Subic Majestic is under new (old) management

Here's something really fresh.

The Subic Majestic Hotel, a 70-room affair is back online. Apparently they've threshed out their issues and are expected to be in full operations by December.

Simpley put, if you want a no-nonsense room in Subic, they have it at very affordable rates. Check out their website: subicmajestichotel.com.ph

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Posted in: Hotels

And the Review continues

I've been out for a while. Unfortunately, the blog also took a vacation.

Well, the Review returns and hope that you guys keep me company as I document Subic Bay.

Thanks for all concerned emails. Rest assured that more and meatier articles will come soon.

For starters, Taiwanese companies investing in high tech ventures are now given free-rental spaces. That should be great for the economy of Subic and will mean more value-adding jobs for the residents.

The government should help out the higher educational institutions within a 30-kilometer radius to mold more techies. If that is done, the incentives will mean more for companies.

WATCH OUR FOR MORE REVIEW OF PLACES HERE. VACATION TIME IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.

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Watch Manny Paquiao VS David Diaz brawl in Subic

Quite unlike the Paquiao-Morales or the Marquez square-off, the David vs Manny affair isn't as electric. There will still be fewer vehicles on the road this weekend, and many will be parked in Subic.

So those opting to spend their weekend here and still not miss the history making slug fest. Manny is gunning to become the first Asian to become champion in 4 different weight class.

If you are in Subic, drop by the following location to see the match;

1.) Magic Lagoon (confirmed)
2.) Legenda Hotel (tentative)
3.) Olongapo City Convention Center (tentative)

Before you leave you rooms, drop them a line just to make sure.

Read more »

Let's Help The People of Myanmar: Donate

We know this article is off-topic. But we felt that we need to help spread the campaign of hope for the people (especially the children) of Burma or Myanmar.

LET US HELP THEM NOW.

PLEASE DONATE TO INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES,

THE PEOPLE OF MYANMAR DESPERATELY NEEDS OUR HELP.

The article below is from the Network for Good.

Tropical Cyclone Nargis hit the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar, also known as Burma with winds of up to 120 mph, leaving thousands dead and hundreds of thousands more people homeless. Restrictions on international aid have slowed down assessment and relief operations. InterAction members are responding to this crisis through a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to: emergency medical assistance, transitional shelter, provision of non-food items, and debris clearing.Help the victims by making a donation to one of these agencies below preparing supplies to be delivered as quickly as possible.

