Nike opens biggest Southeast Asian outlet in Subic Freeport

Subic Bay Freeport has marked another major retail milestone with the opening of Nike’s biggest outlet in Southeast Asia.

Maguire Group Holdings Inc., through its Philippine retail partner Unite Stores, officially opened the Nike Unite Subic Outlet Center at the Marshalling Yard along Argonaut Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone on January 15, 2026. 

The opening was led by Unite Stores Chairman Christian Monteron, together with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.

The launch further strengthens Subic Bay Freeport’s position as a premier shopping and investment destination, drawing both local and international brands while boosting tourism, employment, and economic activity in the zone. (thevoicenewsweekly)

Photo c/o Fun-tastic Subic Bay Facebook page

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P25-million firing range opens in Subic Freeport

A new firing range opened inside this premier Freeport on Tuesday (January 7), allowing gun enthusiasts and law enforcers to practice their shooting skills.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño disclosed that the new Subic Freeport Shooting Range Inc., located at the Corregidor Highway, Ilanin Forest, has a committed investment of P25 million.

The commercial shooting and target range aims to promote target shooting as a sport inside this premier Freeport, while also developing target shooting or shooters at par with the world’s best target shooters.

Aliño and the SBMA Board of Directors led the opening of the firing range, together with the country’s best shooters, Jethro Dionisio, and Khalil Viray.

The 3,000 square meter facility is a former US naval building (Bldg. 2027) with an indoor range measuring 100 square meters. The company leased the area for 25 years and has 15 employees.

A special provision was accorded to SBMA Law Enforcement personnel to utilize the facility free of charge for training purposes. (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 Freeport residents to welcome trick or treaters after a 2-yr. hiatus

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has finally allowed trick or treaters to go around the residential areas inside this premier Freeport to celebrate Halloween on the last day of October once again, after a two year-long hiatus due to the restrictions of Covid-19 pandemic.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, the celebration of All Hallow’s Eve has long been a tradition inside the Subic Bay Freeport dating back when the area was still a United States naval base.

He said that the said activity will only be allowed as long as trick or treaters strictly comply with the minimum health and safety protocols such as wearing of facemasks, avoiding overcrowding, immediate washing of hands after the activity, and the use of alcohol spray after contact.

Public Relations Office manager Armie Llamas assured that the agency is all set to provide security in areas to control the flow of people going to the residential areas during the celebration of Halloween.

“This is a fun activity that has been long overdue since the start of the pandemic. We want people to know that the agency is, and will always be, looking out for the welfare of residents and visitors inside the Freeport,” she said.

The word “Halloween” is a contraction of All Hallows' Eve, which is observed on October 31, the evening before All Saints' (or All Hallows') Day. The celebration marks the day before the Western Christian feast of All Saints and initiates the season of Allhallowtide, which lasts three days to be concluded on All Souls' Day.

Trick or treating is a traditional Halloween custom for children and adults in some countries.

In the eve before All Saints' Day, children, and adults alike, in spooky costumes supposedly to scare homeowners when they go house-to-house, ask the homeowner, "Trick or treat?" to ask for treats.

The "treat" is usually some form of candy, although in some cultures money is given instead. The "trick" refers to a threat, usually idle, to perform mischief on the homeowner or their property if no treat is given.

Some homeowners signal that they are willing to hand out treats by putting up Halloween decorations outside their doors; others simply leave treats available on their porches for the children to take freely. Houses may also leave their porch light on as a universal indicator that they have candies. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA, BSLI join hands to boost tourism in Subic

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Brighterday Subic Ltd., Inc. (BSLI) strengthened its partnership to help boost tourism inside this premier Freeport with the inauguration of the Tanawan view deck on Tuesday.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said that the BSLI pledged to maintain cleanliness at the view deck located along  San Bernardino Road here as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) adding to the numerous attractions already being offered for tourists visiting Subic Freeport.

He also disclosed that the agency is drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the matter, citing that the Subic-based company is willing to provide much needed assistance to the SBMA.  It has further committed to provide maintenance personnel to keep the viewdeck area clean.

BSLI currently runs the renowned All Hands Beach Resort here, which for almost 2 decades has been  favored by  beachgoers especially during the summer.  

