SBMA awards hardworking employees

In appreciation for their dedication and hard work, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recognized key personnel and departments that were instrumental in providing critical services to the public during the Holy Week last April.

Raul Marcelo, SBMA deputy administrator for business, together with Atty. Robert Martinez, SBMA deputy administrator for administration, presented certificates of appreciation to the honorees during the flag-raising ceremonies yesterday.

Marcelo noted that these people did not go on a day-off during the holiday just to make the Freeport a Holy Week destination flooded with more than 130,000 visitors.

Those who were recognized were Antonio dela Cruz, Rebecca Lozadio, Marilou Barriedo, Freddie Acosta, Edith Pingol, Maria Marylou Carnacio, Daniel Labonete, Tina Menez, and Capt. Dante Romano, head of the SBMA Maintenance and Transportation Department.

Marcelo also gave due recognition to SBMA departments who helped in the Holy Week spectacle. These were the Accounting, Construction and Maintenance, Transportation, Financial Planning and Budget, Fire, Human Resources, Law Enforcement, Media Production, Office Services, Property Procurement, Public Health, Transportation and Communication, Treasury, and Public Relations departments.

Marcelo said that the awardees were instrumental in the success of the long Holy Week holidays.

“Hindi naman namin magagawa ito (Holy Week program) kung hindi dahil sa tulong nila,” Marcelo said.(We couldn’t have done this without their help.)

Marcelo also took the opportunity to thank those who participated in the clean-up drive that was co-organized by the SBMA's Tourism Department recently.(AMV-PIA 3/SBMA-PRD)

THE SEARCH IS ON FOR BB. OLONGAPO 2011!

The City Tourism Office has announced it is now scouting for candidates for the search for Bb. Olongapo 2011. The said program aims to acknowledge the exceptional qualities of Olongapeñas who will represent the city in various prestigious national beauty pageants.

Female, Filipino citizen and residents of Olongapo, 18-24 years of age, at least 5’4’’ in height, possesses charm, intelligence and grace may sign up for the pageant. Interested applicants may bring the following:

Birth Certificate

School Diploma

Brgy. Certificate

Community Tax Certificate

(2) colored photo 3R (1 close-up, 1 whole body)

Initial screenings will run from January to March, 9am to 4pm, Mondays to Fridays at the Tourism Office. Final screening is set on March 4, 2011 at the Olongapo City Convention Center. Eighteen lucky candidates will be chosen to vie for the title.

For inquiries call the City Tourism Office at 224-1471 or Rio Cercado at cellphone no. 09193189333 or may log on at www.olongapocity.ph

Bb. Olongapo 2010 Candidates

The much anticipated Binibining Olongapo 2010 beauty pageant has almost completed its official list of candidates. This is the 3rd year of the pageant which is a project of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and Olongapo City First Lady Anne Gordon.

According to Rionyl Cercado, Binibining Olongapo 2010 Pageant Coordinator of the Olongapo City Tourism Office, the number of applicants was down to twenty five after the initial screening. However, aspirant applicants are still welcome until July 9, 2010.

The final screening will be on July 16, 2010. From there on, only 18 candidates will be selected. Afterwards, there will be an official photo shoot and briefing and orientation. The announcement of the official list of candidates will be on July 19, 2010.

Furthermore, the coronation night will be held at Olongapo City Convention Center on October 16, 2010. The winning candidate who will be crowned as Bb. Olongapo of 2010 will have the chance to represent the city in various prestigious national beauty pageants like Mutya ng Pilipinas or Miss Philippines Earth.

Pao/christopher

$1-b Subic resort cleared

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—A Korean property developer has obtained the go-signal of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority to develop a $1-billion resort complex in a 615-hectare beach front property between the free port and Morong town. Construction will start next month.

M Castle chairman Sang Soo Shin said shortly after signing a contract with SBMA administrator Armand Arreza that the project would change the landscape of Subic and adjacent areas in Morong, Bataan province.

Authorities said M Castle is known for eco-friendly tourism-related projects after the successful opening of several world-class island resorts and health spas in different scenic locations in Korea.

The Subic project includes the development of beach and forest condominiums, villas, a five-star hotel with 2,400 rooms, a 36-hole golf course, marina club, medical center for oriental and western medicine, water park, shopping mall and an English-language learning house.

Joining the signing ceremony were SBMA senior deputy administrator Stefani Sano and M Castle chief financial officer Ho Gyeong Kim, vice chairman Sang Gon Kim and SBMA director Amando Lagdameo Jr.

