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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WIN holds fundraising for rescued animals in Subic

A fundraising event was held in this premier Freeport on Saturday to help support animals that were rescued by the Wildlife In Need (WIN) Foundation, a non-profit organization that operates a wildlife rescue center here.

Dubbed as “Unbridled at El Kabayo,” the fundraising event aims to get financial assistance from Freeport residents and visitors to help provide food for the 21 horses at the El Kabayo riding stables here and maintain the area in tip-top shape.

The event, which also served to re-launch the operation of the riding stables, showcased a quadrille by El Kabayo cowboys, a bull whipping demo, a show-and-tell of rescued animals by WIN, an Aeta cultural show, a horse jump exhibition, line dancing, barrel race, and other outdoor activities.

According to Ocean Adventure CEO Gail Laule, all the proceeds from the rides and other activities during the fundraising would go to the care of horses at the El Kabayo stables, which offer horse rides to paying tourists.

“We (WIN) have formed a great partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to provide care for the horses here while giving a great experience to tourists,” Laule said.

SBMA Chairman Robert Garcia, meanwhile, said that he was glad that the El Kabayo stables, which is one of the establishments synonymous with the Subic Bay Freeport, is still in operation.

He noted that during the early years of the Subic Bay Freeport, the El Kabayo stables were used to house the horses that were used during SBMA parades by former SBMA chairs like Senator Richard Gordon and Congressman Felicito Payumo.

The area used to be a commercial tourist destination, but is now under the WIN Foundation, which entered into an agreement with the El Kabayo stables in 2008 for the care of the 21 horse there.

In 2011, WIN signed a memorandum of agreement with the SBMA to take over the complete management of the horses and operations of the stables. Today, the stables offer horseback riding, riding lessons and educational programs to support the care of the horses.

WIN is a non-profit organization focusing on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, the campaign against the wildlife pet trade, and community education. WIN operates and has headquarters at its Wildlife Rescue Center in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The WIN Rescue Center provides care and housing for sick, injured, and confiscated wildlife. Many of the animals that come to WIN were rescued from the illegal wildlife pet trade. The majority of animals are successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild.

However, for animals that have lost the ability to live on their own, WIN provides a permanent home for them at the Rescue Center.(JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
The cowboys of the El Kabayo riding stables in the Subic Bay Freeport show off the horses during the “Unbridled at El Kabayo” fundraising event on Saturday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA launches awareness campaign on climate change adaptation

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), through its Ecology Center, has launched an awareness campaign on climate change adaptation in upland communities adjacent to the Freeport.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said that the campaign aims to educate residents on the impact of climate change world-wide, as well as in their locality, and how to minimize it.

The campaign includes educating residents on how to prevent forest and bush fires and what they can do to help bring back the healthy environment and the forests, Garcia added.

Accordingly, the campaign, which started at Barangay Mabiga in the town of Hermosa, Bataan, was a kick-off to a series of seminars to be held in four barangays outside the perimeter fence of the Freeport. These include the upland communities of Mabiga, Tipo, Bangal, and Pastolan, which serve as buffer areas under the SBMA’s “social fencing” program.

Participants in the one-day awareness campaign seminars included members of farmers’ associations in the four upland communities.

Garcia explained that the local farmers’ associations serve as a vital component of the SBMA Community-Based Forest Management (SCBFMA) system, which watches over the forests and helps protect them against bush and forest fires, illegal cutting of trees, and illegal hunting of animals and birds near and inside the fenced areas of the Freeport.

The SCBFM program also aims to promote the biodiversity of the forests through tree-planting projects and the implementation of livelihood programs that are not dependent on forests such as kaingin, and charcoal-making.

Hermosa Mayor Danilo Malana, who joined the launch of the awareness campaign, lauded the SBMA and the team from Ecology Center for conducting the awareness campaign, saying it was very timely.

“It is very important that we start protecting and preserving our fast diminishing forest areas that give livelihood and food to many of our farmers,” he said.

