Biggest obstacle race successfully held in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Freeport scored another first when around 3,300 participants from all over the globe participated in what is touted as the biggest obstacle course race (OCR) in the country, the Spartan Southeast Asia (SEA) Series Finale Trifecta that was held here over the weekend.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma welcomed the athletes who came from countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, during the opening of the race.

Eisma herself joined the phalanx of Spartans and ran the Sprint event that included a six-kilometer course with more than 20 obstacles that runners had to go through. The SBMA chief is considered the first top official in the Subic Bay Freeport to finish a Spartan Race.

Meanwhile, Ian Deeth from the United Kingdom dominated the men’s Beast Elite division while Colleen Agustin from Malaysia destroyed the competition in the women’s Beast Elite division.

Other participants who made the top five places in the men’s division are: Callum Meehan of New Zealand, Christoph Lex of Germany, George Crewe of United Kingdom, and Leoniel DG of Malaysia.

Agustin led the women’s division along with Magdalena Cvetkovic of Hong Kong, Joelle Fiore of Singapore, Melba Vergara of the Philippines, and Lucy Matthews of United Kingdom. Vergara was the only Filipina who ranked in the top five of the Beast Elite category.

Spartan Race Director Michael Reyes said that although Typhoon Mangkhut ravaged the Ilanin Forest where the course would take place on the first of the two-day event, all of the participants were eager to duke it out on the second day.

Reyes added that all three races were held on Sunday, showing that nothing could stop participants from achieving their goals of becoming a part of the so-called Trifecta Tribe.

The Spartan Race Trifecta Weekend is part of the South East Asia (SEA) Series Finale that held three races in one Sunday: Spartan Sprint, a six-kilometer-long, 20-obstacle course; Spartan Super, a 13-kilometer-long, 25-obstacle course; and the Spartan Beast, a 21-kilometer-long, 30-obstacle course.

Ocean Adventure Founder Scott Sharpe said that the event has certainly boosted the number of guests at their marine theme park and the Camayan Beach Resort. He assured everybody that the Ilanin Forest is kept clean despite having so many participants traversing the area.

He added that their Camayan Beach Resort will create a small obstacle course to give tourists who frequent their theme park and resort a taste of Spartan Race, and also create a fitness community based on the OCR. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Spartans begin the race deep in the Ilanin Forest of the Subic Bay Freeport

[2] Participants hurdle obstacles during the Spartan Race Trifecta Weekend in the Subic Bay Freeport

[3] SBMA Chairman Amy Eisma (second from right) beams with pride as SBMA employees show off their medals after finishing the Spartan Race in the Subic Bay Freeport

(Photos by MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Extreme trail run returns to Subic Freeport

Even the rains cannot dampen fun and excitement in this premier adventure tourism enclave, as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced various events timed for the rainy season.

The biggest thriller scheduled so far this month is the Subic leg of Salomon Xtrail Pilipinas, an all-terrain running race that will take participants on July 22 along some of the wildest, wettest, and most wearying nature trails in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“Just when you thought Subic would rest because of inclement weather, it now hosts extreme adventure events to make your visit as enjoyable as during summer,” observed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma.

“We also have races, animal shows, exhibitions, cruise-ship arrivals, and festivals practically the whole year round, so there’s never a long lull here even during the rainy season,” she added.

The upcoming Salomon Xtrail is one of the most anticipated races today, as it is reputed to be a more technical trail running race, with a mixture of different terrain surfaces including dirt, rocks, sand and concrete paths. It is held throughout Southeast Asia with countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines hosting the event.

SBMA Tourism Manager Jem Camba said they expect around 3,000 local and foreign participants this year for the event organized by Primer Group of Companies and Extribe, Inc.

After the Luzon leg in Subic, the race will be run in Davao on August 12 for the Mindanao leg, and in Iloilo on September 16 for the Visayas leg.

Camba said this year’s competition in Subic will involve two race categories – the Trail Run category for beginners with 6-km and 12-km distances, and the more technical Mountain Run designed for experienced runners with 24-km and 32-km distances.

It will take participants along rocky dirt roads, muddy mountain trains, and across swollen streams and overgrown grasslands.

“These trails might be technical and challenging to some, but they will always showcase the beauty of the forests, rivers and mountains in the Subic Bay Freeport,” Camba said.