“These will be major employment-boosters,” Arreza said. “Aside from the jobs that would be directly created by these projects, there will be thousands of employment opportunities to be generated downstream.”

Arreza said investor confidence, especially of Korean companies, in the Subic Bay Freeport would help double the number of workers here in just two years.

Shin said his group would need around 7,000 workers to build the luxury resort.

Shin said that the company aimed to duplicate its successful projects in Korea in Subic and draw both local and foreign tourists.

M Castle’s first successful project was the Ocean Castle in Anmyeondo in Korea, which showcases the well-preserved beauty of the island resort.

Anmyeondo is a scenic island located on the west coast of South Korea. The island is known for its spectacular beaches and Anmyeondo stretches over 232.5 kilometers long.

M Castle opened in July 2005 the Duksan Spa Castle, a world-class spa resort. Stretched over 18 acres of tropical landscapes, Duksan Spa Castle is an all-inclusive natural hideaway with first-class service and hospitality. by Cecille Garcia - manilastandardtoday.com

China eyes RP tourism, direct flights to Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – With a 37 percent surge in tourist arrivals from China last year, this premier Freeport is poised to become a major gateway that would have direct flights between the two countries after the Chinese government granted the Philippines its “Approval Destination Status.”

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand Arreza stated that officials of Shijiazhuang and Taizhou cities including a municipality in Southern China have already expressed support for direct flights to Subic.

The expected influx of tourists from the People’s Republic of China (PRoC) means big business for this freeport and that of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark Freeport, just 35-45 minutes drive away via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

“We are now promoting Subic and Clark as one destination,” Arreza said.

Citing the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) projections, Arreza said over than five million foreign visitors may come to the Philippines this year and that a significant number of them will pass through or stay in Subic and Clark. By JONAS REYES - mb.com.ph

Olongapo: Prime Tourists Destination

“Kahit ngayong Pebrero pa lamang ay kapansin pansin na ang pagdami ng mga turista sa ating mga beach areas lalo na tuwing weekends kaya Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. has tasked concerned departments to prepare for the upcoming summer season as tourists noticeably begin to flock at Barangay Barretto, the city’s beach capital.

‘’Dapat na hindi lamang ang mga resort owners at mga negosyante ang maghanda kundi pati na rin ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaang lungsod upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga turista sa kanilang pagbisita dito sa Olongapo,” wika ni Mayor Gordon.

In this connection, the City Tourism Office, Office of Traffic Management and Public Safety, Disaster Management Office, and the Olongapo City Police Office are closely working together to ensure that tourists can enjoy exploring the city without worry for their safety.

“Now that Olongapo and Subic Bay Freeport Zone are more accessible to travelers from north to south thru the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), it is expected that the number of tourists visiting the areas would geometrically increase considering the less hours of travel time and less cost in travel expenses as compared to other summer destinations,” said Councilor Gina Perez who has sponsored several resolutions in the Sangguniang Panglungsod in promotion of the city’s tourism industry.

“Although unsolicited, I want to give the employees of hotels and resorts in the city a piece of advice, especially those who are in the frontline. Not only smile and be sincere when serving your guests, but provide the best service you can give, because Olongapeños should not only be known for volunteerism or discipline but also as the most hospitable and efficient people and that, plus our natural wonders make Olongapo as one of the prime tourists destinations in the country,” said Mayor Gordon.

Pao/sara

City expects to attract more tourists in the coming months

The city government announced the upcoming Olongapo City Tourism Events for October to December 2009 at the recently held Business Summit at the Olongapo City Convention Center.

Lorela S. Montoya of the City Tourism Office presented the details of the planned tourism projects to the attendees of the business summit: Olongapo City officials led by Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. and Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie, SBMA officials led by Administrator & CEO Armand C. Arreza, representatives from national government agencies, members of the city council, barangay officials, bankers’ group, and managers and owners of small/medium/large scale business in the city.