According to BSLI’s Alex Dayrit, the company is willing to provide the maintenance services as long as the SBMA needs their assistance. He added that since the view deck is near the All Hands Beach Resort, it is also quite fitting to beautify the area en route to the nearby tourist spots.

The Tanawan view deck is located at the San Bernardino road, overlooking Subic Bay, facing the Waterfront Area of Subic Bay Freeport. The site has been one of the favorite spots of recreational anglers, and a resting area for cyclists.

“With the company helping SBMA in providing maintenance to an area, we hope that other companies would follow suit,” Chairman Paulino said. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic tourism firms start transition to ‘new normal’

 Tourism-related businesses are coming back to life in this Freeport and are starting transition to the “new normal” after a long hiatus since March when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was imposed in Luzon to stem the spread of the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Restaurants and food outlets are leading the way in rejuvenating the tourism scene here by opening their doors to the public, first with essential delivery service to clients, and lately with the much-awaited dine-in convenience, said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma.

“It’s a painful struggle bringing businesses back to life, especially when we know that Covid-19 has not really gone away, but the economy should reopen lest we find ourselves in a more unsustainable position,” Eisma said on Wednesday.

She said restaurants and other dine-in food outlets here are now allowed to open up to 75% of their capacity since Tuesday (July 21) under DTI Memorandum Circular 20-39, but the SBMA insists on safety protocols like social distancing, disinfection, thermal scans, as well as wearing of mask among patrons.

“These are things that may be inconvenient, but which businesses and other stakeholders here have to abide with. We have to adopt certain measures to protect ourselves and our community, and to continue living. That’s the new normal in Subic,” Eisma added.

The SBMA Business and Investment Group said it has allowed 44 restaurants and food outlets to offer dine-in services at 30% of their capacity since Subic eased down to general community quarantine (GCQ) in June 1, and then to 50% when restrictions were further relaxed under modified GCQ a month after.

Now, these establishments find that transiting to the new normal also required them to work their way up in attracting customers. And that included setting up foot baths, thermal scanners, and alcohol dispensers for the public.

S&R Pizza manager Dennis Marasigan recalled that during the first time they opened their outlet under GCQ, it was only for take-outs and deliveries, with only 30% of their full workforce able to work.

“When the Subic Bay Freeport shifted to MGCQ, we started accepting dine-in customers, but we have to implement stricter safety protocols to ensure that they will have a safer dine-in experience,” he added.

Right now, Marasigan said, tables at the S&R outlet at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall here have X markings to tell customers where not to sit. And while customers can enjoy eating in groups, they still can’t be seated face-to-face. 

Elsewhere in the Freeport, Rali’s Restaurant and Magic Lagoon Bistro also have to observe health protocols, even when al fresco dining areas like them do not have the “3 C’s” where Covid-19 is said to spread more easily: confined space, crowded place, and close-contact setting.

At Rali’s, registration for contact-tracing, which is required in all dine-in establishments in Subic, is also done digitally to further ensure customer protection, said owner-chef Rubelh Peralta.  Placing orders, as well as paying, can also be done online here.

However, while restaurants, retail shops, and hotels are coming back on track, Subic’s iconic tourism attraction Zoobic Safari theme park is still awaiting advisory to open up. 

Zoobic chief operating officer May Gamir said that the popular animal theme park here had recently introduced a buy-one, take-one promo for admission tickets with no expiry in order to raise funds needed in feeding the animals and maintaining the park. 

Each ticket will admit two people for the price of one and valid for any day in the future when the theme park re-opens beyond the quarantine and under the “new normal”. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS: 

[1] A restaurant doorway sign reminds customer of health protocols at the Subic Bay Freeport

[2] A guard reminds mall-goers in the Subic Bay Freeport to practise social distancing

[3] Stanchions keep social-distancing among customers at a pizza restaurant in the Subic Bay Freeport

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Subic Bay Yacht Club launches new boutique casino

The recent launch of the Subic Bay Yacht Club’s new boutique casino has appeared to help increase the already surging Philippine gambling industry.

The club, located along the Philippines coastline in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, had a soft opening date for quite some time, but that date was finally achieved with the launch of the new facility on November 11.

The casino is the showpiece of the newly renovated club. This renovation came at a cost of PHP500 million ($10 million) and was built with the full intention of targeting Asia’s growing boating and yachting enthusiasts.

