MAYOR GORDON SIGNS PEACE COVENANT FOR HONEST ELECTIONS

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr., along with the other candidates for the mayoralty race, signed a peace covenant for a peaceful, orderly and honest elections on May last March 23, 2010 at the Saint Joseph Parish Church.

Agustin Urbano of Brotherhood of Christians Business and Professionals, PSsupt. Oscar Albayalde, Father Audencio Mozo, City Election Officer Atty. Numer P. Lobo and City DILG Director Dennis Villaseñor stood as witnesses to the pact signing.

“Katulad ng mga nakaraang eleksyon, hangarin ko na magkaroon ng mapayapa at matiwasay na halalan sapagkat ang boto ng bawat-isa sa atin ay sagrado at mahalaga para sa kinabukasan at patuloy na progreso ng ating lungsod at ng buong bansa,” said Mayor Gordon. “Kaya nararapat lamang na ang mga mamamayan ay maging matalino sa kanilang pagboto, dahil ang kanilang desisyon ang huhubog sa magiging kapalaran ng Olongapo sa susunod na taon. Dapat ay tingnang mabuti ng mamamayan ang mga background ng isang kandidato bilang lider sapagkat ito ang magpapatunay sa kakayahang mamuno,” he added.

Meanwhile, Vice-Mayor Cynthia Cajudo, incumbent city councilors and candidates vying for City Council posts and Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon also signed the covenant to manifest their sincere hope for a peaceful and honest elections.

“Bilang isang ina at babae, mithin ko na maging ligtas , mapayapa, at matapat ang susunod na eleksyon para sa kapakanan at kabutihan ng mga mamamayan at ng susunod pang henerasyon,” said Anne Gordon who is running as Congresswoman for the First District of Zambales.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr., Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon and Vice-Mayor Cynthia Cajudo sign the peace covenant for a peaceful, orderly and honest May 2010 synchronized national and local elections last March 23 at the Saint Joseph Parish Church while Agustin Urbano of Brotherhood of Christians Business and Professionals, PSsupt. Oscar Albayalde, Father Audencio Mozo, City Election Officer Atty. Numer P. Lobo and City DILG Director Dennis Villaseñor stood as witnesses to the pact signing. / sara (Photo Courtesy of PAO)

Gordon wins UP mock poll

Bagumbayan presidential bet Senator Richard Gordon on Thursday topped a system-wide mock poll at the University of the Philippines (UP).

Gordon, a UP Law alumnus, garnered 1,236 out of the 3,958 votes cast in a mock election held from March 18-25 in 11 campuses of UP namely: Diliman, Pampanga, Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Miag-ao, Iloilo, Tacloban, Manila School of Health Sciences in Leyte, Manila School of Health Sciences in Baler, Mindanao, Open University, and Los Baños.

Gordon was followed by Lakas-Kampi-CMD bet former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro with 923 votes while Nacionalista Party bet Manny Villar Jr had 698 votes.

Senator Benigno Aquino III of Liberal Party is fourth with 591 votes while Bangon Pilipinas’ Bro. Eddie Villanueva had 100 votes, independent candidate Nicanor Perlas got 79 votes, Senator Jamby Madrigal had 32 votes, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino bet former President Joseph Estrada got 22 votes.

Meanwhile, Ang Kapatiran Party bet Olongapo City Councilor JC de los Reyes had 15 votes while disqualified KBL bet financial consultant Vetallano Acosta had three votes.

Earlier, Gordon also topped a mock poll on mass communication students at UP Diliman.

The UP System has 48,860 enrolled students. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)

Olongapenyo in ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’

‘Pilipinas Got Talent’: Amazing contestants, affecting stories

When ABS-CBN premiered “Pilipinas Got Talent,” viewers expected to see dancers and singers,and perhaps also a smattering of fire eaters and tightrope walkers.

What they didn't expect to see were tears flowing both from the contestants and the viewers themselves.

Nowadays, we watch the show as much for the talent involved as for the stories behind them.

When we root for a contestant, we are actually rallying behind the human spirit overcoming trials, for light refusing to yield.

The musical multi-tasker

TV audiences probably wondered what 59-year-old Olongapo resident Reynaldo Benavente was up to when he took the “Pilipinas Got Talent” stage for the first time. After all, he made his entrance holding a guitar, a bass guitar and a harmonica.

Reynaldo was supposed to sing but he didn't have any musicians with him onstage. He turned out to be a one-man band — he was the vocalist, bass guitarist, acoustic guitarist and harmonica player.

“Ano yan?” amazed judge Kris Aquino asked. She was referring to the bass guitar which, instead of being swung over his shoulder, was placed on the floor before him.

Reynaldo performed the song “Stand By Me;” rendered with him on the guitar and the harmonica. He then brought the house down in the middle of the performance when he plucked the bass guitar on the floor with his bare feet.

He is a true one-man band — a modern day musical multi-tasker, if there ever was one. This three-instrument act, he said, was something he began doing back in 2002.

It was a talent scout who discovered him when he was performing in an Olongapo bar called My Space. He was urged to audition for the talent show, so he traveled all the way to Baguio using his own money to take part of the show's try-outs being held there.

Reynaldo did perform with a complete band in his younger days. He was its bass guitraist though he later switched to the acoustic guitar, just prior to leaving that band. He also had a stint working as a musician abroad.

For now, Reynaldo is grateful for the opportunity to showcase his talent and is just waiting to see if he’ll be lucky enough to extend his stint on the TV show. (By Annie S. Alejo - Manila Bulletin)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMmK_lP7L40

Above video is Reynaldo Benavente's 1-Man-Band Performance last yeat at Eat Bulaga KKB

Lipumano: Gatecrasher at intruder si Bacay

Luigi Lipumano, the local LP chairman and official candidate for councilor told reporters that Bacay is not a party member and not the official LP candidate for the mayoralty seat. He was a mere “gatecrasher and intruder out to disrupt the Noynoy Aquino campaign in the city.”