For the last three months of 2009, the following tourism activities are charted:

• BINIBINING OLONGAPO 2009

 TALENT PRESENTATION

October 3 (Oriental Paradise Casino, SBFZ)

 A NIGHT OF FASHION

October 7 (Casino Filipino, Olongapo)

 PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT TRAINING ON ORAL COMMUNICATION

October 10 (Olongapo City Convention Center)

 PRE-JUDGING

October 17 (Olongapo City Convention Center)

 Bb. OLONGAPO MOTORCADE

October 23

 GRAND PAGEANT NIGHT

October 24, 2009 (Olongapo City Convention Center)

• SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

 October 27-30, 2009

 REGISTRATION / BILLETING

WELCOME DINNER AND SOCIALS

October 27, 2009 (Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center)

 PLENARY SESSION

AWARDING CEREMONIES OF OUTSTANDING SK

October 28, 2009 (Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center)

 PLENARY SESSION (Guest of Honor: H.E. President Gloria Arroyo)

OPEN DEBATE with the Presidentiables

DINNER and REUNION of KB and SK

October 29, 2009 (Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center)

• OLONGAPO MARDIGRAS 2009

 October 29, 30 and 31

 Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in cooperation with the City Government of Olongapo and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)

• OLONGAPO CITY FIESTA 2009

 October 23 (FMA Hall)

 First Canvassing – CHINESE NIGHT

November 13 (Olongapo City Convention Center)

 Second Canvassing – KOREAN NIGHT

PRESENTATION of City Fiesta Candidates

November 27 (Rizal Triangle Covered Court)

 Third Canvassing – INTERNATIONAL NIGHT

December 11 (Rizal Triangle Covered Court)

 CORONATION NIGHT

December 23 (Rizal Triangle Covered Court)

 CITY FIESTA GRAND PARADE

December 30

 QUEEN’S BALL

December 31 (Olongapo City Convention Center)

• ANNUAL PACIFIC ISLANDS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CONFERENCE

 February 2010

 Host: Olongapo City

 Venue: Olongapo City & Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ)

 Attendees: 1,500 – 3,000 Pacific Islands Leaders

‘Continuous and dynamic tourism projects lead to business and economic growth,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. at the said conference. “Tourism means jobs because when the business sector is growing so are the demand for more workers,” he also explained.

Meanwhile, the city implements the guiding policies of City Ordinance No. 29 (series of 2006) otherwise known as the “Olongapo City Tourism Code” that recommends the creations of the Tourism & Promotions Department and Barangay Tourism Councils in the city, rehabilitation of parks and plazas, organizing of culture of excellence seminars and the upgrading of accreditation and classification requirements for tourism establishments in the advocacy to promote Olongapo City together with the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as center of visiting attractions in the northern part of the Philippines.

Pao/sara

“Lakbay-Aral in Olongapo”

Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. and the City Tourism Office gave a warm welcome to the Municipal Officials of Paranas, Samar who visited the city recently to learn about its current programs and practices through “Lakbay-Aral.”.

Paranas town Mayor Felix Babalcon led the delegation in the day-long activity which included a tour around Olongapo.

“We’d like to know what’s behind the City’s motto “Fighting for Excellence” and why it has been acknowledged a Most Competitive City in the Philippines.

The visitors from Paranas, a small town in Samar province with a population of 27,926 (2000 census) toured the City’s primary attractions including the City Museum, Olongapo City Convention Center, Olongapo City Hall, East Bajac-Bajac Public Market and Ramon Magsaysay (RM) Drive.

Aside from the transfer of information, Lakbay-Aral also boosts Tourism in the participating hosts locality.

Big, small travel agents vital in tourism – Gordon

All Philippine tourism stakeholders, big and small, have vital role to play in the growth and development of the industry, according to Sen. Richard Gordon, a former tourism secretary.

Gordon, in a recent speech before travel agents, stressed this when he said “the government and the tourism stakeholders must work hand in hand to make the tourism law (Tourism Act of 2009) effective.”

“With the faithful implementation of this law, the nation can have a better institution to regulate and promote tourism and install the necessary infrastructures to make our country truly world-class,” he said.

Gordon cited the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies as one which should be included in the deliberation of issues as this biggest group of travel agents had and is playing a very important role.

Naitas was active in the drafting of the law, opposing the provision giving positions in new tourism agencies only to members of the Federation of Tourism Industries of the Philippines and the Philippine Travel Agencies Association to the detriments of other stakeholders, especially the small and medium operators.

Naitas also opposed the proposal to require hotels and hospitality establishments to charge each tourist an additional $5 as “tourism fee” which would have priced the Philippines out as a tourist destination.

He said that a “tourism related industry congress will be conveyed so that tourism stakeholders can choose the people who are going to occupy – not for title, but for development of the industry – positions in the Tourism Promotions Board and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.”