The mayor, who is known as an advocate of environmental protection, added that there is a need to boost the awareness of residents on how badly climate change affects people’s lives and livelihood so that they could start adapting to it to secure their future. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Community leaders and officials of Brgy. Mabiga, Hermosa in Bataan province pledge to protect the environment during a Climate Change Symposium conducted recently by the SBMA Ecology Center. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport observes Fire Prevention Month

Fire trucks bedecked in balloons go around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Monday morning, as the SBMA Fire Department mounts a motorcade to enjoin Freeport business locators, residents and workers to take safety measures in observance of the Fire Prevention Month. (AMD/MPD/SBMA)

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Subic unveils 1st motorized zipline in Asia

The Tree Top Adventure theme park has announced the upgrading of its facility in the Subic Freeport, including the introduction of the first motorized zipline course in Asia.

Tree Top Adventure CEO Ma. Camille Montejo said in a press conference on Saturday that their team-building facility at the Jungle Environment Survival Training (JEST) Camp here contains facilities for two slow-paced and four fast-paced activities.

These include the so-called “Superman Ride,” which is the only motorized zipline course in Asia, Montejo added.

“If you want to see the forest and appreciate nature from the top of the trees, you could try the Canopy Ride,” Montejo said.

The entire ride, she added, has a hanging bridge and five stations, which can carry three persons at a time. The ride transfers from one tree to another.

“Meanwhile, for heart-pounding action, try the Superman Ride. It’s a horizontal motorized zipline where you’ll be soaring back and forth in less than a minute,” she added.

One slow-paced activity in the park is the Trekking Adventure, which is basically a tour of the area. During the trek, however, the tour guide introduces the visitor to local plants and trees, and share interesting facts about them.

Another activity is the “Parachute Fall” wherein the tourist goes upwards slowly, and is then quickly dropped after reaching the height of 75 feet. This activity, like that stunt in the movie “Mission Impossible” brings you back to the ground in a matter of seconds.

Members of the media who were invited for the team-building activity noted that the new Tree Top Adventure facility provides a venue to teach and gain camaraderie and leadership. While the activities are all motorized, participants learn to help each other and to lift their own weight.

With the newest attractions, the Tree Top Adventure park aspires to be among the most popular tourism draws here as the Subic Bay Freeport gears up for summer.

Montejo added that while some of the rides are high-adrenaline, the facilities are safe for everyone.

“We want to assure everybody that the facility is as eco-friendly as it can be. Safety is certainly our main concern here,” Montejo added. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTOS:

[1-2] Visitors try out the various rides at the Tree Top Adventure theme park (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[3-5] Tree Top Adventure visitors try out various team-building activities in the theme park (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA hosts job matching congress to address hiring problems

The Labor Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) hosted on Friday the Subic Bay Freeport Labor Matching Congress to help reduce mismatch between labor demand by existing companies and the available workforce in this Freeport.

SBMA labor manager Severo Pastor said the congress served as a venue for dialogue among students, the academe, business locators, and the government to fill employment gaps in an overall effort to achieve industrial peace.

The congress was held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) and was attended by sectoral representatives from the Subic Freeport, Olongapo, and Zambales. The event also drew participation from the SBMA Business Group, which communicates with business locators in manufacturing, maritime, leisure, logistics, ICT, and general business and investment.

“It is a continuing activity of SBMA as part of its corporate social responsibility to extend to students and the community its services of finding or creating suitable jobs matching their skills,” Pastor said.

He noted that employment problems in the Philippines are often caused by labor mismatch, which results in underemployment, if not unemployment.

He recalled that when South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines, Inc. started its operation in Subic Bay, it asked the SBMA for 10,000 workers as welders, plumbers, electricians, painters, and others.

“Unfortunately, we could only provide a tenth of the number asked. And the rest had to undergo trainings,” Pastor said.

He added that with the SBMA’s target of creating 100,000 jobs by the end of 2015, the SBMA Labor Department is now intensifying its efforts with the help of business locators, schools, and related agencies of the government like the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

“This why we in TESDA recommend that all high school graduating students must undergo skills development training to develop skills and interest, and later choose the right college or vocational course after graduation,” explained TESDA Officer (R3) Nomer Pascual during the congress.