Aside from the Salomon Xtrail, Subic hosted the Ironman Full Distance and 70.3 Triathlon on June 3, kicking off the start of the rainy season here with the first full-distance Ironman to be held in the country.

This was followed by the qualifying race for the Youth Olympic Games organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines on June 17; the Tri-United Leg 1 by Run Bike Swim, Inc. on June 29-30; and the Tri-United Leg 2 on July 1.

Meanwhile, the month of June also started out with a tourism bang with the return here of the cruise ship MV Costa Atlantica on June 5 and June 19, and the first arrival of Dream Cruises’ latest vessel MV World Dream on June 6, as well as Royal Caribbean International’s MS Ovation of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship operating in Asia, on June 8.

This month, Subic expects two more return of Costa Atlantica, its 11th and 12th arrival, after the cruise line Costa Crociere made Subic a part of the ship’s regular Asian itinerary.

In August, the SBMA has also calendared two more Costa Atlantica visits on August 14 and 28; the Feast of San Roque on August 16; and the arrival of another Royal Caribbean cruise liner, the MS Voyager of the Seas, on August 26. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

Salomon Xtrail participants rough it out in previous Subic editions of the trail run. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Challenging Salomon XTrail Pilipinas 2016 set in Subic Bay

Salomon Pilipinas, the brand notable for its pioneering technology and innovation in the sports of trail running and adventure hiking, brings to outdoors enthusiasts the 2016 edition of its famed Salomon Xtrail on April 9 in Subic Bay Freeport.

On its 6th year, this event is part of the Salomon Xtrail Series in the Asia-Pacific Region– in Malaysia, Singapore, HongKong, Taiwan & the Philippines.

Salomon Xtrail is considered one of the most toughest trail runs in the country, challenging participants to “run the path of most resistance” with two major events: a grueling mountain run and a road-to-trail run.

New trail routes will be created exclusively for this event, to steer away from the usual trail running events, with usual routes. Also to attract more trail running enthusiasts, this year’s race distances are– 6km and 12km Road to Trail, and the toughest categories, the 24km and 32km Mountain Run.

The 32km version will challenge experienced trail runners and mountaineers to compete over some of the most toughest terrain Zambales has to offer.

The route is much more than lush vegetation and exposed trails; there’s a sense of time too as runners and racers venture into historical locales and wartime landmarks. With over a full kilometer of elevation gain, this event is one for the strongest runners out there.

The shorter version, at 24km, is highly challenging though recommended for experienced trail runners and for adventure hikers seeking a more physically-demanding trial. This version reaches a peak elevation of 372m, and gains about half a mile throughout the entirety of the race course.

Both the 24km and 32km mountain runs will challenge runners in a different way, as there is guaranteed to be wet sections during river crossing portions.

The Salomon Xtrail Pilipinas 2016 Race is a GREEN RUN. No disposables will be provided at the hydration stations. All participants MUST bring their own provisions. For the Mountain Run Categories, there will be a Mandatory gear check prior to race start. Mandatory gears include: Hydration pack/belt, headlamp, whistle.

For registration details, click here: http://www.salomonxtrailpilipinas.com/

Read More

Subic Bay hosts PH duathlon on Dec. 1

PHILIPPINE Team berths are at stake in the Philippine National Duathlon Championships 2013, firing off at 6 a.m. on Dec. 1 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Philippine Olympic Committee chair Tom Carrasco, the president of the organizing Triathlon Association of the Philippines said, “We will send a strong team to 2014 Asian Duathlon Championship in Sri Lanka that is capable of bringing back the crown to the country after 10 years.”

Ryan Mendoza of the Philippine Air Force clinched the men’s title when the country hosted the continental championship at the Clark Special Economic Zone in 2004. Mendoza followed up his feat with another gold-medal showing at the duathlon’s debut in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Pattaya, Thailand.

World Duathlon Championship 2013 veteran Mirasol Abad and the Philippines’ top duathlete Robeno Javier banner the tough field of the race sponsored by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc., Gatorade, David’s Salon, Fitness First, Lifestyle Subic Bay and Green Triathlon.

Expected to crowd out Javier are the other PH team members who are also seasoned internationalists, namely Carlo Pedregosa, Jimmuel Patilan and Bigboy Robinson Javier.

