SBMA, PCG call for greater cooperation in maritime safety

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) jointly called for greater cooperation and public support in the promotion of safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment.

SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga and Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, commandant of the PCG, both pressed for improved coordination in addressing problems in maritime safety during the Subic Bay Fire, Search & Rescue and Marine Pollution Joint Exercise (Marpolex) 2009 conducted here last week.

The maritime exercises were also joined by the 102nd Squadron of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), which is based in Subic Bay, and some business locators in this free port.

The Subic Bay Marpolex was aimed at evaluating the integrated response capabilities of the participating agencies during maritime disasters that may occur near or within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

It also sought to enhance cooperation and capability in firefighting, rescue and oil spill containment and recovery operations; to train participants in planning, command and control, and conduct of integrated operation; and to establish a firm and effective working relationship among the participants.

Salonga, who holds the rank of a commodore in the PCGA and is deputy national director for aid to navigation, also urged members of the Subic Bay PCGA to expand its membership and conduct rigorous training.

He said that since Subic Bay has about 88,000 workers from both the locators and the SBMA, the 100-odd members of the Subic squadron “is but the proverbial tip of the iceberg that we can tap as members”

“I believe we should be big enough to be mobilized at short notice, whenever and wherever the need for our services arises,” Salonga said. “We should be big enough to be counted and recognized as a force in assisting the Coast Guard.”

Salonga reminded everyone that the Subic squadron needs to have the right training in order to equip members with the required knowledge and skills.

“Only with the right training can we prepare them to respond effectively and well to the call of service,” Salonga also said.

In the same occasion, Admiral Tamayo called for improved coordination and unity in promoting safety of life at sea, and cited the SBMA for its support to the PCG.

“We have managed to open our borders and work side by side to address maritime challenges, specifically during maritime disasters and oil spills that may occur near or within the Subic Bay Freeport,” Tamayo said.

“As our nation’s leading maritime safety agencies, our goal is to strive towards minimizing maritime incidents and dangers. Should these happen though, we can be sure that we have each other to depend upon in order to institute an effective and efficient fire/search and rescue/marine pollution operation,” Tamayo added.

Aside from Coast Guard vessels, the exercise involved the deployment of seven SBMA boats that have recently been placed under the management of Subic’s 102nd PCGA Squadron commanded by PCGA Capt. Armand Arreza, who is also the administrator of the SBMA.

Subic locators Malayan Towage and Salvage Co. and Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp. meanwhile deployed two tugboats and an oil spill on-shore protection team, respectively.

The SBMA also provided medical, fire, communication and oil spill on-shore protection teams for the exercise. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: SBMA fireboats suppress a fire onboard a tugboat during a maritime safety and pollution control exercise conducted with the Philippine Coast Guard at the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Solon pushes making Subic, Clark, Manila as new hubs for Asia-Pacific

A Party-list representative has pushed for the approval of a bill seeking to fully utilize Subic, Clark and Manila as international service and logistics centers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Party-list Rep. Ma. Carissa Coscolluela of Buhay said House Bill 6784 will strengthen and expand the powers of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Clark Development Corp. (CDC) to allow them to develop more economic zones in Luzon and ensure local growth and nationwide economic success.

Another measure pending approval in the lower chamber is House Bill 6779 that also proposes that the powers of the SBMA and CDC be strengthened and expanded so they can develop other special economic zones in Luzon to optimize the three airports in Subic, Clark and Manila and two seaports in Subic and Manila and one connecting highway and railway in Luzon. In her proposal, Coscolluela said the development of special economic zones in municipalities nearby, bordering the highway and railway, and connected to the airports and seaports in Subic, Clark and Manila, must be encouraged to bring jobs to the people and promote a higher standard of living and an improved quality of life for all.

She said the development of special economic zones will promote a decentralized local government and private sector-led development that will display the potential that can be achieved when local people set their own priorities and initiatives. Legislators emphasized the need for the state to become aggressive in taking advantage of the strategic infrastructure in Subic, Clark and Manila as international transportation hubs. They said that overcrowded areas will be decongested as industries will be dispersed to other locations in Luzon because of the global accessibility and direct access of Subic, Clark and Manila to domestic and foreign markets worldwide by air.

Both bills provide that the Subic Special Economic and Free-port Zone consists of Olongapo City, Subic, the province of Zambales, the lands occupied by the Subic Naval Base and its contiguous extensions as embraced, covered and defined by the 1947 Military Bases Agreement between the Philippines and the United States, as amended; and within the territorial jurisdiction of Morong and Hermosa in Bataan.

As embodied in the measures, the SBMA shall develop, administer and manage the Subic Special Economic and Free-port Zone, ensuring the free flow of goods and capital based on prescribed rules and regulations, generate employment opportunities in and around the zone, and attract and promote productive local and foreign investments based on the proposals.

As for the role of the CDC, the bills provide that it shall manage, operate and administer the Clark Special Economic Zone which consists of the Clark military reservations and its contiguous extensions as embraced, covered and defined by the 1974 MBA located within the territorial jurisdiction of Angeles City, Mabalacat and Porac and the province of Pampanga, and the municipality of Capas, Tarlac.

The SBMA and CDC shall also have the power to develop other Special Economic Zones in Luzon within the same legal framework and mechanisms as Republic Act 7916 or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 and manage and operate these zones and other development programs and project based on the bills. (Fernan Marasigan, Business Mirror)

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21st Ad Congress in Subic benefits Baguio City

Baguio City, the supposed host of the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC) until the venue was moved to this free port just a month ago, has become a “test bed” for the advertising industry’s newfound focus to harness their tested media tools to benefit some afflicted sectors of the society.

Aside from the pledge by the Philippine Advertising Board to give 100 percent of the ticket sales from the prestigious “Araw Awards” to be held on Saturday night, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) vowed to donate the entire income from the rental of the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), the congress venue, for the entire duration of the four-day gathering.

“In the true spirit of the 21st Advertising Congress, the entire organization of the SBMA and the entire community of Olongapo City join the advertising industry in helping Baguio City and other affected areas in Northern Luzon in the process of rebuilding and recovery,” said SBMA administrator Armand Arreza during the opening ceremony on Wednesday night here.

Arreza said the donation will be used to purchase a brand-new ambulance truck for the City of Pines, where reconstruction and rehabilitation projects are ongoing after it was hit by a series of typhoons last month.

Arreza also said the SBMA, as the government agency that administers the Subic Bay Freeport, is setting an example “for different sectors of the society to help in the organized and long term response to environmental threats particularly the issue of global warming.”

He added that Baguio City “remains strong as ever, extending its support and generosity, exhibiting great resolve and fortitude that made the city one of the most loved and preferred venues for the Advertising Congress.”

Arreza also said the Subic community is thankful for being chosen as Ad Congress host for the third time.

“The honor of having hosted this prestigious event three times has stamped an indelible mark on Subic Bay as one of the best and foremost venue in the country for this important gathering,” said Arreza.

The Subic official also thanked Baguio City mayor Peter Ray Bautista “for allowing us to co-host the event.”

Meanwhile, Bautista said they were honored and grateful for being a part of the Ad Congress celebration despite the venue transfer to Subic.

“We took this chance to come out and accept the hand that has been reached out to the people of Baguio and the people of Benguet,” the Baguio City mayor also said.

