PCCI urges PNoy to prioritize the expansion of Subic, Batangas ports

The business community hopes President Aquino will finally put to rest the port congestion issue by making a priority the expansion of Subic and Batangas international ports before his term ends next year.

Alfredo M. Yao, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (PCCI) said the resolution of the port congestion at the Manila ports tops its wish list of priority issues that they want President Aquino to make a policy statement during his last State of the Nation Address this month.

“The port operation has improved a lot but sooner or later we will be hounded again by port congestion,” said Yao. Trade volume is expected to pick at the start of the second semester and with the robust economic growth, Yao expects congestion to be back again this year.

The port congestion that hit the Manila port last year has caused considerable damage to businesses in the country and potential economic potentials.

Yao stressed that the port congestion is a vicious cycle that come again and again if it is not addressed.

Yao would like the government to have the will to push for the expansion of the Batangas International Port, which is being operated by the Asian Terminals Inc.

If the capacity of the port is expanded all import and export cargo volume from and into the south should use the Batangas port rather than going to the Manila port and subject themselves to the burgeoning traffic of the city.

Expansion of the Subic ports, where the International Container Terminal Services Inc. has existing operations, need to be further enhanced.

It should be easier though to expand Subic because the Subic Bay Metroplitan Authority, which runs Subic freeport, is a government agency.

Subic port should be the main port for businesses operating in the northern part of Luzon, Yao stressed.

“At present, we are all relying on Manila ports and that is so inefficient,” he added.

“Government should come in and exercise its political will,” said Yao.

Aside from the port congestion issue, the PCCI also hopes the President to push for the enactment into law the long overdue Customs and Tariff Modernization Act among other priority bills pending in Congress. (Bernie Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/pcci-urges-pnoy-to-prioritize-the-expansion-of-subic-batangas-ports/

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Subic Bay tops CL destinations for 2 consecutive years

For two successive years, Subic Bay Freeport maintained its lead as the No. 1 tourist destination in the entire Central Luzon region, as visitor arrivals here breached the one-million mark in 2013 and 2014.

In a plaque from the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region III, the Freeport was cited for having “consistently topped the list of most visited places in the region for two consecutive years.”

According to DOT regional director Ronaldo Tiotuico, Subic “obtained the highest number of regional travellers – both local and foreign – in the entire Central Luzon region from CY 2013-2014 based on reports submitted by accommodation establishments in all the seven (7) provinces and two (2) special economic zones in the region.”

“We are very much elated by this development. It speaks well not only of the efforts of our Tourism team and the rest of our agency, but also of the support and cooperation of our tourism stakeholders and the entire Freeport community,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia said.

Garcia added that aside from being the No. 1 destination in the region, Subic has continued to live up to its title as “Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon”, which was bestowed by the DOT in 2012.

“The number of conventions here has grown by 150 per cent from 2013 to 2014, with a corresponding increase of 94 per cent in the number of participants for the same period,” he pointed out.

Subic also enjoyed the highest hotel occupancy rate in Central Luzon at 69 per cent last year, compared to the regional average of 62 per cent. Equally notable is the Freeport’s sustained growth as the country’s triathlon, sailing and theme park capital. (KMF/CorComm-SBMA)

PHOTO CAPTION
Subic Freeport - The No. 1 Destination in CL.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia, with SBMA tourism manager Jem Camba, displays the citation recently received from DOT Region 3, recognizing Subic as the top destination in the entire Central Luzon region for two consecutive years. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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WATCH: 'Ligers' and 'Tiglons' at Zoobic Safari

This most visited tourist destination in Central Luzon will likely capture more curious visitors and animal lovers with the arrival here of four specimens of two "new” breeds of big cats, the so-called “ligers” and “tiglons.”

View @ SBMA's official Youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gaM5R55FnY

Read More: http://subicnewslink.blogspot.com/2015/06/exotic-breeds-of-big-cats-are-subic.html

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Subic Bay stakeholders plant trees to celebrate Arbor Day

Volunteer groups and workers in this free port joined the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in a tree-planting activity here in celebration of Arbor Day on Thursday.

More than a thousand SBMA employees, workers from Freeport companies, and volunteers from various civic organizations in Olongapo City planted around 1,500 saplings of different tree species at the reforestation site in Mount Santa Rita.

Forester Patrick Escusa, head of the SBMA Ecology Center’s Social Development Division, which coordinated the event, said the participants included delegates from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Olongapo City, the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary 111th Squadron in Hermosa, Bataan, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Philippine National Police offices in Olongapo and Hermosa.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the project is part of the agency’s environmental preservation and conservation advocacy program under Republic Act 10716, which revived the observance of Arbor Day in 2012 and authorized government units to observe the annual event with tree-planting activities.

