More and bigger cruise ships expected in Subic next year

More cruise ships are expected to arrive in this premier trade and tourism port next year, as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) continues to upgrade maritime facilities to increase cruise tourism traffic.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the Subic agency has already listed 38 confirmed cruise ship arrivals and two tentative bookings next year.

On top of that, four confirmed arrivals and one tentative booking have been posted for 2021, she said.

“Beginning January next year, we shall be seeing more and bigger cruise ships in Subic. This includes MS Spectrum of the Seas, which will dock here on December 27 and then come back for another visit on January 20,” Eisma said.

“Then on February 28, its sister ship, the MS Quantum of the Seas, will be arriving in Subic,” she added.

The two ships, which are owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International (RCI), the world’s largest cruise line by revenue and second largest by passenger counts, are among the world’s largest cruise ships in operation today.

MS Spectrum of the Seas is set to arrive with 4,819 passengers, while MS Quantum of the Seas will bring in 4,905 passengers.

“These arrivals will also serve to provide additional income to the Subic community, as well as neighboring areas that cruise passengers visit upon arrival here,” Eisma said.

According to SBMA records, the 19 cruise ship visits in 2018 yielded a total of 38,205 visitors and direct revenue of P8.4 million for the SBMA Seaport Department.

This year, the 15 cruise ship arrivals from January to October generated 38,985 visitors and an income of P8.07 million for SBMA Seaport.

Eisma pointed out that the actual income earned by all the tourism players in Subic and neighboring communities would be bigger since this would include money earned by tour buses and taxis, entertainment groups, restaurants and shops, tiangge vendors, theme parks and resorts, as well as malls in Subic and nearby areas.

Eisma said the SBMA aims to generate more cruise ship traffic by retrofitting the Alava, Bravo, and Rivera wharves in the Subic Freeport to accommodate more arrivals.

“We’re also upgrading the Subic Bay International Airport to attract passengers who may opt for the sea-air connection available in Subic,” she said.

Eisma said that another measure the SBMA would look into is the issuance of implementing rules and regulations for Executive Order 72, which governs the admission and stay of foreign nationals in Subic as temporary visitors.

The latest cruise ship to arrive in Subic was MS World Dream, which arrived on December 11.

World Dream, which has a capacity of 3,376 passengers, was designed for the Asian cruise market and is now operated by the Dream Cruises line of the global entertainment and leisure firm Genting Hong Kong. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

Passengers of World Dream buy local food products and souvenir shirts at kiosks set up by local traders near the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 11.

Read More

Oryoku Maru Hellship Commemoration Ceremony held in Subic Bay (In Photos)

[1] The American and Philippine flags were on display at the Subic Hellship Memorial marker during a remembrance ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 15, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the hellship MV Oryoku Maru.

The vessel carrying nearly 300 American prisoners of war was accidentally sunk by American fighter planes on Subic Bay, Philippines on December 15, 1944.

[2] Members of the Fleet Reserve Association perform a solemn sailors’ bell ritual during a remembrance ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 15, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the hellship MV Oryoku Maru.

[3] Tracey Betts, a representative from the United States Embassy in Manila, lays a wreath at the wreck site of the MV Oryoku Maru during a remembrance ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 15, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the hellship. Oryoku Maru, carrying nearly 300 American prisoners of war, was accidentally sunk by American fighter planes on Subic Bay, Philippines on December 15, 1944.


Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department

Read More

TRAP SHOOTING / SAILING - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 8 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 9, 2019.

[1] Filipino marksman Carl Carag takes aim during the Trap Shooting event on Dec. 9 at the at the EOD Firing Range in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[2] Competitors line up for the Trap Shooting event on Dec. 9 at the at the EOD Firing Range in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[3] Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos meets SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma during the Trap Shooting event on Dec. 9 at the at the EOD Firing Range in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[4] Sailboats take advantage of fair winds during the sailing event in the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Dec. 9 at the Subic Bay Freeport.


Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Richard Johnson/Jonas Reyes

Read More

TRADITIONAL BOAT RACE / MUAY THAI - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 7 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 8, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] Filipino rower Melcah Jen Caballero paddles her way to win the Lightweight Women’s Single Scull in the rowing competition of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Acea Resort in the Subic Bay Freeport on Sunday, Dec. 8.

[2] Filipino rower Melcah Jen Caballero wins the gold medal for Lightweight Women’s Single Scull in the rowing competition of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Acea Resort in the Subic Bay Freeport on Sunday, Dec. 8.