Bautista was referring to the “Brand Aid” campaign of the 21st PAC, which seeks to set up a funding mechanism for the advertising industry to aid rehabilitation efforts.

Brand Aid’s first project, “AHON”, was immediately set in motion in the aftermath of “Ondoy”, whereby P2 million was raised for the Philippine National Red Cross.

The 21st PAC chairman Margot Torres said the glitzy Ad Congress, as it was then known, “has gained a new perspective to become an instrument for positive action to help countrymen and to rally support for long-term recovery.” (SBMA Corporate Communications)


PHOTO:
Baguio City mayor Peter Ray Bautista accepts a donation pledge for Baguio City from Advertising board chair Charmaine Canillas.

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Subic forest’s ‘dark side’ awaits AdCon delegates

Treetop Adventure, a popular theme park in this free port that features some of Subic Bay’s most spectacular views of the lush tropical rainforest from 100 feet off the ground, has introduced a new adventure in time for the opening of the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC) at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

The “Night Tour”, as the new attraction is aptly called, opens in the evening and features “the dark side of the forest” to complement the park’s adrenaline-pumping day-time attractions like the 50-foot vertical drop “Tree Drop Adventure”, the canopy walk, and cable rides.

“All these will be conducted in darkness, and the ultimate thrill is guaranteed,” said Treetop manager Katrina Montejo. “The eerie sounds of the forest and the darkness are expected to induce a higher level of excitement.”

With this offering, Montejo said the expected 3,500 Ad Congress delegates can focus on their plenary sessions at daytime. “But starting 7:00 o’clock in the evening, they can experience a whole range of unique excitement at the Treetop Adventure,” she added.

The nature-based theme park located at the Upper Cubi area of the Subic Bay Freeport, boasts of some of the most exciting rides in this part of the country.

Visitors trying the “Tree Drop Adventure”, for example, can choose to do it in the conventional style, the Spiderman style, or the daring Australian style, which sees the adventurer climb down the tree head first.

Under the “Night Tour” attraction, the thrilling “Superman Ride” where visitors are suspended face down as they soar from tree to tree in dizzying speed, will get a lot scarier as the sense of sight is rendered almost useless in the low-lit course.

Even the relatively “tamer” courses like the canopy walk along suspension bridges, the 220-meter long cable ride, and the jungle trek on the forest floor, “will give visitors a chill if done in the darkness,” Montejo said.

Despite the expected higher level of excitement under the “Night Tour” program, the Treetop Adventure management gives the assurance that the rides remain safe.

Montejo said the management’s primary concern is the safety of their visitors, adding that all the equipment in the park undergo regular maintenance and check-ups “to give visitors not only the ultimate thrill, but also the ultimate protection.”

The “Night Tour” program opened to the public early this month. This latest feature in the nature park is expected to draw even more visitors to Treetop Adventure, which opened to the public only last year. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTOS: Visitors try out some of the adrenaline-inducing thrill rides at the Treetop Adventure park in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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“Better known than Manila in sports events” Subic now becoming sports mecca — TRAP

This tourism and maritime hub is fast becoming a sports mecca as more local and international sports organizers choose Subic for sports events than any other place in the country.

Tom Carrasco, president of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), said at the sidelines of the Asian Duathlon Championships here on Sunday that Subic could be the sports mecca of the Philippines, and maybe even Southeast Asia.

“For the last 16 years, TRAP has already held almost all of its events in Subic, including three Asian championships,” Carrasco noted.

“In the sports world, Subic is now better known than Manila,” he added.

Carrasco’s group brought to Subic the Asian Duathlon Championships, which attracted some of the best duathletes in the world. They also organized the Subic International Triathlon that was held here last May.

Carrasco also attributed the successful staging here of various sports events to the “reliable cooperation and all-out support” of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Meanwhile, SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said that the agency is, in fact, pushing Subic to become a world-class sports tourism facility.

Aside from banking on Subic’s natural assets—the clean water, rugged and challenging terrain, and unpolluted air, the SBMA is also investing in modern facilities to attract more sports events, as well as sports enthusiasts.

“Whether it be for biking, hiking, swimming, diving, and parasailing, you can always count on Subic as the ideal sports venue,” Arreza enthused.

The Subic free port also has a gymnasium, several tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, a racetrack, and an oval, Arreza pointed out.

The SBMA official also cited Subic’s “superb accessibility” either by land, water or air as another strong point that makes it an ideal venue for holding big sports competitions.

As an emerging sports mecca, the Subic Bay Freeport was booked last month for some of the biggest sports events in the country. These included the 2nd Chairman’s Cup Open Championships Taekwondo, the Bike Festival Asia, and the Subic International Marathon that was organized by Smart Telecom.

Meanwhile, several sports events have been lined up during the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC) that will be held on Nov. 18-21 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Rowena Reyes, co-coordinator of the 21st PAC Sports Committee, said the PAC sports events will raise funds for calamity victims through the Philippine National Red Cross chapter in Baguio City.

The events will be open to PAC delegates, as well as non-delegates, Reyes said.

The games will include “Takbo Mo! Tulong Mo!,” a 5-kilometer fun run on Nov. 19 at the Remy Field Oval; the billiards tournament “Sargo Mo! Tulong Mo!” on Nov. 20, which will also feature Filipino billard world champions Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante"; the 3-point shootout basketball challenge “I-Shoot Mo! I-Donate Mo!” on Nov. 21; and the badminton fun game “Smash and Cash” at the Subic gym. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: Participants take their position the starting point of the Asian Duathlon Championships on Sunday, the latest sports event to be held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone which is emerging as a mecca for various competitor sports and sports-tourism events.

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‘One-stop-shop’ commercial center opens in Subic Freeport

A new commercial center, offering products and services ranging from grilled chicken and medicine to cell phone repair and lotto picks, has opened recently near the Subic main gate.

Appropriately named as One Stop Shop Building, the facility took over the former bleacher area of the then Subic baseball triangle along Magsaysay Boulevard, near the Remy Field sports complex.

Stefani Saño, senior deputy administrator for business and investment of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said the new commercial center was actually inspired by the “one-stop-shop” concept being promoted by the SBMA here to provide the public with efficient, fast, and quality service.

“Subic really is becoming a place of one-stop attractions,” Saño said, pointing out that the Freeport started out with entertainment facilities grouped around forests or water park themes.

“Then from the same concept that SBMA introduced years ago for visa applications, export and import transactions, and business accreditation, here come the one-stop-shop lanes,” he added.

The latest of Subic’s one-stop-shop centers offers almost everything from the latest electronic gadgets and mobile phones, to beauty products and services.

Spaces at the second floor of the building, meanwhile, will be devoted mostly to office operations by various companies.

At the ground floor, the commercial spaces now house various outlets like Smokey’s Hotdog Bar, San’s Shawarma, Oh My Grill, Ground Zero Telecoms, Sun Shop Express, Fonerange Communications, EALM Lotto Station, and Star Botica.

Joaquin Buenaflor, president of Star Botica, said that with the cooperation of United Laboratories (Unilab), the new drug store hopes to provide affordable medicines for all.

He added that the company hopes to benefit the more than 5,000 employees of the SBMA and about 50,000 workers employed by Subic Freeport business locators.