The same law requires all able-bodied citizens, who are at least 12 years of age, to plant at least one tree every year.

“What we’re doing here is taking care of the environment; yet we are also ensuring the sustainability of our future with this activity,” Garcia said. “With the help of stakeholders in the Freeport, the SBMA is committed more than ever to continue with this project and pave a brighter, greener tomorrow for Subic.”

The Arbor Day celebration, which was the first to be held here in the Subic Freeport, kicked off with a simple program in front of the SBMA administration building, and then proceeded with an 80-vehicle convoy to the reforestation site in Mount Santa Rita.

SBMA Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Randy Escolango, who is also commander of the PCGA 111th Squadron, said that the celebration was successful, considering the high turnout.

“The celebration was a big success. It only manifests that most us still care for the environment and are willing to give time and effort to preserve it,” Escolango said.

Meanwhile, dozens of employees and senior officials of Hitachi Terminals Mechatronics Philippines (HTMP), a Japanese company, which manufactures ATM parts and components, planted 150 mangrove wildlings at the mangrove sanctuary in the Freeport zone.

Catherine Dizon, HTMP assistant manager for administration, said that the activity is part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility program that also aims to promote awareness on environment preservation among the company’s workers.

“While it is harder to plant mangrove than tree saplings, this is a new experience for all of us and our Japanese bosses enjoyed doing this,” Dizon added.

The mangrove-planting activity was led by Hitoshi Ito, HTMP general manager for production; Hiroto Konoke, general manager for administration; Kenji Hattori, department manager for purchasing; and Tokunobu Asami, deputy department manager for engineering. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTOS:
[1] SBMA employees and workers from locator-companies plant trees at Mount Santa Rita in celebration of Arbor Day in the Subic Bay Freeport on Thursday, June 25. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Employees of Hitachi Terminals Mechatronics Philippines conduct a mangrove reforestation project at the Malawaan mangrove sanctuary as part of the company's corporate social responsibility program. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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RP Energy cuts Subic power plant capacity target to 300 MW

THE Redondo Peninsula (RP) Energy Inc. is lowering by half the target capacity of its newest coal-fired power plant at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales.

The consortium is set to change the project parameters to reduce the capacity from 600 megawatts (MW) to 300 MW, Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

RP Energy is a joint venture of Meralco PowerGen Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp., and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp.
Pangilinan attributed the changes to the issues surrounding the transmission line connection.

“There were issues on the distance of the connection of the transmission line to the grid,” Pangilinan told reporters.

He explained that the transmission line from the power plant to the grid will have to go through areas that are apparently occupied by indigenous people.

“There are pockets where there are reserved areas. So you know we cannot build on top of that. That’s prohibited by law,” he said.

The project was originally conceived as 600 MW power facility, composed of two 300 MW coal­fired plant.

Its construction was delayed because of the Writ of Kalikasan filed before the Supreme Court (SC) by groups opposing the power plant.

The High Court upheld the project’s environmental compliance certificate, as well as the lease and development agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

The project is now in the construction phase after the consortium has hired the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.
The consortium has tapped a group of local banks to help finance the project. The power plant is expected to contribute additional generating capacity to the Luzon grid. (Ritchie A. Horario, The Manila Times)

http://www.manilatimes.net/rp-energy-cuts-subic-power-plant-capacity-target-to-300-mw/195801/

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Zambales fishers file HR case vs China before UN

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Thirty-eight fishermen from Zambales, who are among those displaced by China’s intrusion into the Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, on Wednesday made history by filing a case against the government of China, accusing the aggressor at the West Philippine Sea of violating their basic human right to adequate food.

Assisted by activist-lawyers from the University of the Philippines Law Center, the “Zambales 38” filed an urgent appeal before the United Nations (UN) Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to seek a declaration from the body that China is violating their human rights by preventing them from accessing their only means of livelihood.

The fishermen, who come from the fishing towns of Masinloc and Subic, e-mailed the petition to the UN committee after a forum was held at the Pista sa Baryo restaurant here to explore various international remedies available to local fishermen who lost their livelihood because of the maritime dispute.

Lawyer Gilbert Andres, who sent the petition on behalf of the group, said the committee has confirmed receipt of the e-mail just minutes after it was sent.

Prof. Harry Roque Jr., director of the Institute of International Legal Studies at the UP Law Center, said the filing of the case is an historic undertaking because it was the first time that people of one country filed a complaint against the government of another.

Typically, he said, complaints of human-rights violations were filed by citizens of a country against their own government.

But Roque said the case filed by the Zambales fishermen was meant to send the message that territorial disputes are not just between nations, but also impact on the lives of people who seek sustenance from the resources inside those territories.

