Subic Bay Review

Hour long fireworks display on Potipot Island, Candelaria, Zambales

2010-12-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

I know this might be a bit too late, but scores of families are prepping up for the New Year celebration at the beautiful Potipot Island in Candelaria, Zambales.

While the beach and the island alone more than makes up for the 3 hours travel from Subic Bay, the provincial government also promised an hour-long fireworks display on New Year's eve.

A festival was also organized along the Uacon beach facing the island to launch the 'festivities up north.'

Just in case, drop by. This could be a start of something big for the tourism industry of Zambales.

Thousands of Pinoys change profile pictures for Kids

2010-12-03T01:51:00.000-07:00

Cartoon character pictures flood Facebook this week after thousands of Pinoys used their favorite cartoon characters as profile picture to protest violence against children.

The movement urged everyone to remove human faces on Facebook but rather 'and invasion of memories.'

Scores of characters slowly filled the account pages. Snapshots of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck to more violent characters such as Voltes V shoved out the usual family portraits, poses and close up photos.

Here is an article published by Yahoo Philippines.

US Navy crew saves five Filipino fishermen

2010-07-16T00:39:00.000-06:00

Update: Tyhppon Basyang
This article caught our eye from the US Navy's website (www.navy.mil).
Thank you and more power to your crew USNS John Ericsson.

USNS John Ericsson Rescues Fishermen After Typhoon Passes Philippines

By Lt. Mike Morley, Commander, Task Force 73 Public Affairs

SUBIC BAY, Philippines (NNS) -- Fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson's (T-AO 194) crew of civil service mariners rescued five Filipino fishermen from the South China Sea 10 miles off the coast of Luzon, Philippines, July 14.

John Ericsson's crew rescued the fishermen nine hours after their boat capsized in rough seas as Typhoon Conson passed over the island of Luzon.

Ericsson had sortied from Subic Bay to sea July 13 to avoid the storm and was returning to Subic Bay when Able Bodied Seaman Charles Wright spotted the fishermen at 1:10 p.m., clinging to their overturned banka boat and waving a yellow flag.

At 1:33 p.m., Ericsson lowered its rigid hull inflatable boat into the sea, and 10 minutes later all five fishermen were safe on Ericsson's deck, where a physician examined them.

"They were a bit shaken up because the seas were rough, but otherwise were in good health and happy to be on our ship," said Tiffany Brockman, Ericsson's chief mate. "We gave them fresh clothing, new socks and boots and a nice meal."

A few hours after their rescue, the fishermen were ashore and handed over to the care of the Philippine Coast Guard.

"The crew was pretty excited to have played a role in helping these fishermen," said Brockman, noting that the Ericsson had several Tagalog-speaking members in its crew, making communication easy. "At first, nobody was happy that we had to sortie due to the typhoon, but being able to help these mariners in need made it all worth it."

Ericsson is a Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet replenishment oiler, crewed by 92 civil service mariners working for MSC, who operate and navigate the ship, and three sailors who provide communications support and supply coordination. The ship provides underway replenishment of fuel to Navy combat ships and jet fuel for aircraft aboard aircraft carriers at sea.

Coffee is good (and bad). Who cares!

2010-07-15T00:09:00.000-06:00

I am a coffee lover. Nope, not the expensive kind. But I don't feel any guilt when I indulge on the 'unreasonable' cup.

Many of us who travel (love to travel, emphasis on the LOVE) enjoy a cup as a way of settling down our nerves.

Well, I enjoin you to read the article in this link (you might just see the coffee in a different light).

http://i.lifehacker.com/5585217/what-caffeine-actually-does-to-your-brain

Subic revs up for summer

2010-02-19T01:23:00.001-07:00

On land or in the sea, Subic Bay has it this summer.

This was how the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) painted the coming months as it gears up the sporting and tourist facilties here in preparation for the summer season.

“Subic is known for its unique blend of business and leisure. But this summer, we’ll be outdoing ourselves,” Marcelo said. “Tourists can forego some of the usual activities at the beach and forest trails so they can enjoy the more exciting sports activities,” he added.