As Violence, tremor rock Aquino’s Olongapo sortie

OLONGAPO CITY—Violence and an earthquake rocked the campaign sortie of Liberal Party presidential bet Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino II in this city Thursday.

A fistfight broke out on the stage between supporters of Olongapo City’s mayoralty candidates Jerome Bacay of Aksyong Demokratiko and Vicente Magsaysay of Team Magsaysay, as Aquino was about to deliver his speech before some 3,000 people at the Olongapo City National High School.

His security officers and members of the Philippine National Police whisked Aquino away from the stage.

In a press conference after the incident, Aquino said the problem started when the city government denied the LP’s request to hold its campaign in a bigger venue like the Rizal Triangle or Marikit Park. What happened was “reminiscent of the martial law days” where those who are in power tried to suppress the opposition.

As Aquino was about to leave the room an earthquake struck that many people panicked and ran.

Luigi Lipumano, the local LP chairman and official candidate for councilor told reporters that Bacay is not a party member and not the official LP candidate for the mayoralty seat. He was a mere “gatecrasher and intruder out to disrupt the Noynoy Aquino campaign in the city.”

Before coming to the city for his campaign sortie, Aquino was in Iba, Zambales, where he was greeted by thousands of supporters led by Zambales Governor Amor Deloso, second district congressional candidate Cheryl Deloso and other LP candidates at the local level. Cecille Garcia - manilastandardtoday.com

VIOLENCE MARRED NOYNOY'S OLONGAPO SORTIE

In Olongapo City, violence marred the campaign sortie of Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III following a free-for-all among his supporters.

The campaign at the multipurpose building of the Olongapo City National High School was disrupted when mayoralty candidate Jerome Bacay went up the stage and claimed that he is the candidate of LP-Aksyon Demokratiko.

Organizers belonging to the local coalition supporting the candidacy of former governor Vicente Magsaysay were irked by the situation that sparked a free-for-all and forced Bacay to back off from the stage.

Mr. Aquino’s security police escorts moved the presidential bet to safe ground as the commotion subsided.

In a press conference, Mr. Aquino said the problem stemmed from the city government’s denial of the LP’s request to conduct the campaign in a bigger venue.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Aquino visited Iba, Zambales. He said in a speech that he would help the province in northwestern Luzon promote tourism. bworldonline.com

Noynoy sortie in Olongapo City marred by violence

KAGULUHAN SA OLONGAPO SCHOOL: MAGSAYSAY VS. BACAY
http://yoursayinsubicbay.blogspot.com/

Isang pangyayari ang yumanig sa eksenang pulitikal sa Olongapo kanina nang magpang-abot ang kampo nila Bacay at Magsaysay sa isang campaign sortie ni Noynoy Aquino sa Zambales.

Basahin ang mga tala sa facebook kung saan ang mga eyewitness ay nagsalaysay ng mga pangyayari at panoorin ang report ng GMA7:
Si Jer Bacay habang umaakyat sa bakod dahil ayaw umano padaanin ng mga tao ni Lugie Lipumano na syang may control sa event.
May gustong magtaas ng kamay ni Bacay samantalang mas marami ang pumipigil at ang iba naman ay binabalya sya upang mahulog sa stage.
Bulagta ang isang suporter ni bacay ng bigyan ng straight ni waway, bulwak ang dugo sa ilong at nguso pagtayo ng tao ni bacay. Panoorin sa baba ang GMA 7 report

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Thread ng mga usapan ng fb users about what happened yesterday:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=53820&id=100000766836666

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000600850262

CITY COUNCIL REJECTS MARKET STUDY OF EBB PUBLIC MARKET

The City Council thru Resolution No. 26 (series of 2010) has rejected the Market Study of Finasia Land or any entity that seeks to oust genuine stakeholders at the East Bajac-Bajac Public Market and has also re-affirmed the city’s commitment to the general welfare of the public.

“In light of the misinformation perpetuated by unscrupulous non-stakeholders or those who seek to sow disunity in the community, and whose negative disinformation is aimed at stunting the City’s well-meaning initiatives, the Sangguniang Panlungsod deems this measure indispensable to affirm its profound commitment to its constituents,” said Councilor Ellen Dabu, who sponsored the resolution.

It can be recalled that on April 15, 2009, the City Council approved Resolution no. 5o series of 2009 Series of 2009, which mainly sought to redevelop the East Bajac Bajac Public Market (“EBB Market”) for the primary benefit of the people who conducts and derives their livelihood at the marketplace.

Similarly, Resolution No. 70 series of 2009 was approved by the City Council last May 27, 2009, for the purpose of maximizing the livelihood-and-job generating potential of the East Bajac Bajac Public Market (“EBB Market”), but placing emphasis on the need to ensure, to the fullest extent viable, a real and meaningful participation from its authentic stakeholders such as genuine stallholders, salesmen and retailers who must be protected.

“Huwag po tayong maniniwala sa mga sinasabi ng iba na ang nais ay sirain lamang ang kapayapan sa lungsod. Mahalaga po sa amin na protektahan ang kapakanan ng mamamayan. Ang pag-unlad o progreso ay isang bagay na hindi natin mapipigilan. Ngunit yan po ay gagawin natin ng sama-sama. Kaya nga nagsasagawa ang GORDON HELPS caravan ng konsultasyon sa mga barangay at sa iba’t-ibang sektor ng lipunan upang malaman ang saloobin ng mamayan dahil sa huli ang kapakanan pa rin ng publiko ang ating ipaglalaban,” wika ni Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

GORDON COLLEGE STUDENTS WINNER AT THE 2010 ALCULYMPICS

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. recognized and commended the talents of nine (9) students from Gordon College (GC) who won at the recently concluded “ALCULYMPICS 2010” at the University of Makati, Makati City.

At the flag raising ceremonies on March 22, 2010 at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court, Mayor Bong Gordon acknowledged the GC students who won in different categories at the 2nd Season of ALCULYMPICS.

‘’The competition aims to cultivate goodwill, camaraderie, sportsmanship and unity at yan ang nangibabaw sa mga Gordon College students na ito,’’ Mayor Gordon said.

