No problem with venue transfer to Subic, says AdCon chief

MANILA - Even with just a month left before the big day, organizers of the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC) are confident that the transfer of the event venue from Baguio City to Subic Bay Freeport would be smooth.

“Tuloy na tuloy ang AdCon (The Advertising Congress will definitely push through),” said Margot Torres, overall chair of the 21st PAC, during a recent briefing at the office of the Philippine Advertising Board (AdBoard) in Makati.

“We are fortunate that Subic is available,” Torres added, noting that the transition from Baguio to Subic would not be difficult because Subic officials and volunteers “had learned quickly” from hosting the 20th PAC in 2007.

Torres also said the organizing committee was “profusely thankful” to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator Armand Arreza for providing them with an alternative venue.

The PAC, which is scheduled on November 18-21, had to be moved from Baguio due to the badly typhoon-damaged roads leading to the original congress venue.

“The problem lies not with Baguio City itself, but the roads leading to it,” Torres explained, saying that the committee’s decision was made with the delegates’ safety in mind.

She added that the alternative route to Baguio, as proposed by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), would take nine hours to traverse.

The officials of Camp John Hay, where the event was originally set, understand the AdBoard’s position, Torres added.

She also said that media networks, advertisers and sponsors of the 21st PAC, a biennial event which is considered the advertising industry’s equivalent to the “Oscars,” had confirmed their participation and support upon learning that the alternative venue would be Subic.

“The venue is tailor-fit to our needs,” Torres said, referring to the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) that was purposely refurbished in 2007 to host some 5,000 PAC delegates two years ago.

Meanwhile, Torres said that SBMA Administrator Arreza had given the assurance that Subic’s hotels could now accommodate more than 3,000 delegates.

Torres added that despite the venue transfer, only minor changes would be made to the congress program itself.

From the supposed breakout groups, plenary sessions will be held instead, as the SBECC’s Plenary Hall 1 can seat some 3,500 people.

The congress theme and topics for discussion likewise would remain unchanged, she said, although a slant was introduced to make the event more meaningful and relevant.

Torres added that they will soon launch the AdCon’s “Brand Aid” campaign, which will center on what messages from the advertising industry will be appropriate, especially at times when the Filipino nation is reeling from disasters, like the recent typhoons.

She also revealed that one reason why the PAC could not be postponed was that the industry needed to convene at the soonest time possible to immediately execute plans of action to help flood and typhoon victims.

Torres said Ad Congress organizers had pledged part of the proceeds from the 21st PAC to the Red Cross and other beneficiaries still to be identified by the AdBoard.

“It was even proposed that proceeds from ticket sales in the event’s highlight — the Araw Awards — could be given to the flood victims,” Torres said.

AdBoard representatives will meet with SBMA officials on Friday afternoon to discuss details of the Advertising Congress here. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: The Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) will be the venue of the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC) on November 18-21. Subic also hosted the 20th PAC in 2007.

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SBMA employees’ co-op lent out P2-M in two years

A cooperative formed by employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has already released more than P2 million in loans — proof of a vibrant savings and investment scheme that has benefited more than 400 members in just two years.

Officials of the SBMA Employees Welfare Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SEWMPC) said the cooperative has also inaugurated its own office barely two years after its launching in October 2007.

“It can be declared to all that there is now a respectable cooperative within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, as we now have an actual office, a manifestation of our members’ strong confidence,” said SEWMPC chairman Severo Pastor Jr.

“We have already extended at least P2 million in loans to some 400 members who are in need of financial support, and another P200,000 is ready for releasing,” Pastor also said.

He added that with its new, fully-furnished office located at the SBMA gym complex, the cooperative can better reach out to SBMA employees working in various areas of the Freeport.

SEWMPC was organized in 2006 with full support and encouragement from SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga and SBMA administrator Armand Arreza.

Aimed at uplifting the living conditions of SBMA employees, the cooperative has helped its members increase their income and savings through investments, as well as greater productivity.

Pastor, who is also manager of the SBMA Labor Department, said the creation of the SEWMPC was likewise a direct answer to the growing operation of local loan sharks “who milked our fellow employees with unconscionable interest rates.”

