Bat population down; SBMA, Subic locators to the rescue

With the dwindling number of the biggest flying bats roosting here, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and locators inside this premier Freeport are doing everything they can to protect this species from habitat loss.

SBMA Chairman Robert Garcia said that the agency plans to conduct a bat-count on the population roosting at the Cubi area. He added that the count is currently at around 10,000 to 12,000 and hopes to further increase the number through a study of their roosting habits.

The ecology center of the SBMA has made studies on the number of bats that used to count to hundreds of thousands. They said that the bats used to roost to a higher location nearer to where they are now, beside the road near the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA).

Considered as one of the biggest species of bats, these fruit bats or flying foxes have lived inside the Freeport Zone even before it was a US naval base. The number of these majestic flying foxes has dwindled since most of them have found other roosting areas in adjacent provinces or have been hunted for their meat.

Meanwhile, the non-government agency Wildlife In Need (WIN) recently held a fundraising event at the El Kabayo Stables. The fundraising event hoped to boost funds for the preservation of the animals here.

One of these animal species are the fruit bats. According to WIN President Gail Laule, they plan to conduct their own study of these animals and find out how to raise the number back to more than a hundred thousand.

Dubbed as “Unbridled at El Kabayo,” the fundraising event enjoined numerous locators inside the Freeport to donate money to provide food, shelter and medical care for the animals here. The agency also has a rescue center that helps animals who are injured and in need of medical care.

Laule said that the proceeds made from the event would also help these rescued animals, bringing them back to health and reintroducing them back to the wilderness. “Last year, we raised enough money to do some critical renovations of our macaque (monkey) enclosure so that they have a more comfortable home,” she added.

The event featured a horse riding and jumping exhibition, a parade of rescued animals, educational information of what the agency do, and other fun activities for the attendees.

With the number of tourists frequenting Subic Bay Freeport and the number of companies investing, it is really no wonder that most of the wildlife here are being disturbed and in desperate need of attention. The vast fauna of this Freeport is really one of the reasons why people visit Subic Bay. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
THIS SIDE UP — Considered one of the biggest bats in the world, these fruit bats characteristically hang upside down their cages after being rescued and treated for various injuries and infections. The bats were presented during the ‘Unbridled at El Kabayo’ fund-raising event at Subic Bay Freeport recently to raise awareness and support for rescued animals under the care of the Wildlife in Need (WIN) rescue facility. (Jonas Reyes)

http://www.mb.com.ph/bat-population-down-sbma-subic-locators-to-the-rescue/#YJqLbDbLp0Jc4WW7.99

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Army base projects raise fears for Subic bats

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—The military base expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines toward the forests inside this free port has drawn concern from conservationists because of its potential impact on the habitat of fruit bats thriving there, an official here said.

Roberto Garcia, chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said the agency is closely monitoring the population of two species of bats dwelling in the free port’s forest, after groups expressed apprehension that increased human activity near the animals’ habitat would disrupt the bat community and deplete their population.

“We’re trying to protect the habitat [of the Acerodon jubatus or giant golden-crowned flying foxes, and the Pteropus vampyrus lanensis or Philippine giant fruit bat] since bats are known to be sensitive to noise,” said Garcia in a news conference on Monday.

Read more from original site -> http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/769186/army-base-projects-raise-fears-for-subic-bats

Related story: SBMA conducts bat count to preserve endangered species

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Power firm in Subic Bay gives new boat to school

SUBIC, ZAMBALES - Amidst the bustling freeport zone is a fishing community situated in Sitio Kinabuksan, Barangay Cawag in Subic. Every day, around 100 students walk a rocky trail by the beach from Sitio Nagbayukan to attend class at Kinabuksan Integrated School - the only public school in the area accessible to them.

“When it is high tide, they have to trek at least 40 minutes in the dangerous trail going to school. Sometimes, they just ask for a free boat ride from the fishermen but oftentimes they need to walk. It gets worse during the rainy season,” said Dr. Rod Raguine, school principal of Kinabukasan Integrated School.

