Best Western Plus Hotel Subic signs ₱600-M expansion

 

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic has confirmed plans to expand its operations after signing the contract that will allow the construction of a new building beside the current hotel.

The expansion project was signed between the proponent, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and developer Simon & Stanley International Trading and Development Co. Inc.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Best Western Plus Hotel Subic Chairman and CEO Jaime “Jack” Uy led the contract signing for the expansion project at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building on March 31, 2026.

Architect Jayson Steffen Uy, Vice-president for Facility and Construction of Savers Group Holdings Inc. (SGHI), shared that the new  building will consist of 120 additional hotel rooms, several commercial spaces, a three-floor parking area, restaurants, and parks.

SGHI is the exclusive developer for Best Western in the Philippines as the conglomerate that owns and manages Best Western Plus Hotel Subic.

Uy added that the new building will be an extension of Best Western with infused committed investment worth P587,967,200.00.

“With the current need for more spaces, function halls, and rooms, we decided to expand our operations in Subic,” Uy added.

The official stated that the design phase should be finished either this year or next year while the construction should be able to commence as early as the first quarter of 2027.

“As for employees, the company intends to source its manpower requirements locally,” he further said.

Meanwhile, SBMA Director Ted Del Rosario, Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) Renato Lee III, SDA Ramon O. Agregado, and other agency officials were also present during the said contract signing ceremony.

Chairman Aliño welcomed the expansion project of Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, citing the growing need of hotels and establishments in Subic Bay Freeport. He added that aside from the company's committed investment, the agency also welcomes the job opportunities from the expansion project.

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic is the first internationally branded hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. It is a four-star property located on Dewey Avenue, providing easy access to major commercial hubs like Harbor Point Mall and SM City Olongapo. (MPD-SBMA) 

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DOT certifies 2 Subic Freeport hotels for passing Halal standard

The Department of Tourism-Region 3 (DOT3) has awarded two hotels here for passing the standard of a Halal-friendly hotel. 

DOT3 Regional Director Richard Daenos, together with SBMA Tourism Manager Mary Jamelle Camba, handed the certificates of recognition to representatives of The Aurora Subic Hotel and The Mansion Garden Hotel during the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) flag-raising ceremony at the administration building on December 22, 2025.

Aurora General Manager Rhett M. Villaruz and Mansion Garden Hotel Operations Manager Sheanelle F. Calayag received the certificates for their compliance with the requirements of DOT Memorandum Circular 2024-003, which provides the Amended Guidelines for Recognizing Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs). 

A Muslim-friendly accommodation offers prayer facilities (Qibla direction, mats, and prayer rooms), Halal food options (certified kitchens/ meals), and amenities such as water-friendly toilets and culturally sensitive staff training from official certifying bodies, including CrescentRating and local tourism departments.

Camba cited that the award is a testament to the capabilities of hotel establishments here in handling the various needs of tourists from different religious affiliations, adding that Freeport is a viable tourist destination for clientele from diverse cultures and beliefs.

She added that certain key features required by the DOT in Muslim-friendly establishments include dedicated prayer rooms, Qibla direction markers in rooms, prayer mats (Sejjadah), Quran available, Islamic TV channels, Halal-certified kitchens with separate utensils, and Halal minibar options, or menus clearly marking Halal dishes. 

She also mentioned that Megaworld Hotels & Resorts was also certified under this guideline.

Other features include water-friendly toilets (bidet sprays/ water source for ablution/ Wudu), and staff trained in Muslim customs, availability of nearby mosque information, and culturally sensitive service. (MPD-SBMA)

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$300M convention resort, casino launched in Subic Freeport

Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino, Inc., a $300-million integrated complex was launched on Thursday to further boost the tourism industry here. 

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, Accor International Group is set to construct a world-class integrated leisure and convention center. 

 

“In a couple of years, the Ibis Styles and Mercure Hotels, which is affiliated with the Accor International Group, will be operating a world class integrated leisure and convention center in Subic Bay, which will be the very first integrated resort casino and hotel complex in the freeport,” Aliño said during the launch. 

 

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Subic International Hotel, Bravo Building Compound, which would soon become the Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino Inc. 

 

According to Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino Inc. Chairman and President Pablo Edgardo T. Puyat, “The operations are anticipated to begin in 2025, following the commencement of our $300 million investment commitment.”

 

“Both the Ibis Styles Subic and Mercure Subic are in the company’s economy and midscale segments, respectively. Ibis Styles Subic is set to open in 2026 and is the first internationally branded hotel in Subic,” he said. Ibis Styles Subic will offer 175 rooms and will feature amenities such as a swimming pool, meeting space, and a gym.

 

Ibis Styles is an economy hotel brand focused on in-style stays while the Mercure is a French midscale hotel brand, with both brands owned by ACCOR International Group. The Ibis Styles and Mercure Hotels are just part of the initial phase of the project.

 

Mercure Subic, also set to open in 2026, will offer 250 rooms and be the second internationally branded hotel in the area. It is located adjacent to Ibis Styles Subic. 

 

Puyat added, “A world-class integrated leisure and convention center will be constructed in progressive phases, encompassing a six-hectare property that will feature an integrated resort casino complex and five-star resort hotels.”

 

He said that aside from the convention center/ exhibition hall, the area will also have duty-free shops, dormitels, carpark, hotel and recreation center, Americana complex, Americana seaside clubhouse, American country club and the New Dragon Restaurant. 