Meanwhile, some business locators in the Freeport pointed out their concerns about labor mismatch to help identify and address the problems.

Quintin Ellick, owner of Contex Call Center and concurrent vice chairman of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone ICT Advisory Council, admitted that most courses offered in local schools cannot be applied in most companies in the Freeport.

Nicera Philippines Inc. human resource manager Myra Concepcion, on the other hand, revealed that they have been experiencing difficulty in hiring new applicants because most of them failed simple tests and have attitude problems.

“In one hiring, out of 1,200 applicants only 25 percent passed the simple abstract reasoning and arithmetic items; and of those who passed only 38 percent passed the interview,” she said.

Given the problems faced in hiring new applicants, the company representatives suggested that the academe should enhance the teaching of English and mathematics subjects starting in high school and also offer courses in personal development, including 5S in the workplace. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Centennial III reigns in Subic-to-Boracay race

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 Sunday afternoon off Boracay in Malay, Aklan.

After sailing a highly and tactical battle, Centennial III topped the IRC Racing Class, with a time 27:37:39, while Frank Pong’s Jelik was a close second with 27:45:06.

The race was a 200-mile ISAF Cat 3 offshore one and started off the Lighthouse Marina Resort, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales, last Saturday noon.

Depending on the size of the boat, the race takes between 20 to 40 hours.

Finishing third was Malaysia’s Ulumulu, skippered by Troy Yaw and Jeremy Koo with 28: 11:52, while highly regarded Hong Kong sailor Geoff Hill and his Antipodes placed fourth with 28: 13:32.

American Race Officer Jerry Rollin said Ragamuffin 90-Dubois 90 Custom-designed and skippered by David Witt, arrived fifth with 28: 37:48 and veteran campaigner and 2013 winner Karakoa, led by Ray Ordoveza, was sixth overall with 28: 42:44.

Action in the waters of Boracay won’t stop upon completion of the SBBR as sailors will splash back into competition with the Boracay Cup Regatta, which started yesterday up to March 6.

Stakes in the race are high as, according to Commodore Ricky Sandoval, chair of the organizing committee, of the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing, it will be part of the basis for yearend honors in the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit.

Winners in the SBBR and the Boracay Cup Regatta will earn precious points in the race for the AY skipper and Yacht of the Year honors.

The twin event is organized by the Philippine Sailing Association and Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen’s Sailing Club, in cooperation with the Subic Bay Yacht Club, and The Lighthouse Marina Resort and in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Department of Tourism, Philippine Coast Guard, and Municipality of Malay.

Sponsors include Cebu Pacific, PLDT Alpha , Resort World Philippines, Tanduay, Seawinds Resort Boracay, Business Mirror and Manila Bulletin. (Manila Standard Today)

PHOTO:
Centennial III (left) of Judes Echauz leaves its rivals behind.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/03/03/centennial-iii-reigns-in-subic-to-boracay-race/

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SBMA 2014 record income up 40%

For the third consecutive year, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) hit new record highs in its 2014 financial performance, as it scored a net income of P1.556 billion vs the 2013 income ofP1.11 billion, a substantial increase of 40%.

“Revenues from port operations, tourism and industrial commercial leases rose to P2.442 billion or 21% vs 2013 figures, while EBITDA or operating profit hit P1.391 billion or 51% over the previous year,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia announced recently.

With the port congestion in Manila, many importers shifted to Subic, causing port revenues to hit P909 million or an increase of 45%. Significantly, containerized volumes jumped to 77,000 TEUs or an increase of 105%. Locator export volumes likewise increased to U$2.3 billion or a 59% increase from the previous year.

Tourism likewise registered substantial revenue gains with a substantial 61% jump driven by a 12% hike in tourist traffic. MICE events (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) chalked up an increase of 150% while sports events rose 75% to make Subic Bay the number one tourist destination in Central Luzon according to DOT records.

Industrial and commercial leases likewise hit P1.050 billion, up 13% from previous years, as more businesses flocked to the Freeport. These and other expansion projects of existing locators caused jobs to increase from 89,584 in 2013 to 96,958 in 2014, providing 7,374 new jobs or an increase of 8%.