In the Dance Sport Standard Category, Dennis Franco and Allysa Palma bagged the silver medal award while Monica Landicho and Nover Eder got the bronze medal for the Latin Categoty. Both pairs were choreographed and trained by Coach Celina Ednave.

On the other hand, five (5) GC students bagged silver medals for the Women’s Badminton category, namely, Karla Grace Lipata, Danica Servidada, Rhishiel Estimo, Jessica Ruth Santiago and Genine Republo with Coach Joel A. Duclayan.

Alculympics is a sports league and triennial multi-sport event involving participants from the current eighteen (18) member schools of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities in the Philippines.

The five-day tournament has 14 sports events, including volleyball, basketball, table tennis, taekwondo, arnis, and track and field.

The eighteen (18) members of the league are Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, University of Makati and Quezon City Polytechnic University. All 6 are from Metro Manila.

The other 12 universities and colleges outside Metro Manila are Bago City College, Bulacan Polytechnic College, Gordon College, Lipa City Public College, Mandaue City College, Mariano Quino Alarilla Polytechnic College, Pamantasan ng Bayan ng San Mateo, Pamantasan ng Cabuyao at Pamantasan ng Montalban, Quirino Polytechnic College, Tagaloan Community College and Urdaneta City University.

APPROVED: Mayor Bong Gordon and the Gordon College (GC) students who bring home medals on the recently ALCULYMPICS 2010. With Mayor Gordon are (L-R): Rhishiel Estimo, Karla Grace Lipata, Monica Landicho, Mayor Gordon, Nover Eder, Dennis Franco, Jessica Ruth Santiago and Gennie Republo.

OPLAN SUMVAC 2010, ALL SET

Tasked by Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr., Disaster Management Office (DMO) head Angelito Layug led the final planning and meeting of participating agencies, departments and barangays in this year’s OPLAN SUMVAC (Oplan Summer Vacation) on March 19, 2010 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall.

“The OPLAN SUMVAC is a yearly undertaking led by the city government dedicated to maintain public safety and smooth flow of traffic and to respond and assist effectively in emergencies and problems encountered by residents, motorists and tourists especially during the Holy Week,” Layug, explained.

According to the action plan presented by the DMO, this year’s OPLAN SUMVAC will assist the public from March 28-April 4 and the Central Command Post will be stationed at the Olongapo City Hall. Satellite stations will also be organized on the following pilot areas: IRAM (Along National Highway New Cabalan), Kalapati, Old Cabalan (adjacent to Petron Gasoline Station) Ulo ng Apo, Victory Terminal Station, Kalaklan Gate, Ocean View, Driftwood Beach, Baloy Beach, Balimpuyo (Sta. Rita), and at the Grotto in Mabayuan.

In this connection, volunteers from participating organizations, city government departments and agencies are assigned on the following stations:

“As a prime tourist destination, Olongapo City shall always endeavor to maintain peace and order and safeguard public safety,” said Mayor Gordon. “And thanks to the efforts of our yearly OPLAN SUMVAC volunteers, summers in the city has always been relatively safe and peaceful,” he added.

“Aside from OPLAN SUMVAC, it can be recalled that Mayor Gordon thru the Public Affairs Office (PAO) has released advisories on the impacts of the intense summer heat (El Niño) to health, tips that are very important especially to tourists who are expected to flock at Barangay Barretto, the city’s beach capital,” said Vic Vizcocho, head of PAO.

FIRE TRUCK-PUMPER AND AMBULANCE COURTESY OF PNRC

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. led the turn-over of a fire truck pumper and an Ambulance to the Disaster Management Office (DMO) from the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).

The vehicles were donated by PNRC through Chairman and Senator Richard Gordon to the city as assistance to emergency and rescue operations. “This is clearly a manifestation of the strong partnership between Sen. Dick Gordon, the PNRC and the city,” Mayor Bong Gordon said.

DMO head Angie Layug received the 2 vehicles from Mayor Bong Gordon at the flag raising ceremonies at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court on March 22, 2010.

‘’Malaki ang tulong ng mga behikulo na ito sa ‘public safety’ ng lungsod. This is in response to the effective and efficient emergency response efforts of the city government and the City Disaster Coordinating Council,’’ Mayor Gordon added.

‘’Ibinigay natin sa DMO ang pag-gamit at pangangalaga sa mga sasakyan dahil kasama sila sa mga unang nagre-responde sa sunog, aksidente at kalamidad kaya mahalaga na meron silang mga sasakyan at equipment,’’ the Mayor concluded.

Mayor Bong Gordon inspects the fire truck pumper procured by the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) through the initiative of PNRC chair and Sen. Richard Gordon for the city's many projects related to public safety. Mayor Gordon was assisted by Disaster Management Office (DMO) head Angie Layug on March 22, 2010 at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court. INSET: The fire truck pumper and ambulance vehicle.

GORDON, MOST QUALIFIED TO LEAD foreign execs reveal

Foreign businessmen and diplomats assigned in the country think that Richard Gordon would be the best person to run the country in the next 6 years, according to a mock poll conducted at the Wallace Business Forum held at the Makati Shang-rila Hotel last March 18, 2010.

In the said pseudo-elections, 35 executives of multinational companies and members of diplomatic community were asked to rank the presidential candidates and Gordon has been identified as the one that “can do the best job.”

Sen. Richard Gordon, former mayor of Olongapo City who lobbied for the creation of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) when the Americans left the Subic Bay Naval Base in 1992 was first chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). He was the one who convinced multinational and local corporations to place their million dollar worth of investments in what used to be the remnants of a former military base.

“Because of his vision and credibility, Richard Gordon was able to attract foreign investors at Subic Bay. When the Americans left in 1992, we thought that was it because primarily, the livelihood and employment of Olongapeños and residents from neighboring towns used to depend on the U. S. Navy,” Damian delos Santos, 65, reminisced. “But Dick Gordon led us volunteers in protecting and preserving the Subic Naval Base area and thru his headship, foreign investors came in and what’s left of the former military bases was transformed into a bustling economic hub of today, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” delos Santos added.

