Russian, Indian GMs in three-way tie at Int'l Chess tilt in Subic

Three players remain unbeaten after the second round of the Philippine International Chess Championships held at the Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Russian grandmasters Anton Demchenko and Anton Shomoev and International Master Sunilduth Lyna Narayanan of India defeated their respective rivals to show the way in the second round of the tournament which has an averaged rating of 2434. Demchenko, one the champions in last year’s version of this twin events, stopped the Sicilian Scheveningen Keres Attack of Grandmaster Chakkravarthy Deepan of India in 60 moves while GM Shomoev beat our very own GM Eugene Torre in 79 moves of an Open Ruy Lopez as International Master Narayanan upset GM Lu Shanglei of China in 37 moves of a QGA.

The tournament is the first of two tournaments being organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and supported financially by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by its Chairman, the Honorable Ricardo R. Garcia in cooperation with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) headed by its President, the Honorable Jose S. Cojuangco, Jr.

The other erstwhile leaders after the first round were held to draws by determined opponents starting with top seed grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta of India, who was held to a draw by International Master Lin Chen of China in 42 moves of a King’s Indian Saemisch, second seed GM Alexander Zuvob of Ukraine drew with fellow GM Vitaly Sivuk also of Ukraine in 33 moves of a Slav Defense Exchange, third seed GM Pavel Smirnov of Russia also drew his game with GM Nguyen Doc Hua of Vietnam in 33 moves of a Gruenfeld Exchange, GM Mikhail Mozharov drew with GM Joey Antonio in a Caro Kann Advance variation, 6th seed GM Vladimir Belous of Russia beat GM Tigran Kotanjian of Armenia in 28 moves of an English Opening. They are bunched in second place with 1.5 points.

PHOTO:
(from left) GRANDMASTERS Anton Demchenko and Anton Shomoev of Russia, and Narayanan Sunilduth Layna of India

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Subic to host 2 big int’l chess tilts

BARELY two weeks after holding its national championship, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines this time goes international, as it hosts two international chess tournaments in the next two weeks at the Subic Bay Freeport.

First up is the Philippine International Chess Championship (Open and Challenger Divisions) which will be held starting Nov. 9 and will end Nov. 14.

This will be immediately followed by the Philippine Sports Commission-Puregold Chess Challenge (Open and Challenger Divisions) to be held Nov. 16 to 21.

Both tournaments will be held at the Subic Peninsular Hotel located inside the Freeport.

NCFP executive director GM Jayson Gonzales said he expects at least 15 full-pledged grandmasters from Europe and Asia to join the tournament who will pit wits against local talents led by newly-minted national champion GM Richard Bitoon.

Based on the tentative list in the NCFP website, the foreign contingent will be bannered by GMs Ivan Popov Ivan of Russia (Elo 2661), Alexander Zubov of Ukraine (2630), Abhijeet Gupta of India (2629), Pavel Smirnov of Russia (2617) Lu Shanglei of China, Anton Demchenko of Russia, Mikhail Mozharov, Boris Savchenko, Vladimir Belous and Antoni Shomoev, all Russia, Chen Lin of China and Tigran Kotanjian of Armenia.

“This tournament will give our young players a chance to improve their game and their ratings as well. This will also give our national and international masters, both men and women, to achieve their goals of making it to the next level,” Gonzales said.

Aside from Bitoon, also expected to see action in the twin tournaments are National Chess Championship runner-up GM Joey Antonio, third placer IM Haridas Pascua, last year's champion and Asia's first GM Eugene Torre and fellow GMs Oliver Barbosa, Mark Paragua and John Paul Gomez and several up-and-coming players led by Fide Master Joseph Mari Turqueza and Jerad Docena, IM Paulo Bersamina, among others.

The women's side will be bannered by WIM Janelle Mae Frayna, newly-crowned women's champion WFM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, WFM Shania Mae Mendoza and WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego. (Peopleś Tonight)

http://www.journal.com.ph/sports/other-sports/subic-to-host-2-big-int-l-chess-tilts

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DOT names Subic #1 CL tourist destination for 2nd time

This country’s premier free port was named as the region’s most visited tourist destination for the second time in a row.

Department of Tourism (DoT) regional director Ronaldo Tiotuico personally announced this on Monday as he graced the opening program organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in celebration of National Tourism Week.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the citation validates efforts by the Subic agency and its tourism stakeholders to “bring Subic to the next level.”

He said the SBMA has allotted some P800 million for capital expenditures this year. “And a huge chunk of this goes to the repair of service roads and drainage systems, improvement of parks and tourist facilities, as well as the renovation of the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center to ​make Subic a better place for a better experience,” Garcia added.

Tiotuico said that Subic obtained the highest number of local and foreign travelers in the entire Central Luzon region from 2013 to 2014 based on reports submitted by accommodation establishments in all the seven provinces and three economic zones in the region.

Tiotuico, who was the SBMA guest of honor for the Tourism Week launch, congratulated the officers and employees of SBMA for working hard to maintain the status of the Subic Freeport as the best tourist destination.