Faculty members who live in Subic town proper take the hour-long daily commute to the school, which costs around 50 pesos per head every day -- an unwelcome expense in their limited monthly budget.

In response to these concerns, Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RP Energy) initiated a boat project that will benefit the school’s stakeholders. The boat was turned over to Kinabuksan Integrated School in a ceremony held on February 22.

The boat project is part of RP Energy’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program for Education, which was launched in 2013 in order to address the transportation problems of students and teachers in coastal areas such as Subic, Zambales.

Victor Chan, RP Energy Head for External Affairs said addressing the transportation challenges of students and teachers in Sitio Kinabuksan is just a part of the solution in addressing the problems of our public education system in grassroot communities.

"By providing the students and teachers with a boat, we will be able to provide them with a safe means to reach their school. Students will have more time to study since their travel time will be shorter, thus, improving their scholastic performance. As for the teachers, they will have more time with their families and they will be able to save more, which can greatly contribute in their daily budget,” Chan said.

Gemma Pilapil, Vice President of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), expressed gratitude for the support from RP Energy and promised to take care of this gift.

As their contribution, the PTA provided the new anchor for the boat. The school and the PTA will be working together for the operations and maintenance of the vehicle.

Besides transporting the students, the boat will also be used by the school’s Fishery course, which is part of their K-12 curriculum.

“Our goal is to be the catalyst for development in our host communities. Aside from providing a competitive and reliable energy source, this is our way of walking the talk when we say inclusive growth. We are enjoining our fellow freeport locators to partner with us and the SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) in order to synergize our efforts in helping our neighboring communities grow,” Mr. Chan added.

“RP Energy believes that education is the best way to empower communities. Through RP Energy’s ‘Project Bangka,’ we are hoping to contribute in improving the education performance of the students in order for them to get a better future,” said Meralco PowerGen Vice-President for External Affairs Litz Santana. (SNL)

PHOTOS:

[1] Boat donated by RP Energy to Kinabuksan Integrated School

[2] DREAMS AFLOAT. Parent-Teacher Association Vice-President Gemma Pilapil, (1st from left); Principal Dr. Rod Raguine (4th from left); Meralco PowerGen Vice-President for External Affairs Litz Santana; RP Energy External Affairs Head Victor Chan; RP Energy CSR Officer Jason Gavina; with teachers and students of Kinabuksan Integrated School.

[3] THANK YOU. Grade school pupils with their paper boats. SBMA Public Relations Officer Malou Dungog with RP Energy External Affairs Head Victor Chan.

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“Superbods: The Underpants Run” kicks off at Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 in Subic Bay

Century Tuna Superbods: The Underpants Run will kick off Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 this March in Subic Bay, gathering the world’s top athletes to one of the region’s desired triathlon destinations for the second year.

Inspired by the tradition at Kona, home of the renowned Ironman World Championship, Century Tuna is continuing the Superbods Underpants Run that it started last year to cultivate a fun local tradition that also gives back to the community.

This exciting pre-race activity which made last year’s headlines is open to all participants of this year’s Ironman 70.3. Adding to the thrill of the 2016 Underpants Run are the 18 Century Superbods finalists who will be running alongside the triathletes.

The Underpants Run participants will run, race, and raise over USD 2,000.00 to support the National Greening Program of the SBMA Ecology Center. Two pairs of winners, foreign and local, will be selected and bring home the coveted Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Superbods Awards and will win USD 500 each. This amount will be matched by Century Tuna for the donation.

This year’s Century Tuna Superbods: The Underpants Run will kick off on March 5 at 9:30 AM from Subic Bay Yacht Club and will take participants through a scenic route along the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“We are all excited about the return of this year’s Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 triathlon as it further strengthens our vision to help Filipinos live healthy. We also hope to cement new traditions like the Century Tuna Superbods: The Underpants Run that people will anticipate for years to come,” said Greg Banzon, General Manager at Century Canning Corporation.