“Only a leader of his caliber and credibility, can convince foreign businesses to invest in just a vision,” Olongapo City Councilor Edwin Piano, former Subic Bay volunteer and employee, said. “But he achieved the almost impossible and I am certain that he can do just as well as president of the country. From his track record, I believe him when he says that he can bring progress and transform Mindanao because he did it here in Subic Bay, ” said Councilor Piano.

According to the editorial section of the People’s Journal, a national newspaper, “Richard Gordon is the most prepared-academically, administratively, pragmatically and, most importantly, diplomatically.” Traits that were apparently hard earned from experience and attributes that can place the Philippines to the league of developed countries in Asia. Trust the foreign business experts and diplomats to know what they are saying and it is up to Filipinos to take the hint.

Richard Gordon unrehearsed, to the tune of ‘In the Jungle’

At the start of the campaign period, presidential aspirant Richard Gordon made one thing clear: "I sing but I don't dance."

One month after, the Bagumbayan standard bearer seemed to have reconsidered his statement. Who would have thought that it would only take two popular Filipino Youtube celebrities—Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill—to change his mind?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYhfQfHE4E4

In a lip-synched video released on Moymoy’s Youtube site, the 64-year-old senator made a surprise appearance as he danced and sang to the tune of “In the Jungle"—showing the public a glimpse into one side of him that most people never got to see earlier.

Uploaded three days ago, the two-minute video instantly became viral, reaching as much as 50,173 views as of Wednesday evening. Its 500 comments—which were a mixture of praises and disappointment—revealed that most of the viewers wanted to see the soft side of the senator, who is better known for his tough staccato style of talking.

One Youtube user, Kidkilatis, exclaimed: "Panalo (Winner)! It really shows his carefree side. 'Yun yata ang hindi kilala ng nakararaming mga Pilipino (That’s probably what most Filipinos don’t see)."

“This is soo cool," said snakeymcviper040794. “The senator, who is a no-nonsense worker, who's usually very serious, deserves this kind of break! It’s refreshing to see his lighter side,.."

Some disagree, however. Like another Youtube user, notnot0128, who says: "A bit corny, but kudos for the effort, Gordon."

On the campaign trail

Popularly known for being curt and straightforward, Gordon has long been perceived as a strict, no-nonsense leader. When attending presidential forums, he often comes across as a disciplinarian who makes sure that everyone is attentive to his speech. He is quick to react to a noisy audience.

In a campus forum in Zambales on March 19, for example, the Bagumbayan presidential bet was distracted thrice by high school girls who were busy chatting and giggling as he lay down his platforms.

He told them: "Miss, if you are having a conversation there, tatahimik muna ako para marinig ko pinag-uusapan niyo diyan (I will keep quiet for now so I can hear what you are talking about)."

But not all students take him sitting down. In Cagayan City two weeks ago, the tough senator had to take a dose of his own pill. (See: Students grill Gordon in Cagayan Colleges Technology forum)

Watch out for the sequel

Meanwhile, Momoy’s manager, Mitch Razote, said her talents came up with the video because they found Gordon as the “most impressive" presidential aspirant. Moymoy and Roadfill, now talent artists of GMA Network, are known for their comic and lip-synched videos uploaded on YouTube.

Aware of the senator’s tough image, the comic duo thought of ways to “show [Gordon’s] other side," she said.

At first feeling intimidated, Razote said her jitters subsided when she saw Gordon all jolly and up for the shoot. “After a while he’ll make you feel relaxed," she said, adding that they were impressed at how the senator quickly adapted to her talents’ gimmick.

Despite his age, she said, they not have a hard time briefing him on what do.

Everything was “impromptu," Razote said, with the video shoot taking only three minutes using Moymoy’s cellphone. Their satisfaction, perhaps, was encapsulated in the video’s caption which read: “Havin[g] fun time! We didn’t know Senator Gordon would be this cool!"

One thing is for sure, said Razote. Her comic duo will “definitely come up with a sequel" to further feature Gordon and his running mate Fernando.—JV, GMANews.TV, AIE BALAGTAS SEE, GMANews.TV

GORDON STRAIGHT TICKET MOTORCADE

GST MOTORCADE: Olongapeños crowded the streets in anticipation of Mayor Bong Gordon, Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Gov. Anne Gordon who is now running for congress and Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo and the Gordon Straight Ticket (GST) in a motorcade on March 22, 2010.

Wellness haven in Subic

SUBIC, Olongapo City: The newest top destination for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing and healthy Holy Week is located at Cubi Point—George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center (GDMWC).

A haven found only in Subic, Olongapo City, the wellness center has been gaining guests evidently because of its quiet presence and superior amenities.

The George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center is owned and operated by the George Dewey Medical College Inc., a pioneer in medical education with a stress on wellness. Banking on cutting-edge technology and world-class education system, it has been in operation for five years.

The medical college offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and will soon be offering two additional courses—BS in Radiology and BS in Medical Technology. Other courses such as Dentistry, Ophthalmology, Physical Therapy and Medicine will be introduced in 2011.

President Gloria Arroyo, during the inauguration of the George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center, was among those who saw the potential and beauty that only this haven in Subic possesses.

This Holy Week, the wellness center will unveil its housing-development and residential projects.

According to Marabel Viernes, vice president for finance and human resources, the center is “the finest spot you will find in Subic.”

For one, she said, the center, all 12 hectares of it, sits on top of a hill right in the middle of a lush forest. It is also the only tertiary hospital in Subic, she added.

Guests and tourists, she said, could avail themselves of luxurious rooms during their stay.

“Here is where you will also find the warm, accommodating and efficient staff who will make sure that those who will visit us will have nothing but wonderful memories and experiences,” Viernes added.

The George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center also houses a spa, recreation area and beautiful chapel. Supervised by the most qualified health and fitness experts, Viernes said, the gym of the wellness center boasts of the best equipment for physical fitness and weight management. The gym is accepting members.

Those who want to explore attractions near the center may try Zoobic Safari, Subic Bat Kingdom and Ocean Adventure. Or they can also try the night market.