“The disputed islands and shoals are only important because there are people, like these fishermen here, who benefit from them,” Roque pointed out.

He added that, unfortunately, the case filed by the Philippine government with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) concerns only the territories claimed by the country and not the basic rights of local fishermen to livelihood and life.

“We have the duty to defend the human rights of these people, even if the violators are governments,” Roque added.

According to Miguel Detana, the former captain of the fishing boat F/B Marvin I based in Masinloc, Zambales, the virtual takeover by China of the Scarbrough Shoal, or Bajo de Masinloc, has robbed local fishermen of income of about P7,000 per week.

“I have been fishing at the Scarborough since 1991 and we always had a bountiful harvest because there was so much fish in the shoal. Now we get so little from the sea,” Detana said.

Detana and the crew of F/B Marvin I had not ventured into Scarborough since April 26, 2014, when their boat was hit with water cannon by a Chinese coast guard vessel. Now the owner of the boat is selling it to cut his losses.

Inocentes Forones Jr., who also owned boats that once fished at Bajo de Masinloc, said the locals can now only safely fish in municipal waters where they manage to catch about 1 kilo or 3 kilos of fish a day.

The displacement of their income, lawyers said, clearly illustrates how the fishermen’s right to adequate food has been violated by Chinese incursion into that part of the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Lawyer Celeste Cembrano-Mallari, a UP Law Center expert on Unclos, said because the Scarborough Shoal is just 124 nautical miles from the mainland of Luzon, the Philippines as a coastal state has every right to explore, exploit, conserve and manage the resources in its waters, as well as the seabed and subsoil.

Andres also explained that various international conventions guarantee the fishermen of Zambales the right to standard of living adequate for their health and well-being, as well as the right to adequate food.

Roque also said because it can be proven that the fishermen-victims suffered economic losses because of the violation, there should also be compensation for the income they have lost because of China’s incursion.

Roque added they have high hopes that the case against China would prosper, because it can be proven that Scarborough has long been a traditional fishing ground for local fishermen, and that the Philippines exercised control over it before it was forcibly taken over by China in 2012.

He said that at least two precedent cases are on record, wherein the UN committee had decided to respect traditional fishing rights of one country over the claims of another who encroached upon it. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

PHOTO:
Zambales fishermen and lawyer-supporters raise clenched fists on Wednesday as they sent an urgent petition against China to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/zambales-fishers-file-hr-case-vs-china-before-un/

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Exotic breeds of big cats are Subic theme park’s new residents

This most visited tourist destination in Central Luzon will likely capture more curious visitors and animal lovers with the arrival here of four specimens of two "new” breeds of big cats, the so-called “ligers” and “tigons.”

The Zoobic Safari theme park, which already houses various exotic animals from all over the world, welcomed on Friday the new residents who were flown in from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said the new attractions at Zoobic Safari will tremendously boost tourism in the Freeport, as they are reputed to be among the few specimens in the country today.

“There are really lots of new things to see and experience in Subic,” he said. “Now, we have rare animals that you can only see in just a few places in the world, and Subic is one of them.”

According to Dr. Norilyn Molleno, the resident veterinarian at Zoobic Safari, ten crates of animals arrived on Thursday by plane from the UAE. The crates contained three lions, three lionesses, and the new breeds—two “ligers” and two “tigons”, all about two years old on the average.

Molleno explained that “ligers” are offsprings of a male lion and a female tiger, while tigons are crossbreeds of a male tiger and a female lion.

“They also have names. The tigons are ‘Togo’ and ‘Baby,’ while the ligers are ‘Neema’ and ‘Princess’,” she said.

Ligers may weigh up from 800 to 1,000 kilograms in adulthood at about three years old. They are bigger than the tigons, which weigh only from 500 to 800 kilograms. But both are bigger, however, than purebred tigers and lions.

Molleno added that the big cats are donations from a sheikh in the UAE who wishes to remain anonymous.

The sheikh donated the animals to Zoobic Safari in Subic for educational purposes, but only after confirming that the facility has the capability to handle and take good care of the animals.

“Accidental crossbreeding happens in the wild, and it is a good idea that the public should know that it is possible to happen,” she said, adding that these animals need facilities to house them.

The lady veterinarian added that Subic is lucky to have the animals since they could easily adapt to the local environment, which has almost the same temperature as that of the Middle East.

Two years ago, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum also donated lions and lionesses for the theme park, which are now among the major attractions here.