--Tonight

LGUs asked to promote tourism

Sen. Richard Gordon has called on local government officials in Central Luzon to make use of its three airports, seaports and expressway in promoting tourism industry.

“Developing the tourism industry in Central Luzon is easy because it is close to Manila. Ang Central Luzon kumpleto. Malapit sa domestic tourism, malapit sa foreign tourism. The three airports, two seaports and one expressway could be used to our advantage in terms of tourism,” Gordon said.

He noted that tourists going to and from the region can use the Subic International Airport in the Subic Freeport Zone, the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila. They can also use the seaports in Subic and Manila and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, in traveling to Central Luzon.

--People’s Journal

GORDON: "We Must Act Together and Act Now……’’

Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. has ordered government officials and employees to spearhead the clean-up, restoration and preservation of the city’s river banks and beaches.

‘’Mahirap nating ipakilala sa mundo ang mga pangunahing tourist spots ng lungsod katulad ng mga beaches kapag ang mga ito ay marumi,’’ said Mayor Gordon during the city government officials and employees’ flag raising ceremony on June 8, 2009 at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center.

The City Executive also challenged residents to take part in the protection and preservation of waters so they could become a sustainable source of food and livelihood.

‘’Kung ang simpleng pag-lilinis ay hindi natin magawa, paano maniniwala ang mga bisita na seryoso tayo sa ating kampanyang higit pang palakasin ang negosyo at turismo ng Olongapo,’’ he added.

It can be recalled that Mayor Gordon joined President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a foreign visit to South Korea and Russia on June 3 to 7, 2009. This has opened several windows of opportunities for the Philippines to attract tourists and investors to the country. "We must act together and act now para sa mas malinis na bayan,’’ he stressed.

Further, to ensure the protection of the city’s visible and viable resources, Mayor Gordon again directed City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) to inspect all commercial establishments and private homes along the banks of the river systems and waterways to determine whether they have wastewater treatment facilities or hygienic septic tanks as prescribed by existing laws, resolutions, rules and regulations.

Pao/rem

TOURISTS FLOCKED TO OLONGAPO

‘’Thousands of local and foreign tourists flocked to Olongapo City during the Holy Week,’’ said Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. during the flag raising ceremony of government officials and employees on April 13, 2009.

‘’Tuloy-tuloy lang ang pagpasyal ng mga bisita natin hanggang sa April 23 to 25 para sa gaganaping Sibit-Sibit Festival 2009 sa Beach Boulevard, Barretto,’’ Mayor Gordon added.

According to Rionyl Cercado of City Tourism Office, ‘’Two weeks before Holy Week pa lamang ay fully-booked na ang mga resorts and hotels sa Barretto at Ramon Magsaysay Drive. Maging ang mga maliliit na beaches ay napuno rin.’’

As early as sunrise, tourists were already on the beach enjoying the cool waters of Subic Bay and at night, the waterfront turns into a long stretch of party place as the resorts offered various sorts of gimmicks to attract people.

‘’Police visibility was maximized because it is important to ensure the public’s safety before, during and after the activities,’’ said Olongapo City Police Office Chief for Operation, PSUPT Dexter Rellora in an interview at SBC-DWGO.

Meanwhile, thousands of local and foreign tourists jam-packed at the Olongapo City Mall area to watch the ‘’Black Saturday Jam Concert’’ of Bonggo Band headed by Mayor Bong Gordon and Manila’s ‘’6 Cycle Mind’’ band.

The back-to-back concert sponsored by the Olongapo City Government and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) added spice to the long holiday break.

Mayor Bong Gordon and his Bonggo Band perform at the “Black Saturday Jam Concert’’ on April 11, 2009 at the Olongapo City Mall area. The concert was sponsored by the City Government of Olongapo and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). (Photo and Caption/PAO)
Pao/rem

Hop-on, hop-off transport launched in Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Travel in the 55,100-hectare free port will now be a breeze this summer with the introduction of a “hop-on, hop-off” bus transportation system.

The first of its kind in the country, the hop-on, hop-off (Hoho) transport system uses a prepaid one-day pass that tourists could buy at designated kiosks for one whole day of unlimited rides aboard any of the “Wow Subic” tourist buses.

The tourist transport system was launched recently by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in cooperation with WoWCard, a business locator engaged in tourism promotion and marketing, to help local tourists visit more attractions here in one day.

“Like eat-all-you-can, Subic’s hop-on, hop-off transportation system is ride-all-you-can,” said SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza. “And it also comes at a minimal price of P200.”