 

Meanwhile, Chairman Aliño also remarked that with the additional facilities inside the Freeport, more tourists will now have hotels to stay in, since hotels inside Subic Bay Freeport are fully-booked even months before the start of the peak season. “It provides them with an alternative lodging inside the Freeport,” he added.

 

Accor is a French multinational hospitality company that owns, manages and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties. It is the largest hospitality company in Europe, and the sixth largest hospitality company worldwide.

 

Accor operates 5,584 locations in over 110 countries. Its total capacity is approximately 821,518 rooms (end 2023). It owns and operates brands in many segments of hospitality: Luxury (Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel), premium (MGallery, Pullman, Swissôtel), midscale (Novotel, Mercure, Adagio), and economy (ibis, hotelF1). Accor also owns companies specialized in digital hospitality and event organization, such as onefinestay, D-Edge, ResDiary, John Paul, Potel & Chabot and Wojo.

 

The company is headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, and is a constituent of the CAC Next 20 index on the Paris stock exchange. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic ensures visitor safety with strict hotel protocols

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now enforcing stricter safety protocols to ensure the health and safety of visitors to the Subic Bay Freeport amid the recent surge in Covid-19 infections.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said hotels and accommodation facilities here will now require guests to present negative results for Covid-19 antigen tests taken in the past 24 hours or RT-PCR tests released 48 hours prior to check-in.

The new requirement was made effective Monday, January 24, following Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) guidelines placing the surrounding areas of Zambales, Olongapo City, and Bataan under Alert Level 3 on January 6, Eisma said.

“While interzonal travel is allowed under Alert Level 3, we want to take the extra step in ensuring the health and safety of, not only our visitors in the Freeport, but also our local businesses, workers, and stakeholders,” Eisma said.

She added that the SBMA is also checking for vaccination cards among visitors entering the Freeport and required negative RT-PCR test results for the unvaccinated.  

Previous Alert Level 3 guidelines from the IATF did not require antigen or RT-PCR tests for interzonal travel except when required by establishments or event organizers. “However, because of the recent surge in Covid-19 infections, there is a need for us to enforce stricter measures for the sake of both visitors and locals, and to keep Subic businesses going,” Eisma stressed.

Recently, Olongapo City, which provides most of the workers in the Subic Bay Freeport, was named as one of the cities with the highest rate of Covid-19 infections. The Subic Freeport, meanwhile, logged 78 active cases for SBFZ residents and 17 for Freeport transient workers and guests as of January 18.

“This is why we have to be more vigilant, and why we should not relax our guard,” Eisma explained.

Along with the hotel requirements, the SBMA also reminded Subic business locators and stakeholders to report possible cases of Covid-19 to the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department, pointing out that failure to do so shall be grounds for the cancellation of their certificates of registration.

Eisma said that under Republic Act 11332, or the “Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act,” persons and entities who will not report Covid-19 cases or respond to Covid-19 health events may be fined from P20,000 to P50,000.

Business establishments in the Freeport were also required to announce to the public if they have been temporarily closed because of any recently confirmed Covid-19 case in their premises, she added.

Eisma said that both the SBMA and neighboring local government units have been increasing their target vaccinations and booster rollout to keep Covid-19 cases low and not overwhelm the healthcare system. “As the SBMA and neighbor-LGUs have proven well in the past, we are stronger together in every common undertaking,” she said.

She added that while the SBMA is not an LGU, it has initiated a vaccine drive primarily for Freeport employees, health workers, and residents. “At the end of the day, we can only beat Covid-19 if we practice malasakit and help each other,” she said.

The Subic chief also reminded the general public that while restrictions are in place, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone is still very much open to everyone and will continue to be the premier business hub in this part of the country.

“As long as we follow the minimum health and safety standards like always wearing mask, keeping safe distance, frequent handwashing or disinfection, and, of course, getting vaccinated, we will get over this new surge as we have had before,” Eisma said. (MPD-SBMA)

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OFW repatriation program yields P96-M income for Subic hotels

The government’s repatriation program for distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) has generated about P96 million in income for hotels and accommodation facilities in the Subic Bay area in the last two months, boosting the local tourism industry despite travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the new revenue stream comes from room charges for the mandatory quarantine of OFWs and other returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) who are brought home via the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA).  

The hotel charges are paid for by the national government under the Repatriation Assistance Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Eisma said more than 4,300 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been repatriated through the SBIA ever since the Philippine Airlines (PAL) used Subic as alternate gateway for the repatriation program early last July.

She said 17 OFW flights had arrived in Subic since July, with at least 180 and up to more than 300 passengers per aircraft. While some flights had been diverted to Clark, the arriving passengers were all quarantined here in Subic.

Most of the passengers were land-based workers from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while some came from Macau. A few arrived with their dependents.

“At around P2,600 per OFW per day, and with the quarantine period ranging from seven to 10 days, hotels earn at least P18,200 or at most P26,000 for each arriving OFW. The more than 4,300 OFWs who have arrived in Subic under the repatriation program therefore translates to about P96 million in total hotel earnings for two months,” Eisma said.

The SBMA chief added that the OFW repatriation program “has been good for local hotels, which have been lacking customers since the pandemic began in March last year.”

“We are also happy to be able to help speed up the government’s repatriation program,” Eisma added.

According to the SBMA Tourism Department, a total of 23 hotels and accommodation facilities with combined capacity of close to a thousand rooms have signed up for the quarantine hotel program. Nineteen of these are in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and four are in Olongapo City.