In the distaff side, Mary Pauline Fornea is expected to hound Abad throughout the standard 10-kilometer run/40-km bike/5-km run grind.

Also expected to dish out fine performances are triathletes John Chicano, Nikko Huelgas and Justine Chiongbian so with budding duathletes Joey Delos Reyes, Jeric Buhian and Baltazar Valencia.

Last year’s Asian Duathlon Championship’s challenging technical course with Remy Field as the transition area will test the mettle of the elite competitors and age-groupers. Post-race activities will be held at the nearby Subic gymnasium.

The Junior participants (16-19 years-old) and age-groupers aged 16 and above will take a stab at the sprint distance course of 5-km run/20-km bike/2.5-km run.

A 2.5-km run/12-km bike/2.5-km run course for the Youth Mini-Sprint category is also on tap.

Currently, entry fees for standard distance is P2,000 and for Sprint and Mini-Sprint P1,500. Effective November 1, rates will appreciate to P2,500 (Standard) and P2,000 (Sprint/Mini).

TRAP-registered athletes can avail themselves of 10% discount while students and senior citizens are entitled to 20% discount.

Entry forms may be downloaded at www.triathlon.org.ph. The TRAP office at the Philsports Complex, Pasig City, at BIKE KING store c/o Raul Cuevas at Bonifacio High Street and SPEEDO Concept Stores (Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, The Podium, Glorietta 4 and Bonifacio High Street) are the registration centers. (MST Sports, Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/10/14/subic-bay-hosts-ph-duathlon-on-dec-1/

Read More

Safeguard 5i50 Triathlon in Subic a success

Subic again asserted its place as a sporting capital in Luzon after successfully hosting the Safeguard 5i50 Active Triathlon last Sunday, attracting triathletes from around the world.

The race was the second 5i50 triathlon event that was held in this free port this year after its being the venue once again of the Century Tuna 5i50 triathlon last June with over 900 participants.

The Subic Freeport has lately been the preferred venue for international races due to its challenging course set against a natural scenic background.

In the October 6 event, Australian Mitchell Robins topped the men’s pro division after completing the course in two
hours, five minutes and 22 seconds.

Robins was closely followed by Csaba Kuttor from Hungary who clocked in at 02:06:17 while third placer Peter Bajai, also from Hungary, finished with 02:08:18.

Another Hungarian, Ezter Dudas topped the women’s pro division after finishing the race in 02:21:32.

Filipino triathlon champion John Leerams Chicano proved once more his dominance in the local triathlon scene after topping the men’s Filipino elite division with 02:14:35. Chicano also finished sixth overall.

Employees from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) tourism department also did well in the men’s relay after the SBMA Team placed 11th with 03:12:29. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Local bet John Leerams Chicano emerged as the top Filipino finisher in the inaugural Safeguard Active 5150 Triathlon held in the Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday. Chicano, a precious Zambales find in triathlon, finished sixth overall with a time of 2:14:35.

Read More

Subic packs in 900 athletes for 5i50 triathlon

Close to a thousand triathletes, including elite contenders from other countries, conquered on Sunday the 2013 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon, acknowledged as the biggest Olympic-distance race in the country today.

Organizers said that local and international triathletes faced the daunting challenge of completing a difficult long-distance course with the Subic Bay providing a picturesque backdrop for the event.

The elite field was represented by participants from 23 countries, including top contenders from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the United States, Singapore, France, Germany, Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines.

Former Ironman champion Luke McKenzie topped the men’s pro elite division after completing the course that involved three legs: a 1.5-kilometer swim leg, followed by a 40-kilometer bike leg, and then a 10-kilometer run course.

The Australian champion finished the race in 1 hour 59 minutes and 25 seconds.

McKenzie was followed by Xterra Off Road Triathlon champion Ben Allen who clocked in at 2:02:40 and by Australian triathlete Michael Murphy who finished with 2:05:46.

Meanwhile, Belinda Granger finished first for the women’s pro elite with 2:17:33, followed by Michelle Gailey with 2:24:09 and Jaqui Slack with 2:26:05.

John Leerams Chicano led the local bets in the Filipino men’s elite with 2:09:45 and finished fifth overall.