According to Marcelo, watching is good, but joining the sports events 'is way better.'

Among the top sporting events scheduled this summer are the Tour of Luzon Street 6 and the Terry Larrazabal Bike Festival; the First Subic Experience Travel Card National Badminton Open; and the 2010 edition of the true-blue Filipino bike “Padyak Pinoy” bike competition.

Other activities include the Beach Football Tournament organized by the Beach Football Association of the Philippines (BFAP); 2010 SBMA Jet Ski Cup Series and a sport fishing tournament at the newly constructed container terminal.

Subic is now among the favorite venues of sports organizers for local and international events like the Asian Duathlon Championships, Subic Adventure Race, Taekwondo Open Championships, Bike Festival Asia, and Smart Communications’ Subic International Marathon.

“If you want peace and quiet, you can find that in Subic still. But if you want action and adrenaline-pumping events, then Subic is also the place for you this summer season,” he added. (30)

Balloons lift up the spirit at the 15th Hot Air Balloon Festival

2010-02-14T21:12:00.003-07:00

Clark, Pampanga --- I wish Subic Bay can do something almost like this. Wish!

Waking up at 3AM to travel one hour away isn't something I look forward to everyday. But the 15th Hot Air Balloon festival at Clark is worth every waking moment.

Here's a pic to prove my point.

Sunny Boy and Pong Pagong took center stage. Both raked in the ohhhs and the ahhhs from the thousands of attendees. See video at the right side of the blog ---->

How grand was the 15th hot air balloon festival? The only measure is to count the crowd. But because we got stuck in a VERY long line, let's just say there are at least 1,000 cars parked at around 6am. Our Totoya Corolla was packed with four adults and one 3 year old child. Do the math.

The crowd kept pouring in until we decided that the Sunny Boy wasn't worth the searing heat of the original one. That's around 10:15 AM.

Like I said, if only Subic Bay can do anything close to this, it would be wonderful. Here are some more pics that tell the story better than I could.

As a last note, I will be back there next year...promise. Thanks to David Bayarong of www.subictimes com for sharing the photos with the Subic Review.

10 tactics to turn information into action

2009-12-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

The web is everywhere.
Help is needed everywhere.
Help those in need connect with people who care.

Over 20 screenings in 16 different countries are taking place. In Metro Manila, this will happen on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 at the Asian Institute of Management, Makati (in front of Greenbelt 1), starting 7PM

Register here.

Re-posted from JunedSonido

Death Cigarette founder BJ Cunningham wows crowd

2009-11-20T00:32:00.005-07:00

21st Philippine Advertising Congress, Subic Bay

BJ Cunningham, founder of the Death Cigarettes, took center stage this morning.

BJ is engaging and entertaining. His talk impressed the audience (and the Subic Bay Review). Brands (companies), he stressed, must concentrate on being who they really are and that that each brand must deliver their promise.

In hindsight, what can you expect from a man who tries to sell a product that kills and makes sure that everyone understands it. Sheez...

Here's a video clip of his superb talk on Brand Differentiation in the New Market Paradigm

If you ever have the money for a branding talk, he is worth every dollar (or Euro).

--------
BJ Cunningham's profile

BJ Cunningham - Founder of Death Cigarettes. Keynote Business and Branding Speaker.

Whilst still a teenager BJ Cunningham launched his first enterprise, The Karma Connection, importing classic cars and Harley Davidsons from LA to London. This stopped abruptly when the market collapsed!

Taking his considerable debt, BJ Cunningham established DEATH™ Cigarettes, as ‘the honest smoke’. The Enlightened Tobacco Company began to gain such a foothold that it eventually found itself up against the combined might of the industry.

BJ Cunningham uses the DEATH cigarette brand to illustrate the power of provocation and how to flip a conservative market. In typically entertaining fashion, he also demonstrates that authentic and powerful branding demands the truth. The future is about market depth and involvement, not just awareness.