[3] Gold medal winner Melcah Jen Caballero proudly flies the Philippine flag in the conclusion of the rowing competition of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Acea Resort in the Subic Bay Freeport on Sunday, Dec. 8.

[4] Members of Team Indonesia gesture triumphantly after crossing the finish line first in the 22-seater 1,000-meter traditional boat race on Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Malawaan Park in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[5] The action-packed Muay Thai bouts on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

[6] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (2nd, right) joins games officials during the awarding of medals to winners in Muay Thai on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Jun Dumaguing/Jonas Reyes

Read More

TRADITIONAL BOAT RACE - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 6 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 7, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] Dragon boat teams race to the rhythm of drums during the traditional boat race at the Malawaan Park, Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 7.

[2] Competitors furiously paddle their canoe as the race to the finish line during the traditional boat race at the Malawaan Park, Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 7.

[3] Boat racers make their way past ships anchored at the NSD Marine Terminal during the traditional boat race at the Malawaan Park, Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 7.

[4] A supporter of Team Philippines waves the Philippine tricolor, as she cheers for local athletes at the Malawaan Park, Subic Bay Freeport during the traditional boat race on Dec. 7.

[5] A venue staff at Malawaan Park, Subic Bay Freeport proudly shows his collection of souvenir pins from the 30th Southeast Asian Games 2019.

Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Jonas Reyes/Robin Tuazon

Read More

WOMEN'S BEACH VOLLEYBALL - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 5 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 6, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] The Philippines’ Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriquez take on Singapore’s Eliza Chong and Gladys Lee during their last round-robin match at the Subic Sand Court on Friday, Dec. 6. The Philippine duo won at 21-18, 21-16

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Amy Eisma waves the Philippine colors as she cheers with her staff for the Philippine women’s volleyball team during their match against Singapore at the Subic Sand Court on Friday, Dec. 6

[3] Bronze medalists Dij Rodriquez, Dzi Gervacio, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons pose triumphantly after beating Singapore and winning the bronze medal in women’s beach volleyball at the Subic Sand Court on Friday, Dec. 6

[4] Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons

[5] Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriquez

Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Jonas Reyes/Robin Tuazon

Read More

DUATHLON MIXED RELAY - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 4 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 5, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] Thailand’s Arthit Soda crosses the finish line first during the duathlon mixed relay at Subic’s Waterfront Road on Thursday, Dec. 5 to win gold medal for his team. The other members of Thailand’s team are: Parreya Sonsem, Nattawut Srinate, and Siriwan Kuncharin.

[2] The Philippines’ Emmanuel Comendador falls after suffering from muscle cramps upon crossing the finish line during the duathlon mixed relay at Subic’s Waterfront Road on Thursday, Dec. 5.

[3] The Philippine team composed of Emmanuel Comendador, Monica Torres, Pawie Fornea, and Ephraim Iñigo wave the colors after clinching bronze in the duathlon mixed relay at Subic’s Waterfront Road on Thursday, Dec. 5.

[4] Participants in the duathlon mixed relay race run along Subic’s Waterfront Road on Thursday, Dec. 5, as security personnel man areas at the competition site to assure the safety of SEA Games events.

Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Jun Dumaguing/Robin Tuazon/Jonas Reyes

Read More

MEN'S BEACH VOLLEYBALL / MUAY THAI - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 3 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 4, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] The men’s beach volleyball game between Malaysia and Cambodia at the Subic Sand Court on Dec. 4.

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma watches the men’s beach volleyball game between Malaysia and Cambodia and leads in cheering for the foreign athletes.

[3] Filipino muay thai duo Jerome Calica and Joemar Gallaza carry a dazzling performance to win the gold medal in the Male Waikru & Mai Muay event at the Subic Bay and Exhibition Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

[4] Thailand women’s duo Thanawan Thongduang and Ruchira Wongsriwo spar for a gold-medal finish in the Waikru & Mai Muay Thai event at the Subic Bay and Exhibition Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

[5] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma with Muay Thai silver medalists Irendin Lepatan (left) and Rusha Mae Bayacsan who won in the Waikru Mai Muay Thai women’s competition at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Dec. 4 with 9.45 points.

[6] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma congratulates Philippine Muay Thai athletes Jerchen Calica and Joemar Gallaza after winning the gold for men’s Waikru at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Dec. 4.