Chicano was followed by Jonard Saim with 2:10:29 and Olympic hopeful Nikko Huelgas with 2:11:00. Another local bet, Monica Torres, finished fourth in the women’s pro elite with 2:26:19.

This is the second year that Subic has hosted the 5i50 triathlon. Last year’s race was voted by triathletes as the second best triathlon event in the Philippines for 2012.

The Century Tuna 5i50 triathlon has become one of the major sports events held in the Subic Bay Freeport, as Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman Roberto Garcia has put his focus on developing Subic as a premier sporting destination in the country.

"The 2013 edition of the Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon not only featured a scenic and challenging route but also enjoyed a substantial increase of 52 percent in terms of participants, compared to last year'," SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo said.

According to Marcelo, with SBMA chairman Garcia's focus on sports tourism and environmental protection, Subic Bay has become an environment- and sports-friendly destination. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Participants in the 2013 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon brave the waters of Subic Bay during the 1.5-kilometer swim leg on Sunday.

Read More

Subic Bay hosts Asian Triathlon Championships

Subic Bay Freeport will stage the K-Swiss Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships on April 27, 28 and 29 with another banner field fighting it out for top honors in various divisions in the $12,000 event.

A joint project of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), the International Triathlon Union (ITU), the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, the three-day event marks the 20th edition of the longest running and premier standard distance triathlon in the country as well as the third time the Freeport has hosted the Asian Triathlon Championships.

In the event sponsored by K-Swiss, Speedo, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Gatorade, Fitness First and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), elite participants as well as those in the U-23, Elite Juniors, age-group sprint (750m swim, 20-km bike, 5.4-km run) and mini-sprint (350m swim, 9.8-km bike, 3-km run) categories will race on April 27.

The second day will have age-groupers and inter-club competitors race the standard distance (1.5-km swim, 40-km bike, 10-km run). Finally, the Asian Mixed Team Relay championships and the debut of the Paratriathlon competition will take place on April 29.

Over $12,000 in total prize money are at stake for winners in the elite, U-23 and Junior Sprint categories while medals and will be awarded to the top five finishers of the standard distance age-group categories, the top 3 finishers for sprint distance categories, and for the five members of the top three teams in the Inter-Club competition.

On starting the new year, the TRAP’s first two events slated are the PSC Aquathlon on Jan. 27 and the opening leg of the National Age-Group Triathlon (NAGT) series at Dungaree Beach, Subic Bay Freeport on Feb. 3. (Philippine Star)

Read More

Herbalife triathletes finally top team event

HARD work and team pride paid off for Herbalife Formula 1 as it ended Fitness First Body Comba’t four-year reign of the Team Competition in the recently held K-SWISS ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) presented by Century Tuna.

Composed of triathletes Monica Torres, Hiroshi Takei, Dante Macalintal, John Omar Paredes and Julian Valencia, Herbalife Formula 1 won the grueling 1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run event’s team competition at last with a combined time of ten hours, twenty-two minutes and fifty-four seconds. Fitness First Body Combat (members Rizelle Tangan, Melvin Wong, Mark Ellis, Miguel Lopez and Andy Leuterio) clocked 10:31:22 for the silver medal. For the previous few years, Herbalife Formula 1 won bronze medals

At third place in the event sponsored by K-SWISS, Century Tuna, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), SPEEDO, Harbor Point Ayala Malls, SM City Olongapo, David’s Salon, Travelers Hotel, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Fitness First, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Standard Insurance, was Fitness First Attack which timed 10:34:28.

Prior to the race, a late lineup adjustment was made between the two Fitness First teams with Doray Ellis transferring from team Body Combat to team Attack due to illness. All in all, over twenty-five clubs took part in the event which attracted around eight hundred participants from around the nation and overseas. (People's Journal)

Read More

Catiil shines in Subic age group triathlon

Neil Catiil uncorked the form that made him the toss of Philippine triathlon the past years to rule yesterday’s 2012 K-Swiss Subic Bay International Triathlon Age Group Championships presented by Century Tuna at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The 25-year old Catiil displayed a balanced attack to spoil the challenge of national duathlon member August Benedicto in the race organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines.

Former top female duathlete Monica Torres relied on her strong performance in the bike and run leg to dominate the distaff side, which attracted 24 lady triathletes.