Eisma said the SBMA is encouraging more local hotels to sign up with the Department of Tourism for accreditation in the program.

The OFWs are billeted in the local hotels based on availability of rooms. With the latest PAL flights to Subic this month for example, eight Subic Freeport hotels booked a total of 197 passengers while two Olongapo hotels got 137 arrivals on August 12.

On August 20, meanwhile, 189 arriving passengers were accommodated in nine Subic hotels, while an Olongapo hotel billeted 41.

As of August 15, the OWWA said it had repatriated 651,641 pandemic-affected OFWs since the government started the Covid-19 repatriation program in March last year. A total of 391,709 OFWs returned home last year, while 259,932 were brought back to the country this year.

Recently, the OWWA said it needed P7.5 billion more to augment its funds for the repatriation program that it expects to carry out at a rate of 2,000 OFWs each day until the end of this year. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA temporarily opens Subic hotels to returning OFWs

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has opened several hotels here for the temporary accommodation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were brought home under the government’s emergency repatriation program.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said close to 400 OFWs were given temporary lodgings in quarantine hotels here since Sunday when Typhoon Rolly threatened Metro Manila and parts of Central Luzon with violent winds and heavy rain.

“We took them in for humanitarian reasons—and subject to strict health protocols— because there was a storm coming and our kababayans would be trapped at the Clark airport otherwise,” Eisma explained.

She said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), which is bringing about half a million OFWs back to the country, made a frantic call for help as hotels in Clark Freeport and Pampanga that were accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) for such purpose were already full.

Eisma added that she requested clearance from local government units (LGUs) near Subic and they had agreed to take the OFWs in. The returning OFWs were swabbed at Clark airport before being brought to Subic quarantine hotels, she said.

According to the SBMA Tourism Department, a total of 104 OFWs arrived here on Nov. 1 and were billeted at various hotels accredited by the SBMA and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) to take in OFWs and returning seafarers under the government’s crew-change program.

Of these OFWs in the first batch, 20 are already scheduled for transport to their respective homes after their RT-PCR tests had turned out negative, said SBMA tourism manager Jem Camba.

Another batch of OFWs consisting of 273 workers arrived here the following day, Nov. 2, after a similar request from the OWWA Region 3 office.

Camba said the repatriated OFWs were brought to accredited accommodation establishments like the Bayfront Hotel, Best Western Hotel Subic, Camayan Beach Resort, Horizon Hotel, Le Charme Suites, Mansion Garden Hotel, Segara Residencias, Subic International Hotel, Subic Bay Venezia Hotel, Terrace Hotel, Travelers Hotel, and Vista Marina.

The 13 hotels have a total of 528 rooms available for OFWs on quarantine.

Following the arrival here of repatriated OFWs during Typhoon Rolly, Eisma said the SBMA will consult with neighboring LGUs if they would agree to continue with the program.

“I’d be inviting representatives from the LGUs, OWWA, the Task Group on the Management of Returning Overseas Filipinos, and owners of Subic hotels and other stakeholders to a meeting so that we can finally decide the matter,” she added.

Eisma said that in a previous meeting, the SBMA had agreed to a request from LGUs to provide them with a list of workers from their communities who will work in quarantine hotels, so that proper Covid-19 precautions could be taken.

The SBMA further ordered participating hotels to house on-duty staff and to quarantine them after each two-week work schedule, she added.

“We will be taking all necessary health safety measures just like we did for the repatriation of Filipino seafarers under the crew-change program,” Eisma said, referring to the government initiative that was implemented here starting Sept. 10 after the LGUs gave their consent to the project. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA takes over hotel for Covid-19 isolation

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) took over a six-storey hotel building here in the Subic Bay Freeport for use as additional care and isolation facility in the fight against the new coronavirus (Covid-19).

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma inspected the former Leciel Hotel here on Monday following its turnover on a temporary agreement with the Philippine Veterans Bank, which controls the property.

Eisma said the hotel has 81 rooms, mostly with their own toilet, bath and kitchen, which can be converted into care and isolation rooms. Utility companies here also restored power and water supplies to the hotel on Monday at the behest of the SBMA.

“We don’t want to be caught unprepared in case more patients of Covid-19 turn up. We must be ready for any eventuality because in a pandemic situation we should expect the normal health care system to be overwhelmed,” Eisma explained.

“We pray that eventually this won’t have to be used, but right now our duty is to find all means possible to be able to respond to this health emergency,” she added.

Aside from Leciel Hotel, the SBMA is converting the Subic Gym into a care and isolation facility for PUIs with mild to moderate symptoms. This will enable the Baypointe Hospital and Medical Center in the Subic Freeport to serve PUIs with severe symptoms, those with comorbidities or existing medical conditions, and COVID-19 positive patients, Eisma said.

Baypointe, which is just two blocks away from Leciel Hotel, has a limited room capacity, and has admitted several PUIs from various Zambales towns and the nearby Olongapo City.

“With increased capacity, we will be able to provide for the needs of the local Freeport population and, should the need arise, to accommodate as well referrals by the Department of Health (DOH) from other areas.” Eisma explained. She added that under government protocol, the DOH can assign and apportion PUIs among different hospitals in order to manage overall capacity.

The SBMA chief said that as early as last month, the Subic agency has been eyeing the former Hanjin condominium at Subic’s Naval Magazine area for conversion into an isolation facility, but said venue was scrapped because it was too far.