Zoobic Safari is located in the 25-hectare Forest Adventure Park at the former Naval Magazine area of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The theme park houses the Zoobic Park, a two-hectare forest full of exotic, wild and semi-domesticated animals in their simulated natural habitat; Savannah, a wildlife sanctuary that contains ostriches, potbellies, wild boars, and guinea fowls; and Tiger Safari, a closed area of full-grown tigers on the loose. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] A “liger,” which is a cross between a male lion and a female tiger, lets out a roar before emerging from the crate during its arrival at the Zoobic Safari theme park in Subic Bay Freeport on Friday. Two “ligers” and two “tigons”, along with six lions, were donated by a sheikh from the United Arab Emirates, and will be part of the theme park’s “Kings of the Jungle” exhibit. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] “Neema,” one of two ligers that arrived at the Zoobic Safari theme park in Subic Bay Freeport on Friday, is coached into its pen at the park. Two “ligers” and two “tigons”, along with six lions, were donated by a sheikh from the United Arab Emirates, and will be part of the theme park’s “Kings of the Jungle” exhibit. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Bigger Ad Summit in Subic Freeport next year

A bigger Ad Summit Pilipinas is expected next year, as the country’s largest gathering of men and women in the advertising and marketing industry returns to Subic Bay Freeport again in 2016.

Bannering the theme “Come Out and Play,” Ad Summit Pilipinas 2016 will be held from March 9 to 12 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) to help advertising and marketing practitioners stay inspired, brimming with ideas, and extremely hopeful about the industry.

“We promise you more,” said Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4A’s) president Jenny Wieneke during the event launching at The Peninsula Manila recently.

She added that the coming event promises to take the challenge of innovative and creative development, which also promotes closer bonding among people behind the industry: the marketers, advertisers and the media.

Ad Summit 2016 chair Alex Syfu, meanwhile, explained that the theme encapsulates the constant need to shake the advertising community out of its comfort zone, to keep it from falling into the trap of focusing on the trials that seem to plague the industry these days.

“Play allows one to view possibilities where there was none before. It sees no obligations — just a wealth of opportunities,” explained Syfu.

“Ad Summit Pilipinas 2016 is an invitation for marketing practitioners to see the brighter side of things—to spot opportunities amidst industry challenges in order to propel brands into the future,” he added. “If you are not willing to take the challenge, then you might as well settle yourself for the ordinary set-up.”

For his part, Subic Bay Metropolitan (SBMA) chair Roberto Garcia assured the Ad Summit Pilipinas organizers that there will be “a lot to play in Subic.”

Garcia announced that SBMA will be spending from P20 to P30 million for the renovation of SBECC to make it more suitable and comfortable for the participants of Ad Summit next year.

The amount is part of the P800-million capital-expenditure fund being utilized this year by SBMA for the repair of service roads, and purchase of new vehicles, among others.

Syfu also noted that industry leaders are happy with the 2014 Ad Summit event in Subic Bay. “And because of that, because more people are clamoring for it, the most prestigious advertising gathering in the country is going to Subic again,” Syfu announced.

Ad Summit organizers also said that they intend to transcend the successes of the previous summit by bringing in new global icons and locally-renowned experts as speakers, putting up a more provocative line-up of topics, and planning a more engaging set of activities that will encourage participants to frolic during the four-day meet.

Another high point of Ad Summit is the staging of the “Kidlat Awards” of the Creative Guild of the Philippines, which is the country’s most prestigious creative advertising competition. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

Check out Ad Summit Pilipinas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdSummitPH?fref=ts

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SBMA targets 11% hike in investments

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is aiming to achieve an 11-percent growth in new investments at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone this year.

“We have an overall investment target. Last year, we did around P18 billion. We’re targeting around P20 billion this year,” SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said in a chance interview.

He said the agency wants to attract investments in the tourism, maritime and high-value manufacturing sectors.

SBMA is promoting investments in tourism with meetings, conventions and other special events being held in the area.

Garcia said a total of seven new and expansion hotel projects are currently being undertaken at the freeport.

At present, hotels within the freeport have 3,500 rooms, enough to accommodate attendees of special events like the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014.

The Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines has chosen the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center again for the venue of the Ad Summit Pilipinas slated to be held from March 9 to 12.

Aside from tourism, the agency is encouraging investments in the maritime and high-value manufacturing sectors which could generate jobs.

Garcia said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone offers advantages to locators in terms of convenience for shipment of products through the port in the area.

“It’s more convenient to ship from Subic because you don’t have to go through Manila. You can ship from Subic to anywhere. That’s the advantage. Plus, it’s cheaper,” he said, noting six international shipping lines currently use the port.

To encourage locators, he said SBMA has allotted P800 million for capital expenditures this year for improvement works at the freeport.

The amount will be spent for the rehabilitation of major roads as well as renovation of the facilities at the freeport.