Today the SEWMPC has about P2.5 million in assets, mostly sourced from members of the board who voluntarily lent their money for the operation of the cooperative.

In his message during the inauguration of the cooperative’s new office, SBMA Chairman Salonga said the SEWMPC has proven to be “a reliable lifesaver in these times of global recession and calamities.”

“Through our cooperative, we can make our life a bit easier,” Salonga said. “And we are looking forward to the time when we won’t need it anymore, to the time when we have all the chance to buy anything we need.”

The new office, according to Pastor, will be registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), a step toward becoming part of a federation of cooperatives within Central Luzon.

On the same occasion, Zambales CDA officer Edmund Engao swore into office the elected leaders of the cooperative. These are SEWMPC chairman Pastor, vice chairman Lolita Mallari, treasurer Evelyn Crescini, and secretary Dorotea Varela.

Engao also inducted into office the cooperative’s board members: Rodolfo Kalaquian, chairman of the audit committee; Magdaleno Motas, Paulita Yee, Antonietta Sanqui, Marco Estabillo, Rodel Mayor, Emerlinda Delos Reyes, and Rebecca Ventura. (SBMA Corporate Communications)


PHOTO: MOVING FORWARD: SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga (left) inaugurates the new office of the SBMA Employees Welfare Multi-Purpose Cooperative, which has released more than P2-million in loans to its members.

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Subic taekwondo team retains title in 2nd Chairman’s Cup

About 150 taekwondo enthusiasts from the Central Luzon region flocked to this free port recently in a bid to conquer titles in the 2nd Chairman’s Cup Invitational Taekwondo Tournament, an annual event sanctioned by the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA).

After the whole-day competition held at the Subic Gymnasium here, Subic-based Philko Taekwondo Training Center was declared champion after garnering 287 total group points. The team successfully defended their 2008 title against three other teams.

Philko was way ahead second placer Korean Grace Taekwondo, a team from Angeles City in Pampanga, which accumulated a total of 58 points, while the Subic-based Mondriaan Aura College Taekwondo Jins trailed with 50 points, and Precious Child Montessori of Zambales with 27 points.

The winners received trophies and certificates of recognition in group and individual categories.

The 2nd Chairman’s Cup Invitational Tournament was organized by Mondriaan Aura College, in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Hallelujah Taekwondo Ministry (HTM), a full-gospel group from South Korea that reaches out to the youth through sports.

In the event’s opening ceremony, SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga assured the various taekwondo associations gathered for the tournament that SBMA will continue to put prime importance to sports and youth development, in line with its sports tourism thrust.

“The SBMA will continue to provide avenues for sports where local athletes can hone their skills” said Salonga, citing this free port’s sports-conducive environment and modern sports facilities.

Salonga also lauded the efforts of Aura College and HTM for finding a way to strengthen Filipino-Korean ties, and promoting youth welfare through sports.

Rev. Lee Joo Hyung, who headed the Korean delegation of about 15 athletes, said that by donating taekwondo gears and equipment to Aura College, which is propagating the sport locally, the HTM “is merely sharing the blessings that we have.”

Lee said the HTM, which was organized in Korea in 1988, has been conducting similar tournaments in Manila for the past eight years.

He said they decided to bring taekwondo competitions to Subic since an HTM missions base was nearby, and because the Subic Bay Freeport has available facilities.

Meanwhile, Aura College president Edgar Geniza described the event as “a celebration of two cultures glorifying one God through sports.”

“This tournament will go on as long as friendship between the Philippines and Korea continues,” said Geniza. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: TAEKWONDO KIDS: Participants in the 2nd Chairman’s Cup Invitational Taekwondo Tournament held at the Subic Bay Freeport await instructions prior to group and individual competitions.

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ALI leases 7.5-ha Subic property for integrated master-planned development

MANILA, Philippines - Real estate developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) signed last Oct. 16 a 50-year lease agreement for a 7.5-hectare property along Rizal Highway within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Given Ayala Land’s unmatched experience and proven track record of world-class real estate projects, an integrated master-planned development which is envisioned to include a shopping mall, Business Process Outsourcing office building, and hotel will proudly rise at Subic’s Central Business District.