He said two double-deck buses are now plying regular routes that take visitors around Subic’s central business district, stopping at shopping centers along the way, then moving on to various nature theme parks at the free port’s naval magazine area.

In April, two more buses are expected to complete the fleet, Arreza said.

Arreza said the Hoho transport system here took after Metro Manila’s Wow Sakay Na! vans that ferry tourists to various attractions around the metropolis.

“But here, we have commissioned double-decker buses so that visitors can see the area better and thus make their visit worthwhile,” he added.

“With this system, visitors can just leave their cars at their hotels, and then hop on for a day of hassle-free sightseeing,” Arreza also said.

SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo said the idea of Hoho is for tourists who usually find themselves at a loss about how to visit all the attractions in Subic in just one or two days.

“This is the most efficient solution,” Marcelo said, adding it would also be the ideal scheme for families and big tourist groups, since they could stay together in one vehicle while touring the area.

“If a tourist wakes up at 9 in the morning and decides to go shopping at the Royal Duty Free Store, for instance, he can take a Hoho bus and return to his hotel using another one later.

Then, if he decides after lunch to go to Zoobic Safari, he can also take that trip with his one-day pass, then ride back to his hotel,” Marcelo explained.

Marcelo added the Hoho buses would provide the usual discounts to senior citizens and students.

By Henry Empeño - Business Mirror

Subic businessmen back $120-m tourism project

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT - A group of investors belonging to the influential Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce has expressed support to the $120-million hotel-casino project of Grand Utopia Inc. of South Korea.

The chamber said in a statement that the project would ultimately increase tourism in the free port central business district and create at least 5,000 jobs.

“It will lend itself further to the viable and continued economic success of the free port,” the statement said.

The manifesto of support was signed by chamber president Danny Piano, who is also president and chief executive of Absolute Service Inc., and vice president Romeo Duran of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Law Offices.

Other signatories were chamber treasurer Dante Pollescas of Subic Enerzone Corp.; corporate secretary Rose Baldeo of Global Ship Management Service Inc., directors Tom de Bruin of Grainpro Philippines Inc., Sung Il Cho of Subic Bay Christian Worship Center Inc. and Gerald James Hammond of Subic Drydock Corp.

The chamber issued its endorsement of the hotel-casino project in the wake of a Congressional probe on allegations by architect Felino Palafox Jr. that some 300 trees in the project site would be destroyed if the plan pushed through.

After independently gathering documents and other information on the controversy, the business group said “there could be a reasonable balance between the conservation of nature and commercial and infrastructure development.”

--By Cecille Garcia - Manila Standard Today

link to the full position paper from the Chamber website

http://www.subicchamber.org/downloads/Issue_on_Cutting_of_Trees.pdf

SIBIT-SIBIT FESTIVAL ALL-SET FOR SUMMER

The Subic Bay Resorts Association (SUBRA) in coordination with the Olongapo City Government and Beach Boulevard Business Association (BBBA) is all-set as lead organization for the celebration of the annual Sibit-Sibit Festival on April 23 to 25, 2009 at Brgy. Barretto.

SUBRA Chairman and Brgy. Barretto Chairperson Carlito Baloy and Olongapo City Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr., through the City Tourism Office has laid out the series of activities for the 2009 Sibit-Sibit Festival.

In an interview at SBC-DWGO, SUBRA Chair Baloy said that the success of the event is very significant for the promotion of the tourism industry. “It further boosts Olongapo’s potential as one of the country’s promising tourism hub.’’

“Ang tagumpay ng Sibit-Sibit Festival ay hindi lamang magiging tagumpay ng Barretto kundi ito ay tagumpay ng buong Olongapo. Nagpapasalamat rin ang SUBRA sa suporta at tiwalang ibinibigay ni Mayor Gordon,’’ Baloy added.

A motorcade will be conducted on April 22, 2009 at 2:00PM which will go around the main streets of the city to Driftwood Beach where a Thanksgiving Mass will be celebrated.