“This is unprecedented. In the past years, our capex is just at P20 million,” Garcia said. (Louella D. Desideerio, The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/business/2015/06/15/1465899/sbma-targets-11-hike-investments

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House think tank outlines ways to end port logjam

TO address the problem of port congestion in Metro Manila, the House of Representatives’ Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) has urged the government to consider Batangas and Subic ports as alternative main sea gateways and upgrade the country’s infrastructure.

CPBRD, the research body of the lower chamber, said in a discussion paper that it is imperative that the government seriously consider gradually shifting international container traffic to Batangas and Subic ports to solve the growing congestion problem in Metro Manila and to catalyze growth in adjacent regions.

It also encouraged the government to study carefully the proposal to cap volume in the Port of Manila (POM), and consider the impact of this policy in terms of the potential additional cost to shippers.

The CPBRD, citing a study by supply-chain stakeholders, said around 70 percent of the imported raw materials, equipment, supplies and consumer goods go to Metro Manila and Northern Cavite. About 18 percent go to Laguna, 6 percent to Batangas and Quezon; and 6 percent to Pampanga and other areas north of Metro Manila.

A big part of the exports come from Metro Manila and Northern Cavite, at 73 percent.

“The Joint Foreign Chambers [JFC] of the Philippines has suggested that the local government units of Metro Manila impose higher taxes on factories and warehouses as incentives to move to hubs like Batangas and Subic,” the research body said.

It added that “various groups have [also] advocated for the Batangas and Subic ports as alternatives of the POM to deliberately address the issue concerning the underutilization of these ports, albeit, improving in recent years.”

According to the CPBRD, around P17.5 billion was borrowed during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration to finance the development of Batangas and Subic ports, excluding the additional investments of around P111.1 billion that funded the expressways leading to these ports.

The CPBRD also proposed separating the regulatory and operational functions of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

“While the Batangas Port is under the PPA, the Subic Port is owned by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority [SBMA]. Thus, it may seem challenging for the PPA to strongly promote the Subic Port as a competitor to the PPA-owned ports, including the POM, because of its potential to erode the PPA’s revenues substantially,” the paper said.

According to the CPBRD, the port-congestion problem in 2014 was unprecedented.

“The PPA had dealt with port-congestion problems in the past but only during Christmas season, when there is substantial increase in import volume. But the port congestion last year was far more complex and urgent, triggered by the Manila truck-ban ordinance,” it said.

The port-congestion problem last year has prompted the government to establish a Cabinet cluster, whose task was solely to address the port logjam, a result of the Manila truck ban, limited road capacity in Metro Manila and the growing trade volume.

Infrastructure projects

The research body also backed the proposals to construct a “mega port” within or outside Manila to support a growing trade volume in the next five to six years.

“Undoubtedly, the root of the congestion problem in the country is the lack of well-planned and efficient infrastructure,” it said.

The CPBRD added that the country’s infrastructure is among those identified by multilateral companies as one of the major weaknesses in its growing economy.

“Indeed, solving the country’s congestion problem requires more investment in infrastructure development,” the body said.

Also, it added that port stakeholders have suggested the need to build a dedicated elevated expressway connecting the POM directly to the North and South Luzon expressways.

“Some have even proposed to revive the railways from POM to Divisoria and Tutuban to Caloocan, and connecting them with North and South Luzon. The fast and cost-effective service by rail transport makes it a preferred mode of transporting passengers and cargoes,” the CPBRD said.

It said the country’s remarkable economic growth in recent years, as well as the expected gains from the upcoming Asean Economic Integration, is seen to facilitate robust international trade to support a consumption-driven economy and a booming manufacturing industry, adding: “The increasing capacity of ships calling at world ports requires port infrastructure that could accommodate post-Panamax vessels containing more than 14,000 to 18,000 20-foot equivalent units [TEUs], from the current 8,000 to 10,000 TEUs.”

National transport policy

One of the major shortcomings of the country’s infrastructure sector is the lack of an integrated national transport plan, the CPBRD said.

“The port-congestion problem would have been prevented had there been a national transport policy in place that guides and harmonize the development goals of the national and local governments. It is, therefore, imperative to put in place a comprehensive long-term National Transport Policy toward achieving a well-coordinated and integrated multimodal transport system in the country,” the research body added.

A national transport policy will also institutionalize and insulate the country’s national transport- development plan from political interventions as the case of the Manila truck ban, it said.

“[Also] it is vital for the transport-infrastructure network, such as port, airport, roads, rail transport, to be planned as a system to ensure the stability and sustainability of the key industries’ supply chain,” it said.

The CPBRD also adopted the proposal of the JFC for the formulation of a “master plan,” which should aim, for instance, to transform Manila into a financial and service center—tourism, finance, education, medical and business-process outsourcing.