For more details, visit www.centurypacific.com.ph or www.ironman703subicbay.com

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Centennial III braces for Jelik bid in Subic-Bora race

The seventh Standard Insurance Subic Bay to Boracay Race sails off Friday with all eyes on the defending champion, Centennial III of Judes Echauz, and the toughest contender, the 75-foot Jelik of Hong Kong magnate Frank Pong.

Out to offer challenge out in the open waters are 17 other sailors, who came all the way from Germany, Australia and China.

The race, which offers stiff competition, will cover a total of 210 nautical miles. If the winds blow hard, then the race gets faster, and the action tougher as the field passes through the dreaded Verde Passage en route to the island paradise of Boracay.

Echauz, president of the Philippine Sailing Association, will spearhead a 15-man crew on board Centennial III. He ruled the 2015 Subic to Boracay Race and the Boracay Regatta Cup in Malay, Aklan.

For his feat, Echauz received a citation during the Philippine Sportswriters Association awards night last Feb. 13 at One Esplanade.

Subic Bay will host two races from the Asian Yachting Grand Prix, to be followed closely by the Boracay Cup Regatta from March 1 to 4.

The event is fully backed by the Subic Racing Club, Cebu Pacific Airlines, PLDT Alpha, Resorts World Hotel, Lighthouse Hotel, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Sailing Association, Municipality of Malay and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

From Hong Kong, the Warlick-designed Shahtoosh of Peter Cremers, Antipodes of Geoff Hill, Black Baza of Steve Manning and Freefire of Sam Chan and Russ Parker are entered in Racing Class 1.

Giving them a run for their money are Ragamuffin 90 of Australia-based Syd Fisher, owner of the fastest time.

In Division Class 2, Germany’s Emocean, skippered by Michael Raueber, and Singapore’s Zanzibar, led by Jonathan Mahony, will face the challenge from five other sailors from Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Mermaid, an Oceanis 45 and owned by Hong Kong’s Xiong Ting, leads the entries in the Cruising Class division, along with Bella Uno of Michiel Brinkers and Philippines NG3 of Elmer Gualberto.

More than the bragging rights, at stake are precious points for the prestigious Asian Yachting Skipper and Yacht of the Year awards. Captain Marty Rijkuris of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix is main judge. (Abac Cordero, The Philippine Star)

PHOTO:

JUDES Echauz steered Centennial III across the finish for a win, edging defending champion Hong Kong’s Reichel/Pug 76 Jelik in the sixth Standard Insurance Subic-to-Boracay Race in 2015.

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/02/24/1556229/centennial-iii-braces-jelik-bid-subic-bora-race

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Subic Freeport gears up for summer 2016 tourist season

Central Luzon’s most visited tourist destination is gearing up to keep everything hot — that is, sizzling hot for an exciting and enjoyable stay of tourists trooping here for summer vacation, especially during the Lenten season.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency has already implemented major face-lift projects in most tourism facilities and infrastructures here in preparation for the usual surge of summer visitors.

“For the past weeks, maintenance and ground personnel have all been busy with various projects to make sure that Subic Bay Freeport would be ready for the big volume of tourists arriving during summer, especially this Holy Week,” Garcia said.

“And because Subic is becoming more and more of a hot item among travelers, we really have to make sure that the free port remains to be the best destination they’d always want to return to,” he added.

Referring to reports from the SBMA Tourism Department, Garcia said that tourist arrivals in Subic reached 7.3 million in 2015, an increase of 14 percent over the 6.4-million record in 2014.

He noted that tourists who actually stayed overnight or for several days in Subic reached 1.43 million in 2015, or 21 percent higher than the 1.18 million recorded in 2014.

The figures were based on reports from hotel operators in Subic, who noted that the occupancy rate also increased to 70 percent last year, the highest in the past four years.

“This is why there is a need to really work hard to maintain our status in the top list of the Department of Tourism-Region III (DoT-3). All of us should be ambassadors of tourism of the SBMA,” Garcia also told employees on Monday.

Subic was conferred the Number 1 Tourist Destination in Region 3 by the DoT-3 for the past two consecutive years, and was named as well as “Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon” in 2012.