The line of activities scheduled for the 3-day summer event are as follows:

DAY ONE
April 23 (Friday)

• Opening Ceremony/Umagang kay Ganda Coverage-5:30-8:30 AM
• Fluvial Parade and Banca Competition
• Amazing Bar Hopping
• Sand Sculpturing Competition
• Street Dance Showdown (highlight event)

DAY TWO
April 24 (Saturday)

• Barretto Fun Run
• Jetski Competition
• Banca Race Competition
• Beach Volleyball
• Food Festival
• Sibit-Sibit Singing Idol
• Local Show Band
• Bikini Open (highlight event)

DAY THREE
April 25 (Sunday)

• Beach Football
• Open Water Swimming
• Banca Race Competition
• Table Tennis Competition
• Darts Competition
• Food Festival
• Bingo by the Bay
• Battle of the BBQ’s
• Lingerie Fashion Show
• Beach Mardigras (highlight event)

ABS-CBN Channel 2 morning program “Umagang Kay Ganda’’ with segment host Winnie Cordero will provide national media coverage for the colorful festivities.

The Sibit-Sibit Festival is an annual event in Olongapo City that depicts its rich and colorful history. Sibit-Sibit is a word derived from the small banca used for fishing in the early times when Olongapo was still a fishing village.

The festival started as a barangay event of Brgy. Barretto. In cognizance of its potential in promoting Olongapo’s tourism, Mayor Gordon elevated the festival into a city event.

Today, the traditional Sibit-Sibit Fiesta has transformed into a colorful and enthralling festival bringing together Olongapo’s past, its thriving present and the promising future.

PAO/rem

Tourism Bill for ratification

Senate-House bicam panel sends tourism bill for Congress' ratification

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today hailed the passage by the Senate-House bicameral conference committee of the tourism bill he authored and sends it for Congress' ratification before it takes its month-long recess starting on March 7.

Gordon, chairman of the Senate tourism committee and head of the Senate contingent, said he expects President Arroyo to sign it into law early next month.

"There is no superlative that can describe how important this piece of legislation will be to our people who are looking for jobs or looking for business opportunities," he said at the conclusion of the Senate-House bicameral conference panel meeting.

"This bill, when it becomes a law, will bring investments directly to our provinces and spur economic growth of unprecedented proportions there," he added, referring to Senate Bill (SB) 2213, also known as the Tourism Act of 2008.

SB 2213's counterpart consolidated measure is logged as House Bill 5229, principally authored by House tourism committee chairman Rep. Edgar Chatto.

Aside from Gordon, the Senate contingent to the bicameral conference includes Senators Manuel "Lito" Lapid, Pia Cayetano, Alan Peter Cayetano, Loren Legarda, and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Meanwhile, Chatto was joined by Reps. Raul Del Mar, Florencio Miraflores, Del De Guzman, Philip Pichay, Ma. Carissa Coscoluella, Bienvenido Abante Jr., Darlene Antonino-Custodio, and Juan Edgardo Angara.

The bill seeks to declare a national policy for tourism as an engine of investment, employment, growth and national development. It also aims to reorganize the tourism department and its agencies to effectively and efficiently implement that policy.

It also seeks for the establishment of "tourism enterprise zones" in strategic areas, such as Cebu, Davao, Bohol, Laguna, Cavite, Boracay, Palawan and Iloilo, in the country to lure foreign investors and tourists to visit places rich with history and culture.

Gordon pointed out that the urgent passage of the administration-sponsored measure will spur the creation of jobs and open additional channels for the infusion of the much-needed investments in the country's economy.

He added that the tourism bill would give people the power to pull themselves out of the vise of the economic recession that Filipinos are beginning to feel.

"Our favorite example of this is what is currently happening in Intramuros with History Town and the Best of the Regions. In a single weekend, Intramuros received over 6,000 visitors which resulted in taho vendors earning more than basic wage earners, calesa drivers earning more than cab drivers, and stall owners are doing more business than some locators in malls," he said.

Gordon said that tourism does not only provide jobs and spurs business, it also revives the ordinary Filipino's pride and compels him to take stock in himself.

"With tourism, we discover more than places. We discover and regain our pride as Filipinos. Maganda ang bansa natin at magagaling ang mga Pilipino! That is something money will never buy - pride, respect, and dignity," he said.

Outstanding 12-yr-old tour guide "Andoy"

WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEO OF ANDOY IN ACTION:


Feeling a bit cold and out of place in his denim puruntong shorts and a simple shirt, a 12-old Andoy Dalimag seemed more suited for a romp at a popular mall than a visit to the Senate.

As best as he could, he tried not to mind the freezing breath of the air-conditioning at the Session Hall and offered a polite smile to strangers that filled it. Even without speaking or telling of his life story, he sat wide-eyed in the gallery and all the while, giving off an aura of quiet dignity.

