Asia’s biggest cruise ship makes maiden call in Subic Freeport

MV Spectrum of the Seas, known as the largest cruise ship operating in Asia today, made its maiden port call here on Friday, capping Subic Bay Freeport’s stellar performance this year as the region’s emerging cruise ship destination.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma who personally welcomed the disembarking passengers said that almost 5,000 foreign tourists arrived on the ship.

“More than 20 tourist buses were fielded for our guests, who would be touring various attractions in Subic and in the nearby communities,” Eisma pointed out.

“This is great news for the SBMA, which has been marketing Subic as a must-see destination for cruise liners, and this is also great news for tourism stakeholders in Central Luzon,” she added.

The MV Spectrum of the Seas is the first Quantum-Ultra-class cruise ship built for Royal Caribbean International, the world’s largest cruise line in terms of revenue and second largest by passenger count.

The ship is the biggest and the most expensive cruise ship to sail in Asia and features Royal Caribbean’s first private enclave for suite guests, new stateroom categories and innovative dining concepts on top of amenities like outdoor and indoor pools, body and mind spa, fitness centre, rock-climbing wall, sports court, Splash-away bay, and an outdoor movie screen.

Spectrum of the Seas can accommodate 5,622 passengers, as well as 1,551 crew members.

Eisma said that the arrival of Royal Caribbean’s top cruise liner marks the start of the second phase in Subic’s cruise ship tourism program.

"Beginning January next year, we shall be seeing more and bigger cruise ships in Subic. The MS Spectrum of the Seas will come back for another visit on January 20, to be followed its sister ship MS Quantum of the Seas, another behemoth that will arrive here on February 28,” she said.

Eisma added that with the arrival of bigger ships, the SBMA expects to receive bigger financial windfall for Subic and the neighboring areas of Olongapo City, Zambales, Bataan and Pampanga.

According to SBMA records, Subic received a total of 19 cruise ship in 2018, which marked the start of the agency’s cruise tourism program. The arrivals yielded a total of 38,205 visitors, and earned the SBMA Seaport Department P8.4 million in direct revenue.

This year, the 15 cruise ship arrivals from January to October generated 38,985 visitors and an income of P8.07 million for the SBMA Seaport.

Eisma said the actual income earned by all the tourism players in Subic and neighboring communities would be bigger since this would include money earned by tour buses and taxis, entertainment groups, restaurants and shops, tiangge vendors, theme parks and resorts, as well as malls in Subic and nearby areas. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] MS Spectrum of the Seas, the biggest cruise liner operating in Asia, docks at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday, Dec. 27.

[2-3] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma personally welcomes cruise ship passengers with lei, as SBMA employees cheer on the disembarking passengers.

Read More

More and bigger cruise ships expected in Subic next year

More cruise ships are expected to arrive in this premier trade and tourism port next year, as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) continues to upgrade maritime facilities to increase cruise tourism traffic.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the Subic agency has already listed 38 confirmed cruise ship arrivals and two tentative bookings next year.

On top of that, four confirmed arrivals and one tentative booking have been posted for 2021, she said.

“Beginning January next year, we shall be seeing more and bigger cruise ships in Subic. This includes MS Spectrum of the Seas, which will dock here on December 27 and then come back for another visit on January 20,” Eisma said.

“Then on February 28, its sister ship, the MS Quantum of the Seas, will be arriving in Subic,” she added.

The two ships, which are owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International (RCI), the world’s largest cruise line by revenue and second largest by passenger counts, are among the world’s largest cruise ships in operation today.

MS Spectrum of the Seas is set to arrive with 4,819 passengers, while MS Quantum of the Seas will bring in 4,905 passengers.

“These arrivals will also serve to provide additional income to the Subic community, as well as neighboring areas that cruise passengers visit upon arrival here,” Eisma said.

According to SBMA records, the 19 cruise ship visits in 2018 yielded a total of 38,205 visitors and direct revenue of P8.4 million for the SBMA Seaport Department.