Donate Now!
•Action Against Hunger; preparing to launch an emergency intervention of water purifying tablets, water, rehabilitation/protection of water points, essential non-food items and emergency shelters, hygiene promotion, environmental clearing/clean up, food, cash and/or vouchers
•ActionAid; working in Irrawaddy, identifying the key needs of the affected population along with local partners to supply funding and emergency response
•Air Serv; is preparing to be a first responder, with helicopters ready to deliver crucial supplies and relief workers
•American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC); mobilizing large-scale relief effort with international partners; dispatching rescue workers; sending medical supplies; assessing longer-term development needs
•American Red Cross; has pledged funds and supplies in support of Myanmar Red Cross's efforts distributing drinking water, clothing, food, plastic tarpaulins and hygiene kits
•American Refugee Committee; working to distribute emergency supplies; pending approval of entry visas a rapid assessment team will be deployed to the region
•AmeriCares; assembling life-saving medical and other humanitarian supplies to be shipped immediately to partners on the ground in Myanmar
•Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team; sending a relief team from SE Asia to Burma
•Baptist World Alliance; has pledged $50,000 to assist with emergency relief efforts and is coordinating relief efforts with Baptists around the world
•Catholic Relief Services; supporting the emergency relief and response efforts of the Caritas Internationalis network
•Christian Reformed World Relief Committee; is appealing for funds and planning immediate intervention that includes shelter, water, and kitchen and medical supplies
• Church World Service; coordinating relief operations with a comprehensive assessment on-going
• Direct Relief International; partnering in Thailand and other neighboring countries to offer assistance to medical relief efforts for people affected by the storm
• Doctors Without Borders; distributing food, plastic sheeting, jerry cans and fuel for water pumps, and treating water; planning a mosquito-net distribution in the coming days to prevent malaria and and dengue fever
• Global Giving; providing emergency medical care, shelter, water and food and other immediate needs
• Habitat for Humanity; assembling a technical team to partner with other organizations in support of long-term shelter reconstruction efforts
• International Committee of the Red Cross; distributing preliminary and essential relief items - mosquito nets, tarpaulins, water and purification tablets
• International Medical Corps; securing emergency supplies including medical supplies, blankets, water purification tablets, sanitation items and hygiene kits
• International Rescue Committee; deploying operations, logistics, water and sanitation experts and hopes to bring in medical staff soon for an operation that would provide clean water, sanitation services, shelter materials, other urgent supplies and health care
• Latter-day Saint Charities; have a field team in-country and cooperating with other international agencies in disaster response
• Lutheran World Relief; assessing the situation and planning a response on behalf of the Action by Churches Together (ACT) network
• MAP International; working with partner organizations on the ground in Myanmar and other international agencies in order to assess the situation and respond
• Mercy Corps; helping partners on the ground bring relief to affected families
• Operation USA; responding with shelter, water purification and health care supplies after an assessment is completed by staff currently in the area
• Oxfam; sending aid through partner organizations with a mixture of cash funding, technical expertise and equipment where required
• Save the Children; distributing food, plastic sheeting, water purification tablets and other non food items
• The Salvation Army; dispensing rice, clean water and other relief
• UNICEF; providing child protection, water, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition and education
• United Methodist Committee on Relief; continues to monitor the situation and expects to respond to help the people of Myanmar recover as opportunities become available
• World Concern; pending a needs-assessment, expecting that to follow-up with food, water, and other basic needs
• World Food Programme; distributing food in cyclone-damaged areas of Yangon
• World Vision; providing assistance in the form of zinc sheets, tents, tarpaulins, and medicine

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Subic-Clark Expressway: A better road that could be better

(SCTEx UPDATE)

The SCTEx is great piece of work for a country that is deeply enbroiled in many challenges.

Almost all motorists (and therefore Subic visitors) we've talked to say that travelling through the 50-kilometer road is an inspiring experience. "We could do it after all," commented a Hari Krishna devotee, who is currently based in London, told a member of the subicreview team. He spent two weeks in the country, and nearly missed the opening of the tollroad.

He is now back in London, promising to tell the rest of the Filipino community about it. "Its good thing that I bought a new digital camera in Hong Kong enroute to Manila," he adds. Picture do tell a thousand words, at the very least.

But its not enough that we could do it. We must "do" better.

Right now, the Subic-Clark road does not have an exit to guess where? Right, Clark. The lighting system still needs, well, more light.

With that said, we are still more than happy that it is finally open. It was long overdue as explained in this article of the subicreview.

To the tollroad operator. In case Payumo, Colayco and the rest of the gang who started it all, asks for permission to camp-out temporarily along the sides of the highway, do let them. They deserve it.

For those who haven't experienced the SCTEx, the labod day weekend is just around the corner. Come to Subic, pass through the SCTEx, you'll see that we (the Filipinos) really can be better.

Read more »

Politics is tourism

We noticed a marked increase in visitors inside the Freeport. Mainly because of there is so much interest in the Hanjin Condo. The Philippine Senate, led by Senator Pia Cayetano, sent a team to investigate the issue. Well, at least they are working.

Here's a tip for the budget conscious, including the low paid, overworked Senate staffers. Binalot, a local budget food outlet, opened its branch near the Magsaysay gate. Its unique serving of viands on rice, packed in the traditional banana leaves wrappings, is reportedly very tasty.

So the more adventurous traveler must find the Binalot resto. We haven't "Reviewed" the place, so for now, all we can say is that it is different.

We are sure Ms. Cayetano, her VIP friends, the local officials and businessmen fueling the fire, will find their way to the more upscale places to eat. After all, it on us tax payers. Right?

Read more »

Posted in: Events,People,Subic Bay

Magic Lagoon: Great food, Fast Service

Subic Bay Yacht Club or Magic Lagoon?

The question was eventually answered by our wallets. Pulling together ten P100 peso bills would get us nowhere at the Yacht Club, so its off to Magic Lagoon.