As care and isolation facilities, both Leciel Hotel and the Subic Gym will be under the supervision of experts from the DOH-Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) and Baypointe Hospital, Eisma said.

At the same time, the SBMA chief revealed that the Subic agency is exploring ways to outsource a complete diagnostics Covid-19 test system from South Korea. This will allow the SBMA to operate a remote dedicated center for Covid-19 tests in partnership with a DOH-accredited public laboratory or testing center.

“The overall plan for the SBFZ response is to strengthen local capacity to hunker down and withstand the worst, which is the possibility of a surge in local infections—while, at the same time, instituting tougher measures to suppress the virus and deprive its means of acquiring more targets,” Eisma said.

“It’s essentially a combination of defensive and offensive measures that presuppose a community that strictly observes quarantine and social distancing as the first line of defense, and then backed by a capable and reliable health care system,” she added.

Eisma also said that effective April 1, Subic Bay Freeport residents who shall exit the Freeport shall be required to surrender their SBMA ID and Quarantine Pass, thereby preventing their re-entry into the SBFZ. This is designed to prevent residents from freely moving in and out of the zone, which is a violation of the Luzon-wide quarantine declared by Malacañang, she added. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma inspects the six-story former Leciel Hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport, which will be converted temporarily into a care and isolation facility for Covid-19 patients.

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Subic Bay Freeport records first PUI for Covid-19

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) reported on Friday night that a patient under investigation (PUI) for possible coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is confined in an isolation facility at the Baypointe Hospital and Medical Center complex here.

The information said the PUI is a foreign national with a recent history of travel to the United Kingdom and is exhibiting such symptoms as fever, cough, colds, and diarrhea.

The SBMA Public Health and Safety Department is coordinating with concerned parties, including Le Charme Hotel where the patient had checked in, for contact-tracing.

Le Charme said it has arranged for the disinfection of its property and the isolation of personnel who have had contact with the patient.

The SBMA noted that monitoring of the PUI continues. In case of a confirmed Covid-19 case, the patient will be transferred to the Jose B. Lingad Hospital in Pampanga or any referral hospital to be recommended by the Bureau of Quarantine.

“Everybody is advised to take precautionary measures, especially social distancing, and personal hygiene to protect us against the coronavirus disease. Let us keep the Subic Bay Freeport safe,” SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma said in a statement.

To ensure public safety within the freeport, Eisma said the SBMA has adopted various measures to contain the possible spread of the highly contagious disease.

These include the cancellation of all events scheduled in March in all SBMA-owned facilities, strict enforcement of border controls, and the implementation of a four-day work-week.

She also said the SBMA has adopted a one-door policy in all its buildings to ensure enforcement of protocols on sanitation and screening of symptoms and the online submission by clients of all documentary requirements instead of paper submissions.

“We urge everybody to take all necessary actions to guard against the spread of Covid-19 in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Let us observe health safety practices, proper hygiene, and the one-meter social distancing rule,” Eisma added. (Ruben Veloria, PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096598

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Subic Bay Yacht Club Christmas Display (photos)

Crowds gather at the Subic Bay Yacht Club frontage after Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma “Amy” T. Eisma switched on the SBYC Christmas Trees display on Tuesday night.

The lights display, which has a carnival theme this year, is an annual holiday project of SBYC employees with the support of some sponsors.

Crowds gather at the Subic Bay Yacht Club frontage after Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma “Amy” T. Eisma switched on the SBYC Christmas Trees display on Tuesday night.

MPD-SBMA

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Wyndham Group eyes first 5-star hotel in Subic Freeport

Wyndham Hotel Group, one of the biggest hotel chains in the world, will be establishing a five-star hotel here, committing P5 billion for a leisure complex near Subic’s popular seafront event Boardwalk Park.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said this marks the first time that a five-star hotel will be set up in Subic, 26 years after the former military base was converted into a special economic and free port zone.

She said the Wyndham Group is set to construct, develop, manage and operate the Citic Hotels and Leisures Corp. here, taking a 10,517-square meter seafront location at Subic’s Central Business District.

“I am sure that this branded hotel project will raise the bar for the Subic Bay Freeport and put it among the best tourist destinations in the Southeast Asian region,” Eisma added.

Wyndham Hotel, which is reputed to be the world's largest and most diverse hotel company, has approximately 8,000 hotels with more than 600,000 rooms in 66 countries under 15 hotel brands.

In the Philippines, the hotel group operates the Days Hotel and Microtel chains across the country, as well as the Ramada and TRYP hotels in Manila.

According to SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Kenneth Rementilla, Wyndham has committed P5 billion to build a 14-storey five-star hotel with from 300 to 400 rooms within three years.

The hotel building would house restaurants, entertainment, leisure and events management facilities, including ballroom and convention hall.

The hotel will be built in a 6,310-sqm area within the 10,517-sqm open space opposite Subic’s Boardwalk Park and Event Center.

Apart from this, the proponent has also committed to develop a 4,207-sqm area for the operation of a Subic-Manila ferry service in another open space to be developed for public use.

The firm also pledged to develop an amphitheatre and a public park with commercial stalls in the next two years.

According to SBMA figures, hotel occupancy rate in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone increased by two percent to 67.24% in 2017 compared to 65.83% in 2016.