Andoy was invited by Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon as his guest after learning of his success story as the youngest of four teen aged tourist guides in Penablanca, Cagayan Province.

The Grade Six student explained that two years ago, he had taken on the challenge of qualifying for a tourist guide training program in their town. He proudly said that of the original 24 from his batch that had qualified for training, he was among the top four that was included in their town's official roster of tourist guides.

"Being a tourist guide is fun and is almost just like playing. I don't really do it for money because I am saving all that I am earning in a bank account so I can use it for college tuition. It's something I like doing because my town has a great tourist attraction plus I get to meet and learn from the people I tour," says Andoy who tours people to Callao Cave .

The seven-chambered Callao Caves boast of massive limestone and other rock formations, skylights, and a chapel. It is one of the best known tourist attractions of the Cagayan Province .

Senator Gordon, who met with the boy and his father at his office in the Senate, said that he found the boy's story worth sharing with others.

"For Andoy, tourism isn't just a job. It is about discovering what is best in themselves and what is best in their homeland. It is about building pride of place and communicating that to the world," said Gordon.

After asking about what Andoy wanted to do with the money he earned, Gordon was surprised to learn that the young boy was saving his money for college and that he wanted to study law one day, perhaps at the University of the Philippines .

Gordon assured him of a college scholarship and told him about a bill he had filed that would give children like him a better chance at finishing school.

"Andoy is fortunate because he has qualified for a job program in his town.. But there are millions of children like Andoy who are not as fortunate but have the ambition of earning a college education. This is the reason why we filed the Health and Education Acceleration Program or the Text for Change Bill," said Gordon.

Logged as Senate Bill (SB) 2402, has gained legislative and executive support, notably by House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Finance Secretary Margarito Teves. It has also elicited wide support among several non-governmental organizations.

Under SB 2402, also known as the Health and Education Acceleration Program (HEAP), the funds needed for the country's education and health care requirements would be taken from the estimated two billion local text messages sent daily.

The special HEAP funds to be managed by a HEAP Corporation shall however be sourced from the annual net revenues of the telecommunication companies, thereby the brunt shall not be passed on to ordinary consumers.

"We hope that Andoy will bring this good news to children in his hometown. This is really a gift will keep on giving, not just on Christmas but every month of the year and for years to come," said Gordon.

Subic Freeport eyes incentive travel market, hosts 8th confab on incentive marketing

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is clearly on the move to capture a larger share of the growing outbound tourist market worldwide with its aggressive tourism promotion program and the continuous development of tourism facilities in this free port.


SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said Subic's tourism thrust will be boosted further when the free port hosts the 8th Philippine Incentive Marketing Conference (PIMC) this April.

"This is an event institutionalized in 1994 by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC), and the Movement of Incentive Travel Executives (MITE) to continually upgrade the standards and quality of services of existing tourism facilities and services in the country," said Arreza.

"We intend to leverage our hosting of this event to broaden our networking with tour operators, incentive travel organizers, and other stakeholders in the tourism industry, which continues to display strength despite global economic slowdown," he said.

Arreza said that the Subic Bay Freeport also continues to make headway in tourism due to the increasing number of facilities here for leisure, entertainment, adventure and sports tourism, as well as convention and exhibition.

Figures from the SBMA Tourism Department indicate that the number of foreign and local tourists increased considerably over the last two years.

Foreign visitors numbered 41,366 in 2007, but the total as of November this year already reached 52,277. The number of local tourists, meanwhile, grew from 1,009,609 last year to 2,225,540 as of this November.

Arreza said that with the hosting of the coming conference on incentive travel, "Subic hopes to solidify its position in the growing meetings, incentives, convention and exhibition (MICE) market."

SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo, meanwhile, said that the PIMC could provide a big difference in marketing Philippine tourism attractions to catch up with major players in the business.

He said that while Singapore has recorded 33 million tourists as of October 2008 and Dubai is looking at 200 million before the year ends, the Philippines has only recorded 3.3 million so far this year.

"It is evident that the Philippines has much more to offer compared to these countries, and yet, we are lagging behind. It is hoped that the PIMC would help advance Philippine tourism to better standing," said Marcelo.

Marcelo pointed out that the PIMC strives to promote the country as an ideal tourism, convention and incentive destination through educational programs aimed at professionalizing the local incentive travel industry. This involves providing comprehensive information, technical assistance, and guidance to meeting planners and incentive travel organizers, who seek an ideal venue for their meetings and incentive groups.