Several geese quacked greetings. One even went after a customer, who gave a shocked laugh. Imagine.

If you drop by, take a seat near the lagoon. But make sure the sun’s almost out, otherwise, you are toast. Also, since you are near a water body, expect some flyers to buzz around. But an insect repelling concoction would do the trick. Otherwise, stay near the blowers that the restaurant provides.

As usual, the orders matched San Mig and Marlboro Lights. Sisig, kaldereta, tuna steak, salpicao. Great taste, fast service. It even comes with a smile. This is something that rarely comes with the chow in many restaurants here in Subic Bay.

Calling the attention of the Greater Subic Tourism Bureau (GSTB), a smile ain’t gonna cost your members.

Here is a secret. Order the Kinamatisang Talakitok. It’s heaven. For the pork and beef lovers, salpicao is super. The owner, Romy Tagle, is almost always around to attend to your needs.

The more adventurous would be able to fish their fish meal right from the lagoon. This is one thrill that you can’t find anywhere in Subic Bay. And get this, they are open, 24/7.

So, one hour and 980 pesos later, here is the review.

NOTE:Some readers wanted a rating system. So, below is a ten-point rating system, ten (10) being the highest, and 1 (one) being the lowest. I will include this system in my previous posts. Just one catch, a score of 3 is definitely a "do not visit."

RATING
The Magic Lagoon Bar/Grill/Restaurant
Building 716 Bincentenial Park, Rizal Highway
Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines
Open 24/7
Tel No: Phone: (047)-252-1475

9 -Food (and it won’t take that long)
8 –Place (you can say it a place for party animals)
8 –Service (smile gets half a point)
8 -Price
--------------------
8.25 -Net Rating

Read more »

Posted in: Magic Lagoon,Places,Restaurants,Subic Bay

Is it because of the forest or because they are Koreans?

One day, this blog would love to be able to post a review of the Hanjin 22-storey condo.

Facts will soon come out sonner that later, and those who opened their beaks without conducting a due diligence study would hopefully say sorry.

Here are several accusations:

1.) The project violated environmental laws - Statement made by Senators Legarda, Zubiri and Gordon.

Apparently the Koreans followed the laws to the letter. It in fact, went through the process step-by-step and passed them all. And yes, Honorable Senator Loren Lagarda, projects that follow the rules and are legal, are right. Otherwise, what is?

2.) That it was carved out of the rain forest - the senators again

Wrong again. It was formerly a munitions area, already cleared by the Americans that was later used a staging and conversion area for used vehicles. What rain forest? These are secondary growth area. The rain forest you are referring to was cut down by the Americans in the early 1900s.

3.) That such travesty (condo project in the forest) was approved during former SBMA chairman Felicito Payumo's time - Senator Gordon

Sus! and if it wasn't then its ok, except for the height? "Nakakainis iyon!"

4.) Its horrible! Its horrific! Foreigners should respect our environmental laws when they come here - Gina Lopez

Well, her taste for beauty would be suspect, just as everyone else's. Ms. Lopez, they did respect our laws. Everyone else should also. And more importantly, Ms. Lopez SHOULD.

5.) Who issued the ECC? Who sold the land? How did that happen? - Ms. Lopez again.

Ma'am, authorized government officials did. Lands in Subic Bay cannot be sold, only leased. The SBMA board approved the project. Anything else?

6.) SBMA Ecology Center head should be fired - Gordon

Why? Please tell us why? For doing her job?

7.) As a general rule, you can’t do construction work because it’s a protected area. It’s a watershed. Former DENR secretary and now Rep. Antonio Ceriles.

What general rule? There are provisions in the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) that allow construction. Its in the core ecological zone that development is prohibited. The site, dear sir, is at least 2 kilometers from the core zone. A watershed? Tell that to the Americans, Dick Gordon (former SBMA chair), Former chair Felicito Payumo, President Erap.

8.) Monument to deceit - Inquirer editorial

Sadly, the Inquirer got it much of their facts wrong. Read the editorial here. No connivance here, dear Guyito, just hard working government employees. The types that you have been looking for since your got your first line.