This year, the 15 cruise ship arrivals from January to October generated 38,985 visitors and an income of P8.07 million for SBMA Seaport.

Eisma pointed out that the actual income earned by all the tourism players in Subic and neighboring communities would be bigger since this would include money earned by tour buses and taxis, entertainment groups, restaurants and shops, tiangge vendors, theme parks and resorts, as well as malls in Subic and nearby areas.

Eisma said the SBMA aims to generate more cruise ship traffic by retrofitting the Alava, Bravo, and Rivera wharves in the Subic Freeport to accommodate more arrivals.

“We’re also upgrading the Subic Bay International Airport to attract passengers who may opt for the sea-air connection available in Subic,” she said.

Eisma said that another measure the SBMA would look into is the issuance of implementing rules and regulations for Executive Order 72, which governs the admission and stay of foreign nationals in Subic as temporary visitors.

The latest cruise ship to arrive in Subic was MS World Dream, which arrived on December 11.

World Dream, which has a capacity of 3,376 passengers, was designed for the Asian cruise market and is now operated by the Dream Cruises line of the global entertainment and leisure firm Genting Hong Kong. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

Passengers of World Dream buy local food products and souvenir shirts at kiosks set up by local traders near the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 11.

Read More

Oryoku Maru Hellship Commemoration Ceremony held in Subic Bay (In Photos)

[1] The American and Philippine flags were on display at the Subic Hellship Memorial marker during a remembrance ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 15, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the hellship MV Oryoku Maru.

The vessel carrying nearly 300 American prisoners of war was accidentally sunk by American fighter planes on Subic Bay, Philippines on December 15, 1944.

[2] Members of the Fleet Reserve Association perform a solemn sailors’ bell ritual during a remembrance ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 15, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the hellship MV Oryoku Maru.

[3] Tracey Betts, a representative from the United States Embassy in Manila, lays a wreath at the wreck site of the MV Oryoku Maru during a remembrance ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 15, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the hellship. Oryoku Maru, carrying nearly 300 American prisoners of war, was accidentally sunk by American fighter planes on Subic Bay, Philippines on December 15, 1944.


Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department

Read More

TRAP SHOOTING / SAILING - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 8 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 9, 2019.

[1] Filipino marksman Carl Carag takes aim during the Trap Shooting event on Dec. 9 at the at the EOD Firing Range in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[2] Competitors line up for the Trap Shooting event on Dec. 9 at the at the EOD Firing Range in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[3] Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos meets SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma during the Trap Shooting event on Dec. 9 at the at the EOD Firing Range in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[4] Sailboats take advantage of fair winds during the sailing event in the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Dec. 9 at the Subic Bay Freeport.


Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Richard Johnson/Jonas Reyes

Read More

TRADITIONAL BOAT RACE / MUAY THAI - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 7 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 8, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] Filipino rower Melcah Jen Caballero paddles her way to win the Lightweight Women’s Single Scull in the rowing competition of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Acea Resort in the Subic Bay Freeport on Sunday, Dec. 8.

[2] Filipino rower Melcah Jen Caballero wins the gold medal for Lightweight Women’s Single Scull in the rowing competition of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Acea Resort in the Subic Bay Freeport on Sunday, Dec. 8.

[3] Gold medal winner Melcah Jen Caballero proudly flies the Philippine flag in the conclusion of the rowing competition of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Acea Resort in the Subic Bay Freeport on Sunday, Dec. 8.

[4] Members of Team Indonesia gesture triumphantly after crossing the finish line first in the 22-seater 1,000-meter traditional boat race on Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Malawaan Park in the Subic Bay Freeport.

[5] The action-packed Muay Thai bouts on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

[6] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (2nd, right) joins games officials during the awarding of medals to winners in Muay Thai on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Jun Dumaguing/Jonas Reyes

Read More

TRADITIONAL BOAT RACE - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 6 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 7, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] Dragon boat teams race to the rhythm of drums during the traditional boat race at the Malawaan Park, Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 7.