Reflecting the Agency’s robust growth on all fronts are the cash collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s P1.8 billion and the Bureau of Customs’ P15.290 billion, which improved by 27% and 36% respectively in 2014.

Lastly, the 5% tax collected from locators in the Freeport rose to P497 million, or a 35% increase over 2013. SBMA remitted this amount with P199 million going to the eight local government units surrounding the Freeport, while P298 million was remitted to the National Government Treasury. The total contribution of SBMA to the national economy therefore amounted to P17.638 billion.

According to Garcia, 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. (KMF/CorCom-SBMA)

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Aussie, Adorna top ULAH Tri United 1

Australian Mitch Robins put on a blazing show even as Claire Adorna, only on her second year in the sport, imposed her class to share the podium in yesterday’s ULAH Tri United 1 at the Dungaree Beach, Subic Bay.

Robins, 26, and Adorna, 21, drowned the opposition with their impressive performances in the swim leg to anchor their wire-to-wire victories.

A regular competitor in triathlon races in the country since 2012, Robins negotiated the 1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run race organized by BikeKing headed by Raul Cuevas, in one hour, 55 minutes, 42 seconds.

A distant second and third were Unilab Active Health (ULAH) triathletes John Chicano (2:02:44) and Benjamin Rama (2:05:01).

“It was a fast course and very well organized race,” said Robins.

The event was sponsored by Unilab Active Health in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) tourism department and supported by Aboitiz, Enervon Activ, Active Health Sports Gel, Enervon HP and AboitizPower.

“I was not sure of winning because the Filipino triathetes are very fast. I will be spending more time in the Philippines and absolutely you can expect me to compete in the next Tri United races,” added Robins.

Two other foreign pros – Saranon Chantaraj from Thailand and Eneko Elosegui from Spain – failed in their bid for a podium finish in the race backed by Orbea, Shimano, Maxxis, TIMEX, Gardenia, Gerry’s Grill, Pocari Sweat, Lighthouse Marina Resort Subic, Camayan Beach Resort and Court Meridian Hotel.

Adorna, also from ULAH, primed up for a possible gold medal in the SEA Games in Singapore this June as she dominated teammates Anna Stroh and Ani Karina Brown.

A member of the national team and owner of the Philippine record in the female division, Adorna, the UAAP most outstanding swimmer on her last year with champion team UP, timed 2:15:55. She highlighted her showing with a surprising second place finish in the swim behind Robins.

“Our training for the SEA Games is intensive and that’s what I put into the race,” said Adorna, who like Robins, pocketed P10,000 in the race covered by Men’s Health, SBR.ph, Raceday, Multisport and SPIN.ph.

Series defending women’s champion Stroh finished second (2:23:40) while Ani Karina de Leon-Brown took third (2:33:05).

The first of four Tri United races for 2015 drew 780 participants in the race which also featured the sprint distance and titles also disputed in the different age groups and team competition. Sante Barley dominated Fitness First and Herbalife for the team championship.

Completing the winners in the standard distance were Mervin Santiago and Irish Ivy Domingo (18-24), Robinson Esteves and Karen Kate Pascual (25-29), John Mark Yamoyam and Chloe Ong (30-34), Jefferson Valdez and Alisa Dicaprio (35-39), Raymond Galdonez and Lezette Albarote (40-44), Mariela Powell (female 45-above), Jojo Macalintal (male 45-49), Frank Lacson (50-54) and Tatsuya Kanai (55-above).

Sprint champions were Samuel Ranque (16-17), Jimuel Patilan (18-29), Jeric Saclauso (30-39), Reuben Lista (40-49) and Albert Bartilad (50-above) in the male and Maria Antonniette Balagtas (18-29), Kareena Maclang (30-39) and Jennifer Soto (40-49) in the female class. (The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2015/03/02/1429167/aussie-adorna-top-ulah-tri-united-1

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‘Green’ film fest in Subic

A FILM festival focusing on “green” films will be held this weekend at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The 1st Subic International Ecofilm Festival will be presented at the ISST FilAm Theatre on Feb. 27 and 28. This is a project of the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) together with Cinema Verde of the United States.