His verve and growing reputation for challenging norms led BJ to set up an integrated brand marketing agency, winning clients as diverse as Volkswagen, B&O, Fairline Boats and Nokia.

21st AdCon in Subic Bay: Our Web and your Mobile

2009-11-19T03:43:00.002-07:00

(21st Philippine advertising Congress, Subic Bay)
Obviously, our interest lies in the 'digital' discussions of the Advertising Congress. Subic Bay, after all, relies heavily on the web to make its presence felt. Its marketing moolah is in short supply, like everyone else. But unlike everybody else, its super limited resources ain't used effectively. But that is for another blog.

<---We missed JOHN NAISBITT's talk on climate change. Sad, but unavoidable. I am sure that you will find enough materials about climate change in the web to make you stop looking for more. The predictions are grim and we hope humanity (that includes us, remember) to find a solution.

'Taking social networking to the next level. Who will take the lead?' was the topic about the net.

Great! Filipinos lapped up the features of every social networking site offered. At the height of Typhoon Ondoy, one silly Facebooker told her friends to keep the updates clear of the usual traffic. Why? Because according to her, Facebook was being used to cocordinate information about the calamity. Sheez, I wanted my friends to know that I just cooked too many roast beef. They all spoiled, damn!

The first speaker was CLAUDIO PINKUS, Executive Chairman of Multiply.com. He naturally harped on the advantages of using multiply.com. Here is what interested me about his talk. I thought that most of us want digitized photos, Right? We he has a different take. His company plans to take these memories to the next level --- in high resolution PRINTS! Talk about talking taking the SNS to the next level.

If you are a multiply user, you missed a lot. If you use Facebook, Friendster and other social netwroking sites, you spent your time well doing sometime else.

Ian Stewart, Head, Friendster Asia has a better take on his assignment.Read this: ---> 40% of all net users are in Asia (660 million), only 16.5% of Asia is online!

Social networking, sites, he said, are maturing. Clearly, fragmentation and segmentation are slowly creeping its way into these site. (Heaven's forbid that Facebook becomes a site for teenagers, easing me out of my favorite but still unproductive niche. Yikes!)

No worries, though, Stewart predicts that Facebook is clearly for adults. Teens are more likely to flock to Freindster, while X my son, will click away at Moshi monsters.

Reuben Maislos of Pudding Media, on the other hand, described how marketers AND telcos (Smart, Globe and Sun) might beam the advertisers messages...

The images above is from Mr. Maislos presentation.

It is not as if the model used above is THE WAY, or THE ONLY WAY.

We better brace ourselves from this invasion because it is coming. As sure as night will give way to daytime, they are coming to your cellphone.

BOOO!

First taste of the 21st Philippine Advertisting Congress.

2009-11-18T01:31:00.004-07:00

I've been to the 17th Philippine Advertising Congress in Cebu and the 20th here in Subic Bay. What the heck can the marketers think of that would surprise the perennial delegate?

Remember this?

Off to the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center I went this afternoon. To register, of course. I was surprised to see that it has almost the same layout as the 20th. Smart got most of the booths outside while Coke parked its cheeky red truck a few meters away.

Willis, a local bar, was prepping up their booth. Most of the waitresses were already showing off some skin. And I don't blame them, it was hot and dry.

Bursting with delegates, the registration area was a joy to watch. Ladies with streaming but fake orange hair. Curvaceous women in high heels. And, uh, let's get back to the Advertising Congress.

When I got to the press center, the mainstream media boys and girls were slouched in what appears to be the same couch I sat on two years ago. I could be wrong you know, but it was not something worth asking about.

Are you getting the drift of the surprise? Good then, let's move on.

20th PAC ads (Subic Bay)

Strutting around the venue area with my brothers, I see familiar faces showing off their pearly whites like they were real pearls.

'So, if they were here two years ago, why so much joy? You would think that they'd want to pass up the 21st PAC because they've been to Subic Bay, and not much has really changed,' I thought, as I shoot rapid courteous grins their way.