The proposed mall shall offer basic conveniences that will address the everyday needs of Subic and Olongapo, as well as unique concepts that will serve not only the immediate communities but also the tourists and transients.

ALI’s development will be a catalyst for growth in the Subic-Olongapo corridor and will be a major mixed use project in the Subic Freeport Zone that is well-planned, integrated and environmentally balanced.

With a total investment of approximately P3 billion including investments generated from the project’s multiplier-effect from retail, office and hotel locators, the project is expected to create about 10,000 new jobs from construction phase to operations. (Philippine Star)

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Subic ready for Ad Congress

After organizers of the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress pulled out of Baguio City due to safety concerns following the damage wrought by a series of typhoons in Northern Luzon, officials in this free port said Subic was more than ready to host the event.

"We're ready to accommodate them. Already we have the venue and hotel rooms are available," said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator Armand Arreza.

But Arreza said officials of the SBMA and the Advertising Board (AdBoard) have yet to finalize details of the congress' shift in venue to this free port, which hosted the biennial convention in 2007 and 1993.

"It is not final yet, although we are ready for them if they choose this venue.… The decision still lies with the AdBoard. I'm certain that they are looking for other venues. No agreement is in place yet," he said.

The congress is the biggest event that brings together the country's top corporations and advertisers and representatives and officials of media and advertising firms.

The SBMA, in preparation for the 2007 congress, built a convention facility that has a 2,456-square meter plenary hall and an exhibit area covering about 10,000 square meters.

Arreza said the SBMA has started contingency planning with representatives of the AdBoard.

Asked about the logistical challenge that the transfer of the venue might entail, Olongapo Councilor Gina Perez, chair of the city council's tourism committee, said the city has enough time to prepare for the event scheduled in November.

She said hotels and restaurants in Subic and Olongapo can easily reserve rooms for delegates.

"Like before, they are welcome here. We will make sure that if they choose us; we will be ready for their requirements," Perez said.(Robert Gonzaga, PDI Central Luzon Desk)

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Storm's Aftermath: 21st Ad Congress moved to Subic

MANILA, Philippines — The trail of destruction across northern Luzon left by Tropical Storms “Ondoy” (international codename: Ketsana) and “Pepeng” (Parma) has forced the Advertising Board of the Philippines (AdBoard) to hold the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC) closer to Metro Manila instead of Baguio as originally planned.

“It is with reluctance that we withdraw from Baguio, as the city has been most supportive and generous to the 21st PAC from the planning stages right until this moment when preparations are near completion,” the PAC said on its website.

Instead, the ad congress scheduled on Nov. 18-21 will take place in Subic.

“We have never doubted Baguio’s resilience nor its readiness to accommodate the 21st PAC in spite of the disaster. But the further strain thousands of delegates and participants would subject the already weakened northern Luzon infrastructure would put their safety and that of the local people’s at risk,” the PAC said.

Despite the short notice and various requirements, Subic authorities have readily agreed to host the 21st PAC.

Dedicated to victims

The sufferings of the victims of Ondoy and Pepeng are not lost on the advertising industry.

“The 21st PAC is the best time for the industry to come together and reflect on ways to be of service to the typhoons’ victims and to respond to the call of nation rebuilding. Our economy must not come to a standstill. We must help drive the local economy back on its feet,” the PAC said.

“We dedicate the 21st PAC to the victims of the northern Luzon calamity. Part of our proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross for rehabilitation efforts in northern Luzon. This ad congress has heart and a cause. We enjoin all members of the industry to be an active part of this endeavor,” it added. (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

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Beach Clean-up, after the storm

AFTER THE STORM: Employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, assisted by students and workers from schools and investor-companies in the Subic Bay Freeport, undertake the cleanup of Subic’s famed waterfront after successive typhoons washed up debris onshore.

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P20-M Subic IT facility offers ‘revolutionary’ business ideas

Had it crossed anyone’s mind 10 years ago that coffee shops and restaurants today would serve “wi-fi” on their menu to boost sales?

This kind of foresight in emerging and revolutionary trade trends is now available to businesses in this free port with the opening of the P20-million innovation Laboratory (Innolab) of the Subic Telecommunications Company Inc. (Subictel), a company owned by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Corp. (PLDT).