In a statement, Manuel Antonio Sequeria stated, “Subic is a safe haven in the boating world, and we have mega-yachts coming in on a weekly and monthly basis to use Subic Bay as their base.” Sequeria is the CEO and President of Volare Grandezza, one of the firms that partners with Subic Bay in the casino operations.

The club was designed to specifically entice yachtsmen and boat enthusiasts from across the region. Sequeria explained that “We have everything from Russian mega-yachts measuring 200 meters and above to mega-ships coming in from China – the smallest being 3,800 people and the biggest 5,200 guests, which is a huge market.”

The purpose of the club was to actually act as a lure for people to the casino. He explained that the development of the boutique casino was specifically designed with the idea of building a club that would cater to this community. This makes this only the second yacht club in the world to also have a casino as part of its development, joining Hobart Australia.

The boutique casino is an impressive structure. It opened on Monday with eight tables and 169 slot machines when doors opened. However, it is expected that the number of gaming tables will increase to 43 by December 1. Gaming tables will include such standards as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, paigow, and pontoon.

The in-house junket operations are expected to begin operations in January of next year. There are plans to increase the facilities in the region, appealing to international junket operators from across the Asian theater.

Besides gambling, there are a number of features that should draw boatsmen to the area. This includes sensational fishing, a 2000 meter beach, and extremely clean and unpolluted waters. “The growing market in Asia of people boating, yachting, will bring people here,” Sequeira explained to Inside Asian Gaming. (Ad Miral, calvinayre.com)

https://calvinayre.com/2019/11/15/casino/subic-bay-yacht-club-launches-new-boutique-casino/

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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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SBMA to foreclose Ocean Adventure Park

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to repossess the popular marine theme park Ocean Adventure and related facilities due to multiple contract violations and failure to fulfill development commitments.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the agency on Friday served a notice of pre-termination of contract to the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc. (SBMEI), which operates the marine theme park complex under a lease agreement signed in 2007.

Aside from its failure to comply with its lease contract, the SBMEI also committed violations like illegal subleasing of property, constructing without permits, improper storing of waste, and closing public roads.

The company also has arrears of about P25 million on their payment scheme, as well as P7 million on its current billing, SBMA records showed.

“This is actually sad news for us, because Ocean Adventure Park is the pioneer theme park in the Subic Freeport and is a hugely popular tourist destination. However, its multiple contract violations have been a long-festering problem that must be addressed now,” Eisma said.

She explained that the SBMA has notified SBMEI of its violations as early as July and assiduously provided guidance to cure the problems, but the company did not submit a satisfactory proposal to correct the violations.

“We wanted them to stay, of course, but there was not much concrete action from their side,” Eisma said. “So after months of negotiation and attempts to help SBMEI keep its lease, there is no longer any other recourse but to apply the law and pre-terminate the company’s lease agreement.”

The SBMA official also stressed that SBMEI’s failure to deliver its development commitments not only constituted violations of its contract, “but also prejudiced the SBMA’s financial interest because it curtailed the agency’s earning potential.”

She added that even as the SBMA was willing to reconsider SBMEI's decades-old breach of contract, the park operator along with two other locators came out with a story accusing the Subic agency of not adhering to “ease of doing business” law.

Eisma said that the news report only served as a further irritant between the parties, since the SBMA has already put in place various measures to further ease business in the Freeport, including putting up a one-stop shop for permits and extending the validity of the Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTE) from one to three years.

“We’re firm but fair,” Eisma said. “We agree that the SBMA should adhere to the ‘ease of doing business’ law, but that doesn’t mean we’d relax our rules to the detriment of the government.”

Under the pre-termination order, the SBMA will repossess all of the SBMEI’s 493.16 hectares of undeveloped property upon the lapse of the 30-day reckoning period. Then it will give the SBMEI 24 months to slow down its activities at the 11.6-hectare developed area that includes the Ocean Adventure Park, the Camayan Beach, and the newly-opened Adventure Water Park.

“We’re giving them sufficient time to wind down their operations at the marine park, remove all their animals and movable property, and vacate the premises. We are also concerned about the disruption and stress this would cause to the animals, hence the two-year leeway,” Eisma said.