We kind of floated around a bit, and decided to look for a photo exhibit, when we chanced upon a Canon booth. My brothers, both photo enthusiasts, naturally got sucked into a technical chat with the Canon reps about, well, the latest photographic contraptions.

'We've got a photo exhibit, but the photos will be flashed here (pointing to a 42-inch LCD TV). But we also have a photo contest on any subject matter about the 21st PAC,' the jolly Canon rep blurted, pointing to their backdrop announcing the contest.

The contest theme was "Ano sa tingin mo?"

My jaw dropped. I forgot all about the 21st PAc theme --- PERSPECTIVE.

I don't know if 'the old being new again' effect is something that these marketers tried to create but it did make me look at the familiar faces i saw again, the same venue, subic bay, the crazy couch, quite differently.

Every morning when we wake up, we see the same thing and say it is the same thing all over again. Well, it ain't.

It is, after all, a new day.

Subic Bay: 21st Philippine Advertsising Congress Program

2009-11-17T21:02:00.006-07:00

For those who have yet to receive the program for the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress, we are posting it here.

Welcome to Subic Bay mates!

21st AD CONGRESS PROGRAM

NOVEMBER 19 AM THURSDAY

8:50 – 9:00    Welcome remarks by Susan Dimacali and Yas Mallari
9:00-10:30    PLENARY
9:00-10:00    Predictions for the Future Post Global Meltdown and the impact of China’s New Social/Economical Model on Asia and the Rest of the World.
                     --> JOHN NAISBITT, Author, Speaker, World Futurist, Naisbitt China Institute
10:00-10:30 Q&A Paolo Bediones, Moderator

10:30-12:00    DIGITAL
10:30-11:00    New Digital Creative and Media Strategies that Work
                       --> VISHNU MOHAN, CEO, HAVAS Digital Asia Pacific
11:00-11:30    Taking social networking to the next level. Who will take the lead?
                       --> CLAUDIO PINKUS, Executive Chairman, Multiply
                       --> IAN STEWART, Head, Friendster Asia
11:30-12:00    Mobile Marketing, Philippine’s Largest Channel. How to do it right.
                       --> RUBEN E. MAISLOS, Founder and Vice President of Business Development, Pudding Media

NOVEMBER 19 PM THURSDAY

2:30-3:30    DIGITAL
2:30-3:00    Breaking the Traditional Norms in Creative
                   --> DIRK ESCHENBACHER, Executive Director, Tribal DDB Asia Pacific
3:00-3:30    PANEL DISCUSSION WITH SPEAKERS: Monetizing New Media: Measuring Effectiveness vis-à-vis Traditional
                   --> Paolo Bediones, Moderator

3:30-6:00   CSR
3:30-4:30 The Role of CSR in Today’s World
                  --> MIKE SCHALIT, Chief Creative Officer, Network BBDO South Africa

4:30-5:15   Global Warming: The Philippine Experience
                  --> JOSE MA. LORENZO TAN, Vice Chairman, President & CEO, Worldwide Fund for Nature - Philippines

5:15-6:00    PANEL DISCUSSION: Rallying the Industry to Rally Filipinos
                   --> Anthony Pangilinan, Moderator

6:00-7:00    CANNES 2008 WINNERS REEL
6:30             SPEAKERS DINNER

NOVEMBER 20 AM FRIDAY

9:00-10:30   PLENARY
9:00-10:00   Brand Differentiation in the New Market Paradigm
                    --> BJ CUNNINGHAM, Entrepreneur, Thought Leader

10:00-10:30 --> Anthony Pangilinan, Q & A Moderator

10:30-12:00 MARKETING
10:30-11:00   Marketing to Kids
                      --> ANDREW KINGHAM, Managing Director, The Marketing Store

11:00-11:30   Marketing to Kids: “Stay Cool: Cartoon Network’s Creative Solutions to Connect to Kids”
                      --> JEREMY CARR, VP, Turner Entertainment Networks