The one-stop-shop center is also located a few meters from a movie house, fast food stores, banks, hotels, restaurants, as well as the Subic gymnasium and other sports facilities.

Saño said another one-stop-shop can be found along the Waterfront Road, where visitors can indulge in music, food, sports and wellness, and entertainment.

He added that two other similar groupings of business establishments are rising at the Subic seaport area and the Subic Gateway area.

These one-stop-shop centers are becoming popular among visitors, workers and residents in the Subic Bay Freeport, Saño also said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)


PHOTO: Joaquin Buenaflor, president of Star Botica, presents their line of products during the opening of the drugstore at the new “One Stop Shop” commercial center in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Subic Golf Course to sell $20-M shares

Around $20-million worth of shares are up for grabs as soon as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approves the selling of Subic Golf Course membership inside this premier Freeport.

Subic Golf Course operator Hanafil Golf and Tour, Inc. released the statement, adding that the money will be used for further development of the area.

Hanafil CEO Benjamin John Defensor III said that they are also planning to absorb all of the members the golf course that are in good standing.

He added that they would also be opening their doors to members who went dormant but would want to update their membership with the new golf course operator.

The golf course’s 500 members are composed mostly of Filipinos, but Defensor said that with the trend Subic Bay Freeport is going, it would not be long that foreign golfers would take the majority of members.

“We have already tapped Netforce International to reconstruct the facility. We are currently replacing the greens and fairways to make Subic Golf a world-class golf course, and we are utilizing the new nursery inside our facility to create the greens,” Defensor said.

Plans of building a new hotel and some luxury villas around the golf course are on the way, but the company reiterated that the developments being made are for the current and future members to appreciate.

“These developments will bring up the value of their shares,” Defensor said.

A study by the company shows that the peak season for golfing falls from January to March for cold weather countries, April to May for local golfers, and October to December. These are the times when the golf course is really busy.

The company plans to employ more than 150 golfing staff to accommodate the growing number of members, with a policy of preferably a golf staff per member every time they play.

With the recent acquisition of large local investors in the area like Ayala Land, expect Subic Bay Freeport to be at the forefront of tourism sites in the country today. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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21st Ad Congress to pour up to P100M into Subic economy

The 21st Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC), which will be held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on November 18-21, could fetch the local economy an income ranging from P60 million to P100 million.

The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), through its executive director Kenneth Peralta, placed a conservative revenue estimate from this year’s PAC at around P60-70 million.

However, the actual income could reach as high as P100million, said SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, pointing out that the hotel industry in the Subic Bay Freeport and the neighboring Olongapo City would get the chunk of the proceeds.

The rest of the income, he said, would go to various industries like transportation, which would include vehicle rentals; food and beverage, including catering services; duty-free shops and other tourism establishments; as well as the services sector, including honoraria for event staff and volunteers.

Arreza based his calculation on expectations that about 10,000 people would be spending at least P10,000 each during their four-day stay here for the duration of the Ad Congress.

The projected arrivals, he said, included at least 3,500 actual delegates to the congress, plus family members who would tag along, the organizers and their staff, guests, performers, and walk-in visitors.

Moreover, there will also be the participants in the Araw Awards, which will serve as the culminating feature of the congress. Arreza said the awards night, which recognizes the best works in the advertising industry, normally draws another set of attendees.

“The 21st AdCon will be an early Christmas present for Subic Bay, Olongapo City, and even the contiguous areas of Bataan and Zambales,” said Arreza.

He added that the SBECC, which enabled the SBMA to host the attendance record-breaking Ad Congress in 2007, is being prepped up and should be ready anytime this week.

Local businesses, meanwhile, are working on their end to prepare hotels and restaurants for the PAC, which is considered as the local advertising industry’s version of the Oscar Awards, said SBFCC’s Peralta.

The SBFCC, a private, non-profit organization established in 1995 by business locators in this free port, has done the same in 2007’s installment of the advertising event..

Peralta, however, admitted that this year’s congress is, comparably “very, very challenging.”

“In 2007, we were given five months to prepare. This year? Barely three weeks,” said Peralta, noting the sudden shift of the congress venue from Baguio City to Subic because of the heavy damage sustained by roads leading to the original venue.

Peralta also noted that the SBMA workforce is working at a very impressive pace, impressing both the local businessmen and the 21st PAC organizing committee. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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ASIAN DUALTHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS Start List (as of Nov 4)

Just a week to go before the 2009 ASTC Asian Duathlon Championships in Subic on Nov 15.

The world's best are coming: ITU #1 Sergey Yakolev of Russia, #2 Damien Derobert of France, and #4 Rafael Baugh of Australia are racing. So are a slew of rated Japanese athletes and former European Dua Women's Champ Radka Vadickova.

Just a week to go before the 2009 ASTC Asian Duathlon Championships in Subic on Nov 15.

The world's best are coming: ITU #1 Sergey Yakolev of Russia, #2 Damien Derobert of France, and #4 Rafael Baugh of Australia are racing. So are a slew of rated Japanese athletes and former European Dua Women's Champ Radka Vadickova.

Of course, Pinoys NeilCatiil, August Benedicto, Rabeno Javier,and Monica Torres are banking on course familiarity to push these guys.

Kids, 4 athletes of the Hong Kong Youth Team are doing the Mini-Sprint so here's a chance to go against some foreign competition.

On the developmental side and for those of you not up to a full dua because you are all raced out, we've included a Relay Category, 2 or 3 athletes. Teams can have1 or 2 runners or if they choose, have a guy do a combination of the bike/run.

BTW, Rudy Project is doing the event shirt and you'll want this one for your collection.

See you at ADC 2009.

Below is the Start List as of Nov 4:

(SURNAME, FIRSTNAME - Gen - Country - Age - Dist.)