The SBMA Tourism Department attributed the growth to increased tourist arrivals from the rising number of conferences and sporting events being held in Subic. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

Citic President Chi Jian Li and SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma sign a contract for the construction of a 5-star hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport. Witnessing the signing are (from left): Citic staff Atty. Edward S. Ong, Edmond Lee, Ma. Agnes Marixie San Diego, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business Kenneth Rementilla, and SBMA Chief of Staff Vicente Evidente.(AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Taiwan firm unveils P2-B Subic seafront condo project

A Taiwanese construction company will be building a luxury beachfront condominium complex at Triboa Bay in this free port, eyeing the growing expatriate business community in the economic zones of Subic, Clark and Bataan as target market.

MSK Group Work Inc., which is into construction and subleasing of warehouses and factories, will construct the Triboa Majestic Bay Residences project near the APEC Villas, the site of the 1996 summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation nations. The project is set for completion in two years.

MSK has initially taken over the former APEC Villas clubhouse and used it as venue for the project launch last Saturday, October 14. The clubhouse will form an integral part of the beachfront condominium complex.

According to company spokesman Kelly Uy, the firm has committed an investment of P2 billion for the project and will be selling the property to the A and B-class market, specifically Asian expatriates and other foreign nationals.

The firm will be offering competitive prices for the 157 condominium units which will all be facing the Triboa Bay, Uy also said.

In the same occasion, Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin, representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, noted that the proposed Triboa Majestic Bay Residences has “good timing,” as it coincides with the New Southbound Policy of Taiwan, which calls for greater economic and cultural ties with Southeast Asian countries.

The Taiwanese official also pointed out that Taiwan was the first country to invest in the Subic Bay Freeport, with a total of 52 Taiwanese companies now operating in the Subic Bay area.

Meanwhile, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Director Stefani Saño , who also graced the project launch, congratulated the investors for their confidence in the Subic Bay Freeport and assured them of full support from the SBMA.

SBMA OIC-Deputy Administrator for Business Kenneth Rementilla also pointed out that the MSK project would likely succeed because Subic is now the biggest free port in the country and is home to more than 1,500 companies with total investments of $10 billion.

The Triboa Majestic Bay Residences project is the first foray of MSK Group Work into residential properties. Officials said the firm will build a “personalized palatial home by the sea,” some of which will feature in-suite sky garage, a first in the country.

Aside from condominium units, MSK will also build public facilities like a 5,000-squre meter atrium garden, basement parking spaces, outdoor swimming pools, business center, conference room, shops and restaurant, library, playroom, gym, yoga room, and multimedia room.

The MSK Group, which is headed by brothers Michael, Simon and Kevin Su, has earlier committed P350 million to expand its warehouse and factory subleasing operations in the Clark Freeport Zone. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

Michael Su of MSK Group Work Inc. (4th from right) and guests give the thumbs-up sign after viewing a scale model of the proposed Triboa Majestic Bay Residences project to be located in the Subic Bay Freeport. With him are former SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (5th from right), SBMA DA for Seaport Rani Cruz, SBMA Director Stefani Saño, and SBMA OIC-DA for Business Group Kenneth Rementilla. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Ombudsman clears SBMA officials in hotel takeover case

The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed criminal complaints filed against current and former officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and other private individuals in connection with the takeover of the management of a hotel in this free port.

Upon the recommendation of Zarnette Sanceda, graft investigation and prosecution officer, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the dismissal of criminal complaints filed by the Subic-based company Freeport Elite Resort, Inc. (FERI) against former SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, former SBMA Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Randy Escolango, former SBMA Legal Department manager Von Rodriguez, former SBMA Law Enforcement Department chief Orlando Maddela, and current SBMA Deputy Administrator for Administration Ruel John Kabigting.

Also cleared by the Ombudsman were Kang Il Chan, Choi Byung Kyu, Benito Natividad, Luis Umali, Jun Gallardo, Leonardo Subiela, Leonardo Bernardo, and several John Does, all of FERI, which owns and operates Ocean Hotel, now known as Leciel Hotel, at the Subic Light Commercial and Industrial Park.

SBMA Chairperson and Administrator Wilma Eisma welcomed the decision of the Ombudsman, saying it only proved that the Subic agency officials “were acting in the interest of fairness for all Subic business locators and investors.”

“We have no authority to intervene in the internal affairs of companies. However, we have the obligation to maintain peace and order in the Freeport,” Eisma pointed out.

The case stemmed from a management dispute in 2015 between two groups of investors seeking control of the then Ocean Hotel.

Sometime in 2015, Kang Il Chan, who was a majority stockholder of FERI, filed a petition before the Regional Trial Court Branch 72 in Olongapo City for accounting and inspection of financial and transfer records, and for the annulment of one Cho Chan Choon’s subscription payments for using company funds.

The court on March 16, 2015, rendered a decision in favor of Kang, whose group later took management control of the hotel.

The decision of the RTC, prompted FERI director Jo Kwang Rae to file before the Office of the Ombudsman complaints against SBMA officials and Kang’s group, who allegedly conspired for the hotel takeover. The complaint was for violation of the Revised Penal Code, specifically Articles 177 (2), or usurpation of authority of official functions, and 286, or grave coercion.

However, the Ombudsman dismissed the complaint, pointing out that the complainant’s allegation of conspiracy between SBMA officials and Kwang’s group does not establish it as a fact since the statements of the witnesses presented by Cho were not sufficient to establish the existence of conspiracy, but were devoid of details.

The Ombudsman also found no substantial evidence to hold the SBMA officials administratively liable since the presence of the respondents at the hotel during the stand-off was only to mediate between the warring factions.