“This would require moving factories and manufacturing activities to the outskirts of Metro Manila, particularly Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Batangas and Subic. Moreover, it is important to equip Batangas and Subic ports with world-class logistics facilities, including warehouses and distribution centers,” the lower chamber’s research body said. (Jovee Marie de la Cruz, BusinessMirror)

PHOTO:
The New Container Terminal 1 (NCT1) at the Subic Bay Freeport, recently declared as berth no. 8 of the Port of Manila.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/house-think-tank-outlines-ways-to-end-port-logjam/

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Floating bookstore ‘Logos Hope’ in Subic for 4 weeks

The world’s largest floating bookstore is now docked at the Riviera Wharf in this free port, offering more than 5,000 books from different countries and cultures all over the world for a fraction of their original cover price.

MV Logos Hope opened its doors for public viewing here on Tuesday with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, Zambales Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain II, Central Luzon Tourism Director Ramon Tiotuico, and Captain Tom Dyer cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

“After more than two years, we welcome again Logos Hope back to our port with full support f​or their ongoing mission of enlightenment, unity and world peace,” Garcia said during the opening program.

He also asked Dyer and the members of the ship’s crew to take time to visit various attractions in the Subic Bay Freeport and the nearby communities “as a way of enlightening yourself about our corner of the world here.”

Logos HR director Andy Juliff, meanwhile, explained how the ship’s program works. “A ship full of people with different nationalities and cultural differences is a recipe for disaster, but here at Logos Hope faith in God is what bring us on board to work together in perfect harmony. It powers our engines safely to help the world,” he added.

Logos volunteers have also lined up events for local residents. On June 12​,​ they will have an International Crew Night at the Harbor Point Mall here to highlight the variety of cultures from all over the globe that they represent.

This will be followed by a Fun Night Café on June 21 and June 28, which will present interesting board games from cultures across the seas.

Meanwhile, local artists will be encouraged to join a painting contest on the themes, “What is Hope?” or “Logos Hope and the Philippines.” Deadline for the submission of entries will be on June 30.

The winner will be presented at the International Night and the painting will be displayed at the Logos Hope International Café.

​As the main attraction of Logos Hope, t​he books being sold at affordable prices cover various topics ranging from science to cooking and cultures, to hobbies and sports, among others.

Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of desserts and pastries, and other gastronomic pleasures at the ship’s International Café.

Logos Hope will stay at the Subic Bay Freeport for four weeks. (ADP/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (center), flanked by wife Mari​bi​ and Zambales Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II, Central Luzon Tourism Director Ramon Tiotuico (right) and Logos Hope HR director Andy Juliff, cut the ceremonial ribbon as ship captain Tom Dyer looks on during a ceremony to formally open the floating bookstore to the public on Tuesday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Logos Hope ship captain Tom Dyer shows SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (third from right) and other visitors around the floating bookstore during the ceremonial opening on Tuesday at the Riviera Wharf of Subic Bay Freeport. With them are (from left): Mrs. Maribi Garcia, Central Luzon Tourism Director Ramon Tiotuico, Logos Hope HR director Andy Juliff, and Zambales Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Betten leads Aussie sweep in Regent 5i50

SUBIC, Philippines – Australian Sam Betten struck gold on his second race in the Philippines, besting tough compatriots Mitch Kibby and Casey Munro for the coveted men’s pro crown of the inaugural Regent 5i50 Triahlon on an cloudy Sunday morning here.

The 6-foot-4 Betten stayed close to the pacesetters in the swim and bike phase then shifted to high gear in the concluding run to reach the finish line at Remy Field in 1:59:23.4.

Youthful Kibby placed No. 2 with 2:01:24 while Munro, who was out to nail his second 5i50 title in Subic, settled for third with 2:01:31.2. Clayton Fettell was fourth with 2:04:36.8 followed by Subic resident Michael Murphy (2:09:03.3).

“I finished second when I raced for the first time in the Philippines in Cebu Ironman 70.3 last year so I really wanted to go one better and try to go for a win today,” said Betten.

He came into the 1.5K swim, 40K bike,10K run race organized by Sunrise Events and backed by Regent Foods with a concrete plan and stuck with it.

“I swam conservatively and I rode with the boys who were riding really hard. Then on the run I just went for it, ran as hard as I could,” said Betten.

Kibby overtook two others to cop silver on his Phl debut.“I was alone in fourth (in the bike) and the strong three up front are gaining time on me. But I knew if I could maintain my own race, I could run well,” said the former football and cricket player.

Despite the overnight rains and the morning overcast, Munro found the heat too much. “It was really hot like last year. I got a pretty good group with Clayton (Fettel) and Sam. It was a hard race, an honest race, and the best person won.”