The Ocean Adventure Park started operations in 2000 under a contract that covered only the marine park. In 2007 the SBMEI entered into a new agreement for the lease of a total of 436.89 hectares of land, and 67.87 hectares of bay area with a commitment to develop 101.71 hectares for more tourism.

Eisma said the SBMA has already informed the Office of the President of its decision to foreclose the SBMEI, but added that the agency has not yet closed the door to renegotiation. (MPD/SBMA)

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SBMA approves P4.48-billion new investments, P555-million expansion projects in 1st half

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) approved new investment projects worth P4.48 billion in the first half of this year, eclipsing by 42% last year’s new investments record of P3.15 billion for the same period.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said a total of 77 new investment projects were recorded from January to June 2019, with 41 approvals worth P3.57 billion in the first quarter and 36 projects worth P902.1 million in the second quarter.

In contrast, 45 new investment projects were approved in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in the first half of 2018, with P1.17 billion worth of projects in January to March and P1.98 billion in April to June.

Meanwhile, the SBMA also green-lighted 21 expansion projects in the first six months this year, generating investment commitments totaling P555.2 million, Eisma said.

These included 9 expansions worth P515.3 million in the first quarter and 12 expansion projects valued at P39.8 million in the second quarter.

The number of expansion projects in Subic increased from 10 in the first half of 2018 to 21 this year, with committed investments growing from P276.2 million in 2018 to P555.2 million in 2019, or a growth of more than 100%.

The continuing entry of investor-companies in Subic, Eisma said, had resulted from the hard work of the agency to draw more business despite stiff global competition for foreign direct investments.

“More investor companies are coming to Subic, but we have to ensure that they get the right environment so that they will continue to bring their business here,” Eisma said in the Subic Labor Congress held here recently.

“The SBMA is working very hard to ensure jobs for local workers, but I challenge you to have the necessary skills,” she also told participants in the assembly.

Figures from the SBMA Business and Investment Group indicated that the 77 new investment projects in the first half of 2019 gave a projected employment total of 2,003, while expansion projects yielded 1,670 new jobs for a total of 3,673.

Following the established trend, leisure projects comprised most of the new investments with 15 approvals in the first quarter and 14 in the second quarter for a total of 29 projects.

Projects under general business had the second most approvals at 16, followed by logistics projects at 15, maritime and manufacturing at 11, and information and communications technology at 6.

Among the new projects, the five biggest in terms of committed investments are those of Sinoinvest Resources, Inc., which pledged P1.2 billion for a leisure project; Smart & Plan Subic Logistics and Development Corp. with P1 billion for another leisure venture; Arjuna Sand Trading, Inc., with P628.9 million for a logistics project; Worldwide Grace, Inc., with P515 million for general business; and Taiyo Subic Philippines Corp., with P392.5 million for a manufacturing project.

For the expansion projects, Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. has the biggest investment commitment at P316.6 million, while servo-motor manufacturer Sanyo Denki Phils., Inc. pledged the second biggest at P119.6 million.

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc.’s expansion project is also expected to turn out the most number of new jobs at 1,500.

The next biggest projection came from Sinoinvest Resources with 500 new jobs; Juan Fong Industrial Corp., 305; and Philippines Easepal Technology with 270. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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Top corporate performers in Subic named

Twelve companies in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone received the 2018 Mabuhay Awards from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for being the top performers last year.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the SBMA keeps tab of the performance of Subic companies and recognizes the best performers through the SBMA Mabuhay Awards.

In the ceremony, Eisma urged locators to continue to enshrine transparency and compliance in their operation “because it is only with transparency and compliance that we can ensure a stable and predictable environment for the country, and for the Freeport.”