Moreover, the Ombudsman ruled out that FERI guards at the hotel who were under direction of the complainant were from unaccredited agency and did not possess licenses to carry firearms, hence the presence of SBMA police at the premises of the hotel was justifiable to “prevent tension between the warring factions from escalating into an all-out violence.”

Lastly, the ruling declared that the recognition by SBMA officials of Kang’s group as the majority shareholders, and their election of new set of board of directors and officers of FERI, did not constitute usurpation of authority or grave abuse of authority, “as they never employed fraud, pretense or misinterpretation in their actions, (nor acted) with cruelty, severity or excessive use of authority.” (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: 

Leciel Hotel is located at Subic’s Central Business District and offers venues for trainings and especial events, as well as fitness center, sauna, and spa. 

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P3.6-B golf course-leisure park to rise in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has approved the proposal of a Korean-led company for the development of a P3.6-billion golf course and hotel and leisure facilities complex in the Subic Bay Freeport.

SBMA Administrator and CEO Wilma Eisma on Tuesday signed a 20-page lease and development agreement for the project, along with Suyong Kim, president of the proponent-company DMLeisure Corp.

Eisma said the proposed leisure complex that will be built in a 200-hectare portion of the Tipo Area here is expected to further boost eco-tourism in Subic, bolster investment, and increase livelihood opportunities in the area.

“We expect it to be another grand tourist destination in the region, another magnet for more down-line businesses and employment, as well as another distinctive landmark for the evolving Subic Freeport Zone,” Eisma said.

She noted that the project will be most accessible because it is to be located near the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and would be about a two-hour drive from Manila via the North Luzon Expressway, and about 45 minutes from the Clark Freeport via SCTEx.

According to the approved project proposal, DMLeisure Corp. will infuse a minimum investment of P3.6 billion, of which P2.6 billion would be allotted as development commitment. The project is scheduled to be completed in three phases within an eight-year period or in 2025.

For the first phase, the company will build an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse in a 120-hectare area. This will be finished within two years, or by 2019.

On the third year, DMLeisure Corp. will start the second phase of the project with the construction of hotel villas and commercial complex in a 67-hectare area. This phase is expected to be finished before the end of 2022.

The last stage of the project will be the construction of indoor and outdoor water theme parks, other tourism and leisure facilities, as well as condominium units within a 13-hectare area. The final phase is expected to be operating by 2025.

Another bit of good news for local residents, Eisma said, is DMLeisure’s commitment to generate a significant number of jobs. She said the company will be needing about 1,000 workers during the construction period and, upon project completion, will also be hiring a minimum of 1,000 employees for its various operations.

“DMLeisure is among the positive results of our intensified marketing and promotion campaign to convince investors and business communities from our neighbor countries to invest in Subic,” said Eisma, who recently spoke in Philippine investment roadshows in Taiwan and Australia.

Eisma said that with the entry of more investors, the SBMA will be working with the surrounding local government units (LGUs) to start developing light industrial parks and tourism and commercial areas, as demands for bigger spaces rise along with the influx of investments.

The SBMA official said that the new investment areas to be created within the nearby communities will become an extension of the Subic Bay Freeport as stipulated under Executive Order 675, which took effect in November 2007. This allowed LGUs, through the approval of the local council, to declare any part of their jurisdiction as additional secured area of the Subic Bay Special Economic and Freeport Zone (SSEFPZ) which shall be organized, administered, managed and operated directly by the SBMA. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA administrator and CEO Wilma Eisma and DMLeisure president Suyong Kim (second from left) sign a lease and development agreement for a P3.6-billion leisure development project in the Subic Bay Freeport. Signing as witnesses are a senior DMLeisure official and SBMA director Tomas Lahom III (right). (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay opens new wave pool

A newest attraction was opened here last Saturday, giving tourists another reason to spend their vacation in this premier Freeport.

The Moonbay Marina Waterpark was opened with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Martin Diño and Administrator Wilma Eisma cutting the ceremonial ribbon with Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino and other SBMA officials.

Eisma said this new addition to the many tourist spots at the Freeport is geared towards making this area Luzon’s No. 1 tourism site, especially during the summer season. At present, the Subic Bay Freeport ranks as the top tourist destination in Central Luzon.

Moonbay Marina Waterpark’s General Manager Edward Fernandez said that aside from the 3,000 square meter wave pool, the attraction also boasts of a raging river, and 45 big and small cabanas.

Aside from the facilities, the waterpark also houses local and known food stands, its very own food kiosk called the Garden Grill and a full service restaurant, the Captain A,” said Fernandez, adding that their aim is to give the best summer experience possible to visitors. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:

FAMILY DAY IN SUBIC BAY — A mother takes photos of her kids, capturing their fun moments for sharing in social media, during their visit at the Moonbay Marina Waterpark in Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/04/10/subic-bay-opens-new-wave-pool/

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Chinese firm eager to invest in tourism ventures in Subic

A CHINESE firm is keen on investing in the Philippines, following the thawing of previously icy diplomatic ties between Manila and Beijing.

In a news statement, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Bai Fan, CFO of the Beijing Tourism Group Co. Ltd. (BTG), expressed the company’s intent to invest in the Subic Bay free-port zone.

“Subic has many beautiful types of scenery and has a lot of potential to the market, and it is also close to Manila. I think this is the best time to invest in the Philippines, since you have good relationship with China,” Fan said. The DOT did not say, however, in what area of the tourism industry BTG intends to sink in its money.