“The best part is that we offer the most affordable room rates,” Viernes said. A room at the wellness center that is good for four persons goes for P1,300, she added.

Those who need more rooms can try the newly renovated and furnished 26-room condominium.

On the drawing board, according to Viernes, are a flower park, mini-sports complex and clubhouse, mini-market, coffee shop, convenience store, gift shop, business center, moviehouse and theme park. BY MARYLAINE LOUISE L. VIERNES - Manila Times Columnist

HOMETOWN FOLKS EAGERLY WELCOME GORDON

Thousands of Olongapeños lined-up the streets and cheered for Bagumbayan party standard bearer Richard Gordon and his running mate, Bayani Fernando recently as the candidates for the top national posts convoyed around the city’s key areas.

“Umaga pa lamang ay handa na ako at ang mga kasama ko sa Balikatan Ladies of Olongapo Movement upang salubungin si Senator Richard Gordon. Isang karangalan para sa amin na muling makita at makasama ang lider naming mga volunteers,” said Ellen Alba, 50, of Gordon Heights.

“Dalawang araw pa lang bago dumating sina Senator Gordon ay ikinabit ko na ang aking mga tarpaulin at posters sa harap ng aming bahay upang ipakita sa Bagumbayan Party ang aking pagsuporta,” Almira Capistrano of West Bajac-Bajac, related.

The “transformers” as Gordon and Bayani call themselves met with their Bagumbayan party counterparts in the city-the Gordon Straight Ticket (GST) led by Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon, who is now running for the congressional seat of the province’s first district.

“Dick Gordon, is definitely the country’s best hope to lead us to progress and stability for the next years,” said Mayor Gordon at the program held at the Rizal Triangle after the parade. “And I am not just saying that because he is my brother but because he has already proven his skills and ability, administratively as first chairman of SBMA, executively as former mayor of Olongapo, as Secretary of Tourism and as Chairman of the Red Cross and as a top-notch legislator as senator. Ano pa ang hahanapin natin sa kanya? Dick Gordon is the full package and teamed up with Bayani Fernando, siguradong sigurado na ang ruta ng progreso para sa isang Bagumbayan, “ wika pa ni Mayor Gordon.

Meanwhile, to demonstrate their support to the transformers, Olongapeño followers joined Gordon and Bayani as the caravan proceeded to Zambales.

SCHOOL EMPOWEREMENT FUND

Mayor Bong Gordon and City Consultant Tet Marzan hand out the School Empowerment Fund check amounting to P100,000.00 to Gordon Heights I Elementary School Principal Nilda Quitaneg with the school PTA representatives. Four (4) other public elementary schools received P100,000.00 School Empowerment Fund, the Olongapo City Elem. School (OCES) headed by Principal Consuelo Suguitan, Barretto I Elem. School Principal Elvira Sagun, New Cabalan Elementary School Principal Cenon Cayabyab and Mabayuan Elementary School Principal Merle Ellano. The program aims to further improve the condition of public education in the city.

GORDON STRAIGHT TICKET AT OCCC

The Gordon Straight Ticket (GST) led by Mayor Bong Gordon, Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Gordon who is running for Congresswoman of the 1st dist. Of Zambales and Vice-Mayor Cynthia Cajudo acknowledge the continuous cheers of the crowd estimated at some 3,000 in a program held at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) on March 22, 2010.

BEST TRAFFIC ENFORCER OF THE YEAR

Mayor Bong Gordon congratulates Special Operations Officer Robert Gregorio of Traffic Management and Public Safety Office (OTMPS) for being selected as the ‘’Best Traffic Enforcer of the Year’’ by the Philippine National Police-Olongapo City Police Office (PNP-OCPO). Mayor Gordon awards the plaque of appreciation to Gregorio during the flag raising ceremonies on March 22, 2010 at the Rizal Triangle Covered Court.

Job losses warned at Subic port

Cargo handler Amerasia International Services Inc. has warned of the "serious repercussions" on jobs at the naval supply depot once the contract between Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc. (HCPTI) is enforced.

"I wish to emphasize the great damage, prejudice and loss that would be inflicted on innocent parties, the current locators/cargo handling operators, including thousands of their employees that will be displaced when the SBMA-HCPTI contract is enforced," Eulalio Ventura, counsel of Amerasia, told the SBMA board in a meeting on Friday.

Ventura said SBMA committed to respect the lease contract of Amerasia at the NSD but would no longer allow it to operate as cargo handling operators in the areas awarded to HCPTI.

Stevedoring and arrastre are major job generators. Amerasia alone employs about 300.

This is despite an earlier pronouncement of SBMA that the SBMA-HCPTI contract will be without prejudice to Amerasia’s contractual rights.

Ventura said the manner of respecting Amerasia’s 25-year contract is "absolutely meaningless and absurd because our client’s contractual rights will be violated."

The contract states that "the lessee shall use the leased property strictly for its business of providing cargo handling services....Use of the leased property other than the intended use shall not be permitted without the prior consent of the lessor."

"The assurance made by Mr. (SBMA Administrator Armand C.) Arreza to Amerasia that the SBMA-HCPTI contract contains a provision about SBMA’s commitment to honor existing contract was false, misleading and ill motivated," Ventura said.

Amerasia and other cargo operators said at the hearing conducted by the SBMA board that the high tariff is only one of the many legal flaws of the SBMA-HCPTI joint venture.

He said locators/cargo handling operators were granted authority to increase tariff rates by 25 percent about four years ago although it was never implemented.

On March 5, however, the SBMA board issued a resolution approving a 95 percent increase in tariff rates in favor of HCPTI.

"This would give HCPTI an annual revenue/income of P300 million. HCPTI can give you P50 million annually and they will still make good money out of the tariff income," Ventura said.

SBMA approved the unsolicited proposal of HCPTI last November 20 entitled "Subic Agro-Industrial Logistics Port – A Proposal for Private-Public Partnership between Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc."