11:30-12:00   Emotional Storytelling
                      --> LINDA KOVARIK, Regional Creative Director, Coca-Cola

NOVEMBER 20 PM FRIDAY

2:00-4:00    CREATIVE
2:00-2:30 The Creation of Worth is Worth Creating
                    --> MARK CRIPPS, Asia Pacific Head of MRM
2:30-3:00     How to Boil the World: “The Moment” Brings Power in Branding
                    --> KENTARO KIMURA, Co-CEO, Creative Director and Account Planner, Hakuhodo
3:00-3:30     Visual Art: More Powerful Than Words
                    --> JAMES JEAN, International author, award-winning artist and illustrator
3:30-4:00     PANEL DISCUSSION WITH SPEAKERS AND CREATIVE GUILD

4:00-5:30     MEDIA
4:00-4:30    Creative Strat Planning
                   --> PETE HESKETT, Head of Planning, JWT
4:30-5:00    Media Strat Planning
                   --> BERNHARD GLOCK, President, WFA

5:00-5:30    PANEL DISCUSSION WITH SPEAKERS: Creative and Media Planning — Better Together or Apart?
5:30-7:00    CANNES 2009 WINNERS REEL

5:30-6:30    BOOK SIGNING WITH JAMES JEAN

Source: 21st Philippine advertising Congress website --- Where else? :-)

CNN Heroes: Please vote for Efren

2009-11-09T21:49:00.002-07:00

Venezia Hotel is a value for money proposition in Subic Bay

2009-10-21T00:09:00.007-06:00

It was a blissful Friday night (October 17, 2006) in Subic Bay. And the day was so fun that I thought of making several blogs about it, namely; Hotel Venezia, Mini-stop at the corner of Manila Avenue and night out at the Olongapo’s Magsaysay Drive. A beach resort is not an option right now.

Photo from hotelssubic.com

Our friends arrive at the Mini-Stop near Comteq College, at around 8:00pm after leaving the heart of Metro Manila at around 4:30 pm. Yes, it took them more than 2:30 hours to escape the clogged arteries of the Metro. ‘Even at night, SCTEx was a pleasant surprise. Super relaxing ride,’ one of the four said, while stretching his legs.

Mr. A, who was the host for the evening, opted to book them at Venezia Hotel. I haven’t been to the Venezia, mainly because a gambling joint wasn’t my cup of tea.

‘He must have a good reason for choosing Venezia,’ I said to myself. From a far, Venezia looked like a marine barracks trying to look like a, well, a hotel.

‘Or, uhh, a gambling joint…,’ I snuffed, expecting to see scores of puffy-eyed gamblers drowning their misery with expensive shots of inexpensive liquor. ‘But hey, at least they had fun,’ I told myself, it is after all their moolah.

To my surprise, entering the Venezia lobby is like entering a smaller and less glamorous five star hotel in Metro Manila. Well, at least, there were no depressed souls lingering around that would break our guests’ hearts.

I am not easy to please, but the hotel’s welcoming feel is unique, almost similar to the more sophisticated embrace of the Lighthouse Marina lobby at the boardwalk area.

The hotel staff were all smiles --- very warm. Not, forced or trained, like some of the places along the boardwalk area. So pleasing, I thought, that even the unluckiest slot machine addict would be forced to smile back.

But the secret and the most wonderful surprise is the food at its New Feng Huang restaurant. By the restaurant’s name you easily know it is Chinese. So prep up those oriental taste buds if you opt to fill the tummies here.

The set meal for 10-person we ordered tasted as good as those served at the restaurant across the street. I credit that to the ambiance they’ve created.

And how much did it cost us? Our friend paid, so I did not bother to get the exact figure. But the waiter reminded us that since order was worth more than P2,000, they were giving us an additional chicken order and three other orders from their dim sum and dumpling selection. Nice, if you eat meat.