9.) I don't think we should investigate everything we see- Senator Gordon ( a sort of retraction of his vicious attack two days before)

Jesus H. C. Just say SORRY. It ain't that hard. Try it. S-O-R-R-Y. And next time, don't fire of your mouth before you've done proper investigation. We know its hard, but you can do it.

10.) Probe Hanjin, fire SBMA execs - Zubiri again.

You haven't done any investigation yet and yet you pre-judge those whom you want to investigate? You know better than that.

11.) The Hanjin/Arreza/Salonga Environmental Destruction of Subic Continues - Subic Bulletin

Unfair statement, to say the least.


These Korean are not the best investors in Subic Bay. But in this case, they did everything by the book. They took their US$20 million and trusted the SBMA and the government when it said you have complied with all that is needed.

Besides, these pockets of developments (and as you can see there are plenty of them), are important to the Freeport.

Let's put it this way. You have US$ 20 million and you want to invest. SBMA says OK, but you have to comply with the Philippine environment laws. So you DO, and you start spending your money.

And get all these flak just because Ms. Gina Lopez, Gordon, Zubiri, the Inquirer, Cerilles, Legarda and cause-oriented groups failed to do proper research.

What would you do?

Read more »

GRADUATION is a beginning...

Close to 500.

This was the best estimate that government agencies could provide when asked how many graduates were produced by the four (4) higher education institutions (HEIs) inside the Freeport this year.

I know for a fact that of the 500, five graduates of Comteq Computer and Business College were hired by IDESS Interactive, a Norwegian software development firm inside the Freeport, three months before they received their diploma.

(No wonder Comteq was selected as the only educational institution that was selected by the Philippine Daily Inquirer for its mentoring program. Click this link and then this link for the articles.)

How much salary were they offered? Well, if you were a software firm desperate for great artists (and can’t find a single qualified person from the present labor pool), how much would you pay?

And get this, all five will be allowed to continue their studies!

For IDESS Interactive, it pays to pay well. For the students, choosing the right college offering the right programs, paid huge dividends well before graduation.

How big a deal is it for graduates to be recruited off the college campus? Ask an employed friend how long it took them to land a job. Let's experiment and agree that the first one you ask is the average for the Freeeport. So, how long did it took you friend to find a job?

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) started a nationwide tracer study for degree holders nationwide. The study also aims to find out how long the graduates looked for a job. But it ain't complete yet.

So I did a crude research. Just to get an idea. I talked to nine (9) employees I knew and here it is the result. Three (3) people said they found a job 1.5 years after gradaution. Four (4) said it took them more than two (2) years, while the other two said more than two years.

So here are some tips for those who are planning to take up a degree course this coming academic year 2009.

1.) For the High School graduates and their parents
A.) Think about what you are passionate about, choose the right program, and enroll as soon as you can. Some Freeport schools offer limited slots per course to ensure quality education.
B.) Check out the websites, ask around, and visit the campuses. Inspect the facilities but more importantly, check out the faculty line-up. Here is the list of schools inside the Freeport.

Mondriaan Aura College
Comteq Computer and Business College
Freeport Institute for Research, Science and Technology
Lyceum of Subic Bay

2.) For the Employers
A.) Go to the colleges, and get the best.
B.) Talk to the schools like IDESS did. Check this employee selection formula. FREE two to four years skills and knowledge assessment by college officials + character evaluation from faculty members + your recruitment process. How could you go wrong?
C.) Pay better that the rest.


3.) To the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)

Get involved in your family’s choices. Who better to guide them that you?

Read more »

Posted in: Employment,Events,Graduates,Subic Bay

The President's Cup Regatta lights the "Summer Is Here" flare

It took a while, but Summer is finally here. Its hot and windy outside. Not your usual day at Subic Bay.

Scores of beautifully painted sails greeted my casual dive along Waterfront road last Tuesday afternoon. So I decided to investigate.

Hmm... yatchs. Lots of them. Ladies (and gents), as well. I took a risk and asked a female Boardwalk Inn staff, "what's up with those ships?" Without looking at me, she shot back, "President's Cup, and Summer!"

That's seals it. I needed the "Summer is here" confirmation, since there were unusual rain showers during the last two weeks.

To those who are planning a trip to Subic, fear not. The lady said summer is up, and I am sure she can predict the weather here better that your television weather reporters.