Garcia said that the SBMA is now refurbishing all the road features in Subic, and placing police and travelers assistance outposts in strategic areas in time for the summer season.

Meanwhile, tourism-related businesses are also making necessary renovations and upgrading their facilities, he added.

Garcia said the most important project that SBMA is completing today is the renovation of the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) in the amount of P21 million. This will be the venue of Ad Summit Pilipinas 2016, which will bring together the country’s top advertising and marketing practitioners here on March 9 to 12. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
Workers undertake repair and improvement projects at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, which will be the venue of Ad Summit Pilipinas 2016 on March 9-12. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Chicano, Adorna top PNG triathlon in Subic

Minus some of the country’ top triathletes who are undergoing high performance training in Portugal, national record holders John Chicano and Claire Adorna asserted their might and ruled the PSC-POC Philippine National Games (PNG) yesterday morning inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The other winners were Joshua Ramos of Baguio and Lauren Plaza of Laguna in the mini-sprint and Andrew Remolino and Marga de los Reyes in the 16-19 race.

Chicano, 24, pulled away from national teammates Jonard Saim and Mark Anthony after the 40K bike leg to finish in 2:00.33 in the race organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines and Chili Grass in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Saim came in second (2:03.44) and Hosanna third (2:06.19) in the 1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run.

Adorna, still recovering from a leg injury, won handily in 2:30.21, ahead of national teammate 17-year old Vicky Deldio (2: 43.50) and Kriska Sto. Domingo (2:46.45).

“ I am happy with the results, our national triathletes showed they are the best right now. TRAP has already integrated its developmental efforts with the POC-PSC grassroots program and that is why a lot of our national training team members we have now are former Batang Pinoy winners,“ said TRAP president Tom Carrasco Jr. who also awarded the medals together with TRAP sec-gen Mon Marchan.

“Now there is continuity for young triathletes after the Batang Pinoy,” he added.

The event was supported by ACEA Subic Bay, Asian Centre for Insulation Phils, Gatorade, Century Tuna, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Ocean Adventure, Camayan Resort and Lighthouse Marina Resort, RaceDay, SBR.ph, Kikay Runner, and Pinoy Fitness.com. (The Philippine Star)

PHOTO:

John Leerams Chicano, Gold Medalist, Men's Event, and Maria Claire Adorna, Gold Medalist, Women's Event. (courtesy of NAGT facebook page)

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Subic Freeport hosts Ayta tribal games

In preparation for the second World Indigenous Games, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) conducted an Ayta Tribal Games here on Saturday to find out who among the Ayta tribesmen in Zambales are worthy to represent the country.

Five indigenous tribes competed in the archery and blow dart events, wearing their tribal attire and using traditional weapons during the competition held at the Pastolan Ayta Village in this free port.

These include the Pastolan tribe of Hermosa, Bataan; Mampweng, Libas, and Maliwakat tribes in Olongapo City; and another tribe from San Marcelino, Zambales.

Each event had variations that put the tribesmen into different situations, ranging from shooting a target at a standstill to shooting a target while climbing a tree.

POC board member Col. Antonio Jeff Tamayo said that another reason for holding these tribal games was to remind everyone of native traditions.

“These games help us embrace our heritage to the very core,” Tamayo said.

During the matches, the young athletes who joined the competition showed excitement, hoping that they would be chosen as representatives of the country.

Twenty-one year-old Wilson of the Libas tribe said he was eager to try his accuracy in the archery event.

He noted that these traditions were diminishing as Aytas become more urbanized. The games, he added, are a great way for the youth to embrace their roots.

During the opening ceremony, Pastolan tribal chieftain Conrado Frenilla welcomed the visiting tribes, saying the event also served as a reunion for the tribes in Zambales and Bataan.