The Subic business locators that received the citation were:

- Toyota Subic, Inc., which received the “New Business of the Year” award for demonstrating remarkable results in customer service, marketing, and competitive positioning since its opening here on Nov. 8, 2018;

- HHIC-Phil Inc., was cited as “Top Importer of 2017” and “Top Exporter of 2017” for attaining the biggest import value of US$388 million and export value of US$1.25 billion;

- Subic Duty Free Shops, Inc., which runs and operates Meatplus Café, received the “Responsible Tourism Award” for creating positive business impact and significant economic, environmental and social benefits as one of the most popular food outlets inside SBFZ with a consistent strong following from local and international tourists;

- Philippine Coastal Storage & Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC), was “Top Net Income Earner of 2017”. PCSPC operates the petroleum storage and pipeline facilities at the former US military bases in Subic and Clark, and its 160-hectare facility here includes a marine terminal, fuel storage tank farms and tank truck loading facilities;

- Brighterday Subic Ltd., Inc. which manages and operates All Hands Beach, was given the “Eco-Innovation Award” for its efforts in biodiversity conservation, particularly in monitoring and releasing more than 4,000 sea turtles to their natural habitats since 2011;

- S-CORP Philippines, Inc., which offers end-to-end transaction processing services, intricately linked enterprise information management systems, and personalized multi-channel communications solutions for over 3,500 clients in distinct industry verticals across the globe, received the “SME Employment Award” for its non-discriminatory hiring system and generation of remarkable number of jobs for local and indigenous people;

- Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center – Baypointe, Inc., which operates a tertiary medical tourism facility, received the “Health and Wellness Business of the Year” award, for its Biggest Loser Program that drew 181 participants, and for regular Zumba classes conducted at its auditorium and view deck;

- Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., was the “Service Business of the Year for Information and Communication Technology Industry” for offering the country’s only Pure End-to-End Fiber Network and its advocacy to upgrade the Filipino web experience;

- Subic Enerzone Corp., an Aboitiz Power Corporation, Inc. company, was “Service Business of the Year for General Business and Investment Industry” for its commitment to deliver, at most reasonable cost, safe and reliable electric service to the people and businesses they serve;

- International Container Terminal Services, Inc. was “Service Business of the Year for Logistics” for serving the growing economy of the northern regions of the Philippines through world-class container handling services at the Subic Bay Freeport;

- One Subic Power Generation Corp., a subsidiary of PHINMA Energy Corporation, meanwhile, received the “Corporate Social Responsibility Award” for its Cawag Reforestation Project whereby around 3,000 coffee seedlings were planted by mobilizing both upland farmers and employee volunteers; and

- Subic Superfood Inc., which produces the Mt. Mayon Premium Pili Nuts, received the “Special Recognition Award” for its exemplary dedication and passion in turning its locally-sourced main raw material into a quality product that has brought pride and honor to the Subic Bay Freeport and the Philippines for being recognized in various prestigious and international awards. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA chief Wilma T. Eisma (center) and other SBMA officials congratulate winners of the 2018 Mabuhay Awards, which recognized top business performers in the Subic Bay Freeport (AMD/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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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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SBMA signs in new investments worth $14.4 million

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Wednesday has approved 43 contracts of new investment commitments, as well as renewal of leases for investor-companies, worth some $14.4 million (P720 M).

“SBMA is on its way to another record-breaking year in terms of investment generation,” SBMA OIC Administrator Randy Escolango said during a mass contract-signing ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Escolango added that since the year 2012, SBMA has also sustained record revenue collections that saw the agency rise from a bleeding agency to become a top contributor to the national coffers among Government Owned & Controlled Corporations (OGCC), with accumulated funds of some P4B in the bank.

The new contracts and renewals involved 12 projects under the general business and investment department; two for information and communications technology; 18 for leisure; seven for logistics; and another two for manufacturing and maritime.

The new investments, Escolango said, manifest the continuing confidence of the investor community in the Subic Bay Freeport, pointing out that the SBMA has already approved a total of P111.5-billion worth of investments since January until September this year.

“With a 7% growth in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for next year, and with Central Luzon contributing about 10-12% of the GDP, it cannot be denied that the Subic Bay Freeport Zone contributes significantly to national economic growth,” Escolango also said.

According to Ronnie Yambao, OIC Deputy Administrator for the SBMA Business Group, the projected investments to be generated under the 43 new contracts totaled $14,409,443. This is on top of the $728.6 million total that the said firms have initially committed to invest in this free port.

Leading the list of new companies with significant committed investments are Broadband Broadcast Services, Pte. Ltd., with P220 million for a cable and pay television services venture that would employ 88 personnel; and Autokid Subic Trading Corp., which has set aside P25 million for a project that would employ 25 workers.