[2] Competitors furiously paddle their canoe as the race to the finish line during the traditional boat race at the Malawaan Park, Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 7.

[3] Boat racers make their way past ships anchored at the NSD Marine Terminal during the traditional boat race at the Malawaan Park, Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 7.

[4] A supporter of Team Philippines waves the Philippine tricolor, as she cheers for local athletes at the Malawaan Park, Subic Bay Freeport during the traditional boat race on Dec. 7.

[5] A venue staff at Malawaan Park, Subic Bay Freeport proudly shows his collection of souvenir pins from the 30th Southeast Asian Games 2019.

Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Jonas Reyes/Robin Tuazon

Read More

WOMEN'S BEACH VOLLEYBALL - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 5 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 6, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] The Philippines’ Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriquez take on Singapore’s Eliza Chong and Gladys Lee during their last round-robin match at the Subic Sand Court on Friday, Dec. 6. The Philippine duo won at 21-18, 21-16

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Amy Eisma waves the Philippine colors as she cheers with her staff for the Philippine women’s volleyball team during their match against Singapore at the Subic Sand Court on Friday, Dec. 6

[3] Bronze medalists Dij Rodriquez, Dzi Gervacio, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons pose triumphantly after beating Singapore and winning the bronze medal in women’s beach volleyball at the Subic Sand Court on Friday, Dec. 6

[4] Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons

[5] Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriquez

Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Jonas Reyes/Robin Tuazon

Read More

DUATHLON MIXED RELAY - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 4 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 5, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] Thailand’s Arthit Soda crosses the finish line first during the duathlon mixed relay at Subic’s Waterfront Road on Thursday, Dec. 5 to win gold medal for his team. The other members of Thailand’s team are: Parreya Sonsem, Nattawut Srinate, and Siriwan Kuncharin.

[2] The Philippines’ Emmanuel Comendador falls after suffering from muscle cramps upon crossing the finish line during the duathlon mixed relay at Subic’s Waterfront Road on Thursday, Dec. 5.

[3] The Philippine team composed of Emmanuel Comendador, Monica Torres, Pawie Fornea, and Ephraim Iñigo wave the colors after clinching bronze in the duathlon mixed relay at Subic’s Waterfront Road on Thursday, Dec. 5.

[4] Participants in the duathlon mixed relay race run along Subic’s Waterfront Road on Thursday, Dec. 5, as security personnel man areas at the competition site to assure the safety of SEA Games events.

Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Jun Dumaguing/Robin Tuazon/Jonas Reyes

Read More

MEN'S BEACH VOLLEYBALL / MUAY THAI - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 3 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 4, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] The men’s beach volleyball game between Malaysia and Cambodia at the Subic Sand Court on Dec. 4.

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma watches the men’s beach volleyball game between Malaysia and Cambodia and leads in cheering for the foreign athletes.

[3] Filipino muay thai duo Jerome Calica and Joemar Gallaza carry a dazzling performance to win the gold medal in the Male Waikru & Mai Muay event at the Subic Bay and Exhibition Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

[4] Thailand women’s duo Thanawan Thongduang and Ruchira Wongsriwo spar for a gold-medal finish in the Waikru & Mai Muay Thai event at the Subic Bay and Exhibition Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

[5] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma with Muay Thai silver medalists Irendin Lepatan (left) and Rusha Mae Bayacsan who won in the Waikru Mai Muay Thai women’s competition at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Dec. 4 with 9.45 points.

[6] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma congratulates Philippine Muay Thai athletes Jerchen Calica and Joemar Gallaza after winning the gold for men’s Waikru at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Dec. 4.

[7]Employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)clean up portions of the triathlon venue along Subic’s Waterfront Road on Dec. 4 after rains and winds from Typhoon ‘Tisoy’ affected SEA Games venues in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Roderick Cerezo/Carrie T. Aspa/Dong Andres

Read More

PENCAK SILAT / CHESS - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 2 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 3, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster

[1] Singaporean trio Nuwaid Hasif Bin Zainal Abidin, Muhammad Nazrul Bin Moho Kamal and Hamillan Arash Bin Juffrie perform to win the gold in the men’s Seni Regu finals of pencak silat at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3.