The new Chinese investment was revealed on the heels of an agreement signed between the DOT and the China National Tourism Administration of Beijing to implement a tourism cooperation program from 2017 to 2022. The agreement includes, among others, a framework to encourage investments in tourism infrastructure, and a scheme to increase tourism traffic in both countries.

BTG is a holding firm based in Beijing that operates hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and other tourism-related enterprises, as well as catering, entertainment, department stores and shopping malls, through several subsidiaries.

According to its web site, the company was founded in 1998 and, since then, has grown to be one of China’s top 10 tourism companies, and ranks among the country’s top 500 firms. A budget hotel subsidiary, the Home Inns Group, is listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange in New York.

BTG was among the Chinese companies that met with Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo on Thursday. The DOT chief was part of the official delegation of President Duterte on his first state visit to China. In their meeting, Teo highlighted investment opportunities in the Philippines’s fast-growing tourism sector, especially in the hotel sector. She said the Philippines would also welcome Chinese investments in infrastructure and aviation.

Teo pointed out that the Philippines will need over 100,000 rooms, especially in the four- and five-star categories, as the DOT targets to increase tourist arrivals to 12 million by the end of President Duterte’s term in 2022.

“We encourage you to invest in the Philippines now, as our country and China strengthen our bilateral trade and business relations,” she said, adding that the Philippines “enjoys the highest growth rate in international arrivals in Southeast Asia.”

In the same meeting, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) Chief Operating Officer lawyer Guiller Asido discussed fiscal incentives available to tourism zone investors.

“We are offering a tax holiday for six years to investors, as well as tax exemption on equipment that you will bring in,” he said. Formerly known as the Philippine Tourism Authority, Tieza is a unit of the DOT tasked to “develop, manage and supervise tourism-infrastructure projects in the country,” as well as set up tourism economic zones.

The DOT secretary also encouraged the Chinese investors to consider other destinations in the Philippines, such as Samal Island in Davao; Bataan; Bohol; and Siargao in Surigao del Norte.

The Asean is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The regional group has a free-trade agreement with China, which was signed in November 2002. (Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo, BusinessMirror)

In Photo:
Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo (center) with members of the Philippine delegation, which includes Tourism Assistant Secretary Rolando Canizal (first from left, standing), and TIEZA’s Guiller Asido (right, seated), with key Chinese investors. (BusinessMirror)


Read More: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/chinese-firm-eager-to-invest-in-tourism-ventures-in-subic/

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Firm turning abandoned Subic hotel-casino into BPO, support center for online gaming

After a decade of neglect, the former Legenda Hotel and Casino here is now being transformed by an online-gaming company into an offshore support facility.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said the once-popular Subic attraction for high-rollers has been taken over by Tele Empire, a company that will engage in business-process outsourcing (BPO) and support services for online gaming.

The Legenda Hotel and Casino in Subic Bay in its glory days

The new operator will pay rent for the whole property at an appraised value of P3.6 million a month, Garcia said.

“We got a very good deal here because for a long time, the Legenda Hotel has been a huge eyesore right in the middle of Subic’s business district,” Garcia said in a recent media briefing.

“Now we’re getting rid of this eyesore and getting good money for it, at the same time,” he said.

The former haven for high-rollers sits on one whole block of prime land along the Waterfront Road, right next to Building 229, which houses the main offices of the SBMA.

The Malaysian-owned Legend International Resorts Ltd. Co. (LIRL) started operating the casino-hotel in 1993 with a $130-million investment.

However, the state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) padlocked the Legenda casino in May 2006 for nonpayment of arrears amounting to P365 million.

The LIRL claimed its casino has been operating at a net loss, but Pagcor said its special audit team discovered Legenda was charging expenses in its non-casino operations to its casino operation.

The SBMA has worked on a debt-restructuring scheme with the LIRL management, but the firm did not comply with it, thus, ending up with unpaid obligations to the SBMA amounting to P850 million, records indicated.

After the last employees left in 2009, the hotel building was left to the elements. Last year its derelict façade became the backdrop of a Halloween costume-show organized by SBMA employees.

As of now, the new operator has stripped the facility bare of the furniture and fixtures that remained in the abandoned building.

“It’s already being repaired,” Garcia said.

The SBMA official said while the new operator will provide support services for online gaming, no actual gambling will be done at the Subic premises.

“I will not allow it,” Garcia said. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/firm-turning-abandoned-subic-hotel-casino-into-bpo-support-center-for-online-gaming/

Looking back: Legend Resorts

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Best Western unveils new midscale hotel in Subic Bay

BANGKOK - Best Western Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a new midscale hotel in the Philippines.

Located at Subic Bay, on the west coast of Luzon Island, approximately 100km north of Manila, the new Best Western Plus Hotel Subic becomes the first internationally-branded midscale hotel in the area.

Set in a brand new building that exudes contemporary style, Best Western Plus Hotel Subic offers 77 midscale rooms, all including flat-screen TVs, mini-bars and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a range of facilities for both business and leisure travelers.

“The Philippines is an incredibly important market for Best Western, and I am delighted to be able to welcome guests to our first ever hotel in Subic Bay - another exciting destination for our company,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ Managing Director of International Operations - Asia.

“The Subic Bay Freeport Zone is a vitally important industrial area for the Philippines, and the broader Asia Pacific region. And the area’s impressive beaches and marine attractions are making Subic Bay an increasingly popular tourism destination. I am confident that Best Western Plus Hotel Subic will become a key addition to the area’s travel and hospitality landscape.” Mr. Berrivin added.