The two-day festival will screen six international films and three local award-winning independent films and will have the Cinema Verde founding director as the guest of honor.

According to ISST President Mina Gabor, the Ecofilm Festival intends to bring environmental awareness to the audience and inspire, educate and engage participants in sustainable business and lifestyle solutions.

“If the Cannes Film Festival is for commercial films, we intend Subic to be known for environmental films,” the former Tourism secretary said.

Among the foreign films to be shown is Love Thy Nature, directed by Sylvie Rokab and narrated by Hollywood star Liam Neeson. It is a cinematic immersion into the beauty and intimacy of human’s relationship with the natural world.

The other films that will be screened are: Confessions of an Eco-Terrorist, Deep Green (Final Cut), Silent Now (The Poisoning of the Arctic), El Perro del Hortelano, and Radio Love.

The Filipino films in the festival are Brutus: Ang Paglalakbay, which stars Ronnie Lazaro; indie film Batad, which won multiple awards at Cinemalaya; and the Batanes-inspired Kadin The Goat.

The festival will also hold group discussions on “Best Practices on Environmental Conservation,” and “Challenges in Producing Environmental Films,” as well as bird shows and photo exhibits by the Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines. (BusinessWorld)

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Arts&Leisure&title=green-film-fest-in-subic&id=103403

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Hanjin-Subic hosts international work-safety evaluation exercise

Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines (HHC-Phil Inc.) recently hosted an occupational safety evaluation exercise conducted by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Occupational Safety and Health Network (Asean-Oshnet).

Min Hwan Choi, Hanjin’s deputy general manager for external trade, said in a statement here that the Hanjin management took great pride in hosting an exercise that provided “an opportune time for us to really showcase to the rest of the world that our occupational safety and health programs, including our facilities, are at par with international standards.”

“We are greatly honored that an occupational safety and health-related undertaking with global impact such as this [was] carried out in our Hanjin Subic shipyard,” Choi said.

“I guess there is no better workplace for this activity than our shipyard considering our very complex shipbuilding processes that entail enormous efforts to put in place more responsive safety policies to protect the well-being of our huge work force,” he said.

Senior officials of Hanjin welcomed 45 representatives from the ILO and Asean-Oshnet for the one-day General Workplace Evaluation and Risk Factor Identification Exercise that was held in connection with a three-day Training-of-Trainers (TOT) workshop held in the country from February 10 to 12.

The event was sponsored by the ILO and the Asean-Oshnet in collaboration with the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (Kosha) and the Philippine government, through the Department of Labor and Employment and the Occupational Health and Safety Center.

The participants in the workshop were headed by ILO Country Director Lawrence Jeff Johnson; engineer Ho Siong Hin, commissioner of Safety and Health at Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower; Ingrid Christensen, ILO-Bangkok senior specialist on Occupational Safety and Health; Kim Kyung Hun and Kang Dong Lee of the Kosha; Consuelo Manchon of ILO-Hanoi; Nguyen Thai Hoa of ILO Vietnam; OSHC Executive Director Ma. Teresita Cucueco; and Health Control Division chief Maria Beatriz Villanueva.

The TOT workshop was primarily organized for the Asean-Oshnet member-countries that included Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

In this training, however, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste were given an opportunity to learn from and interact with colleagues of neighboring countries in the field of occupational safety and health (OSH).

The Asean-Oshnet has been actively working to share experiences and knowledge on OSH and to enhance safety and health working conditions among the member-countries. It has also planned and implemented various OSH programs, including training for capability-building of government institutions and their officials.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the conduct of the trainers’ workshop “comes at a most auspicious time, as it will address the need to intensify the advocacy of having a safe and healthy working environment, not only in our respective countries, but in the entire Asean region and now including our Pacific Island partners of Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea, as well.”

She said the Philippines has been one with the Asean in recognizing that partnerships among the member-countries are essential in building competencies and skills in all aspects to enhance and propel the growth of the nations toward becoming first-class economies.

