johnson, along with 20 crew members from the SBMA Fire Department, coordinated the event that included lectures on safety in the work place.

The one-day activity closed with a simple program where winners in the “fire games” received certificates of recognition and tokens of merit.

Aside from the Fire Olympics, the SBMA Fire Department is also conducting lectures in communities adjacent to the Freeport, teaching residents how to prevent grass and forest fires, and what to do in case fires break out.

“While we want to keep our homes and companies safe against fire, here in Subic it is also our priority to prevent forest fires,” said Johnson, pointing out that the forests here are home to many animals and birds, and an important asset for the local tourism industry.

“This is why it’s really important to train workers and residents in fire safety, and the Fire Olympics is one effective way of doing it,” Johnson said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Fire Chief Norberto Lopez teaches two women workers how to attach fire hose couplings properly during a “Fire Olympics” held at the Subic Bay Gateway Park on Friday, March 13, to provide employees of business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone with basic knowledge and skills on fire-fighting. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] WOMEN POWER: An all-women team competes in the “Fire Olympics” held at the Subic Bay Gateway Park on Friday, March 13, to provide employees of business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone with basic knowledge and skills on fire-fighting. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA commended for its financial and investment gains

The Regional Development Council of Region 3 (RDC 3) recently cited the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for the financial and investment strides it had achieved in the past three years.

In a resolution passed by the RDC 3 last January, the council commended the SBMA for “the financial viability of the authority, improving the collection of customs duties and other taxes, as well as increasing investment commitments within the Freeport and Special Economic Zone, and for optimizing container traffic at Subic Port”.

According to the same resolution, “SBMA was able to restore the financial viability of the authority by posting annual net incomes ranging from Php0.8 billion to Php1.3 billion from 2012 to 2014, a complete turnaround from the negative income streams ranging from Php0.2 billion for six (6) consecutive years starting 2006 to 2011”.

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia recently reported that SBMA hit new record highs in its 2014 financial performance, as it scored a net income of P1.6 billion vs. its 2013 income of P1.1 billion for a substantial increase of 40 per cent.

The RDC 3, which serves as the counterpart of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board at the sub-national level in Region 3, likewise noted in its resolution that the SBMA’s implementation of various trade facilitation measures and innovations in systems and procedures had boosted the collection of customs duties and other taxes.

Through these actions by SBMA, “...the collection of customs duties and other taxes in within SBF-SEZ increased dramatically from Php7.2 billion in 2011 to Php16.8 billion that corresponds to 233 percent growth”, the RDC 3 said.

The NEDA regional office likewise cited the Subic agency for maximizing container port traffic in the Subic port and for initiating ”business process improvements and promotion activities that boosted investment commitments fromPhp3.6 billion in 2-13 to Php9.7 billion in 2014”.

Due to the renewed business and manufacturing climate in the Freeport, the RDC 3 said that the gross revenue share of affected local government units correspondingly increased by 40 percent, from PhP145 milllion in 2011 to PhP203 million in 2014.

Garcia welcomed the RDC 3’s commendation and assurance of full support to SBMA’s development efforts geared toward making Central Luzon a leading regional transhipment and global gateway.

“The Agency’s sterling three-year record performance could be attributed to good governance, the implementation of its strategic initiatives, and the hard work of the Agency’s management and employees,” Garcia said. (AMF/CorComm/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay Freeport tops tourist arrivals in Central Luzon

Subic Bay Freeport is Central Luzon's most visited tourist destination in 2014.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Ronaldo Tiotuico, in a press statement, said "Subic Bay Freeport and Zambales was the most visited at 1.2 million arrivals followed by Clark Freeport, Pampanga and Angeles City- 621,000; Bataan- 199,000; Bulacan- 109,000; and Aurora- 108,000.”

DOT region III reported that tourist arrivals in Central Luzon rose to 21% in 2014 compared to 2013.

3.1 million domestic and foreign travellers went to the region last year compared to 2.7 million in 2013 based on monthly survey reports submitted by accommodation establishments.

Chinese topped the most number of foreign travelers in Central Luzon last year at 390,431 or 12.5% followed by Americans- 95,737 or 3.08%, Koreans- 55,692 or 1.8%, and Singaporeans- 31,200 or 1%.

Average occupancy rate for accommodation establishments in the region stood at 62% while length of stay for travellers was at 22 nights with over 1.2 available rooms during the year.

“The unprecedented increase can be attributed to the significant developments in Clark and Subic Bay Freeports along with the recent infrastructure improvement at the Clark International Airport which allows it to have the ability to welcome as high as four million passengers,” Tiotuico explained.