Subictel launched its new facility last Wednesday at its office near Subic’s historical landmark, the Spanish Gate. Among those who witnessed the event were Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator Armand Arreza, Olongapo City mayor James Gordon, PLDT executives and staff, members of the Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce, and representatives of business locators here.

Arreza said that the PLDT Innolab will showcase Subic’s capabilities in terms of IT support, and will eventually determine to some extent direction taken by the IT sector in this free port.

“PLDT’s Innolab marks a new foundation for Subic Bay’s emergence in the knowledge economy,” said Arreza, who expressed optimism that this free port’s business process outsourcing (BPO) potentials will soon be maximized.

“With PLDT as partner, the Subic Bay Freeport can now shift from labor-intensive industries to knowledge-based industries, guided by the emerging trends in the IT sector,” Arreza added.

According to PLDT first vice-president Nerissa Ramos, the PLDT Innolab features “proofs of concept” of breakthrough technologies that are being offered by PLDT.

“Soon, everyone will realize that Subic’s IT capabilities is as good as what is offered in Manila, Cebu, Clark and other renowned BPO destinations in the country,” Ramos said.

According to PLDT, it is now offering various “cutting edge” IT solutions in the fields of hotel and restaurant management, manufacturing, retailing, franchising, real estate, and BPO.

“The Internet is playing a huge role in today’s management of businesses. With PLDT solutions, people can monitor and make business directions even from afar, and even generate cost-savings, as they employ these technologies that streamline business processes,” Ramos said.

For example, she said people can try out the video conferencing studio that has been set up in the Innolab. This has a “dirty kitchen” where they can simulate their clients’ technology and demonstrate how to hook it up with PLDT’s IT solutions.

“They can see for themselves the results immediately in the Innolab,” Ramos explained.

At the same time Ramos expressed hope that through PLDT’s Innolab, the BPO industry in Subic Bay would flourish.

She said that Subic Bay can play a major role in the outsourcing industry as this former US military base is a major connector to PLDT’s fiber optics network.

Ramos also said they will soon partner with universities and colleges within the Subic Freeport to bridge the academe-industry mismatch in terms of information technology.

“Schools can make PLDT’s Innolab a destination for their field trips. We also propose tie-ups with tertiary schools so the academe will get to have hands-on update on the current gadgets, systems, and trends in the IT sector,” she said.

Soon, Ramos said, everyone will realize that the country is not lagging behind, adding that the Philippine’s telecommunications infrastructure and road networks “are a lot better compared to India,” which is considered a prime destination in the global BPO scene.

The PLDT’s Subictel Innolab is the fifth such facility in the country. The first one was launched in Manila in 2003, and subsequently in Cebu, Clark, and Davao. (SBMA Corporate Communications)


PHOTO: SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza (second from right) and Olongapo Mayor James Gordon Jr. join executives of PLDT and Subictel in launching PLDT’s Innovation Laboratory at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

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PLDT ‘innolabs’ target next-wave cities

Telecoms giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) is aligning its IT outsourcing strategy with the government’s next-wave cities program.

PLDT recently opened its latest innovation lab, or “innolab”, here (in Subic) targeting the freeport’s huge shipping and related businesses.

These innolabs feature best-of-breed technologies targeted to address specific IT requirements.

PLDT First Vice President and Head of Corporate Business Group Nerisse Ramos said local industries are already looking at a “globalized” market for their products and service but they are unaware of the technological practices to enable their goals.

A recent study by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) noted that the telecoms industry will ride the global crisis as broadband services become even more relevant both for businesses and individual users.

Companies are seen to migrate requirements to cost-effective and reliable managed services pitched by telecom firms.

PLDT is looking to make this pitch even to small and medium businesses, which comprise majority of businesses in the country.

“That’s why the outsourcing model works in the Philippines because many of these companies are unable to maximize their IT investments; they spend a lot without realizing these investments,” Ramos said.

Ramos said that one of their targets is to look at other locations with a community of businesses that can use Innolab services.

“We’re following the “Next Wave Cities” project of the government if we’re going to put up Innolabs,” Ramos said.