1 REYES , TINA - F - 41 - AGE GROUP
2 LIM HUI YI , KRISTEN - F - SIN - 26 - AGE GROUP
3 GRANDINETTI, BELLE - F - 34 - AGE GROUP
4 DACANAY, NINA PATRICIA - F - 28 - AGE GROUP
5 JOPSON, JOYETTE - F - 30 - AGE GROUP
6 RYNN, PHILIP - M - 50 - AGE GROUP
7 REYES, GERARD - M - 38 - AGE GROUP
8 ENRIQUEZ, MICHAEL - M - 35 - AGE GROUP
9 CRUZ, JEFFREY JASON - M - 36 - AGE GROUP
10 ANG, LEVY - M - 38 - AGE GROUP
11 WONG, MELVIN - M - SIN - 26 - AGE GROUP
12 GUIEB, RHODERICK - M - 31 - AGE GROUP
13 BALABA, BRIGILIO - M - 64 - AGE GROUP
14 ENRIQUEZ, LEROY - M - 33 - AGE GROUP
15 DONATO, RAWLIN - M - 48 - AGE GROUP
16 TAYAG, JUMBO - M - 34 - AGE GROUP
17 GRANDINETTI, MICHAEL - M - 57 - AGE GROUP
18 GARCIA, LEANDRO - M - 26 - AGE GROUP
19 OSMANI, ARMANDO - M - 52 - AGE GROUP
20 JARIN, PETER - M - 42 - AGE GROUP
21 GALANG, ALAN - M - 28 - AGE GROUP
22 HAJAJI, NAJAFABADI MOHAMAD KAZEM - M - IRN - 33 - AGE GROUP
23 MARAÑON, GREGORY - M - 40 - AGE GROUP
24 MERCADO, GINO - M - 33 - AGE GROUP
25 OLONAN, ERICK ANDREW - M - 27 - AGE GROUP
26 CABAHUG, KRISTIAN - M - 27 - AGE GROUP
27 TRINIDAD, JOSE - M - 47 - AGE GROUP
28 PEREZ, MANOLO - M - PHI - 44 - AGE GROUP
29 MALAKUNAS, KARL - M - AUS - 36 - AGE GROUP
30 LORENZO, MARTIN - M - PHI - 37 - AGE GROUP
31 CU UNJIENG, JOSEPH - M - USA - 47 - AGE GROUP
32 MANUEL, PAOLO - M - PHI - 28 - AGE GROUP
33 PE, BENITO ISMAEL - M - PHI - 47 - AGE GROUP
34 CO, MELVIN - M - PHI - 38 - AGE GROUP
35 STROEM, RUNE - M - NOR - 47 - AGE GROUP
36 TORRES, MONICA - F - PHI - ELITE
37 LANGIT, LEA COLINE - F - PHI - ELITE
38 MIRASOL, ABAD - F - PHI - ELITE
39 INOUE, ERIKA - F - JPN - ELITE
40 SAWADA, AIRI - F - JPN - ELITE
41 VODICKOVA, RADKA - F - CZE - ELITE
42 SHAHROM, ABDULLAH - M - MAS - ELITE
43 KRISHNA, KUMAR JAYARAM - M - MAS - ELITE
44 CATIIL, NEIL - M - PHI - ELITE
45 ROBENO, JAVIER - M - PHI - ELITE
46 BENEDICTO, AUGUST - M - PHI - ELITE
47 PEDREGOSA, CARLO - M - PHI - ELITE
48 VILOG, GEORGE - M - PHI - ELITE
49 FUKAURA, YUYA - M - JPN - ELITE
50 BAUGH, RAPHAEL - M - AUS - ELITE
51 DEROBERT, DAMIEN - M - FRA - ELITE
52 BAYLON, RICHARD - M - PHI - 29 - ELITE
53 BIAG, BILLY - M - PHI - 25 - ELITE
54 CLARABAL, ELMO - M - PHI - 29 - ELITE
55 PEÑALOSA, FRANKLIN - M - PHI - 32 - ELITE
56 NAGA, MARLON - M - PHI - 32 - ELITE
57 MANGROBANG, KIM - F - PHI - U-23-ELITE
58 CHEUNG TING YAN, JOYCE - F - HKG - U-23-ELITE
59 VALDEZ, JEFF - M - PHI - 31 - ELITE
60 ODONIO, ROWEL - M - PHI - U-23-ELITE
61 BORLING, BRIAN - M - PHI - U-23-ELITE
62 KURIHARA, MASAAKI - M - JPN - U-23-ELITE
63 TANAKA, JUN - M - JPN - U-23-ELITE
64 TSUJI, TAIKI - M - JPN - U-23-ELITE
65 CHAN YE KO, RICCO - M - HKG - U-23-ELITE
66 CHAN, SIU YUK - F - HKG - 44 - ADULT SPRINT
67 BELTRAN, ALESSANDRA LANI - F - 40 - ADULT SPRINT
68 ENRIQUEZ, AZENITH - F - PHI - 32 - ADULT SPRINT
69 BAGATSING, DON - M - 34 - ADULT SPRINT
70 DONATO JR, JORGE - M - 50 - ADULT SPRINT
71 DONATO, NOEL - M - 43 - ADULT SPRINT
72 ANGELES, GERARDO - M - 29 - ADULT SPRINT
73 HEO, SIMON - M - 32 - ADULT SPRINT
74 LOSTE, BAYANI - M - 37 - ADULT SPRINT
75 ALMANZA, RYAN - M - 31 - ADULT SPRINT
76 HUELGAS, NIKKO BRYAN - M - 18 - ADULT SPRINT
77 VELUZ, WILFREDO - M - 34 - ADULT SPRINT
78 TEGUMHANON, RUEL ROY - M - 35 - ADULT SPRINT
79 GO, JEREMY - M - 26 - ADULT SPRINT
80 MOSTOLES, GIL CARLOS - M - 25 - ADULT SPRINT
81 SINDANUM, JESUS REIGNER JR. - M - PHI - 32 - ADULT SPRINT
82 PE, BENITO JOHANNAH - F - PHI ELITE - JUNIOR SPRINT
83 JUROLAN, PHILIP - M - PHI - ELITE-JUNIOR SPRINT
84 LEE, CHUN SENG - M - MAS - ELITE-JUNIOR SPRINT
85 DUMOL, KEVIN RAPHAEL - M - PHI - 17 - ELITE-JUNIOR SPRINT
86 PE, BENITO JOSHUA - M - PHI - 17 - ELITE-JUNIOR SPRINT
87 CHEUNG TSZ, KIT - M - HKG - ELITE-JUNIOR SPRINT
88 ARMILLA, LUIS - M - PHI - 13 - MINI SPRINT
89 SANTIAGO, GABRIEL ALLEN - M - PHI - 13 - MINI SPRINT
90 STROEM, EIRIK - M - NOR - 14 - MINI SPRINT
91 WONG, PERRY - M - HKG - MINI SPRINT
92 LI TSZ HEI, LEO - M - HKG - MINI SPRINT
93 WAI, NAOMI - F - HKG - MINI SPRINT
94 CHOI YAN YIN, HILDA - F - HKG - MINI SPRINT

(c/o SBMA Corporate Communications)

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SBMA approves $20.45-M new projects

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has recently approved 44 new investment projects in this free port, with total committed investments worth US$20.45 million.

The new batch of approvals, said SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, “signify the unfailing determination of the SBMA to generate more investments and create more jobs despite the global economic slowdown.”

“To a great extent, the SBMA has been successful in sustaining the developmental momentum of the Subic Bay Freeport amid an unpredictable and unstable global economy,” Arreza said.

“We hope the entry of new investments would lead to a more robust business climate at the end of 2009, and at the start of the coming year,” Arreza added.

According to Stefani Saño, SBMA senior deputy administrator for business and investment, the bulk of new investments were made in August, when 24 firms proposed projects totaling $12.95 million.

The following month, the SBMA gave the go signal for 20 other projects with projected investments of $7.5 million.

Saño said the new investments are also projected to create a total of 765 jobs.

Among the projects signed in August and September, the biggest committed investment came from Pure Petroleum Corp., which projected a $6.22-million investment for its business of importation, selling, storage and transshipment of petroleum products.

The second biggest in terms of investment commitment was Subic Business and Technology College, Inc., which will put up $4.29 million for a learning center. The school shall offer short term technical and vocational courses, as well as professional, and tertiary degree courses in various disciplines.

Rounding up the top five investors in this batch are: Bonsure Evergreen International Corp., which shall put up $2.21 million for a food manufacturi8ng business; Chifil International Import-Export Manufacturing Co., Inc., with $1.41 million for cigarette manufacturing, packaging, warehousing and transshipment; and Petron Corporation, with $1.02 million for the establishment of a gas station.