During the welcome ceremony at the Hanjin shipyard, Baldoz also expressed gratitude to Hanjin for allowing both local and foreign stakeholders to conduct the ocular visit and for showcasing the company’s best practices in addressing its safety and health concerns. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

PHOTO:
Representatives from the International Labor Organization and the Asean-Oshnet confer with safety officers during a tour of the Hanjin shipyard in Subic Bay Freeport.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/hanjin-subic-hosts-intl-work-safety-evaluation-exercise/

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Aquino OKs salary hike for SBMA employees

President Aquino gave the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) the go-signal to implement a 10-percent salary increase for its employees, SBMA Chair and Administrator Roberto Garcia said on Thursday.

Garcia said the President granted their request for the wage increase, which was submitted to Malacañang for approval in 2011.

“A 10-percent [increase] was approved but [there are] no details yet,” Garcia told the Inquirer in a text message.

Garcia met Mr. Aquino early this week to secure the approval for the salary adjustment, said Ameth de la Llana-Koval, manager of SBMA’s planning and development office.

Koval said the approval of 10-percent salary increase was “good news and a blessing.” It’s the first step to justice, she added.

Aside from the pay increase, the employees were also working to get the salary standardization law (SSL) enforced in SBMA. Koval said the SBMA employees’ request to be covered by the government salary standardization program was submitted to the Department of Budget and Management.

On Wednesday, a group of SBMA employees petitioned the regional trial court in Olongapo City for a writ of mandamus to compel Garcia to set their salaries according to the SSL.

Lawyer Michael Tezon, legal counsel for SBMA employees, said they went to court due to Garcia’s “failure to perform his ministerial duties to execute SBMA board resolutions that would pave the way for the workers’ salary adjustment.”

“We believe that a writ of mandamus is the best remedy because the duty of the administrator is ministerial in nature, and that is to execute and implement all policies, orders and resolutions of the SBMA board,” Tezon told reporters here.

He said the SBMA board passed a resolution on Dec. 11 last year approving the salary increase for SBMA employees based on the SSL. (Allan Macatuno, Inquirer Central Luzon)


Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/674623/aquino-oks-salary-hike-for-sbma-employees#ixzz3SdFzj7Q2
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Spotted! Microsoft mogul's superyacht "Octopus" at Subic Bay Freeport

The massive yacht Octopus, a 414-foot mega-yacht reportedly owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is seen docked at the Nabasan wharf of the Subic Bay Freeport in the afternoon of February 21, 2015. Octopus is currently the world’s 15th largest super yacht and the largest expedition yacht. No detail was made available on the yacht’s port call at Subic, but a source in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority said it would be heading towards Palawan the next day. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Sights: Challenge Philippines, Subic Bay

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia, accompanied by grandson Kenzo Malig, prepares to flag off the elite class of professional triathletes during the Subic-Bataan edition of Challenge Philippines held at the Camayan Beach in Subic Bay Freeport ? on? Saturday (Feb. 22) morning. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SPLASH! Triathletes competing in the foreign-studded professional category of the Subic-Bataan edition of Challenge Philippines triathlon rush through the pristine waters at Camayan Beach during the kick-off at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone ?on ?Saturday (Feb. 22) morning. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[3] Triathletes competing in the foreign-studded professional category of the Subic-Bataan edition of Challenge Philippines triathlon are seen through foliage as they negotiate the uphill forested areas of Morong in Bataan province? on? Saturday (Feb. 22) morning. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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ICTSI beefs up container handling equipment in Subic

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has deployed four new mobile container handling equipments to improve its port operations in Manila and Subic.

In a statement, ICTSI said four new generation reach stackers are now stationed at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and at the new container terminals 1 and 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport which are operated by ICTSI subsidiaries Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. and ICTSI Subic, Inc.

According to Antonio Coronel, ICTSI Purchasing Director, the new reach stackers are the first of their kind to operate in the Asia-Pacific region. Supplied and manufactured by Kalmar, the port equipment and technology unit of Cargotec Oy of Finland, the “Gloria” or “Generation G reach” stacker has a 45-ton total lift capacity, which is considered an “industry-best” for its class.