It certainly went well with their P2,688++ overnight twin sharing superior soom. I took a peak of the rooms and they were decent enough. If you ever stayed at the dingy and insect filled rooms of Legenda Hotel, well, this was quite different. It was clean. So much so, that that room smelled sanitized.

We’ll get some more feedback from our visitors about the hotel service, the bed, the linens and the finer details that should help you decide.

But my take is that Venezia is way better and more reasonably priced that most places in Subic Bay, except for maybe one or two along the waterfront area.

It is too bad that I did not get a chance to compliment the hotel manager. If I did, I’d slip a business card of a good couturier. Uniform and draperies are something that they could improve on.

(Next: Olongapo City's Best & Worst Series: A night out at Magsaysay Drive)

Olongapo City's Best and Worst: Failed re-branding of Magsaysay Drive

2009-10-18T22:47:00.000-06:00

(This series is an ongoing thing just for you. Every Friday, I will review one or two party places in the city. Hopefully, this will help you choose where to spend your hard-earned moolah. :-))
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Failed re-branding of Magsaysay Drive

Before I spill the beans on some joints along Magsaysay Drive in this series, allow me to digress a little from party places and events. After this post, all will be well again. I promise.

Over the last few years, the city hall kept reminding businesses and the media that the city’s famous entertainment strip should be called RM Drive and not Magsaysay Drive.

Why am I spending a couple of hours writing this post or asking you to keep scrolling for a few minutes for
something that really is about business and politics?

The answer is simple. As a visitor and tourist, you might get lost.

Businesses spent millions advertising pesos to market Magsaysay Drive as the city’s entertainment center, not just in the 80’s, but more so after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1990’s. Why the sudden change? Will this benefit the businesses along the strip?

Let us see. Since Mayor James Gordon Jr., took office, his entire government pushed the renaming effort.

They’ve spent almost two full 3-year terms for this campaign. They say that the re-naming is meant ‘to diffuse the sleazy image that Magsaysay Drive became associated with.’

Mayor Bong Gordon

Ok, it makes sense… Or does it?
It makes sense if:
1) ---> City hall made enough capital investment (infra, signages, etc) to make the RM thing stick;
2) ---> supported the businesses in their marketing efforts (after all, businesses spent millions of
pesos to print marketing collaterals, broadcast advertisements using Magsaysay Drive for their address);
3) ---> it is not really sleazy (or comparable to a red light district);
4) ---> and, convinced the people that the change would benefit the city.

ANSWER:
Item 1 > No. Check out the streets. It’s not because the strip is peppered with Magsaysay Drive signage. It is because there is no significant signage to alter the memory banks of the people. If a simple name change can’t be significantly implemented in 6 years, then, what else can you do?

Item 2 > Again, No. Businesses are businesses. They will support an endeavor it is makes sense and cents for them. Nobody knows RM Drive, why put my brand and my name in a place that people (clients) can’t find. Even radio stations cringe when they are asked to put RM Drive simply because they wants to help their clients maximize their advertising money.

Here is a sample radio tag. If you were the owner of this joint, which would you use for your print and broadcast advertisement?

‘Come and visit Gigolo Disco Bar at # 23 RM Drive, Olongapo City’

‘Come and visit Gigolo Disco Bar at # 23 Magsaysay Drive, Olongapo City

Item 3 > Magsaysay Drive is sleazy as can be. It is the reason why people frequent the strip. Sure, there are no more nude dancing and no more drunk Americans. But this is only because they left in 1992. Check out Magsaysay Drive when there are US warship in Subic Bay and you will see what I mean.
Maybe the city officials should ask their fellow city officials if there really is no prostitution, gambling, drugs and other activities associated with the image of the old Magsaysay Drive. (Liars, liars! Pants on fire!)

Circa 1980 photo

Item 4 > Lastly, No. Ask any resident where Sam’s Pizza is and they will tell you that it is along Magsaysay Drive. Where is the City Mall? The answer will be ‘along Magsaysay Drive.

A businessman, who did not have the balls to make his views public, told me that the only reason he can think of for this silly effort to re-name of the famous ‘Gapo strip is because of politics.