Meanwhile, of the new business projects, Pure Petroleum and Chifil Internatinal led the pack in having the biggest number of jobs to be created, both at 100. Subic Business College came next at 50 jobs, followed by 40 for Bonsure and 35 for Petron.

Saño also said that aside from the new projects, the SBMA also approved 22 investor requests for renewal of lease or sublease agreements; seven proposals for additional facilities and eight for transfer of facilities; and 16 requests for amendments of business activities.

Among those who renewed their lease agreements with the SBMA were: Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Subic International Air Charter, Inc., Vision Air & Sea Services, Inc., Sanritsu Technology Subic, Inc., and Nakayama Precision Industries Inc.

Meanwhile, those who requested for additional facilities included Philippine Coastal Storage & Pipeline Corp., Bataan Automotive Remanufacturing Corp., R. Joseph Holdings Subic, Inc., Yong Travel & Tours & Marketing Co. Inc., and Racso Sizzler Foods Corp.. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

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Subic Takes On The 21st PAC Challenge

Preparation for the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC) from November 18-21 are taking place at lightning speed. This is the homestretch after more than a year of work.

One of the final details to tie up is the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), where the 21st PAC will be held in its two-year old Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Heads of the PAC and Advertising Board of the Philippines (AdBoard) traveled to Subic On October 23 to formalize arrangements with the SBMA authorities. SBMA CEO and Administrator Armand Arreza, SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga and SBMA Deputy Administrator Raul Marcelo welcomed 21st PAC chairman Margot Torres, AdBoard chairman Charmaine Camillas and 21st PAC administrator committee chairman Digna Santos in an afternoon gathering.

The group came together at the Lighthouse Marina Resort to sign the MOA amid the fast-track to the 21st PAC. Subic barely has a month to get ready to host the ad event- the result of a last minute-change of venue brought about by the inclement weather that ravaged Northern Luzon.

"Uso yata dito 'yun short and sweet," Torres says. We'd like to thank SBMA for welcoming us back to Subic. Can you imagine our luck that Subic was available? We did check Metro Manila for available venues because of the heightened fear and paranoia of the typhoons, unfortunately, there was none."

Securing Subic came was a major break for the 21st PAC. The Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center was booked for the celebration of Subic's (17-year) anniversary in the first place. Fortunately, it's organizers gave way to the 21st PAC.

"It is indeed a privelege to host the PAC for the third time," Arreza says.

The first time was 14 years ago when SBMA had to convert a basketball gymnasium into a convention facility to receive the ad congress delegates. In 2007, the 12,000 square- meter Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center was purposely built to host the 20th PAC.

"Now that you'r back, I think we have more than enough time to prepare for the 21st PAC," Arreza jokes.

Despite numerous setbacks this year, the ad congress chooses to push forward, and it does so resolutely with the purpose to make a difference.

"We started this congress with a vision which is fun and relevant learning for the industry," says Torres. "But our theme 'Perspectives: Ano sa tingin mo?' takes on a bigger challenge. We started out as an economic crisis has turned into a socioeconomic and environmental crisis."

"Action will lead to change and will lead to something productive. The first question after Typhoon Ondoy was not the pullout but how to make the ad congress relevant. If we postpone the event to a later date, how can w help? The best venue to get the industry together and discuss this is still the ad congress. That's how we can make a difference as an industry."

Subic has made it possible for the 21st PAC to carry on. The notice was short and the time in which to prepare is getting shorter by the day, but like the ad congress, Subic has risen to the challenge. It's all set. Get ready for th 21st PAC in Subic. (Business Mirror)


Photo: Oct 23, 2009 4pm Lighthouse Marina, SBFZ. The 21st Philippine Advertising Congress Memorandum of Agreement between SBMA and PAC - Signed and Sealed! From left: Deputy Administrator for Tourism RAUL MARCELO, SBMA Administrator ARMAND C. ARREZA, SBMA Chairman FELICIANO G. SALONGA, AD Board Chairman CHARMAINE CANILLAS, 21st PAC Chairman MARGOT TORRES, PAC Admin Committee Chairman DIGNA SANTOS.

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Subic Bay Asian Dualthon Championships slated

WORLD class action takes place in the 2009 Subic Bay ASTC Asian Duathlon Championships slated November 15 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

International Triathlon Union (ITU) number one ranked duathlete in Russian Sergey Yakolev and Japan's Aira Sawada banners the foreign field in the male and female elite class as they vie for top honors and a big slice from the P250,000 total prizes raised by organizing Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Prior to the race, the ITU will first conduct a Level II Technical Official Education Seminar from November 13 and 14 with ITU Events Operations Manager Thanos Nikopolous as the lecturer.

After the seminar, participants will be asked to help officiate in the Asian Duathlon Championships and those who will pass the test may be eligible to work in the Asian Games in Guangzhou in 2010 and the Asian Beach Games in Muscat, Oman in 2011.

Joining Yakolev, who won the 2009 Mekong River ITU Duathlon World Series event and placed third in the Budapest ETU Duathlon European Championships, in the male elite are ITU number two ranked Damien Derobert of France, number 4 ranked Raphael Baugh of Australia and number 10 ranked Yuya Fukaura of Japan.

Malaysia's Shahrom Abdullah and Krishna Kumar have also confirmed their participation in this event also backed by Rudy Project, Sunkist, Fitness First, Globe, David's Salon, Vitwater, Gatorade, Asian Center for Insulation Phils.

Derobert best showing this year was a second place finish in the World Duathlon held in Concord, Connecticut, USA while Baugh is a veteran of the Asian Duathlon Championship which was held in Clark where he finished second to Ryan Mendoza.

Sawada meanwhile looms as the top female competitor as she topped the Mekong River race last March aside from being a 12th place finisher in the World Duathlon Championships.

Sawada's compatriot Erika Inoue is also competing in the race to be held at the 10k run, 40-k bike and 5-k run distance in a new course at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Philippines will be bannered by the defending Philippine International Duathlon Open Champions Neil Catiil and Monica Torres. Other noted bets from the host country includes Robeno Javier, August Benedicto and George Vilog in the male and Lea Coline Langit and Mirasol Abad in the female class.

Japan's Jun Tanaka, Masaaki Kurihara and Taiki Tsuji will challenge the country's top Under 23 elite led by Carlo Pedregosa, Rowel Odonio and Brian Borling while Kim Mangrobang will anchor the host country's campaign in the U-23 female elite.

Johannah Pe Benito who claimed her first medal, a bronze, in international event during the Hong Kong ITU Premium Race and Cagayan de Oro prized find Philip Jurolan will carry the cudgels for Philippines in the Junior Female and Male elite.

China, Mongolia, Iran, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, Singapore and Indonesia are also expected to participate in the ITU technical workshop held in consonance with the second big event by TRAP with SBMA. The first major event was the Subic Bay International Marathon held last May. (Trap Online News)

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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)

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Koreans still top Subic investors

Korean businessmen remain the top investors inside this premier Freeport as more than 19 Korean companies poured in some $493,374.39 or almost P24 million in committed investments just for the third quarter of 2009.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand Arreza said, “We are pleased to tell you that the number of Korean investors have significantly grown and that our local investors are just behind them.”