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic becomes the seventh Best Western in the Philippines, joining existing properties in Manila, Makati City, Cebu City and the resort island of Boracay.

It also becomes the country’s third upscale Best Western Plus hotel following the Best Western Plus Antel Hotel in Makati City and Best Western Plus Lex Cebu. (Theodore Koumelis, Travel Daily News)

PHOTOS:

Located at Subic Bay, on the west coast of Luzon Island, approximately 100km north of Manila, the new Best Western Plus Hotel Subic becomes the first internationally-branded midscale hotel in the area.

http://www.traveldailynews.asia/news/article/60299/best-western-unviels-new-midscale

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Multi-million dollar leisure project coming up in Subic Freeport

Former Taiwan Vice President Annette Lu visited last week the site of a $20-million leisure project in the Subic Bay Freeport that would include the redevelopment of the Triboa Clubhouse and the construction and management of condominium buildings and luxury villas in the Triboa Area here.

On hand to welcome Lu was Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia.

“This project strongly underscores the positive business climate in the Freeport, as well as the fast-growing tourism industry here and in the rest of the country,” Garcia said, referring to the 21 per cent growth in the number of hotel rooms in the Freeport since June last year.

Upon completion, the investment project will feature three 10-storey buildings, consisting of a 40-room hotel, a 20-unit VIP condo with a car elevator, and a regular condo with 90 units. Also included in the project is the construction and development of five luxury seaside villas with a marina facility.

According to Garcia, the redevelopment of the Triboa Clubhouse, which was the site of the 1996 APEC summit, is expected to be completed within the year while the rest of the facilities would take two to three years to be fully developed.

“Aside from enhancing the tourism value of Subic, it will also generate an additional employment of 800 for our local communities,” he noted.

The project, which was approved by the SBMA board in November last year, would be undertaken by the MSK Group through its affiliate companies, Xantheng (Subic) international Corp., Weihsin Subic Bay Corp., and Zangyueh Development Corp. (AMF/CorComm-SBMA))

Photo:

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia (left) listens intently to former Taiwan Vice President Annette Lu during her visit to the site of a US$20-million leisure project in the Subic Bay Freeport. (AMF/MPD-SBMA)

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2 APEC conferences set in Subic

Two of four conferences of senior officials of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will be held at a newly opened hotel and resort here later this month.

The First Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) of the 2015 APEC summit will take place at the P120-million Subic Grand Harbour Hotel, which has 70 luxury rooms, four suites, and an 800-seat capacity theater-type multi-function room.

At least 1,700 delegates from 22 countries are expected to attend the SOM1 from Jan. 26 to Feb. 7.

“They will use our conference facilities as well as other guest rooms, which may need refitting to accommodate requirements for the SOM1,” Bong Pineda, Subic Grand Harbour chief executive officer, told The STAR.

He said APEC national organizing council chief Marciano Parayno Jr. has tapped the hotel to be one the venues for the SOM1.

Pineda believes Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City will remain as favorite destinations for both local and foreign tourists.

The Subic Bay Freeport had hosted the APEC summit in 1996, which was attended by 24 heads of state. (Bebot Sison, Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/10/1411187/2-apec-conferences-set-subic

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Olongapo traders venture in Subic Freeport hotel project

Last year, this group of businessmen-friends simply wished to have a relaxing place in this free port where they could have late night dinners after long days spent in business meetings and conferences.

Last week, they opened a 70-room hotel and resort complete with a poolside bar and a 24/7 restaurant where they can dine even at very late hours.

This is the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel, the first business venture that members of the Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (MOCCI) have established as a joint project in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Among the personalities who graced the inauguration of Subic Grand Harbour Hotel last Thursday were Sen. Paulo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino.

MOCCI President Aurelio “Bong” Pineda said the project began as a felt need among local businessmen last year.

“We wanted to relax and dine after meetings, but couldn’t find a suitable place at the Freeport. So I asked my colleagues, why don’t we just put up our own place where we can have what we want?” recalled Pineda during the inauguration.

“We (in the MOCCI) believe that Subic remains among the top favorite destinations for local tourists. That is why we couldn’t find a place to go to last year, as the restaurants and hotels were full of customers almost all year round,” Pineda said.

Having made the decision to build their own place, members of the MOCCI chipped in their resources to open the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel in the free port.

Sen. Aquino IV, who cut the ceremonial ribbon during the inauguration, lauded the partnership among businessmen-friends, saying the project “is a true testament of friendship.”

Aquino also noted that the local government of Olongapo City is throwing its full support behind MOCCI, even as members of the group had chosen to put their business inside the Subic Freeport instead of in the city.

For his part, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia expressed his appreciation of MOCCI’s confidence with the direction taken by the Subic agency under his administration.

“With the new grand hotel, we are now more confident that we have your trust to lead Subic Freeport towards a brighter future, brighter than how we performed last year,” said Garcia, referring to the SBMA’s record-breaking accomplishment of achieving a net profit of P1.2 billion last year, the highest in the 21-year history of the SBMA.

Garcia added that the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel project would also serve to boost efforts by the SBMA to promote Subic as a year-round tourism destination. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino (3rd from left) and SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia lead the opening of the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel, along with MOCCI President Aurelio Pineda (left) and SBMA Chief Operating Officer Joven Reyes (right). (AED/MPD-SBMA)

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