Under the agreement, HCPTI shall be SBMA’s exclusive cargo handler of bulk (excluding fertilizer), break-bulk and general cargo for a period of 25 years. - Irma Isip - malaya.com.ph

Subic cargo operators question SBMA’s port fee increases

Long-time cargo operators at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone questioned the recent resolution of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) approving tariff hikes in Subic ports in favor of the joint venture it formed with Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc. (HCPTI).

SBMA passed Resolution Number 10-02-35-35 last February 19, 2010 approving additional provisions in the proposed JVA with HCPTI.

The first additional provision is the tariff adjustment clause “giving the operator flexibility to adjust tariff rates, provided that: (a) the tariff adjustment will in no case exceed 95% of the Philippine Port Authority-approved tariffs in the port of Manila; (b) the rate adjustment shall not exceed twice in one year; and (c) the rate adjustment can only take effect with a 30-day notice to SBMA and the public in general.

Atty. Eulalio Ventura , legal counsel of Amerasia International Services Inc. and other cargo operators said, at the hearing conducted by the SBMA board, that the high tariff is only one of the many legal flaws of the SBMA-HCPTI joint venture.

As this developed, Ventura said they will also proceed with the filing of criminal complaint against the SBMA board next week.

"Next week we shall be filing a criminal case for the crimes defined in Sec. 3 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and in Article 186 of the Revised Penal Code against those who approved the SBMA-HCPTI contract by affixing their signatures in the pertinent board resolutions and the contract itself," he said.

He said locators/cargo handling operators were granted authority to increase tariff rates by 25 percent about four years ago, but it was never implemented.

According to Ventura , the approval of the tariff hike, "Would give HCPTI an annual revenue/income of P300 million. HCPTI can give you P50 million annually and they will still make good money out of the tariff income."

Under the agreement, HCPTI shall be SBMA’s exclusive cargo handler of bulk (excluding fertilizer), break-bulk and general cargo for a period of 25 years.

He said the contract, which granted monopoly to HCPTI, violated Section 1 of the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which states that no person shall be deprived of property without due process of law.

It also violated Section 19, Article XII of the National Economy and Patrimony of the Constitution which states that the State shall regulate or prohibit monopolies when public interest requires, he said.

In addition, Ventura pointed out that Amerasia had 14 years of cargo handling experience at the Freeport and had a strong performance record.

Meantime, SBMA administrator Armand C. Arreza has maintained that they have been transparent in forming the joint venture with HCPTI and followed the approved guidelines for joint venture agreements. They also invited the existing port operators but it turned out that the offers of Amerasia and Mega Equipment International Corp. (MEIC) were inferior to HCPTI’s offer.

“We follow the guidelines of the joint venture and we invited all the parties involved including the Subic operators, Philexport, Commission on Audit and the National Economic and Development Authority, so we are confident,” he said.

“If Amerasia really feels they are aggrieved, then by all means they should file a case in court,” Arreza said.

“Foremost, from a commercial point, the HCPTI’s unsolicited proposal is most advantageous to SBMA. The offer of Mega Equipment International Corp. (MEIC) and Amerasia was a lot inferior,” Arreza stressed.

Based on the negotiated terms reached with HCPTI and SBMA, the Reghis Romero-owned company has agreed to a $32 million or equivalent to P1.5 billion fixed and guaranteed revenue share over a 25-year joint venture period.

HCPTI has also agreed to a 15 percent share of cargo handling revenues generated from cargo volumes in excess of 2 million metric tons or an approximate 25 year total income of P197.74 million for SBMA. This share increases to 16 t 17 percent based on actual volume. By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT - mb.com.ph

Congratulations, 2010 Graduates!

“Binabati ko ang mga magulang ng magsisipagtapos na mag-aaral ngayong taon lalung lalo na sa kolehiyo dahil ang mga diplomang kanilang matatanggap ang simbolo ng inyong mga pagsisikap upang mapag-aral ang inyong mga anak,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

“Mahalaga sa ating mga Pilipino ang edukasyon, dahil ito ang nagsisilbi nating hagdanan upang maabot ang ating mga pangarap. Hinahangaan ko ang mga mag-aaral na sa kabila ng kahirapan o kakulangan sa buhay ay nagawang makatapos at makatulong sa kabuhayan ng pamilya. Kaya naman dito sa Olongapo patuloy ang pagbibigay ng scholarships sa mga mag-aaral na nangangailangan ng tulong at sa pamamagitan ng pagtataguyod ng Gordon College,” Mayor Gordon added.

“Bilang iskolar ng Gordon College ay nakapagtapos ako sa kolehiyo at ngayon ay naglilingkod bilang konsehal ng bayan. Maraming salamat kay Mayor Gordon at sa kanyang mga programa sa edukasyon, maraming kabataang Olongapeño ngayon ang unti-unting naabot ang kanilang mga mithiin sa buhay dahil sa kanilang pagsisikap at sa tulong na rin ng pamahalaang lungsod,” Councilor Nathan Manalo disclosed.

To demonstrate his support to this year’s graduates, Mayorn Gordon, with Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie Gordon takes time off his busy schedule to honor invitations for his as guest speaker at graduation ceremonies in the city.

Rally reminds Olongapo folk of Gordon's 1991 style

OLONGAPO CITY—As the red-shirted man who wants to be the next president took center stage at a campaign rally in his home city of Olongapo, Jesse Cao could not help but remember how this same man, now a senator and Bagumbayan party's standard bearer, inspired him to do volunteer work at a time when the city seemed to be dying.

When Mt. Pinatubo erupted in June 1991, not only did it devastate Olongapo City, but it forced all US forces and their dependents to evacuate from the adjacent Subic naval base. Three months later, the Philippine Senate voted not to ratify a US-RP treaty that would have allowed the continued stay of US bases in the country—thus making the US bases pullout final.

Cao, 40, said Olongapeños nearly lost hope at that point. But Sen. Richard Gordon, who was then city mayor, approached his constituents and mobilized them to volunteer instead of being disheartened.

"Binigyan niya ng kakayahaan para gumawa ng paraan kung papano mapapakinabanngan ang bawat isa (He enabled us to find ways to benefit from each other)," he said.

