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