He also enjoined the SBMA and business locators in Subic to help push for the realization of the 2015 National Tourism Week theme of “One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities”​.​

Reacting to recognition as Central Luzon’s tourism bestseller, Chairman Garcia noted that in just the first eight months of 2015, tourist arrivals in Subic Freeport has already registered at 4.3 million, growing by 30% over the arrivals in the same period last year.

He also said that Subic had also earned the distinction of being “Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon” in 2012, a title that was also bestowed by the DoT.

Garcia added that he is confident that Subic would maintain the lead in attracting more tourists because of the natural and man-made attractions in the free port.

“Subic has everything,” said Garcia. “We have nature-themed parks, some of the best hotels, resorts​,​ and malls in this part of the country​;​ the place is accessible by land, sea and air​;​ and of course​,​ we have year-round activities to make tourists want to visit and stay in Subic.”

Garcia said that for the National Tourism Week celebration, SBMA has lined up full events like the Tourism Quiz Bee Challenge on Sept. 22; familiarization tour of theme parks every morning of the Tourism Week; and photo exhibits and lecture-discussions on various tourism topics (Sept. 22-23).

Other activities on schedule are bar​tending and flair-tending competitions (Sept. 23); body painting contest​,​ and street party (Sept. 25); 3rd IBP Fun Run (Sept. 26); and for the culminating event, an outreach program on Sept. 27 at the Subic Gym. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] Jobseekers inquire about available positions and apply with Subic-registered companies during a jobs fair held on Monday at the Harbor Point Mall in the Subic Bay Freeport as part of the 2015 National Tourism Week celebration. The activity echoes the Tourism Week theme “One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities.” (AED/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, flanked by photographers Jon Erick Dizon (left) and Dr. Dodi Dominado, opens the Wanderlust Travel Photography Exhibit at the Harbor Point Mall in the Subic Bay Freeport as part of the 2015 National Tourism Week celebration. With him are Region 3 Tourism Director Ronaldo Tiotuico (right, second row) and other event organizers. (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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Floating bookstore, library docks in Subic Bay

Logos Hope, the largest floating bookstore and library in the world, docked on Monday at the Riviera Pier in Subic Bay for a month-long stay.

MV Logos Hope, which is operated by a Good Books for All, a German Christian charitable organization, brings with her an expanded selection of over 5,000 books covering subjects ranging from science, sports, hobbies and family life, dictionaries, atlases and more.

The volunteer crew and staff numbering 400 people, representing more than 45 different countries, joined the organization and live on board for two years as volunteers.

The ship’s crew will be doing onshore and on-board activities featuring a“big” variety of cultures found across the world.

Special events such the Fun Night Cafe is scheduled on June 21 on-board the ship while the Board Game is on June 28, that will make the visitors enjoy the fellowship of crew members who will demonstrate games popular in the country where the crews came from.

Meanwhile, to celebrate Logos Hope return to Subic Bay, local artists were earlier invited to participate in the drawing contest featuring “what hope is” or Logos Hope and the Philippines. The winners will be announced at the International Night on June 12.

In addition, the Visitor Experience Deck will be available to the public, especially to the newcomers, giving them an opportunity to explore.

From the Welcome Area, the ship will be introduced to the visitors through a short movie and interactive displays which is said to have something for everyone.

The book ship will be opened to public starting June 9 until July 5 from Tuesdays to Saturdays (10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.) and from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. during Sundays.

There is an entrance fee of P20 per person, but children under 13 years old and senior citizens 60 years old and above are free. (Philippine News Agency)

PHOTO:
Logos Hope/Photo by Arne List from Kiel, Germany (Logos Hope DSC_6743 Uploaded by Trycatch) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

http://www.mb.com.ph/floating-bookstore-library-docks-in-subic-bay/

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Olympic slots up in Subic meet

Paratriathletes Sixto Ducay, Andy Avellana and Godfrey Taberna hope to secure Olympic berths when ASTC Asian ParaTriathlon Championships (APC) 2015 is held on Aug. 16 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Ducay (arm disability category), Avellana (above-knee amputee) and Taberna (below-knee disability) will be competing in their new PT (ParaTriathlon) classifications with other bets from around Asia.

Organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) under the supervision of the technical officials of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC), the event will have competitions for paratriathlon (750 meter swim – 18 Km bike – 5 Km run), Mixed Relay (350 M swim – 9 Km bike – 2.5 Km run) and Sprint (750 M swim – 18 Km bike – 5 Km run).

The race course starts at the Sands of Triboa and end at San Bernardino Street. This is the 3rd APC being held at Subic. The Olympic Games is set in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil next year.

At stake in the event, supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, ASTC, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Subic Travelers Hotel, SPEEDO, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Standard Insurance, DZSR Sports Radio 918, Channel 4’s TeleDyaryo Program, RaceDay, and SBR.ph.com, are medals for the top three finishers. (Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/olympic-slots-up-in-subic-meet/

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Coast Guard and auxiliary group hold Subic environment run

A helicopter flew overhead, raining down confetti on the assembled crowd as the fun run for a cause organized by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) kicked off on Saturday here.