“I hope that this will not be just a one-time event and that many more tribal games will be held here at the Pastolan Village in the near future.” (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Indigenous Ayta tribesmen prepare to shoot their bow and arrows during a tribal competition held at the Pastolan Village in the Subic Bay Freeport Saturday morning. Around 50 Ayta tribesmen from Zambales, Bataan and Olongapo City took part in the event. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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LGU shares from SBMA increase to P115 million

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced on Monday the release of P115.23 million in revenue shares to adjacent local government units (LGUs) that are affected by operations of the Subic Bay Freeport.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said that the releases represented LGU shares for the second half of 2015.

“The current shares totalling P115 million exceeded by 9.44 per cent the P105-million shares released in the same period last year. This only goes to show that our business locators, whose taxes pay for these shares, are making good,” Garcia added.

For this schedule, Olongapo City was allotted a total of P27.87 million, while Subic, Zambales got P17.17 million; Dinalupihan, Bataan, P14.47 million; San Marcelino, Zambales, P13.96 million; Hermosa, Bataan, P11.78 million; San Antonio, Zambales, P10.16 million; Morong, Bataan, P9.94 million; and Castillejos, Zambales, P9.88 million.

Garcia said the total share for the said period was P107.03 million after deducting the mandatory 10 per cent retention amount of P11.89 million, which would be refunded after two years.

Added to the total amount for the second half of 2015, were the retained shares of P8.2 million that were withheld in the second semester of 2013.

Garcia said that revenue shares for the LGUs are derived from the corporate taxes paid bay Subic Bay Freeport-registered enterprises, which is five per cent of their gross revenue.

Of these, three per cent goes to the national government through the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), while two per cent goes to the SBMA for distribution to LGUs.

The LGU shares are determined according to population (50 per cent), land area (25 per cent), and equal sharing (25 per cent).

In August 2010, the SBMA implemented the direct payment scheme to ensure prompt release of the LGU shares.

The LGU funds are intended to support community development projects, particularly on health, education, peace and order, and livelihood generation to enable communities near the Subic Bay Freeport to keep pace with developments in the special economic zone. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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San Sebastian's Soltones, Eroa reign supreme in NCAA beach volleyball in Subic

SAN Sebastian's Gretcel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa pulled off a vengeful 14-21, 21-9, 15-6 victory over San Beda twins Maria Jeziela and Maria Nieza Viray to claim the NCAA women’s beach volleyball title on Sunday at the Boardwalk in Subic.

Eroa, a libero in the school's indoor volley squad, stepped up after Dangie Encarnacion suffered a deep cut on the chin after a bad fall during the Lady Stags' painful defeat to the Virays early in the elimination round.

"We wouldn't have done it without her, she was really an important part of this championship," said Soltones of Eroa.

It was San Sebastian's third straight championship and a league-best sixth title.

Soltones was determined to bag the title after San Sebastian lost in the indoor volleyball finals to St. Benilde.

"I guess we don't want to lose again," she said.

Soltones and Eroa made it a double celebration for San Sebastian, which won the high school title by toppling last year's titlist Emilio Aguinaldo with a 20-22, 21-19, 15-13 win.

San Sebastian's Romeo Teodones, Jr. won the juniors MVP.

"The school is really proud of their accomplishments," said Atty. Reynold Munsayac, San Sebastian's NCAA Management Committee representative. (Spin.ph)

PHOTO:
Gretcel Soltones got a solid partner in Alyssa Eroa after Dangie Encarnacion suffered a deep cut on the chin early in the tournament.

http://www.spin.ph/volleyball/news/gretcel-soltones-alyssa-eroa-ncaa-beach-volley-champion-san-sebastian

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Ad Summit Pilipinas 2016 all set in Subic Bay Freeport

The Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As) is calling on the marketing industry to “come out boldly and play where no man has played before”, as it unveils the latest batch of speakers for Ad Summit Pilipinas 2016, to be held from March 9 to 12 at the Subic Bay Exhibition Convention Center (SBECC).

With the theme, “Come out and play” the biggest advertising and marketing convention in the country aims to inspire practitioners to progress fearlessly, as its invited industry icons prepare to participate as the Summit’s speakers.