The Cagayan de Oro triathlete who was dropped from the national team roster at the start of the year due to conflicts with races she is set to compete in, negotiated the 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run race in 2 hours, 16 minutes, 38 seconds.

Catiil was the second competitor to come out of the water at Dungaree Beach after noted swimmer Guy Concepcion. He relaxed a little bit in the bike, before unleashing a big windup.

Benedicto came in second at 2:20:37 but recorded the best bike split at 1:08:50.

At third was national coach George Vilog (2:24:15). He and Catiil also bagged the gold medal in the 25-29 and 35-39 age groups.

Torres anchored her solid performance with the best bike and run splits at 1:17:38 and 44:12 to highlight the fastest time among the female competitors at 2:31:41. She won the gold medal in the 25-29 class.

Former SEAG silver medalist Sandra Araullo-Gonzales took second (2:35:07) and Doray Ellis third (2:41:44). Araullo-Gonzales and Ellis bagged the gold in the 30-34 and 40-44 age divisions.

The event is supported by K-Swiss, Century Tuna, Speedo, David’s Salon, Travelers Hotel, Asian Centre For Insulation Philippines, Gatorade and Standard Insurance.

For topping the male and female categories, Catiil and Torres will be rewarded with an all-expenses trip to compete in the Hong Kong ITU Triathlon Asian Cup slated late this year.

A total of 550 triathletes took part in the second and final day of the race that is also being supported by Harbor Point Ayala Malls, SM City Olongapo, Fitness First and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Other winners in the different age group categories were Eduardo Pertierra (male 18-19); Mervin Santiago and Kim Kilgroe (male/female 20-24); Jeff Valdez (male 30-34); Michelle Villanueva (female 35-39); Mark Ellis (male 40-44); Abel Alon Alon and Celma Hitalia (malef/female 45-49); Rne Stroem (male 50-54); Alvin Alindogan (Male 55-59); and Virgilio Balaba (male 60 and over). (The Philippine Star)

Read More

Chinese, Japanese top Subic triathlon

ASIAN triathlon powerhouse countries China and Japan shared the limelight in last Saturday’s first day of action at the K-Swiss Subic International Triathlon.

China’s Bai Faquan and Japanese Kawashima Eri ruled their respective divisions on a hot and humid day inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

The 26-year-old Faquan, China’s top-ranked triathlete and no. 2 in Asia, shadowed the lead group in the 20K bike leg after finishing behind in the 1.5K swim at the Dungaree Beach. He was seventh man out of the bike transition area, but made his move in the final 10K run leg, taking the lead from Ireland’s Benjamin Shawn in the second loop and stepping up the pace at the halfway mark. His strategy left the field gasping in his wake en route to a solo finish with a time of 1:50.12.

“I was not sure about my chances because of the strong field, but I was aiming for the top three finish to earn ITU points to qualify for the London Olympics,” said Faquan, whose chance for the elusive Olympic slot was bolstered by his winning in Subic. Another win will practically guarantee him a slot to the Olympics, according to the interpreter, who got the information from the triathlete’s Chinese coach.

Finishing second in the race presented by Century Tuna and sponsored by Speedo, Gatorade, Fitness First, David’s Salon, Standard Insurance, Ayala Land, and Asian Centre for Insulation was 20-year-old Shaw, an Under-23 champion, with a time of 1:50.36.

Comebacking Australian Shane Barrie paid the price for a violation committed in the bike transition area as it cost him a 15- second penalty and he settled for third place with 1:52.09.

It was a different story altogether in the women’s elite division, which Kawashima Eri from Japan dominated. Second placer Grace Musgrove, 19, from New South Wales, Australia said Eri was simply too good. Musgrove clocked 2:08.17 to Kawashima’s 2:06.55. (Lito Cinco, Manila Standard Today)

PHOTO:
Top seed China’s Bai Faquan lived up to his billing in the K-Swiss Subic International Triathlon as he came from behind to win the race. Here, Faquan finishes the initial 1.5K swim leg at the Dungaree beach.