As motivated to emerge victorious was grizzled veteran Belinda Granger, who got her usual spot on the winners’ podium after posting 2:21:46.8 against younger rivals Dimity-Lee Duke of Australia (2:23:24.8) and local bet Monica Torres (2:25:07.2). Thai Carole Fuchs wound up fourth at 2:34.00.

Granger felt Subic was her turf, having won two previous 5i50 races here in 2012-13 before settling for bridesmaid to Caroline Steffen last year.

“It’s no secret that this has been my race. I won two years in a row and when Caroline came and I got second last time, I was a little bit peeved off. So it’s really nice to have a comeback this year and take the win (again),” said Granger.

She outran younger legs Duke and Torres.

“For the first time all year, I actually felt like I was racing in the run. That made the difference. I’ve been swimming and biking well all year but I don’t get the run down every single time. But today, I was happy to have a great run and I was able to hold off Dimity and Monica who also had a spectacular race,” said Granger.

Duke said she suffered bum stomach the past two days. “I really had to fight my way to the finish so I’m pretty happy I’ve come in second against one of my idols and one of the best women in the sport,” she said.

Torres, meanwhile, banked on her familiarity with her “home course” to land a podium finish.

“I live in Subic so I’m very familiar with the course and I’m happy to come in third for the pro women’s,” she said.

Alaska Tri Aspire’s Banjo Norte (2:07:56) and LC Langit (2:34:58) emerged as the top male and female Filipino elite competitors.

The winners received their trophies from Ironman Asia Pacific COO Jane Patterson, Sunrise president Wilfred Uytengsu, and Regent brand manager Jennifer See. (Olmin Leyba, The Philippine Star)

PHOTO:
Sam Betten of Australia won the men’s professional division of the Regent 5i50 Triathlon held at Subic Bay, Zambales. (Jun Mendoza)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2015/06/08/1463516/betten-leads-aussie-sweep-regent-5i50

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Borlains dominate Alaska IronKids

SUBIC – Sisters Samantha and Tara Borlain turned the Wow Pool and Remy Field into their own playground, topping their respective divisions in the Alaska IronKids Aquathlon II in dominating fashion Saturday.

Samantha ruled the field in the girls’ 13-14 category while kid sis Tara romped off with the 11-12 tiara, making their twin feat even more dramatic by breasting the tape side by side. They logged an identical 14:39 winning time in the swim-run competition sponsored by Alaska and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc.

“It was a great race, it was fun. All I wanted to do was go with my sister, finish the race with her and have fun,” said the 13-year-old Samantha.

“It had a good start and it was a very exciting race,” said Tara, 12.

Samantha came out of the swim phase ahead of everybody else at 4:21 then sustained her charge in the run with a 5:58 clocking to log a triumphant 14:39.0. Christine Levi Gaspar (15:37) and Una Janus Sibayan (15:41) took runner-up honors.

Tara emerged from the pool not long after her sister and they went on to run together at the tracks of Remy Field. Tara (4:48 in swim and 5:05 in run) beat Julianne Christine Javier (15:24) and Everly Janarie Macalalad (15:35) for the top plum.

Their youngest sister Franchezka, however, fell short of a podium finish in the girls’ 6-8 category, which was dominated by Ma. Chelsea Faith Miñoza in 8:28.7. The seven-year-old Franchezka posted 11:03.9 for fourth. Gabrielle Agpalza (10:06.6) and Jisla Martina Batungbacal (10:51.0) placed No. 2 and 3, respectively.

National developmental team member Sabino Czar Manglicmot flashed top form in dominating the boys’ 13-14 play, clocking 13:47 to defeat Neil Nazarro (15:00) and Joshua Alexander Ramos (15:17).

Also striking gold were Matthew Thomas Alumbres (7:09.1) and Gabrielle Ong (8:49) in the 9-10 boys and girls bracket, respectively, Juan Francisco Baniqued (14:29) in boys’ 11-12; and Michael Gabriel Lozada (8:40.8) in the boys’ 6-8.

TriKids won the mixed team relay with 6:25 over Limitless Multisport (7:11.9) and Zamba Tri Team (7:19.1). (Olmin Leyba, Philippine Star)

PHOTO:
Sisters Sam and Tara Borlain rule their respective age bracket in the Alaska IronKids Aquathlon in Subic Bay, Zambales. Sam topped the 13-14 year-old girls division while Tara reigned in the 11-12 years old division.(Jun Mendoza)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2015/06/07/1463167/borlains-dominate-alaska-ironkids

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Inaugural Regent 5i50 triathlon race lures top-notch field to Subic Bay

THE inaugural Regent 5i50 Triathlon blasts off on Sunday in Subic Bay featuring top-notch pros, Filipino elite, age groupers and relay competitors.