Just make sure that you book your rooms at least two weeks ahead of schedule. Room rates are pretty steady despite the demand.

Below are some hotels in Subic. But be warned that under no circumstance that their inclusion in the list below is an endorsement from this blog. I've been to some of them and I will write about it in some other time.

There is one hotel in the list below that I wouldn't stay in. Never.

Enjoy the hunt. And let it be said, "book at your own risk!"

Read the blog about this Hotel

For those who have more time to burn, click this link for hotels in Subic. You might think I am pulling your leg, but if you are serious at getting the best rooms in the area, click the Ads by Google link. They have great and very helpful reviews about the hotels.

If you have issues about the Google ads, then go to the website tripadvisor.com, and look for Subic Bay hotels.

Here are some photos of the yachting event.

All photos courtesy of Jun Dumaguing, Jr.

Read more »

Posted in: Events,Places,Subic Bay,Summer

Subic Bay and Clark are now twins, with Metro Manila as an older sibling

AFTER almost a decade, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) now links the former competitors, Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Clark Special Economic Zone.

The vision of linking Subic and Clark via an expressway came about after then Clark's Chief Executive Officer Rufo Colayco and former SBMA chair Felicito Payumo took a, well, let's call it helicopter date. Within the week, the plan was presented to former President Joseph Estrada by the Dynamic Duo, and approved. It was late 1999, some 13 months before Erap was forced out of office.

Politicians do get things done --- at least sometimes.

Here are some photos of the highway (reputedly the longest expressway in the country). I decided to keep the panoramic and more scenic photos along the SCTEx so as not to spoil the suprise, the OHHHs and the AHHHs!

Visiting Subic Bay is now a reasonable option for residents of the Metropolitan Manila.

It also makes Subic's schedule of events this summer bit more important. First, because it reduces a 2 hours and 30 minute trip by almost an hour. Second, traversing the SCTEx is like watching a National Geographic special. Just don't leave your seat for a popcorn and Coke at 80 kms per hour. Nasty!

And finally, once you enter the highway via the North Luzon Expressway, you will definetely end up in Subic, since that's the only exit you will find, Hahaha! At least for now.

Read more »

Posted in: Clark,Places,Subic Bay

DAYO: First full-length feature animation film produced entirely in the Philippines

(Teaser Trailer Only)

While preparing for a symposium that I will be attending, I came across this teaser trailer of DAYO.

I haven't seen the film, though. It is really great to see Filipinos finally taking a risk and creating content in for our national pride.

Enjoy the trailer. Better still, buy the video and support the Filipino animators!

Read more »

Pier One: Great ambiance. Great food... if you can wait for it.

One of the busiest place in Subic is Pier One Bar and Grill.

People usually troop in droves starting Friday until Sunday. So, I went with the crowd last March 14. Scores of St. Joseph's School alumni who are celebrating their 60th Founding year were there to talk about yesteryears.

My group shied away from the open area, and opted to while away time at the restaurant's airconditioned room. There were at least s200 people at the grill, but not one joined us, despite the incredibly humid night.

The band, composed of three lovely ladies, belted our pop hits. One of them, sadly I forgot her name, is reputedly the best female vocalist in Olongapo City. Here is a video of one of their bands.

The blaring Retro music was stirring the crowd into a frenzy--- credit the oldies (ahem) from SJS for it. Those not accomodated by the limited stage, opted to "swing it" by their chairs. The least that could be said is that the patrons were enjoying themselves.

The waiter tapped my shoulder for my order. "SanMig light (P60). Marlboro lights (P60). Tuna sisig (P149)," I told him. Off went the waiter after my friends (Ansbert again and Lance) gave their orders. Click this link for their menu. However, for the Subic branch, add around 20% to the price indicated.

A full ten minutes later, the beers came. The SML wasn't room temperture, but it wasn't that cold. "Them oldies (ahem) from SJS again," I sighed. "Couldn't they have ordered one less cold SanMig light for this Saint Anne Academy alumni?"

It's good thing the Marlboro Lights came soon after. "Hmm puffing away carcinogenic clouds of smoke will go somewhere else," I thought.