The Next Wave Cities project is led by the Commission on Information and Communications Technology. It aims to build the necessary public works and telecommunications infrastructure in certain areas in the Philippines to entice potential investors from abroad. (Alexander Villafania, Phil. Daily Inquirer)

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Here comes the roadtrain: Subic to launch cost-efficient trucking system via SCTEx

A trucking system popularly used in Argentina, Australia, Mexico, United States and Western Canada to efficiently transport bulky loads will soon be seen for the first time along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

Expected to hit the SCTEx in the fourth quarter this year, the so-called road train or “triples,” as it is known in the U.S. and Canada, will be introduced by the International Heavy Trucks Center (IHTC), a Subic-registered enterprise.

The roadtrain consists of a conventional tractor pulling not just one trailer, but two or three using a trailer truck dolly. A trailer dolly is a single-axled articulated fifth wheel that connects two or three trailers pulled by a tractor head.

IHTC said the use of the roadtrain at the SCTEx was arranged through continuous coordination with Philippine National Construction Corporation.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator Armand Arreza said that the use of trailer truck dollies via the SCTEx “will mean big savings and provide more efficient means of transporting goods between Clark and Subic.”

“We’re sure that the trailer dollies will attract not only more investors and port users in Subic and Clark Freeport zones, but also other importers and exporters from Central and Northern Luzon,” Arreza said.

He explained that the introduction of the trailer dolly would also lower freight cost because two or three more trailers can now be connected behind the main trailer.

Arthur delos Reyes, SBMA consultant for special projects and economic development, said the IHTC will initially be using two trailer dollies that are about 90-feet long each.

The trailer dollies are “very safe and road worthy,” he added.

“Being the first in the Philippines, this cost-saving mechanism is expected to encourage heavy port users in Central Luzon to use Subic, thus increasing shipments in the Freeport,” Reyes said.

Reyes also said that the new transport concept will be used only in the SCTEx, which connects the free ports of Clark and Subic, because the roads leading to the ports of Subic and Clark are wider and hardly have any traffic problem.

The truck dollies, however, cannot be used presently in the North Luzon Expressway or South Luzon Expressway, he added. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO:
The roadtrain, a cost-efficient trucking system expected to lower freight cost, will be introduced at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

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Hanjin Subic gets 10 ship orders from French container firm

CMA CGM Group, the world’s third-largest container line operator, has placed ship orders to South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin for 10 ships for Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction -Philippines (HHIC-Phil) in Subic.

CMA CGM has a total of 51 ships ordered from various South Korean shipyards for the 2009-2012 period.

CMA CGM is a leading client of South Korean yards and Hanjin has secured orders which will be constructed by its affiliate yard in the Philippines.

It currently operates 370 ships in 200 shipping lines around the world.

The firm is undergoing debt restructuring effort and has reached agreement on the establishment of a committee comprised of French, European and international banks including certain major financial institutions from Asia and the Republic of Korea.

The firm is addressing short and medium term financing requirements with a view of strengthening the capital structure to ensure its ongoing development.

In 2008, it moved the equivalent of 8.9 million 20-foot container units, generating revenue estimated at $15.1 billion.

Compared with the second half of 2008, the first half of 2009 saw record decreases in freight rates and shipment volumes on all main shipping lines around the world.

However, the level of activity began to improve again during the third quarter of this year and, so far this recovery is sustained in the fourth quarter.

The forecasted load factors and freight rates for the beginning of 2010 suggest a possible continuation of these recent positive trends.

CMA CGM will continue with the initiatives started during the course of 2009.

CMA CGM is aiming to reach an all-encompassing agreement with the help of the committee by the middle of November.

HHIC-Phil on the other hand said the continued construction of high value ships only show its positive performance amidst the economic meltdown.

The Subic Shipyard, one of the world’s Top 10 largest shipyards, is equipped with high technology shipbuilding facilities that include mega docks and goliath cranes that are used to build high technology, high value added ships.

At present, the Subic shipyard focuses on mega and large container carriers of 12,800 TEU or more, as well as tankers and bulk carriers and it no longer import ship components from Korea, as it embarks on building its own.