Aussies Casey Munro, Justin Granger, Clayton Fettell, Belinda Granger, and Dimity Lee-Duke and Thai Carole Fuchs lead a crack field of foreign pros vying for top honors in the 1.5K swim, 40K-bike and 10K-run race.

Banjo Norte, Jenny Guerrero, and LC Langit topbill the Filipino elite competitors while Kim Atienza, Matteo Guidicelli, Victor Basa and Onemig Bondoc are among the celebrities who signed up for event sponsored by Regent Foods, the leading snack manufacturing company in the Philippines.

“We commend Regent Foods for joining the ever-growing list of backers of this popular three-sport athletic competition. With a talent-laden international field, we expect a world-class competition since the event also serves as a fitting tune-up for those competing in the Ironman,” said Wilfred Uytengsu, president of the organizing Sunrise Events, Inc.

Regent 5i50 feature a challenging 1.5K one-loop, rectangular, clockwise swim at the waters of the Subic Bay Boardwalk, a 40km point-to-point bike ride to the Subic International Airport, heading to IDESS up to Tarlac Road and head back to Transition 2 in Remy Field.

The 10km run will start from Transition 2 in Remy Field and then head on to the first turn around Dewey Ave. then head back to Remy Field and then go to Rizal Highway entering Argonaut Highway for the second turn around and then back to Remy Field.

Athlete registration, race pack claiming and race briefing activities will be held on Friday and Saturday for the two-day pre-event backed by 2Go Express, official courier and logistics partner, Sante Barley, Newton Running, PLDT Subictel, TYR, Coca Cola Femsa, Garmin, David’s Salon, Shotz, Smart, Pioneer Insurance, The Philippine Star, Multisport Magazine, Intercare, Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board and venue host Subic Bay.

For details, log on to www.regent.5i50philippines.com. (spin.ph)

http://www.spin.ph/triathlon/active-lifestyle/regent-5150-triathlon-subic-b-brege-banjo-norte-jenny-guerrero-lc-langit-kim-atienza-matteo-guidicelli-victor-basa-onemig-bondoc-casey-munro-justin-granger-clayton-fettell-belinda-granger-dimity-lee-duke-thai-carole-fuchs

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A beach pageant for Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015

THE 4th Mrs. Philippines Globe Pageant crowned its new set of empowered beauty queens at an al fresco setting on Moonbay Beach in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales last Sunday (May 31st).

Chosen as Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 was Sherry Lou Villaseñor, a professional make-up artist. She succeeded last year’s winner and Mrs. Globe finalist and Philanthropy Award recipient Janice Alop-Trillo, who also sat in the panel of judges.

Villaseñor won P200,000 worth of prizes from pageant sponsors and the right to represent the Philippines at the next Mrs. Globe Pageant in Shenzhen, China in November.

Named as Woman of Substance 2015 was Maria Engracia de Villar-Maniago, a teacher at Casa Kalayaan International School. Runners-up were Mary Ann Ternora, first; Jhunie Grace Lagman, second; and Jonalyn Agustin, third.

Eighteen contestants from all over the Philippines vied for the coveted titles in the pageant that was hosted by Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2014 2nd runner-up Aileen Cavas and Al Gatmaitan, and staged by renowned fashion director Raymund Villanueva.

Former Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Joyce Ann Burton-Titular and Australian pageant organizer Karen Sabarre were among the judges.

According to Mrs. Philippines-Globe national pageant director Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo, “This year’s Mrs. Philippines-Globe candidates embody the real strength of a Filipina mother – a woman who’s not confined by stereotypes and is strong, generous and bold enough to fulfill her responsibilities as a mother and a wife without compromising her own dreams.”

Now on its 4th year, the prestigious pageant continues to recognize married women of substance; mothers and single moms as movers of society, and a symbol of inspiration and beauty through their achievements, life stories and charitable causes.

With a vision that is focused on empowerment, Mrs. Philippines-Globe also launched its newest online store for a cause. It offers elegant charms and accessories made from indigenous materials, where part of the proceeds will be donated to the W.I.N. Foundation, an outreach that specializes in self-esteem recovery for women and children faced with all kinds of abuse – physical, emotional, financial or spiritual.

Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 was presented by L’Oreal, Solane, Camayan Beach Resort, Ocean Adventure, Calchews, Working Mom Magazine and Bio Oil, in partnership with Island Rose, Coffee Scrub Delight, Easyrock 96.3, Bragais Shoes and Chef’s Avenue.

The pageant, organized by EVI Marketing Communications, was also supported by Moonbay Marina Leisure Resort, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Buma Subic Hotel, Subic Park Hotel and Restaurant Inc., The Villas, Mansion Garden Hotel, Leciel Hotel, Segara Hotel and Subic Coastal Development Corporation. (Malaya)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/entertainment/beach-pageant-mrs-philippines-globe-2015

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