So, after 30 minutes of live band action, gyrating hotties on stage, and some yesteryear bodies on the dance floor, the tuna sisig (and the rest of the selection) landed on our table. The verdict? It was great. I am sure that my hunger (remember: 30 minutes waiting time) contributed to Pier One's claim of "Great Food."

Hmm, maybe a hungry stomach is the secret to great tasting food?

Pier One's webpage says its "meat and seafood are delivered fresh regularly and processed promptly to guarantee freshness." If only they cooked them and delivered them faster, then it would be fresher, wouldn't it?



NOTE:
Some readers wanted a rating system. So, below is a ten-point rating system, ten (10) being the highest, and 1 (one) being the lowest. I will include this system in my previous posts. Just one catch, a score of 3 is definitely a "do not visit."


RATING
PIER ONE BAR & RESTO Filipino Cuisine
Waterfront Road, Central Business District
Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Open 10:00 am to 2:00 am (Daily)
Tel No:(63-47) 252-5970 / 1346


7 -Food (for Pier One, this rating includes the taste contribution of hunger)

8 -Place

9 -Band (if any)

6 -Service

7 -Price
--------------------
7.4 -Net Rating

Read more »

Posted in: Pier One,Places,Restaurants,Subic Bay

One Night Only: Cecil Licad @ Casa San Miguel

Photo from www.bongsoller.com/cecil_licad/cecilintro.cfm

Guess where my 10-day ticket hunt for the Cecil Licad show (March 15, 2008) at Casa San Miguel (CSM), San Antonio, Zambales led me?

Casa San Miguel. (http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.html?wpt=casasm)

Unfortunately, there is no webpage about the show, nor a website about Casa San Miguel where you can buy tickets.

Good thing a friend of mine, Jen Velarmino, knew a certain Lucy of CSM, and I was able to reserve five seats. The simple way was to contact Coke Bolipata, but a lost cellphone number complicated the matter.

As a DZFE-FM fanatic, I listened to classical music while studying at the FEU freedom park. One December day in 1989, a DZFE jock said that a Pinoy lady was making waves playing the piano (referring to Licad). The crummy guy forgot to play her piece.

So I asked around, and found a Betamax copy. Scratchy, and bad recording. But, I loved it!

I never had a chance to watch her, though. A promdi kid like me could not afford the tickets at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Unless my grades (read: life) depended on it.

Tickets prices: P300, P500, P1,000, and (ahem) P1,500 .

Twenty years later, guess which ticket I could afford?

Read more »

Posted in: Events,One Night Only,Subic Bay

The Lighthouse at the end of the road

Photo: Johann Ong, Colors of Subic

Lighthouse Marina

My moolah wasn't enough to get me a room at this hotel. Room rates start at around P6,000 or about US$148 per night, which they claim is "adequately for 2 adults and/ or 2 adults and 2 kids." Their words, not mine.

So, I decided to check out the surroundings, after all, its free.

Their pool, with a jacuzzi, is a bit small. Remember the magic number: US$148/room/night. But, lest we forget, the Lighthouse can't match the adjacent body of water --- Subic Bay.

No sense in writing about something without burning my moolah, so I asked my friend, Ansbert Joaquin of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, to have lunch at the Sands Restaurant.

It was chicken for him, beef for me. It was pretty good. And was worth it -- taste-wise and gram-wise. Our bill for one sitting? Around P900 pesos, including drinks and a pack of Marlboro Light Gold. Plus, the service was friendly and the place was cozy enough.

So that ended my spending for the rest of the day.

Don't get me wrong, if I had a place with a view like they have of Subic Bay, I would charge 2 dollars more than what they are charging for a room.

Last December, Dante Pollescas of Subic Enerzone (the Freeport's power distributor) sponsored a get together with Subic-based media at the 720 Bar. The food was great, the ambiance was terrific. It was really a place that an executive of a power firm would enjoy, especially at night. South Korean Hanjin shipbuilding facility's bright light illuminates the dark expanse of the bay.

One thing that stands out at the Lighthouse Marina is the fact that they spend with their customers. This March, they are sponsoring the 16th President’s Cup Regatta and the Rolex China Sea Race, a 565 nautical miles race that will start in Hong Kong on Thursday, 20 March 2008 and finish in Subic Bay.