“We have an amazing line-up awaiting Summit participants. Expect the unexpected,” said Ad Summit 2016 Chairman Alex Sayfu. “With our theme, we hope that the Summit allows to view all possibilities where there were none before. No obligations, just opportunities. Ad Summit Pilipinas 2016 will encourage this type of unbridled creativity to flourish,” he added.

Speakers participating in the event include business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan; award-winning director Jose Javier Reyes; AQKA Shanghai’s Eric Cruz; Vikas Gulati from Opera Mediaworks; leadership expert Tom Oliver; TBWA/Hakuhodo’s Takahiro Hosada; Hakuhodo Kettle’s Kazauki Hashida; Fox international’s Managing Director for South East Asia and head of Ad Sales Simeon Dawes; Regional Digital Director for APAC Havas Worldwide Todd Martin; Google South East Asia and India’s vice president and managing director Rajan Anandan; Mullen Lowe Group’s president of Creative Council Jose Miguel Socoloff; and Twitter’s marketing director of online sales for Asia Pacific and Latin America Aliza Knox.

This is the second time Ad Summit is partnering with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). With its fun and progressive environment, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone is said to be a fitting site for this innovative and creative event.

“We are proud to be hosting the Ad Summit Pilipinas in Subic, for the second time, to boot. We invite you to experience the sights and sounds that Subic has to offer, and we hope that you will enjoy your stay here,” SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said. (Dante M. Salvana, Headline Gitnang Luzon)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (center) signs a memorandum of agreement with 4As Chairman Norman Agatep (left) and Ad Summit Pilipinas Chairman Alex Syfu for the conduct of the 2016 Ad Summit at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

http://www.headlinegl.com/ad-summit-pilipinas-2016-all-set-at-subic/

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Perpetual, San Beda stay unscathed in NCAA beach volleyball

Brothers Relan and Rey Taneo, Jr. of Perpetual Help and twins Maria Jeiziela and Maria Nieza Viray of San Beda turned the Subic's Boardwalk into their playground after remaining the last unbeaten teams in the 91st NCAA beach volleyball action on Friday.

The Taneo siblings downed Mapua's Philip Michael Bagalay and Samuel Joseph Almales, 21-15, 21-19, in a duel of unbeaten teams to seize the solo lead with six wins in the men's division event backed by The Lighthouse, Bayfront Hotel, Subic Park Hotel, Moonbay Villas, LGR, Mikasa, SBMA and ABS-CBN Sports and Action.

The win moved the Taneo duo a victory away from booking a spot in the Final Four.

If the Las Pinas-based school ends up sweeping the single-round robin elimination, it will automatically advance to the finals and one triumph closer from regaining the title it lost to St. Benilde last season.

It will also turn the Final Four into a stepladder semis where the next three qualified teams battle it out in a knockout format.

The Taneos, who hail from Cebu, are gunning for their second title after the two helped Perpetual Help's indoor volleyball squad cop the men's title with shock finals victory over last year's titlist Emilio Aguinaldo College last month.

"We're just trying to enjoy ourselves and at the same time make our school, Perpetual Help, proud," said the elder Rey in Filipino.

The Virays, for their part, trounced Letran's Julia Angeles and Regielyn Cabrera, 25-23, 21-13, to likewise stay unscathed an atop the heap in the women's side with six wins.

Trailing them were San Sebastian's Gretchel Soltones and Dangie Encarnacion, the reigning back-to-back champions who racked up four wins in row to spring back to life after absorbing a painful defeat to the Virays Thursday and smashed St. Benilde's Jannine Navarro and Melanie Torres, 21-13, 21-14.

Soltones and Encarnacion thus improved to 5-1 (win-loss), which was good for joint second with their recent conquests, Navarro and Torres.

In juniors' play, Perpetual Help and defending champion Emilio Aguinaldo also stayed unbeaten by stringing together five straight wins.

