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...

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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 CORN...

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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 su...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 animato...

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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---...

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

One Night Only: Cecil Licad @ Casa San Miguel

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

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Posted in: Events,One Night Only,Subic Bay

The Lighthouse at the end of the road

Photo: Johann Ong, Colors of Subic Lighthouse MarinaMy 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...

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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...

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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.Engran...

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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...

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Posted in: Events

Crystal pane for TOTALMED

Belo brand in TOTALMEDDra. 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,...

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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 beg...

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