“With the current boom of Korean companies investing here, our local businesses and entrepreneurs have seized the opportunity to gain from the momentum since most of the foreign investors here buy locally made raw materials instead of importing them from their country,” Arreza added.

This year, the Koreans are pouring a total of $54.159 million in committed investments (equity) even before the end of the year.

On the other hand, local investors have increased as they invested a total of $51.56 million, while some 107 projects from local investors were approved by the SBMA board.

The third quarter alone yielded some $17.6 million worth of investments from 50 projects as 37 of them are 100% Filipino while the other 13 are mostly Filipino investors with small foreign equities.

“The increase of Filipino investors here have significantly improved since last year mainly because foreign companies who send their expats here made Subic Freeport their second home,” Arreza said.

“Most of the local companies who invested here are banking on the possible rise in the tourism trend of the Freeport, especially during the summer and Christmas season,” Arreza added.

Currently, Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. (HHIC) remains the biggest investor in the Freeport with a whopping $1.684 billion while Ocean 9 PhilKor, Inc. invests some $52.4 million and Hanafil Golf and Tour, Inc. (Hanafil) invests around $48 million. Korean investors fund these companies. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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Pacific Pearl Airways starts Subic flights

A low-cost airline which has established its base of operations here has announced the start of its $10-million project to fly chartered planes to various tourist destinations in the country and abroad.

Pacific Pearl Airways (PPA), a private airline established in 2006, said it will begin flying out of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) in December this year.

Airline president Kristoffer Jimenez, who signed the firm’s business contract with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) last week, said PPA will initially field two advanced Boeing 737-200 jets for international flights and some turboprop aircraft for local flights.

Jimenez said local destinations will initially be to popular tourism spots like Boracay, Bohol, Cebu and Davao. But as PPA begins to establish its presence in the local airline industry, the company will expand its local flight destinations.

According to the airline official, the Subic Bay Free Port has a “very strategic location.”

“A lot of tourists come here, foreigners and locals alike. It is also a booming place in terms of businesses,” Jimenez added, ticking off the advantages of locating in Subic.

To attract its potential market, Jimenez said PPA “will be offering competitive rates without sacrificing quality service costs,” an advantage he said was made possible by tax incentives and other perks offered by the SBMA.

He added that his company also intends to “eliminate stop-over hassles” with direct flights, thereby significantly cutting travel lag time.

This would allow Pacific Pearl passengers to gain more savings and more quality holidays, said Jimenez.

Meanwhile, SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said during the contract-signing ceremonies that PPA’s $10-million investment pledge is “proof of Subic Bay’s economic resiliency.”

“What we have witnessed now proves that there’s still life after FedEx,” said Arreza, adding that the SBMA has been trying to attract more locators to the SBIA.

FedEx, the US courier giant that used SBIA as its Asia-Pacific hub since 1998, transferred its hub operations to China in February, bowing to realities of the expanding Chinese market.

Arreza, however, pointed out that because of its international airport, “Subic can host just about any kind of air-transport requirements.”

Arreza cited that the SBIA’s cargo-sorting capability has its edge over other airports in the country today. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

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PLDT unit granted reprieve for Subic zone

THE Supreme Court has remanded to the trial court the issue of whether the Subic Telecommunications Co. Inc (Subictel), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Philippine Long Distance Telecommunications Co. Inc., has the right to exclusively provide telco services inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

In a 17-page decision penned by Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr., the Court’s Third Division reversed and set aside the ruling of the Court of Appeals (CA) issued on April 4, 2008 which upheld the resolution of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Olongapo City dismissing Subictel’s complaint for “specific performance with prayers for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction” against Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Innove Communications Inc., a subsidiary telecommunications of Globe Telecom.

The appellate court agreed with the Olongapo RTC in junking the complaint filed by Subictel on the ground of “litis pendentia” or pending suit and forum shopping in its decision issued on June 30, 2006.

It held that the parties’ issues raised as well as the relief being sought by Subictel in the administrative case it filed with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) are the same with the civil case it filed before the lower court.

The High Tribunal, however, said both the CA and the trial court erred in issuing the ruling, thus, directed the RTC, Branch 74 in Olongapo City to continue with the proceedings of the civil case filed by Subictel and resolve it with dispatch.

“In ruling on the presence of litis pendentia, both the trial and appellate courts, however, overlooked the fact that there is more determining the identity of the causes of action than an identity of the documentary evidence presented by Subictel. But the more fundamental question to consider is whether or not the cause of action in the second case existed at the time the filing of the first case,” the SC stressed.

Concurring with the ruling were Associate Justices Antonio Carpio, Minita Chico-Nazario, Antonio Eduardo Nachura and Diosdado Peralta.

In the administrative case, the SC noted, Subictel sought the reconsideration of SBMA’s order giving Innove a provisional permit to operate international and leased lines services as well as local exchange and toll services.

SBMA was not a party to the case but was the quasi-judicial body hearing the Innove’s application for Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), while Subictel intervened in said case as oppositor to Innove’s application.

But in the civil case filed before the Olongapo RTC, SBMA was the principal party while Innove was impleaded for having been granted a temporary franchise by SBMA.

“Thus, as between the administrative case and the civil case, there was no identity of parties,” the Court stressed.

The SC also held that the relief being sought by Subictel in the administrative case was different from the one prayed for in the civil case.

The remedies sought in administrative case, according to the SC, hinge on the acceptance by SBMA of Innove’s application for CPCN and the consequent proceedings on the matter while the civil case was triggered by the denial by SBMA of Subictel’s notices to exercise the renewal of its alleged exclusivity rights under the joint venture agreement.

“From the foregoing distinction, it is clear that there is, as between the two actions, no identity of rights asserted and relief prayed for; and the facts whence the reliefs are sought are different,” the Court explained.

Subictel anchored its claim for exclusive privilege to operate telecommunication services inside the Subic Freeport on the joint venture agreement (JVA) it signed with the SBMA on June 29, 1994 which is valid for 25 years and renewable for another 25 years.

The JVA was inked following the withdrawal of the US military forces in Subic in the aftermath of Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991.

The agreement further provides that for a period of 10 years, the SBMA would not allow third parties to engage in any activity within the freeport zone, which could impair Subictel’s operation. It likewise gave Subictel the option to renew its exclusivity privilege for three-year periods.

On April 22, 2004, Subictel notified SBMA that it was exercising its option to renew its exclusivity privilege under the JVA for another five years.

Subictel, however, learned that SBMA had started accepting applications for third parties for CPCN to provide international and leased line services and local and toll services.

Despite its opposition, SBMA did not recognize Subictel’s option to renew its exclusive privilege and gave Innove provisional authority to compete with Subictel.

The SBMA board asserted that it was just exercising its power to regulate public utilities within the Freeport Zone pursuant to Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion Development Act of 1992.

Innove, on the other hand, claimed that all authorities to operate public utilities are, by constitutional mandate, nonexclusive.

It added that Subictel failed to prove that its entry into the zone would cause grave and irreparable damage. (Joel R. San Juan, Mirror Reporter)

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BCDA bids out SCTEX

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority is seeking a private sector partner for the privatization of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac expressway (SCTEX), hoping to raise the equivalent of P38.9 billion from the exercise.