“They don’t just provide highly productive and reliable equipment; they appreciate the dynamics of the business and as a result, can provide solutions that boost productivity yet reduce our costs of operation. We have an ambitious development strategy to become one of the world’s leading port management companies and on the same global stage, Kalmar is clearly a trusted partner,” he added.

Explaining the features of the new “Gloria” stackers , Kalmar Asia Sales Director Björn Jonasson said that the equipment offers three ECO driving modes, namely power, normal and economy, making it the most energy efficient reach stacker in the market today. “Gloria” also sports an automatic stop-start function, which is responsible for reduced emissions and fuel efficiency of up to 10 percent.

Jonasson hailed the ICTSI for becoming “the first customer to specify Kalmar Gloria reach stackers in Asia and particularly so soon after their launch into the region. We have enjoyed considerable success in launching Gloria into other key territories and the product has now become the benchmark for reach stacker performance throughout the industry.”

MICT, ICTSI’s flagship operation and the Philippines’ largest international container terminal, has an annual capacity of 4.2 million twenty equivalent units (TEUs). Meanwhile, the New Container Terminal Compound (NCT-1) and New Container Terminal Compound (NCT-2) in Subic have a total of 600,000 TEU capacity.

ICTSI is an international operator of common-user container terminals serving the global container shipping industry. ICTSI is the largest port operator in the Philippines and has a portfolio of 29 container terminal operations in 21 countries across six continents. (Kris Bayos, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
The new Gloria 45-ton reach stacker lifts a container at the New Container Terminal-1 in Subic

http://www.mb.com.ph/ictsi-beefs-up-container-handling-equipment-in-subic/

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Passuello, Pooley top 2nd Yellow Cab Challenge Subic

Italian Domenico Passuello and British Emma Pooley endured the scorching heat of the sun and hurdled all the unexpected and challenging obstacles in the second edition of Yellow Cab Challenge Philippine Subic-Bataan last February 21.

The Italian athlete bagged his first Yellow Cab Challenge Philippines title in the Pro Men field after clocking 4:04:22, while her female counterpart snatched the Pro Women field championship after a recorded time of 4:41:51.

“[The race was] really tough and the course was really really hot and windy… but there are a lot of trees and a lot of station [where you can always refresh,]” said Passuello, a first-time racer in the Philippines.

Finishing just few minutes behind the new titleholder is Danish RasmusPetraeus who clocked 4:09:04. The two-time Challenge Phuket champion was leading the race early in the competition but was outperformed by Passuello halfway through the felt bike course.

“Rasmus was too strong today until the half of the bike so I was pretty scared about [that] but I knew I can beat him on the run. I didn’t know about my gap when I change here in transition [from biking to running] so I pushed a lot in the first 10km run,” said Passuello who has plans to compete again in the next Challenge race in the country.

Despite being unsatisfied with her performance in swimming, Pooley said she really enjoyed the beautiful corals and the two historic shipwrecks that Subic Bay offers. She, however, regained control with the bike portion which she considered as her strongest suit in this race.

“It was tough but [it’s a] beautiful course. I came back to try and win and I really had a good day!” said Pooley who made a comeback after a third place finish last year. The new titleholder and former Olympic silver medallist even owed her win to the volunteers who cheered for her during the race, making a tough race more bearable.

At third place in men’s pro category is Australian Mitch Robbins who clocked in after a time of 4:13:11, while Swedish Fredrik Croenberg finished with a record of 4:14:11 and last year’s second place Australian Michael Murphy landed fifth with a recorded time of 4:33:13.

Rounding up the Top 10 are American Brian Fleischmann (4:38:58), German Till Schramm (4:41:42), Spanish EnekoElosegui (4:43:28), Australian Eric Watson (4:51:56), and Hong Kong national Ivan Lo (4:55:46).

American Kelly Williamson also snatched the second place in Pro Women field with a recorded time of 4:52:14. Trailing behind are British Parys Edwards (4:53:19).(The Manila Times)

PHOTO:
Domenico Passuello

http://www.manilatimes.net/passuello-pooley-top-2nd-yellow-cab-challenge-subic/164704/

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