Like the Altas, the Junior Altas are gunning to add the beach volley crown to the NCAA indoor volley championship they won by beating the Brigadiers also last month. (Philippine Star)

PHOTOS:

Scenes from the 91st NCAA Beach Volleyball tournament at the Subic Bay Freeport Watefront Boardwalk. (AMD, A. Macatuno)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/02/12/1552327/perpetual-san-beda-stay-unscathed-ncaa-beach-volleyball

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NCAA beach volleyball tournament fires off in Subic

The 91st NCAA beach volley tournament unfolds Wednesday (February 10) with reigning champions San Sebastian, St. Benilde and Emilio Aguinaldo defending their women's, men's and juniors titles at the Boardwalk of the Subic Bay Free Port Zone in Zambales.

Gretchel Soltones, the reigning back-to-back MVP in NCAA indoor volleyball, will team up with Dangie Encarnacion and reserve Alyssa Eroa as they try to jumpstart their women’s division title-retention bid against Jose Rizal's Rosalie Pepito, Maria Shola May Luna Alvarez and Annie Macaraya at 10:00 a.m.

Perpetual Help's Vhima Condada, Marijo Medalla and Jamela Suyat, St. Benilde's Jannine Navarro, Melanie Torres and Danielle Christine Lim and Arellano U's Regine Anne Arocha, Angelica Sawali and Jenicalynne Tan are the teams expected to give the Lady Stags their toughest challenge.

Last year's men's titlist St. Benilde, for its part, will be without its top player Johnvic de Guzman, who have skipped the event leaving the Isaah O'neal Arda, Racmade Etrone and Mark Anthony Deximo the mantle of responsibility in defending the crown.

San Sebastian is currently tied with Perpetual Help as the most titled women's team with four each since the sport was introduced 14 years ago and will emerge as the winningest if it could repeat this season.

Although action starts as early as 10:00 a.m., the opening ceremony is set at 5:15 p.m. with Jose Rizal's Paul Supan, the organizing committee chair of beach volley this season, officially ushering in the event backed by The Lighthouse, Bayfront Hotel, Subic Park Hotel, Moonbay Villas, LGR, Mikasa, SBMA and ABS-CBN Sports and Action.

"It's going to be another exciting beach volleyball tournament," said Supan.

Emilio Aguinaldo will be the team to beat in the high school division after clinching a three-peat feat a year ago.

The Brigadiers will be represented by Cee-Jay Hicap, Ederson Rebusora and Mario Dua, Jr. (ABS-CBN Sports)

PHOTO:
Gretchel Soltones, the reigning back-to-back MVP in NCAA indoor volleyball, will team up with Dangie Encarnacion and reserve Alyssa Eroa in San Sebastian College's three-peat bid in the 91st NCAA women's beach volleyball contest.

http://sports.abs-cbn.com/ncaa/news/2016/02/09/ncaa-beach-volleyball-competition-starts-wednesday-8655

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USS Curtis back in Subic after West PH Sea patrol

A guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), is back in the country just one week after it conducted patrol in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) wherein it sailed near one of the islands claimed by Beijing.

The Arleigh Burke class USS Wilbur docked in Subic around 8:30 a.m. Friday.

Her visit to the former American naval base comes two days after the U.S. said it is open to joint patrols with the Philippines in South China Sea as part of efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the region.

Last January 24, USS Wilbur dropped anchor in Manila as part of a routine visit for maintenance and crew rest. While in Manila some members of the ship’s crew had the opportunity to meet with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as a means of continuing to build the relationship between Philippine and U.S. forces.

Days later, it was reported that the American destroyer conducted freedom of navigation operations (FONOP) within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island in the Paracel Islands.

A Pentagon spokesman, Capt. Jeff Davis, said the operation aimed to challenge efforts to restrict freedom of navigation.

“This operation challenged attempts by the three claimants — China, Taiwan and Vietnam — to restrict navigation rights and freedoms,” according to Davis.

Reports also quoted Davis as saying that no ships from China’s military were in the vicinity of the warship during its recent patrol, which drew strong Criticism from Beijing.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun, in a statement, called the US action as “intentionally provocative and “irresponsible and extremely dangerous.”