Also, the conduct of festival planning and management seminars for members of the Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon as well as the participation of DOT and government and private stakeholders in tourism and travel expositions in Makati, Cebu, and Davao were likewise named as contributory to the surge.

Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/561425818418/tourist-arrivals-in-cl-up-by-21-

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Reed, Edwards rule Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic

THE INAUGURAL Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 in Subic Bay proved to be a resounding success with an Australian and a British topping the male and female professional categories, respectively.

Tim Reed of Australia and Parys Edwards of Great Britain bested the field that took the competitors to different parts of the recognized “triathlon capital of the country” on Sunday.

Mr. Reed, coming off a win in the 2015 Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championships in Auckland, added the inaugural Century Ironman 70.3 title to his growing list of achievements that has made him one of recognized rising stars of the sport.

The 30-year-old Reed finished the course in just three hours and 52 minutes, three minutes ahead of second placer Mitch Robins (three hours and 55 minutes) and five of third-running Josh Amberger (three hours and 57 minutes). Messrs. Robins and Amberger are also from Australia.

Mr. Amberger was actually leading some three-fourths of the way, finishing ahead in the swim and bike legs of the race.

In the 21-K run stage was where Mr. Reed proved his mettle, overhauling the lead of Mr. Amberger.

“The race panned out as I expected. I expected Josh to be up a couple of minutes off the bike. I just tried to be relaxed and hoped that Josh’s legs would give way because he is a strong bike rider and they did,” Mr. Reed said of his come-from-behind win.

Incidentally, five-time Ironman world champion Craig Alexander had to withdraw at the last minute because of a lingering back injury.

Ms. Edwards, meanwhile, came out strong right from the swim all the way to the end, clocking four hours and 18 minutes. Her win was her first in an Ironman race, adding to her collection of triathlon hardware.

New mother Beth Gerdes of the United States came in second at four hours and 24 minutes while Australia’s Dimity Lee-Duke finished third at four hours and 27 minutes.

Topping the local male elite was Banjo Norte of Alaska Tri Aspire with a time of four hours and 23 minutes.

The Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 is a half-Ironman distance triathlon -- 1.9-kilometer (km) swim, 90-km bike ride and 21-km run -- produced and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. (Michael Angelo S. Murillo, BusinessWorld)

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Sports&title=reed-edwards-rule-century-tuna-ironman-70.3-subic&id=103942

Photo/ banner from http://ironman703subicbay.com/ct703/results/

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Subic gears up for summer sports crowd

Subic Bay is now gearing up for the summer crowd with tourist spots enhancing the fun factor with not just the usual leisure amenities but hardcore sports facilities, as well.

One of the many great tourist destinations here is the Zoobic Safari. Tigers, lions, crocodiles, and other exotic wildlife are found at the facility, making the experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see animals that are not endemic in the country. A ride on a caged jeepney lets you peek into the tigers’ habitat as they roam around in an enclosed area.

Another great place to go to in Subic is the Ocean Adventure Marine theme park. Dolphins, sea lions and other aquatic animals will entertain you while educating you on the importance of wildlife preservation.

And if thrill is what you’re seeking, then you could always go to Tree Top Adventure. Tree Top Adventure boasts of having the first motorized zipline in Asia, making sure that safety is the facility’s number one concern.

But in recent years, Subic’s many beautiful beaches are attracting more and more health buffs with major triathlon events held here. Camayan Beach Resort for one has been the area for the country’s prestigious triathlon event Yellow Cab Challenge Philippines.

International triathletes were at awe over the pristine waters of Subic Bay and vowed to return to the area next time Yellow Cab Challenge Philippines is held here. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
SPORTS TOURISM — Local and international triathletes hit the water in Subic Bay at the recent 2015 Yellow Cab Challenge Philippines Subic-Bataan. Subic Bay Freeport is poised to become the triathlon capital of the country, assuring that sports tourism is alive here. (Jonas Reyes)

http://www.mb.com.ph/subic-gears-up-for-summer-sports-crowd/

More photos:

A maintenance worker plows through a heap of fallen leaves during a clean-up drive by the SBMA Maintenance Department at the Mini-Golf Course in the central business district of the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday (March 6). The clean-up project is in anticipation of the influx of tourists this summer. (Jun Dumaguing)

Participants in the “Century Tuna Superbods Underpants Run” start the two-kilometer run at the Remy Field in the Subic Bay Freeport on Saturday morning (March 7). (Jun Dumaguing)

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