Lynette Dela Cruz, Seaport Department Strategic Planning Head of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said Hanjin Subic delivered the 5th vessel to an Egyptian firm in August. (Genivi Facto, Malaya)

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US forces deliver aid to flood victims

The United States said Monday its military forces were carrying out rescue missions, delivering aid and providing medical care for victims of the flooding in the Philippines.

"US forces are helping support rescue operations for victims of the flooding, as well as distributing essential relief supplies," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters. "They're providing medical treatment to flood victims," he added.

He said the US Agency for International Development set aside 1.8 million to help relief organizations deliver relief to the needy.

"The USS Tortuga and the USS Harpers Ferry are in Subic Bay right now and are providing support," Kelly said.

Bryan Whitman, a Pentagon spokesman quoted by Pacific Command, said nearly 450 US Marines and sailors posted in the Manila area delivered relief supplies, cleared roads, and provided basic medical care to residents over the weekend.

"More than 8,000 food packages have been delivered, and more than 1,400 Philippine residents have received medical care," according to the Pacific Command website. (Olongapo City News)

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Charges filed against Subic drug suspect

Manila - The Department of Justice (DoJ) has filed narcotics charges against Harry Yao, owner of a warehousing company in Subic Bay Freeport Zone which allegedly handled the illegal drug shipment of businessman Anthony Ang.

Acting Justice Secretary Agnes VST. Devanadera also ordered the reversal of an earlier resolution that cleared Mr. Ang’s associates, namely, Robert Lee, Anton S. Go, Rudy G. Chua, Cai Changcheng and Cai Wengcong.

In May 2008, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials intercepted a car driven by Mr. Ang, then the operations manager of Hualong, Inc. which is into transhipment.

Mr. Ang had claimed the boxes inside his car were computer components and asked that he be allowed to retrieve the documents for the cargo. He did not return and authorities later on found out the boxes contained high-grade methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.

Authorities also later on discovered hundreds of kilograms of shabu insideHualong’s warehouse. Ms. Devanadera said the respondents "have admittedly permitted respondent Ang to run the transhipment business and have acquiesced in or assented to his patently unlawful acts." (bworldonline.com)

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Solon bats for stronger SBMA, CDC

Bataan Rep. Abet S. Garcia is pushing for the enactment of a law strengthening and expanding the powers of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Clark Development Corp. (CDC) to allow them to further develop other Special Economic Zones in Luzon to optimize airports and seaports in Subic and in Manila.

Eldest son of Bataan Governor Enrique “Tet” Garcia, the bachelor solon said that “The State must be aggressive in taking advantage of the strategic infrastructure in Subic, Clark and Manila as international transportation hubs. The development of Special Economic Zones in the municipalities nearby, bordering the highway and railway and connected to the airports and seaports in Subic, Clark and Manila must be encouraged as this will bring jobs to the people and work to the workers and promote a rising standard of living and an improved quality of life for all. The development of these Special Economic Zones will embody a decentralized local government and private sector-led development..." (Mar T. Supnad, Manila Bulletin)

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Kenyan eyes Subic marathon defense

KENYAN RUNNER NELSON KIRWA Rotich leads the foreign charge when he defends his title in the 2nd Smart Subic International Marathon that starts at the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway and ends at Remy Field on Oct. 24 and 25 in Subic Bay, Olongapo City.

Rotich, who clocked 2 hours, 27 minutes and 11 seconds to nip Filipino Eduardo Buenavista (2:27:56) for the title last year, headlines a field expected to reach 10,000 that will negotiate a scenic route that will pass through Floridablanca, Pampanga.

Speaking at the PSA Forum on Tuesday, Subic marathon founder Gen. Sam Tucay (ret.) and race organizer Adi delos Reyes said that at least 30 Kenyan runners have confirmed their participation in the event, along with a slew of participants from the United States, Australia and China.

The marathon will veer away from the traditional early morning start with the race firing off at 4 p.m. on Oct. 24.

Apart from the regular 42K race, 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K events will be held simultaneously the following day.

More than P1.2 million in prize money will be at stake in the event with the men’s champion receiving $5,000, Delos Reyes said. (Phil. Daily Inquirer)

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