“The American warship has violated relevant Chinese laws by entering Chinese territorial waters without prior permission and the Chinese side has taken relevant measures including monitoring and admonishments,” he said. (Elena L. Aben, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
USS CURTIS WILBUR IN SUBIC — Dock officers and maintenance crew point to a part of the USS Curtis Wilbur that needs to be fixed while they stand beside the ship’s Mark 45 gun yesterday at the Alava Wharf. The American Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer made a sail by near the disputed shoals on Saturday, drawing criticisms from the Chinese government. The ship is docked at the Subic Bay Freeport for routine maintenance. (MB Photo by Jonas Reyes)

http://www.mb.com.ph/uss-curtis-back-in-subic-after-west-ph-sea-patrol/

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SBMA employees pay last respects to former Chairman Salonga

Officials and employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Wednesday night paid their last respects to a former chairman of the agency, RAdm. Feliciano G. Salonga, PCGA, who passed away last January 29 at the age of 86.

In a necrological service held at SBMA Gym here, SBMA officials led by Chairman Roberto Garcia paid tribute to Salonga who headed the Subic agency from 2006 to 2011.

Former SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, who served with Salonga, was also there to recall fond memories of the former official who was known among SBMA employees for his punctuality and colorful language.

Former Zambales governor Vicente Magsaysay and his son, former SBMA director Jesus Victor, also attended the ceremonies.

Gerard Salonga, conductor, musical arranger, orchestrator, as well as founder, musical director and conductor of FILharmoniKA, also paid his last respects to his father and, along with his symphony orchestra, offered a musical tribute to the former SBMA Chairman.

On Monday night, SBMA Deputy Administrator Randy Escolango, who is also commander of the 111th Squadron of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), also led PCGA officials in a necrological mass to honor their former comrade.

A graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, Salonga held the rank of a Rear Admiral in the PCGA, and organized the PCGA 103rd Squadron (Zambales) in Subic and became its commander.

Among the PCGA officials who gave their final salute to their former comrade were Commodore Gerry Reyes, who read a poem in Salonga’s honor, Vice Admiral Jose Lito Aseniero, VAdm Joseph Dy and VAdm Valentin Prieto.

Salonga’s wife, Luz, received the Philippine flag presented by PCGA officials.

Salonga served as the fourth SBMA chairman and head of agency and was credited with steering the agency towards further development of its maritime business sector.


Prior to his appointment to the SBMA, Salonga served in various capacities for other maritime-related companies: president and general manager of Philippine Shipyard & Engineering Corp.; vice chairman of the Bataan Shipyard & Engineering Co., Inc.; managing director of Marine Consultancy Division of B.P. Mata & Co., Inc.; marketing director of MLD & Associates, a marine consultancy firm; and executive chairman of Sabah Shipyard Philippines, Inc.

He also became chief of the Aids-to-Navigation Group, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) National Command; and a commissioned officer (LT. SG) of the Philippine Navy who at one time served as TF-04 Intelligence Officer, Patrol Force Staff Engineering Officer, and Division 21 Chief Engineering Officer.

In 1998, Salonga was named "Outstanding Professional Achievement Awardee for the year 1998" by the alumni group of his alma mater, the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni in Kings Point, New York.

In 1994, he was also awarded a presidential citation by President Fidel V. Ramos for the successful privatization of the Philippine Shipyard & Engineering Corporation in Subic, Zambales.

In 1989, Salonga was named an adopted son of Subic in recognition of his service to the community. A similar honor was bestowed on him on October 24, 2015, when he was made an adopted son of Zambales for his goodwill and support to the people of the province "with the common vision for excellent service and development of the (Subic Bay) Freeport and the Zambales Province.”

After the wake at the SBMA Gym, Salonga’s remains were brought to San Felipe, Zambales, where he was buried at the Fiñones Memorial Garden Cemetery on Friday, February 5. (RAV,HEE/MPD-SBMA)

VIDEO:

IN MEMORIAM: A video tribute in memory of former SBMA Chairman Salonga, produced by the Media Production Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (DMS,FLP/MPD-SBMA)

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