The agency made available yesterday the terms of reference of the bidding. A pre-bid conference is scheduled on November 10.

Victor Zablan, chairperson of BCDA’s asset disposition program committee, said in a bidding announcement that the private sector partner will be in charge of the management, operations, and maintenance of SCTEX.

It will also be responsible for the operational funding requirements for SCTEX, including insurance and the provision for the following services: management; collection; traffic safety and security management; toll road maintenance, including greenery and landscaping, and all necessary support services.

In return, the private sector partner will pay BCDA a semi-annual lease/concession fee amounting to the peso equivalent of the yen-denominated loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation as well as financing charge of the Department of Finance totaling P38.9 billion throughout the 33.5 years of life of the concession.

The fee is payable to BCDA 10 days prior to its due dates, or 20 percent of the audited gross toll revenues whichever is higher.

JBIC loaned P26 billion to bankroll the project.

In an earlier interview, Zablan said BCDA would begin paying off the loan in 2011, amounting to P950 million to P1 billion annually including interest.

He said the amount could escalate to P1.2 billion once BCDA starts drawing down from a JBIC P7 billion supplemental loan.

That supplemental loan was supposed to finance the interchanges and the cost escalation of the project.

BCDA has so far used up 95 percent of the P19 billion loan.

The 94-kilometer tollroad is not hitting the desired number of users as estimated by a study conducted by Pacific Consultants of Japan, which is 35,000 vehicles per day in the first year of operations, due to high fuel prices last year.

The average number of motorists using SCTEX is seen to more than double to 20,000 a day this year from 8,000 vehicles a day in 2008. SCTEX peaked at 18,000 to 20,000 users a day during the summer months of April and May.

The number of motorists patronizing SLEX is expected to recover in the run-up to Christmas.

Once open, two more interchanges, in Porac and in Floridablanca in Pampanga, will improve the use of SCTEX. (Malaya)

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Fake Spanish-era cannons find novel purpose in Subic Bay

In a place where authentic shipwrecks abound, planting replicas of cannons, anchors and other parts of Spanish galleons on the seabed may seem an overkill.

But if professional diver Brian Homan would have his way, he would even sink in Subic Bay a full replica of a Spanish galleon for the sake of “authenticity.”

Since last year, Homan, an Australian who owns the watering hole-cum-maritime museum Vasco’s in this free port, has been making copies of bronze cannons that were once arrayed on ship decks of the mighty Spanish armada.

And the purpose of Homan’s fakes? To serve as “apartments” for crabs, fishes and other bottom dwellers in Subic Bay.

“Everybody is into artificial reef building,” Homan said in a recent interview. “But here in Subic, we’re trying to create something different—an artificial reef that would help both the environment and tourism.”

Homan’s personal project to reproduce marine artifacts stemmed from the fact that most artificial reefs consisted mostly of worn-out car tires, old vehicles and discarded appliances, like refrigerators, that, once sunk, appeared like eyesores on the seabed.

In Subic, which capitalizes on shipwrecks, coral reefs and underwater sceneries to attract tourists, the discards stuck out like the underwater thrash that they were, turning off divers.

As an alternative, Homan embarked last year on his artifacts-reproduction project with the express approval of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), making casts of authentic Spanish cannons, then molding concrete replicas to be laid out underwater.

“It’s a very noteworthy project, and it gained our endorsement because it’s so environment-friendly,” said Amethya de la Llana-Koval, head of the SBMA Ecology Center.

“Brian has come up with an imaginative solution that positively impacts our thrusts to improve marine diversity and attract more visitors, particularly divers, to Subic Bay,” Koval added.

Subic Bay has at least 18 known shipwrecks, most of them of World War II, that were scuttled to prevent enemy ships from entering the port of Subic. But easily the most popular diving attraction here is the Spanish gunboat San Quentin, which sank off Grande Island at the mouth of Subic Bay in 1898.

Homan’s replicas, which are laid out in relatively shallow waters, won’t detract from Subic’s reputation as home to authentic shipwrecks, Koval said.

Homan said the concrete replicas—hollowed and fitted out with some holes for the entry and exit of fishes and crustaceans—each took from three to four weeks to complete.

But it took at least three months for the counterfeit cannons to blend in with the other elements in their new watery environment, Homan added.

So far, Homan said, his fake artifacts had successfully delivered on their primary objective of serving as artificial reefs. A cannon that he submerged late last year had already attracted colonies of barnacles and oysters.

In this condition, he said, the counterfeit cannons and anchors looked authentic and, hence, could also improve the underwater scenery in Subic Bay. Neophyte divers can even practice wreck diving among the reproduced relics, he added.

But divers not familiar with Subic’s known shipwrecks should beware because they could easily be fooled by the reproductions.

“They’d probably think they’ve discovered a new wreck, when, in fact, it’s just one of my crab apartments,” Homan said. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

In photo: BRIAN HOMAN shows a photo of a barnacle-encrusted cannon laid alongside his molded concrete replicas of the Spanish-era artifacts. The reproductions serve as artificial reefs in Subic Bay, which boasts of numerous authentic shipwrecks.

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Hanjin puts expansion on hold

Hanjin Subic shipyard has put its expansion plans on hold pending new ship order. The shipyard has so 29 ship orders for delivery until 2013.

Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction -Philippines (HHIC-Phil) has received a total of 37 ship orders since it started operation in 2006.

The good news is that there was no ship order cancellation, even as the world shipping industry was severely affected by the world economic recession.

"There has been no ship cancellation. The orders were still at 37, eight of them were already delivered, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand Arreza.

But, the planned "expansion was put on hold, until new orders come in."

Hanjin is preparing for dry-dock number 7 for construction to accommodate future ship building activities.

Dry-docks 5 and 6 were included in the first phase of development worth $1.6 billion.

The second phase of the project development which involve the construction of dry-dock 7 will deliver another $1 billion in investment for Subic.

The dock no. 6 is 480-meter long 135 meter –wide and 13.5 meters deep which was completed last year. It has a bigger assembly line, and 1.7 kilometer quay wall and installation of 2 more units of ultra huge gantry crane.

Their commitment to employ about 40,000 employees would happen if the phase 2 of the project development would be completed.

The shipyard currently employs 18,000 workers.

Hanjin uses state of the art technology to ensure being at par with competitors and be able to maintain value for customers.

Hanjin’s shipyard expansion will allow the company to compete well with other major shipbuilders in Korea, such as Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering.

The firm plans to increase the shipbuilding capacity in Subic to 450,000 tons a year from the current 220,000 tons. The shipyard in Subic is equipped with facilities that can generate annual sales of about $3.1 billion. (Genivi Facto, Malaya)

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Kenyan runners rule Subic Marathon

The Kenyan juggernaut was on full display Saturday night as Vincent Chepsiror and Doreen Kitaka ruled the 2nd Smart-Subic International Marathon. Chepsisor, 29, topped the men’s side of the 42-kilometer marathon with a clocking of 2 hours, 27 minutes and 54 seconds, while the 26-year old Kitaka did the same in the women’s class at 3:01:12.

Each pocketed the top purse of $5,000 at stake in the race that started at the Subic Clark-Tarlac Expressway in Floridablanca, Pampanga late in the afternoon, and ended at night at the Remy Field inside the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority here.