Read More

Prestigious cycling competition set on April 2010 in Subic Bay (Stage 3)

Le Tour De Filipinas: U.C.I. okays 2010 Padyak Pinoy Tour as part of Asian Continental Circuit

THE Philippines makes an emphatic—and perhaps even dramatic—return to the world cycling map with the staging of the 2010 Padyak Pinoy Tour of the Philippines, a four-stage road cycling competition that would pit the country’s cream of the crop against foreign rivals not only from Asia but also from Europe.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), through its president Pat McQuaid, has approved the request of Padyak Pinoy organizer Dynamic Outsource Solutions Inc. (Dos-1) for the 2010 Tour of the Philippines which will be staged from April 17 to 20, 2010.

Dos-1 president and Padyak Pinoy chairman Gary Cayton said the event will be aptly called the “Le Tour de Filipinas.”

This marks the first time in 12 years that the Philippines would be included on the UCI calendar on the Asian Continental Circuit. The last time the UCI sanctioned and calendared a local multistage race was from 1996 to 1998 when the Tour was then known as the Marlboro Tour.

Bert Lina, the immediate past president of the national federation of cycling, PhilCycling, and whose Lina Group of Cos. has Dos-1 as one of its growing number of companies, was elated with UCI’s inclusion of the race on its official calendar.

“This proves the trust and confidence the UCI has on the Philippines, something which Filipino cyclists, particularly past Tour champions, have impressed on the world governing body for the sport, particularly on its president, Mr. Pat McQuaid,” said Lina, chairman emeritus of the UCI-recognized PhilCycling, headed by Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino. “This also serves as a boost to the tourism industry in the country while it effectively raises the bar of cycling sports in the local arena.”

“This is a major breakthrough for Philippine cycling,” said Cayton, adding, “this as a historical rebirth of sorts, considering that it has been 12 long years since the UCI held a sanctioned race in the Philippines. This development finally brings our country back on the world cycling map.”

Tolentino said: “The UCI decision is a clear testimony in the capability of the Philippines to host an international event and in the Filipino cyclists’ readiness to face foreign counterparts on Philippines soil.”

The four-stage Tour of the Philippines would start on April 17 with the Tagaytay-Tagaytay massed start race, followed by a team time-trial competition in the second stage on Roxas Boulevard and the Diosdado Macapagal Avenue in Manila. Stage three will also be a massed start from Quezon City to Subic (via the Nlex and SCTEx) race, while the final stage four will be an out-and-back competition in Subic. At least five foreign teams are expected to take part in the Le Tour de Filipinas.

The 2010 Tour of the Philippines, details of which will be posted on www.padyakpinoy.com, is actually the highlight of the 2010 Padyak Pinoy, which will consist of 21 stages spread over 25 days and which would kick off in Davao City, pierce through the heart of Mindanao before reaching Leyte and Samar, trace its way up north via Bicol, before traversing Cagayan Valley on its way to Ilocos where the cyclists prepare to climb the dreaded roads leading to the final stage in Baguio City. (Business Mirror)

Read More

Longboard lures visitors to Subic even during rainy season

The rainy season here actually draws more tourists, and the recent arrival of longboarding is expected to boost the number of visitors even more.

A variant of skateboarding also known as “sidewalk surfing,” longboarding is the latest addition to the extreme adventure sports being held in the free port.

“This is the latest adventure craze here in Subic during the rainy season,” said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo.

“In fact, some longboarders even love it more when faced with extreme weather conditions,” Marcelo added.

Longboarding, developed by skateboarders in the US who wanted to recreate the feeling of surfing and snowboarding on the street, was introduced here early this month at the former naval magazine area.

Longer boards with bigger wheels are supposed to be used for this sport, but participants in a recent event here simply used modified skateboards for better maneuverability on the makeshift short course that was lined with protective air bags and cushions.

It now joins the list of other sports that lure tourists, including rappelling, wall and rock-climbing, windsurfing, sailing, jet skiing, biking, diving, parasailing and auto racing.

“We have the forests, the bay and man-made structures that provide a myriad of challenges for those who hunger for the extreme experience,” Marcelo said.

“The great thing about adventure tourism is that even the rains cannot stop it. In fact, the inclement weather adds another dimension to the challenge,” he said.

“Because of this, you can spot thrill-seekers going to Subic on weekends even when there’s a typhoon,” Marcelo said. “That’s because they can still have fun here with their jet skis, surfboards, mountain bikes, skateboards and other sports gears.” (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror Correspondent)

IN PHOTO -- A Longboarding enthusiast test the turns and downhill stretches of the course at the former naval magazine area.

Read More