For the adverturer, that's enough reason. If you think not, how about a "spot the Lighthouse Marina contest?" Check out this link.

So how do I size up the Lighthouse hotel?

Rolex.

Yacht.

US$148/room/night.

Read more »

Posted in: Bay,Hotels,Places

Crown-of-Thorn starfishes attack Subic Bay

Thousands of poisonous crown-of-thorn starfishes are marching into Subic Bay. Hmm... can they approximate the damage being done by our politicians? I doubt.

Needless to say, these creatures, while hurting the marine econsystem, are also a threat to human beings.

Dive shops found a reason to rally together and stop their petty quarrels. They are now busy rounding up these creatures, and are calling on other amateur divers to lend a helping hand.

According to Ameth dela Llana-Koval of the Subic Bay's Ecology Center pollution is one of the reason for this phenomenon. While many scientists agree, there is still no consensus as to the real cause.

I understand that there are marine biologists studying the phenomenon. If you know them, give them a ring.

Photo below show what the divers have gathered in just a couple of minutes. As of today, some 20,000 have been collected.





Here is another group of divers working on the problem.

Read more »

Posted in: Bay,Events

Lopez named SBMA's Employee of the Year; Cheers!

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) honored its best employee of 2007 last Friday, February 29, 2008.

Norberto Lopez is a fireman, and is also a member of the SBMA emergency services team that responds to calamities in and out of the Freeport.


If you see him, give him a pat on the back. He deserves it.




There were four other finalists that fateful night, but only the winner seserves the honor in this articles, and that's Mr. Lopez.

Engrande!

Read more »

Posted in: Events,SBMA

GMO RICE ANYONE?

"They came swiftly, and tagged

their prey "GMO RISK RICE."

Their judgement was as swift. Don't

unload them Rice,they say, its not safe!"

That is Greenpeace's message to the gang of reporters who waited for their stunt. As you can see, they succefully flagged MV Liberty Eagle, a ship carrying some 44,000 tons of rice imported from the United States of America (USA).

The rice shipment is being unloaded at the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) pier here.

Daniel M. Ocampo, genetic engineering campaigner of Greenpeace Southeast Asia argued that the National Food Authority (NFA) "must quarantine this shipment and run stringent tests based on European Union protocols before the rice is distributed to the public."

By the way, the rice shipment, according to the National Food Authority (NFA) passed their testing.

Is it a Broken Window or a Crystal Clear Pane for;

1.) the Greenpeace activists and their stunts?

2.) the National Food Authority (NFA) for allowing the importation of the supposedly GMO-contaminated rice?

3.) this article because it ain't worth the webspace?

Read more »

Posted in: Events

Crystal pane for TOTALMED

Belo brand in TOTALMED


Dra. Vicky Belo's presence lent some glitz to the opening affair, but I've been to some Belo clinics in the Metro, and this clinic needs more of the class and comfort of.. well, Belo.

TOTALMED is an ambulatory, diagnostics and aesthetic center. So the Belo thingy is in the aesthetic services. My best guess is that they will decouple the soft aesthetic stuff with the emergency and laboratory services in the coming months.

Still, the firm is the best the you can find in Subic, and maybe in the whole Region 3. Its medical staff line-up is pretty impressive.

They could have recruited Dr. V of Dr. V's Make-Over Clinic. Then again, there could only be one queen, right?

In the interest of full disclosure, Dr. V is a friend of mine, but even if she wasn't, her name would help in the corporate image of the TOTALMED.

For those intending to be a patients, here is a link to their prices http://www.totalmedsubic.com/price.html

Obviously, I haven't mustered enough courage to try their services, yet. The reason is simple, my moolah have better things to do for me. But if you did, tell us about it.

We will have more of the medical tourism facilities here in the future.

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Posted in: Medical Tourism

Why a guide about Subic's places?

I've browsed so many sites in the web, googled away for hours to find a blog or a site about the facilities in Subic Bay and Olongapo.

Naddah, ziltch, zero. Nothing but promotions and gimmicks, that are just that, gimmicks.

So this is an attempt to do a fair and unadultarated review.

To make it legit and credible, I've spent my moolah, however limited it is.

Let the journey begin.

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