The Kenyan champions showing were way below their personal bests of 2:18 (Chepsiror) and 2:45 (Kitaka), respectively, admitting being first timers in running at night hampered their performances.

“Sometimes the darkness slowed me down, but overall I am happy with the course,” Chepsiror said at the finish line.

“I have trouble seeing in some places,” said Kitaka, also the winner of last week’s Quezon City International Marathon.

“I could have run faster if the event was held in daylight. But I have no complain because the people are very nice and the place is beautiful,” added the mother of two from Nairobi.

Cecilla Wangui also of Kenya, made it a 1-2 finish in the distaff side of the well-attended event presented by Smart and co-presented by the BCDA, SCTEX, Philippine National Police, SBMA, PAGC, Rotary International, Toby’s, Runnr, Burlington Bio-Fresh, Sports Armour and Chris Sports.

Aileen Tolentino of La Salle-Dasmariñas spoiled the Kenyan party by finishing a strong third (3:29:01) and became the top local finisher in the meet. She bagged $1,000 behind the $2,500 won by Wangui.

Another Kenyan in Sarah Maiyo, finished fourth while Filipina Joanne Mangat barged into the top five with a time of 3:34:23.

Eight Kenyans made it to the top 10 of the men’s class, as 18-year-old Willy Kipkemoi Rofich finished runner-up (2:28:14) worth $2,500. (Manila Bulletin)

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Subic International Marathon races off on Saturday (program of activities attached)

The much-awaited 2nd Smart-Subic International Marathon (SIM) races off at 4 p.m. Saturday at the newly built Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

The 42.1-mile race that will feature world-class Kenyan runners will start at the Floridablanca, Pampanga exit and ends at the Remy Field inside SBMA Freeport Zone in Olongapo City.

A 3-, 5-, and 10-kilometer side event races will also take place on Sunday.

A total of P1.6 million in cash prizes will be given to the top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

A total of 10,000 local and foreign runners are expected to join this big marathon event where the top ten finishers in the male division and the top three female runners will receive cash prizes. The champion goes home with $5,000, $2,500 for the runner-up and $1,000 for the 3rd placer.

Last year, Kenyan Nelson Kirwa Rotich won the main event while Filipino bet Eduardro Buenavista, who will be skipping this year’s edition to prepare for the 25th Laos Southeast Asian Games in December, finished second. (GMANews.TV)


PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES

DAY 1: October 23, 2009; Friday

Event: SUNSET MILE RUN (Media and Celebrity Run)
4:30 PM Assembly Time
5:30 PM Fire-Off
8:00 PM Fellowship

DAY 2: October 24, 2009; Saturday

Event: 42K: A full-marathon race with a starting point at the SCTEx Floridablanca, Pampanga Toll and finish line at the Remy Field, Subic
1:00 PM Assembly time for 42K Runners at Remy Field for shuttling
4:30 PM Fire-off for 42K Runners
7:30 PM After Run Party

Event: NIKE HUMAN RACE 10K
3:00 PM Assembly time (Start / Finish : Remy Field)
4:30 PM Fire-off for the Nike Human Race 10K Runners
7:30 PM After Run Party

DAY 3: October 25, 2009; Sunday

Event: 21K: A half-marathon race billed as “Achievement Run for our Uniformed Men”
5:00 AM Assembly time for 21K Runners
5:30 AM Fire-off for 21K Runners

Event: 10K: A 10-kilometer run with starting point and finish line at the Remy Field, Subic
5K: A 5-kilometer run with starting point and finish line at the Remy Field, Subic
3K: A 3-kilometer run billed as “Humanitarian Race” and will be open to our handicapped runners
5:30 AM Assembly time for 3K/5K/10K Runners
6:00 AM Fire-off for 3K/5K/10K Runners

9:30 AM Awarding Ceremony

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Hanafil starts $5-M renovation of Subic golf course

In a simple “dirt pushing” ceremony, Subic golf course operator Hanafil Golf and Tour Inc. began on Wednesday a one-year renovation program designed to upgrade the fairways here to world-class standards and bring in more foreign tourists next year.

Leading the ceremony on Wednesday night at Subic’s Binictican area was Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator Armand Arreza, SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga, Hanafil chairman Jay Kim, Hanafil president Benjamin John Defensor III, and Netforce International president Bong Arguelles.

Arreza, who drove a bulldozer at the project site to kick off the dirt pushing rites, described the event as “a momentous occasion” to mark the reconstruction of the prized Subic facility.

“We want to upgrade the golf course here, put it at par with international standards, and place it at the forefront of SBMA’s effort to further enhance the tourism market in Subic,” Arreza said.

“We believe that Subic Golf has proven its capability to bring in more tourists to Subic after its highly-successful junket flight program that brought in more than 1,800 Koreans to play golf in the freeport,” he added.

Arreza also said that the renovation of the Subic golf course will prepare local tourism establishments “for more opportunities coming their way.”

According to Defensor, the $5-million renovation program to be implemented in a year is just part of the overall $48-million development package that Hanafil intends to implement in Subic.

Reiterating Hanafil’s commitment to the SBMA to fulfill its development plans, Defensor said more projects would soon follow after the renovation.

“We are committed. In the bigger picture of things, the golf course will only be one of the attractions that we are going to build,” Defensor said.

Defensor said that Hanafil, which is now one of the largest companies in Subic in terms of committed investment, has contracted out the renovation work to Netforce International, the country's number one golf course builder and designer.

“We chose Netforce, a company which has an extensive experience in building golf courses, because we would also like to support the economy by hiring Filipino companies like Netforce,” Defensor added.

Netforce officials, meanwhile, revealed that in renovating the whole golf course, the company would reshape the existing greens, using paspaplum grass for the greens and Tifton 419 for the fairways. Completion is scheduled for November 2010.

Defensor said the renovation is timed to be completed “just when it starts getting cold in the northern countries.”

Hanafil, which mainly targets golfers from South Korea, will resume its junket flight program immediately after the golf course is fully renovated.

Defensor said the firm’s first junket flight program with Jeju Airlines has proven to be a success, with about 1,800 Koreans participating in three-day golfing holidays organized by Hanafil.

Defensor also said that during the renovation period, the whole 18-hole golf course would be closed “so that we could fully reconstruct the whole area.”

He added that the company is coordinating with Netforce and other construction firms to ensure that golf course employees who would have to be laid off during the renovation stage, could be absorbed by the contractors.

Hanafil is a Philippine corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and is backed by Hanatour, the biggest tour company in South Korea. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTOS:
[1] SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga (second from right) and SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza (third from right) join Hanafil officials in launching the $5-million renovation program for the Subic golf course. Also in photo are (from right): Hanafil chairman Jay Kim, Hanafil president Benjamin John Defensor III, SBMA senior deputy administrator for support services Ramon Agregado, SBMA deputy administrator for business development Raul Marcelo, and Netforce president Bong Arguelles.

[2] SBMA administrator Armand Arreza drives a bulldozer during the “dirt pushing” ceremony to start the $5-million renovation program of the Subic Bay golf course.

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No problem with venue transfer to Subic, says AdCon chief

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Subic ready for Ad Congress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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