Cao said he volunteered for six months by looking after the abandoned facility and ensuring that it would not deteriorate like what happened to another US base in Sangley Point, Cavite province when it was turned over to the Philippine government in 1971.

“Wala kaming mga sweldo no’n. Tulong-tulong lang, kasi nakikita naming siya nagta-trabaho din (We did not get salaries then. We just helped each other, since we saw that he was also working like us)," he said.

'He ordered the markets to remain open'

Cao was not alone in his 1991 remembrances. A few seats away from him, also attending Gordon's rally, was 62-year-old Prudy Baylon, who narrated how she was inspired to remain in Olongapo even after the 1991 Pinatubo eruption damaged property, livelihood and morale among city residents.

She and her neighbors were scrambling to leave their homes and start anew in some other city, she recalled, when Gordon told his constituents: "Wag kayong umalis, wag kayong umalis. Nandito pa ako, kasama niyo ako."

"Nagpadala siya ng mga truck, bulldozer, at pinabuksan niya yung mga palengke. Sabi niya (He sent in trucks, bulldozers, and ordered the markets to remain open. He said), do business as usual. Make everything normal," Baylon remembered the senator as saying.

Cao and Baylon were among the rally-goers, estimated at less than a thousand, that showed up to support the Bagumbayan standard bearer and his running mate Bayani Fernando during their first campaign sortie in Gordon’s bailiwick.

Gordon thanked his constituents for their support and their role in developing Olongapo—now considered a model city in Central Luzon.

“Lumabas ang galing ng Pilipinong taga-Olongapo [at] tayo ay nagtagumpay laban sa Pinatubo (We showed them the greatness of Filipinos from Olongapo, and we won against Pinatubo)," he said, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

Before becoming a senator, Gordon served as Olongapo mayor for 13 years. He claims having changed the city—then widely perceived as a “sin city" dependent on the US base—to a “model city" worthy of emulation, and in transforming the base into Subic Freeport that he said generated more than 100,000 jobs.

As of 2007, Olongapo has a population of 227,270, and registered voters of about 99,412 by September 2009.

No huge crowds

The Bagumbayan rally, held at the city’s Rizal Multipurpose Hall, was noticeably lacking in crowd power. The number of people attending the rally filled up less than half of the venue, which police officials say could accommodate 15,000.

In a separate interview with GMANews.TV, Gordon said he was unbothered by the crowd turnout, explaining that his visit to his home city was unexpected and that he did not even plan to hold a rally.

“Biglaan lang yung rally kahapon eh (The rally yesterday was impromptu). We are not supposed to hold a rally. We are just supposed to march eh ginawa nilang rally kaya okay lang (but they turned it into a rally, so it’s fine)," he said.

Baylon, for her part, explained that residents of Olongapo are also busy at work, and that was the reason they failed to attend the event. She added that the advisory about Gordon’s visit was given on short notice.

The Bagumbayan standard bearer, meanwhile, asked his constituents to support him in the May elections as they did in the past. “Panahon na para taga-Olongapo naman ang mamuno (It’s high time that someone from Olongapo is given his turn to lead)," he said, adding that none of the other presidential candidates could match his track record.— AIE BALAGTAS SEE, GMANews.TV

Vice mayor and reelectionist Cynthia Cajudo introduces Bagumbayan standard bearer Richard Gordon and his running mate Bayani Fernando before a throng of supporters during their campaign rally in Olongapo, a city with a very distinctive history and considered as Gordon's bailiwick. Aie B. See

Councilor Ed Piano, Outstanding Councilor of the Philippines

Olongapo’s three-termer Councilor, Edwin Piano, has been recognized as The Outstanding Councilor of the Philippines (TOCP) by the Junior Chamber International Philippines and Senator Edgardo Angara at the Awarding Ceremonies held during the Philippine Councilor’s League End Term Conference at the Cebu International Convention Center, Cebu City last March 12, 2010.

This, after beating all his contenders at the region and at the national levels with his exemplary track record as a legislator committed to uplift the sectors of labor , employment, technical education, telecommunications and information technology.

“We are very proud of Councilor Piano’s success. This award only proves that the constituents have been right in choosing him as one of their representatives in the City Council, ” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

Councilor Piano, a former Subic Bay employee and one of the thousands of volunteers who protected and preserved the former Subic Naval Base under the leadership of Senator Richard Gordon, was first elected city councilor in 2001 and have authored and co-authored the highest number of significant resolutions and ordinances in the city council to date.

The career of Councilor EDWIN J. PIANO can be described as a career characterized by hard work, legislative savvy and selfless dedication to public service. It is a shining example of how a Councilor’s innovativeness and practical skills can be successfully parlayed into the concrete enhancement of the lives of his constituents and the progress of his community and country.

Believing that a councilor’s duties to the people go beyond mere legislative work, Mr. Piano voluntarily assumed other responsibilities that have a direct impact on the welfare of the community. He formally organized and led thousands of volunteers in rendering a wide range of community services. He set up and now heads the Olongapo Skills Development and Employment Center, while he is one of the pillars of the Subic Bay Information and Communications Technology Council. Mr. Piano is also very active in the scouting movement in Olongapo City.

The greatest accomplishment of Councilor Edwin Piano is his effective use of his legislative sagacity and skills in crafting timely and necessary laws that respond to the needs of the community; and his willingness to work even beyond the confines of the legislative halls, without any compensation, to make sure that these laws make their intended positive impact on the lives of the people. This accomplishment aptly exemplifies the line in the JCI Creed that states, “That government should be of laws rather than of men, and that service to humanity is the best work of life.” http://tocp-jci.blogspot.com/

One of the Philippine’s Bests: Councilor Edwin Piano shows his trophy and plaque as The Most Outstanding Councilor in the region and in the Philippines. His national feat was conferred by the Junior Chamber International Philippines and Senator Edgardo Angara at the Philippine Councilors League End Term Conference in Cebu City last March 12, 2010.

Visa-free entry for foreign golfers in Subic

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—Subic’s golf tourism program, which drew thousands of Korean golfers last year, is expected to get a big boost with the visa-free entry privilege being granted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to foreigners visiting the free port.