He added that PICM organizers "have chosen the right venue for the next conference, as they could learn much here in Subic."

About 300 participants will be invited to the 8th PMIC, which is an immediate follow-up event to the 7th PMIC held in Batangas on November 27-30.

Marcelo said participants in the recent conference "got a good taste of Subic" when the SBMA hosted a safari-themed farewell lunch to cap the event.

"Food was served in bamboo — the Subic Aeta way — and that has got everyone excited," said Marcelo. (PNA)

SBMA boosts tourism development in Subic

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is preparing for further infrastructure development in Subic Bay Freeport’s 182.40-hectare central business district (CBD) to help boost tourism there and in surrounding areas.

”We’re trying to transform CBD into a high-end area,” SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said at Kapihan sa Sulo forum Saturday.

He said SBMA is discussing with possible partners its plan to expand tourist accommodation there within the next three years.

”We plan to increase from about 2,000 units now to 4,000 or even 5,000 units the total number of hotel rooms there,” he said.

There are also discussions on other possible tourism-development projects in the CBD.

The ongoing international financial turmoil is not deterring SBMA from pursuing its tourism development plans as Arreza pointed out China, Korea and Japan –- not crisis-ravaged United States –- are the country’s major tourist sources.

He noted SBMA is keen on tapping China’s outbound tourist market which authorities estimated to reach 100 million people by 2015.

”Between 80 and 90 percent of tourists in Hong Kong are from the Chinese mainland so it’s only a matter of time before they begin looking for other destinations,” he said.

SBMA is particularly interested in attracting China’s ‘nouveau riche’ and gambling aficionados who frequent Macao.

”They want to see new things and to indulge,” Arreza noted.

SBMA came up with such plans as Arreza noted the freeport is near Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) which the government projects to increasingly handle more tourist arrivals.

The freeport has several tourist sites which can draw in visitors: the 27.39-hectare Subic Gateway for shopping, exhibition and public performances; 9.38-hectare George Dewey Complex for residential and commercial use; 1.32-hectare Hidden Beach where most of Subic Bay’s marine life can be found, and 2,142.90-hectare Ilanin Forest which serves as natural habitat for several wild animals.

Subic Bay Freeport's CBD itself is zoned into five areas, three of which are for tourism-related uses: 16.37-hectare Moonbay Marina for residential-commercial development, 1.18-hectare Greenwood’s Park where 3,400 square meters can be leased and 2.96-hectare Times Square Complex for commercial establishments.

”If plans push through, Subic can be a major international tourist destination in three to four years,” Arreza said.

Republic Act No. 7227 created the SBMA, the corporate body serving as government’s arm in operating and developing Subic Bay Freeport as a self-sustaining industrial, commercial, financial, investment and academe center.

Aside from tourism players, the freeport aims to have industries engaged in seaport operations, airport operations, shipbuilding, ship repair, aircraft maintenance, light and high-technology manufacturing, information and communications, logistics and distribution, power generation and distribution, water, telecommunications, land use, transportation and solid waste management. (By Catherine J. TevesPNA)

Hotel offers helicopter tour to Mt. Pinatubo

DO you get tired just thinking about the two-hour hike to Mt. Pinatubo along a lahar-filled watery streambed on a hot summer day?

Here is an opportunity for people minus the heart of a perfect hunk to take on an equally exciting panoramic skyview of the majestic crater lake of the world-renowned volcano via helicopter courtesy of ABC Hotel, located in the heart of Angeles City.

In a statement, Department of Tourism Region III director Ronaldo Tiotuico said ABC Hotel—in cooperation with the Department of Tourism- Region 3—is providing guests and visitors to Metro Clark an opportunity to revisit the lahar-laden plains and mountain ranges of the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales, as well as the magnificent jewel-blue crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales on board an R44 Raven II helicopter.

The sky tour is offered with an optional overnight stay at any of the hotel’s rooms plus dinner in a restaurant.

Donna Cubelo, marketing and promotions head, said the helicopter is equipped with a fuel-injected, angle-valve, tuned-induction, IO-540 Lycoming engine. Its very large windows allow clear and unobstructed vision from all seats. It can accommodate three passengers with a weight capacity of 110 kilos per passenger, including luggage. The tour is $500 per hour for three persons while waiting time is P4,000 per hour after touchdown. The terminal is located at Omni Aviation complex in Clark.

Clients may be picked up from any hotel in Metro Manila. Written by Joel P. Mapiles / Business Mirror Correspondent