[7]Employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)clean up portions of the triathlon venue along Subic’s Waterfront Road on Dec. 4 after rains and winds from Typhoon ‘Tisoy’ affected SEA Games venues in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Roderick Cerezo/Carrie T. Aspa/Dong Andres

Read More

PENCAK SILAT / CHESS - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 2 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 3, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster

[1] Singaporean trio Nuwaid Hasif Bin Zainal Abidin, Muhammad Nazrul Bin Moho Kamal and Hamillan Arash Bin Juffrie perform to win the gold in the men’s Seni Regu finals of pencak silat at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3.

[2] Malaysian duo Mohd Taqiyuddin Bin Hamid and Sazzlan Bin Yuga demonstrate their routine to win the gold in the men’s Seni Ganda finals of pencak silat at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3.

[3] Indonesian Puspa Arum Sari shows her best form to win the gold medal in the women’s Seni Tunggal event of pencak silat at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3.

[4] Eugene Torre, the first Filipino grandmaster, sees action in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games chess competition at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3

[5] Philippines’ woman grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna meets Vietnamese woman grandmaster Hoang Thi Bao Tram in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games chess competition at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3.


Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/ Jun Dumaguing/Robin Tuazon

Read More

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TRIATHLON - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 1 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 2, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] Indonesian Juahari Johan raises his hands in victory as he nears the finish line to win the gold in the men’s duathlon event on Dec. 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

[2] The Philippines’ Monica Torres waves the country’s colors after hitting the gold in the women’s duathlon event on Dec. 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

[3] Singaporean athletes lead the pack in the early stage of the men’s duathlon event on Dec. 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport just before Indonesian Juahari Johan breaks away to win the gold.

[4] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma congratulates Philippines’ silver medalist Joey delos Reyes at the conclusion of the men’s duathlon event on Dec. 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

[5] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma during the presentation of awards to podium winners Juahari Johan of Indonesia (gold), Joey delos Reyes of the Philippines (silver), and Nattawut Srinate of Thailand (bronze) at the conclusion of the men’s duathlon event on Dec. 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport.


Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Jun Dumaguing

Read More

Edmar Tacuel clinches gold in men's pencak silat

Philippines bet Edmar Tacuel strengthened the country's bid for an overall championship after delivering a gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games pencak silat men's seni tinggal singles event at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center Monday.

Tacuel scored a total of 470 to cop gold. Singapore's Muhammad Rahman placed second with 461, while Indonesia's Ding Sulistianto settled for bronze with 460.

According to the SEA Games 2019 website, Pencak silat is a traditional Indonesian martial art, which is "a full-body fighting form incorporating strikes, grappling and throwing in addition to weaponry." Every part of the body is used and subject to attack. (Ma. Angelica Garcia/JST, GMA News)

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/othersports/717515/edmar-tacuel-clinches-gold-in-men-s-pencak-silat/story/

Read More

Triathlete John Chicano gives PHI its first gold in 2019 SEA Games

The Philippines is on the board in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games as John “Rambo” Chicano got his first gold in men’s triathlon.

Chicano registered the Philippines’ first win - as well as its first medal overall - in the regional meet by finishing with a time of 1:53:26, Sunday at Subic Bay Boardwalk.

This is the 28-year-old’s first gold in the biennial event as back in 2017, he placed second to Nikko Huelgas.

It was a 1-2 finish for the Filipinos with Kim Remolino claiming silver by logging a time of 1:55:03.

The 19-year-old was actually the pacesetter after the swimming course while Chicano was actually at fourth.

“Rambo,” as he is fondly called, however, dominated the biking and running phases en route to his breakthrough win.

Completing the podium is Indonesia’s Ahlul Firman Muhammad who finished at 1:57:10. (sports.abs-cbn.com)

PHOTO:

Chicano at the finish line, registering the Philippines’ first win in the regional meet by finishing with a time of 1:53:26, Sunday at Subic Bay Boardwalk.

https://sports.abs-cbn.com/seagames/news/2019/12/01/triathlete-chicano-gives-phi-first-gold-sea-games-63861

Read More

SEA Games’ Subic cluster holds cauldron lighting rite

Six days before the grand opening of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, the Subic Cluster formally opened the biennial meet here with the lighting of the cauldron.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma led the lighting ceremony witnessed by Mike Aguilar, director for ceremonies of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc).