The visa-free privilege would also help increase arrival figures at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), said Benjamin John Defensor III, president and chief executive officer of Hanafil Golf and Tour Inc., the operator of the Subic golf course.

“Coupled with our golf-junket tours, this will revive the Subic airport,” Defensor said. The visa-free privilege granted to foreigners visiting the country through international airports at Subic and the neighboring Clark Free Port.

BI Commissioner Marcelino Libanan, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority administrator Armand Arreza and Clark Development Corp. president Benigno Ricafort signed the agreement that allows officers and personnel of foreign companies in the two free ports to enter and stay in the country for 14 days without visa.

Subic, which hosts a large number of Korean companies, is being marketed as a golfing haven to Korean executives under Hanafil’s three-day golf-junket tours. The SBIA lost income after the transfer of the FedEx Asia One hub from Subic to Guangzhou, China, in January 2009.

“We shall be using the SBIA and a partner airline company with low-cost fares to bring in more golfers from other countries,” Defensor said, noting that the Subic golf course is designed to handle 180 golfers a day.

“That number will get even bigger once we add nine more holes in the next phase of our development program,” Defensor also said.

Hanafil, a joint venture between Hana Tour, South Korea’s biggest tour company, and some Filipino partners, is now currently redeveloping the Subic golf course into an all-weather championship facility.

Defensor said the firm has completed about 40 percent of the reconstruction work, including the reshaping of the greens and fairways of the first nine holes.

Other improvements include an eco-friendly irrigation system that uses recycled water, a grass nursery that can use salt water, and a new drainage system that would better handle the volume of rainfall during the wet season.

Defensor said Hanafil has already spent almost $5 million for the reconstruction of the golf facility. The firm will also build guest houses and villas within the complex.

Defensor clarified that Hanafil’s renovations program is not just for the benefit of foreigners or new members, adding that the company also accommodates all previous members of the Subic golf club as long as they update their accounts.

He added that an increase in golf club membership rates may be effected in December this year, when the renovated golf course opens. Written by Henry Empeño /businessmirror.com.ph Correspondent

Subic, Clark face housing shortage

The country’s biggest and most progressive economic zones are faced with the prospects of losing possible investments from multinational investors if they fail to address the problem of housing development in their respective areas.

Despite the growing interest of global corporations to set up operations in Subic and Clark Freeport Zones, the current shortage in inventories of residential units in these economic zones has started to negatively impact on the decision-making process of would-be investors.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator and CEO Armand Arreza in an interview with the STAR admitted that there is indeed a need to step up housing development not only within Subic Freeport but likewise in areas and communities surrounding the zone.

Arreza said that he fully subscribes to the idea that the development of housing facilities located either inside Subic or very nearby communities could boost the profitability and economic efficiency of corporations or industries doing business within the zone.

“This (housing development) is what we are working-out right now.” Arreza said.

He explained that critical infrastructures are now in place specifically the port development, industrial areas and even tourism and leisure related sites.

Arreza said that SBMA’s current administration for the past years has been steadfast in maximizing the full potential of Subic to become one of the country’s major industrial, investment and tourism hub.

He said most, if not all. of the residential housing units in Kalayaan and Binictican housing areas have already been leased out by either SBMA or by housing developers since the Americans left the former Subic Naval Base almost 20 years ago.

There are some “pocket” residential developments within Subic’s Freeport zone. But based on recent surveys done by local real estate practitioners in Central Luzon, most of these developments are medium rise condominiums and the pricing (lease cost) has skyrocketed, making it less affordable considering that its just being leased out for a minimum of 25 years.

The situation in Clark is much more alarming.

There are just a couple of housing developments inside the Clark Freeport and both are being developed by Korean developers. The less than a hundred units that are currently being built would principally cater to Korean nationals.

Subic and Clark Freeport zones have been established with the aim of developing the area into a self-sustaining industrial, commercial, financial and investment center in the Philippines.

Life communities

Having efficient and decent social and environmental facilities are two of the major pre-requisites of prospective investors particularly multinational firms engaged in specialized industries and related businesses.

The California-style of living in both Subic and Clark can very well provide for a combination of work and leisure-like lifestyle especially for expatriates and their workers.

Likewise, the two economic zones which now boast of complementing infrastructures—Subic’s world-dass Seaport and Clark’s Airport and logistics hub linked by a major expressway that provides seamless travel for goods and services—have started to attract serious investors from global communities.

Supported by dense and efficient infrastructure, Subic in particular can sufficiently meet the life communities requirements of foreign or even domestic investors.

But without the affordable and efficient dwelling units, Subic and Clark will eventually appear un-attractive to both foreign and domestic businesses.

Arreza said that incorporating life communities within the Freeport zone will further boost the investors’ interest in locating their businesses and industries here.

The housing units left by the Americans in both Subic and Clark have already been leased out to individual lessees. Only a handful are selling the “right to lease” of these units. Most of the houses in both Kalayaan and Binictican area have undergone renovations. Most houses had to undergo major repairs as it was all damaged by ash fall following the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

Some of the original long term-lessees (25 to 50 year lease) have opted to either lease-out to prospective expats or local investors the residential units either on a monthly basis. A good number of these housing units are leased out to transients, mostly visitors from Metro Manila.

Going rates for daily rentals of two and three bedroom housing units ranges from 7,500-10,000 per day.

The monthly rentals range from 650 to 1,200 US dollars.

New housing developments

SBMA has started to solicit for possible joint-venture partners from among the established housing developers.

Ayala Land’s P3-billion development project in Subic envisions an integrated mixed-use master-planned community which will include a shopping mall, business process outsourcing office building and hotel.

With ALI’s development project in Subic, SBMA has started to open up opportunities for other established real estate developer to invest in residential development within the Freeport zone.

Arreza said that while it is not yet too late for both eco-zones, now is the best time to build-up their respective areas to comply with the demands of investors and locators as they strive to truly make Subic and Clark an investment haven. By Roger Garcia (The Philippine Star)