Meanwhile, companies with substantial commitments for expansion projects include Subic Horizon Hotel, which has set aside P60 million for additional hotel facilities; Royal Duty Free Shops, which allotted P50 million for the renovation of its main store in this free port; and GigaMare Inc., with $204,500 worth of additional investments for its maritime training facility here.

It was the first time in almost six years that the SBMA again conducted a mass contract-signing ceremony for Subic-registered companies.

Rose Baldeo, president of Global Terminals & Development Inc. and chairperson of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, said the occasion “is a sign that the SBMA is moving forward” despite a recent leadership row in the agency that has reportedly stalled some investor-related business operations.

In response, Yambao assured the business locators here that the SBMA is ready to provide them with “fast, flexible and friendly” service.

SBMA Sr. Deputy Administrator for Support Services Ramon Agregado also assured the agency's unwavering support to locators and its commitment to transparency, citing the recent launch of the one-stop shop and SBMA's continuous ISO and management reforms. (HEE/NBM/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] SBMA OIC Administrator Randy Escolango (left) congratulates GigaMare President & CEO Jari Ullakonoja after signing a contract for business expansion during a mass contract-signing ceremony for Subic Freeport investors on Wednesday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] SBMA OIC Administrator Randy Escolango (left) signs the contract with an official of Triboa Medtech, Inc., which renewed its lease contract with the SBMA during a mass contract-signing ceremony for Subic Freeport investors on Wednesday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Japanese firm sets $30-M to develop Subic Bay golf course

A Japanese company will be developing the Subic Bay golf course into a world-class venue for tournaments, coupled with a facility that will offer housing complexes and fulfilling lifestyle choices for retirees.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said the Subic agency had awarded the golf course development project to a firm headed by Japanese businessman Masafumi Miyamoto, founder of the Smart Community Co., Ltd., the first and largest continuing-care retirement community in Japan.

The Subic Bay golf course clubhouse

“This project is a game-changer for Subic,” Garcia said, noting that it will transform Subic’s existing fairways that had been left rotting in the past few years into a major year-round tourist attraction.

He added that the visiting friends and relatives of those who would reside in the retirement village would likewise generate more economic activities in transportation, shopping malls, medical facilities, hotels, tourist attractions, banks, restaurants, and other businesses.

The project would cost a total of $30 million, excluding a fixed annual rental fee of $350,000 and a five-percent gross revenue share payable to the SBMA for the entire 50-year lease period.

Garcia said that in awarding the lease development contract to Miyamoto, the SBMA considered the overall concept of the project, the proponent’s financial capability, market availability, and business plan presented to agency officials in December last year.

“This s a two-pronged development project that considered the best potentials for what could be considered a major asset in the Subic Freeport,” Garcia said.

Accordingly, the first component, at the cost of $3 million, would involve the renovation and re-development of the whole golf course within two years, from June 2016 to June 2018. This will cover clubhouse renovation, installation of sprinkler systems and repair of ponds, improvement of the golf course, and upgrade of machinery and equipment, golf carts, and service vehicles.

Garcia said the project proponent had promised that the golf course would remain operational throughout the renovation period through a rotational renovation plan that would keep a minimum of nine holes open at a given time.

The second component is the $27-million development of all allowable open areas for the Subic Smart Community within a six-year period. This would consist of the construction and development of an initial 200 condominium units from 2016 to 2018. Next would be the completion of about 1,800 condominium units with various amenities like gym, sports center, arts and crafts studios, karaoke or music rooms, function rooms, library, and bars and restaurants, among others.

Garcia said that Miyamoto’s proposal was based on a market study that showed Japan’s aging society as becoming a financial burden to both the Japanese people and government. This situation had reportedly led to the emergence of elderly care businesses that had rapidly grown to a $252-billion industry just in 2015.

“Subic Bay has been chosen particularly because of its relatively constant weather patterns conducive for year-round golf play and because of its untapped areas that have great potential for a retirement complex,” Garcia noted.

Aside from starting the Smart Community in 2004, Miyamoto founded in 1986 the Square Enix Co., Ltd., which is engaged in publishing, distribution, and licensing of digital entertainment content worldwide, including the highly successful Tomb Raider Final Fantasy.