Eisma used the official SEA Games torch to light the cauldron, a ceremony also attended by triathlete Claire Adorna, Triathlon SEA Games two-time gold medalist Nicko Huelgas and SBMA employees.

The SBMA chief assured the Phisgoc members that Subic is ready for the two-week sporting meet.

Subic along with Olongapo is hosting 17 of the 56 sports starting November 28 with sailing at Subic Bay.

Other sports include duathlon/triathlon, pencak silat, sepak takraw, chess, table tennis, muay thai, canoe kayak, open water, modern pentathlon, beach volleyball, handball, windsurfing, rowing, shooting (trap), and traditional boat race.

Aside from Subic, other host clusters of the Games are Metro Manila, Clark and Southern Tagalog.

The SEA Games’ first indoor opening ceremony will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on November 30 while the closing rite will be held at the New Clark City Sports Hub in Capas, Tarlac on Dec. 11. (Ruben Veloria, PNA)

PHOTO:

SEA GAMES SUBIC CLUSTER. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma leads the lighting of the cauldron to officially open the 30th SEA Games in Subic Freeport on Monday (Nov. 25, 2019). Also in photo are (from left) Phisgoc director for ceremonies Mike Aguilar, triathlete Claire Adorna and triathlon SEA Games gold medalist Nicko Huelgas. Subic is hosting 17 of the 56 sports. (PNA photo by Ruben A. Veloria)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086969

Read More

SBMA starts P442.7-M Magsaysay bridge project

The much-awaited project to replace a US Navy-era bridge that serves as the major connection between the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Olongapo City is now underway, 10 years after the concrete span was closed to vehicular traffic due to deterioration.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the agency has allocated P442.7 million to build a four-lane span to replace the two-lane Magsaysay Bridge, as well as improve the Main Gate security facilities and upgrade road network, drainage structures and signage in the immediate area.

The project, which is expected to be finished by the first quarter of 2021, is designed to improve access and mobility, revitalize business in the area, and generate more opportunities for local livelihood.

“Aside from improving accessibility to the Subic Bay Freeport because this connects to the main artery in Olongapo, which is the Magsaysay Drive and Rizal Avenue, this project also takes into consideration public safety and convenience because the bridge is heavy in foot traffic,” Eisma pointed out.

“It also reflects our preparations for the boom in local tourism business, as this will improve the appearance of the Main Gate, which used to be the iconic symbol of Subic since when it became a naval base,” she added.

The project, which will be undertaken by the consortium of Front Nine Konstruct Builders & Realty Development Corp., Qingdao Municipal Construction Group Co., Ltd., and Rebcor Construction and Trading Corp., is part of the agency’s rebuilding thrust to sustain Subic as an investment hub and center of economic growth.

Recently, the SBMA announced a P1.6-billion program to repair ageing facilities constructed when Subic was still an American naval base, a badly-needed upgrade Eisma said.

“For almost two decades now, the Navy-era facilities in Subic remained as they were. We’re now fixing these because the better our facilities are, the more businesses and jobs we can generate,” she said.

The deterioration of the Magsaysay Bridge, which was built by the US Navy in the early ‘60s, was detected as early as 1999 when experts restricted its maximum load capacity to 20 tons. The bridge was eventually closed to vehicular traffic in 2009.

However, actual construction was put on hold over the years due to budget constraints and it was only last year that the SBMA funded a new detailed engineering design for a new structure.

According to the SBMA Engineering Department, the new Magsaysay Bridge will be a 72.5-meter multi-span slab bridge, about 600 mm thick on the average and with a total carriage width of 24.15 meters. It will also have a covered walkway for pedestrians.

The bridge project will also involve the demolition and removal of the existing two-lane span; construction of security gate and fence at the Main Gate; and building of a new covered walkway from Magsaysay Bridge to the intersection of Rizal Highway, which is a major road in Subic’s central business district.

The package will also include construction of new intersection and road expansion in the Main Gate area; building of drainage structures; and relocation of existing facilities for power, water, sewerage and telecommunications.

As of now, the contractor is starting work on the foundations for a temporary pedestrian bridge that will be built before the existing bridge is demolished.

The new Magsaysay Bridge is expected to be finished within 540 calendar days, Eisma said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS: 

Pedestrians monopolize traffic at the Magsaysay Bridge leading to the Subic Bay Freeport main gate since the span was closed to vehicles in 2009. Notice the park bench bolted on the surface of the span to serve as rest area for pedestrians.

Read More