Aiming to preserve the wellness of both the participants and the environment, the “Takbo Para sa Kaligtasan at Kalinisan ng Karagatan at Kalikasan” gathered close to 600 registered runners, both young and old, for the three kilometer-length categories — 10k, 5k, and 3k.

Philippine triathlete John Leerams Chicano led the first finishers in the 10k category, breaking the finish line with determination in his eyes. Chicano was followed by Christian Carl Denotua and Redgeth Linen for the second and third place, respectively.

In the 5k category, meanwhile, Clyde Supnet controlled the pace, trailed by Jimuel Patilan and Ruperto Dela Cruz Jr.

The 3k event was topped by Roel Bada, Rolly Innovero and Jason Villaruz for first, second, and third place, respectively.

All the top three finishers in each category received token cash and gift prizes. The third placers got P500 cash, second placers P750, and first placers P1,000.

The event was considered a success, as there were no losers — only runners who wanted to make a difference for the environment and for themselves.

Chicano, who was sick a week earlier, said he joined the run “to improve my health.”

A young boy echoed the motivation, saying “Para po makatulong sa kalikasan at upang makapag- ehersisyo na rin.”

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator Randy Escolango, who helped organize the event as commander of the PCGA in Subic, said all the proceeds from the fun run would go to the group’s environmental projects for the preservation of the seas and coast, including shore clean-up drives, sea protection awareness campaigns, and other related projects.

“Events like these are being encouraged by SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, because he wants to emphasize that Subic Bay Freeport can better maintain its reputation as a sports capital if we maintain a clean environment to better attract sports enthusiasts," Escolango added.

All the top 3 of each category received cash and gift prizes - P500 for third place, P750 for second place, and P1,000 for first place. (ADP/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Runners take part in “Takbo Para sa Kaligtasan at Kalinisan ng Karagatan at Kalikasan” organized by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary at the Remy Field in Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Saturday. The run aims to raise funds for the local PCGA chapter’s future shore clean-up drives, sea protection awareness campaigns and other related projects.

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Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 pageant launched in Subic Freeport

Twenty beautiful and fabulous mothers and married women from all over the country who took their chance to be part of one of the country’s biggest pageants, the Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015, were presented to the media on Wednesday at the Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport.

National pageant director Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo said that this year's pageant candidates who selected from numerous hopefuls, embody the real strength of a Filipina mother.

“They represent a Filipina mother who is not confined by stereotypical notions, but rather a strong and bold individual who can fulfill her responsibilities as a mother and wife without compromising her own dreams,” Quimpo said.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto lauded the organizers for choosing Subic Bay as venue of one of the prestigious beauty pageants in the country.

“Subic is home to many beautiful things—we have the people, environment, the flora and fauna, and history—all these make Subic the preferred tourist destination among the best in Central Luzon,” Garcia said.

The official further noted that because of Subic’s natural attractions, it has become the home of various events, including the Century Tuna 5i50 and Iron Man international triathlons, as well as regular industry spectacles like the Advertising Summit.

Founded in 1996, the Mrs. Philippines-Globe pageant is touted as one of the biggest international beauty contests for married women, mothers and single mothers, recognizing them as movers of society, and a symbol of inspiration and beauty through their achievements, life stories and charitable causes.

“Not only that, the pageant celebrates beauty, goodwill, and tourism awareness through pageantry and competition; but more importantly, it promotes and supports the admirable strength of mothers by giving them a chance to step up, to reinvent and unleash their greater versions, and to communicate the deeper strength of every woman,” Quimpo noted.

This year, Mrs. Philippines-Globe’s set of lovely candidates include: Victoria Harnisch, Joana Krisanta La Madrid, Maria Aishelle Hwang, Sherry Lou Villaseñor, Yolanda Llamas, Joann Rosales, Jhunie Grace Lagman, Carina Guevara, Almira Zapanta, Maria Engracia Maniago, Jonalyn Agustin, Ruby Liboon, Jennifer Umali, Marilou Weir, Estrella Bobruk, Roscel Tala, Joe Ann Smith, Alodia Solis, Mary Ann Ternora and Grace Albonia.

The winner of Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 will receive up to P200,000 worth of prizes. She will also represent the Philippines in the prestigious Mrs. Globe 2016 World Finals at Shenzhen, China in November 2015.

Aside from the title of Mrs. Philippines-Globe itself, the candidates will also vie for the coveted Woman of Substance title alongside other special awards such as Achievement of the Year, Charity or Advocacy of the Year, Best Talent of the Year, Career Woman of the Year, Most Beautiful Face, Darling of the Press, Entrepreneur of the Year, Mrs. Body Beautiful, Most Elegant Woman/Designer of the Year, Personality of the Year, Husband of the Year, Calchews Supermodel Mom and Solane Mother of the Year.

The Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 coronation night will take place on June 20, 2015 at the Subic Bay Convention Center. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Candidates vying for Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 were presented during the pageant's press launch (photo from Mrs. Philippines-Globe Facebook page)

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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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