Miyamoto also founded the Sunpia Golf Club, in Japan’s Tokushima City, which has a total of 100 hectares, with three helipads, 300 parking slots, and driveways lined with cherry blossom trees. (NBM/MPD-SBMA)

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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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Spotted! Microsoft mogul's superyacht "Octopus" at Subic Bay Freeport

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

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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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Culinary school opens branch in Subic Freeport

Culinary enthusiasts and restaurateurs in the region now have a chance to hone their kitchen skills without having to go to Manila, as one of the country’s premier culinary schools opened its doors in this free port.

The Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS) recently opened a branch here — their fifth thus far — to address the rising demand for quality culinary education in Region 3.

CACS offers one-year professional diploma courses for Commercial Cooking National Certificate (NC)-IV, Commercial Cooking NC-III, Commercial Cooking NC-II, and Bread & Pastry Production NC-II certifications from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The school also offers basic skills program where the students will receive NC-II in commercial cooking, as well as one-day short courses.

Chef Gene Gonzalez, CACS president, said the school would complement Subic’s growth as a thriving tourism capital by filling in the demand for culinary professionals here.

He also said that the school would boost the local food and beverage industry.

“When we first branched out to Davao, immediately on the first year we saw growth in the restaurant industry there. Immediately, there were 60 restaurants that opened in that once sleepy city,” Gonzales said. “That is what we would like to happen here.”

He also said that he was very pleased with the warm welcome from residents of Olongapo City. “It’s enticing that they see a need for a highly professional school,” he added.

Gonzales added that they initially intended to offer only short courses for their Subic branch, but decided to open a one-year diploma program because a lot of local residents expressed interest in enrolling.

Chef Mark Bernardino, one of the school’s instructors, said that CACS would operate as a true school, and all of the students would receive quality training from their best instructors.

"You come here to learn to cook not for yourself, but for others,” he said.

He added that Subic’s location at a halfway point between Manila and North Luzon would make their school ideal to students from the Central and the North Luzon areas.

The CACS Subic branch has already started its first class for the professional course with eight students, most of whom are restaurant owners.

The school is also promoting Philippine cuisine and is gearing up for the “International Adobo Day” on June 12, when renowned chefs from all over the country will be here to judge the best in adobo cooking. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Chef Gene Gonzales, president of the Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS), explains cooking techniques to students at the opening of the culinary school branch in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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2013 a productive year for Subic - SBMA chief

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia announced several huge projects for Subic Bay Freeport this year.

Garcia said most of the negotiations with different investors done last year would be pushing through in 2013.

Resom Resort Co., Ltd project in Minanga, in Morong, Bataan was sidelined because of a land dispute but this year, but Garcia said it will pursue three major builds.

Garcia said the first will be a multi-million dollar luxury hotel at the former mini golf area along the famous waterfront road.

The second will be a hotel, casino and spa in Cubi and a golf course in Minanga in Morong, Bataan.

Resom will invest an estimated P600 million in the projects, Garcia said.

Ocean Nine, which was also side-tracked last year due to a legal problem will start to renovate the former Legenda Hotel.

“Included in their license which is expected to come out this week is for the operation and renovation of the former Legenda hotel and the El Centro Convention Center,” Garcia said.

“These two project will infuse $30 million,” he added.

Another company in the leisure industry which will be doing a project in Subic this year is Holiday Inn with an estimated investment of P1.8 billion.

The agency is also looking for an investor to lease out the current administration building along waterfront road.

The administration building is considered as a historic landmark in Subic to some because this building was the former command center of the United States Navy.

Talks are currently being held with companies into aircraft and maintenance service, he added.

“We are also talking to several Hong Kong companies who are considering to relocate operation in Subic.” Garcia said.

“One company we are talking to right now has 16 and the other one has 36 charter jets, if all goes well, the airport will be a busy place this year,” he said.

Vale, an iron ore transshipment company who brought around P60 million in revenues for Subic last year is looking at doubling its revenues this year, he said.

Subic’s port is also expected to be busy after Garcia said Purefood, San Miguel and another fertilizer firm expressed keen interest in it.

Black and Decker, a US-based powertool manufacturer, will also be setting up shop in Subic soon, Garcia said.

“With all this investments coming this year, we are confident that Subic will prosper this year and we hope that we can sustain all of this and add more,” he added. (Anthony Bayarong, Philippine Star)

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