[2] Malaysian duo Mohd Taqiyuddin Bin Hamid and Sazzlan Bin Yuga demonstrate their routine to win the gold in the men’s Seni Ganda finals of pencak silat at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3.

[3] Indonesian Puspa Arum Sari shows her best form to win the gold medal in the women’s Seni Tunggal event of pencak silat at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3.

[4] Eugene Torre, the first Filipino grandmaster, sees action in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games chess competition at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3

[5] Philippines’ woman grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna meets Vietnamese woman grandmaster Hoang Thi Bao Tram in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games chess competition at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in the Subic Bay Freeport on Dec. 3.


Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/ Jun Dumaguing/Robin Tuazon

Read More

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TRIATHLON - The 30th SEA Games in Subic Bay (In Photos)

Day 1 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, December 2, 2019, Subic Bay Cluster.

[1] Indonesian Juahari Johan raises his hands in victory as he nears the finish line to win the gold in the men’s duathlon event on Dec. 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

[2] The Philippines’ Monica Torres waves the country’s colors after hitting the gold in the women’s duathlon event on Dec. 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

[3] Singaporean athletes lead the pack in the early stage of the men’s duathlon event on Dec. 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport just before Indonesian Juahari Johan breaks away to win the gold.

[4] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma congratulates Philippines’ silver medalist Joey delos Reyes at the conclusion of the men’s duathlon event on Dec. 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

[5] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma during the presentation of awards to podium winners Juahari Johan of Indonesia (gold), Joey delos Reyes of the Philippines (silver), and Nattawut Srinate of Thailand (bronze) at the conclusion of the men’s duathlon event on Dec. 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport.


Photos & captions by the SBMA Media Production Department/Jun Dumaguing

Read More

Edmar Tacuel clinches gold in men's pencak silat

Philippines bet Edmar Tacuel strengthened the country's bid for an overall championship after delivering a gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games pencak silat men's seni tinggal singles event at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center Monday.

Tacuel scored a total of 470 to cop gold. Singapore's Muhammad Rahman placed second with 461, while Indonesia's Ding Sulistianto settled for bronze with 460.

According to the SEA Games 2019 website, Pencak silat is a traditional Indonesian martial art, which is "a full-body fighting form incorporating strikes, grappling and throwing in addition to weaponry." Every part of the body is used and subject to attack. (Ma. Angelica Garcia/JST, GMA News)

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/othersports/717515/edmar-tacuel-clinches-gold-in-men-s-pencak-silat/story/

Read More

Triathlete John Chicano gives PHI its first gold in 2019 SEA Games

The Philippines is on the board in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games as John “Rambo” Chicano got his first gold in men’s triathlon.

Chicano registered the Philippines’ first win - as well as its first medal overall - in the regional meet by finishing with a time of 1:53:26, Sunday at Subic Bay Boardwalk.

This is the 28-year-old’s first gold in the biennial event as back in 2017, he placed second to Nikko Huelgas.

It was a 1-2 finish for the Filipinos with Kim Remolino claiming silver by logging a time of 1:55:03.

The 19-year-old was actually the pacesetter after the swimming course while Chicano was actually at fourth.

“Rambo,” as he is fondly called, however, dominated the biking and running phases en route to his breakthrough win.

Completing the podium is Indonesia’s Ahlul Firman Muhammad who finished at 1:57:10. (sports.abs-cbn.com)

PHOTO:

Chicano at the finish line, registering the Philippines’ first win in the regional meet by finishing with a time of 1:53:26, Sunday at Subic Bay Boardwalk.

https://sports.abs-cbn.com/seagames/news/2019/12/01/triathlete-chicano-gives-phi-first-gold-sea-games-63861

Read More