------------------------------------
Dude (read: Mayor Bong Gordon),
It only made the Magsaysay name a conversation piece whenever people hear the RM Drive stuff.

Olongapenos will vote for you because you served them well, not because your administration removed the
surname of your political rivals; Mitos and, as rumors would have it, Vicente (GoVic).

Rep. Mitos Magsaysay

Former Zambales Gov. Vic Magsaysay

Magsaysay to the people of Olongapo is not the politician. Magsaysay is not even the most beloved president
of this country.

Magsaysay is the strip that many generations made a living from. It is the lovely strip where they fell in love with their wives. Where they were touched by humanity by seeing young women dream of a better life with the American servicemen.

It is the same strip where many residents made millions giving them the resources to provide well
for their families. It is the famous hang out where residents shared priceless memories with fellow Olongapenos and visitors who eventually became friends.

Mayor Bong, you’ve been had by your people. Or at the very least, you got bad advice from your staff.

-----------------------------------------------------
To Mayor Bong’s bright boys who thought of this idea:

Who ever you are, even if Mayor Bong succeeded in sanitizing the strip by changing it to RM Drive, isn’t he just moving the sleazy image to another strip now bearing the his surname?

I doubt if Mayor Gordon would be happy with that change.

Manila needs help

2009-09-29T22:52:00.001-06:00

The Philippine government officially sought assistance from the international community for resources to ease the situation in the country capital.

Please send your donations to international relief agencies, government and non government agencies. Check out the web on how to send donations. This blog will also accept donations but only through its Paypal account. Keep you Paypal donations at US5 dollars for easier accounting as
I have very limited time.

Let's do what we can and help.

Continue to help the people of Botolan, Zambales

2009-08-11T20:23:00.007-06:00

I noticed the decreasing volume of donations to the victims of Typhoon Kiko lately. I hope it does not signal the loss of interest to those of us who are not affected.

In what appears to be a turn for the worse, the river changed direction is is poised to inundate a different part of the town, if an when, another typhoon heads their way.

According to governor Amor Deloso, the provincial government needs around P170 million to repair the dike that dike that swallowed so many barangays.

A footbridge was built to give residents access to the other side of Zambales.

Thank you for sending your donations via Paypal. Keep the donations coming to any person, relief organization or government agency you so choose. The important thing is to keep them coming.

Photo taken by David Bayarong
www.subictimes.com

A chopper, attempting to land on what used to be a busy highway traversing Zambales, is seen here airlifting victims after typhoon Kiko ravaged the town Saturday .

Keep them GIs coming...

2009-05-12T03:18:00.003-06:00

I noticed that them American servicemen are pretty behaved lately.
No complaints here.

There was an instance where an G.I. Joe got so drunk that he lost his wallet in one of the bars inside the Freeport.
Well, at least that was the claim.
So the Navy rounded them young lads and sent them back to the ship, pronto.

Lesson, you get yourself dead drunk, willingly or unwillingly, you suffer.
A gigantic headache for yourself or somebody else's.

Party on, Dude!
But do take care of yourselves.

Thank you for your Inconvenience

2009-03-31T19:40:00.005-06:00

For a community that is blessed with such great environment, whether in land or sea, Subic Bay did not take the Earth Hour campaign too seriously.

I saw a 1 by 2 meter banner at the Olongapo City Mall and another one at the Rizal Gate of the Freeport. Other than those, no coordinated campaign in Subic Bay.

This snub of the Earth Hour by the community, and the government agencies, showed the commitment of the government officials and the residents for the environment.

What about the companies who earn by selling the Subic Bay environment? They may be too concerned with the effluent discharged by the laid up ships to take Earth Hour seriously.

To all those who sacrificed one hour of convenience as a symbolic support for Mother Earth, Thank You!

Holy Week in Subic Bay

2009-03-31T03:33:00.002-06:00

There are a number of things you can do while here during the Holy Week.

For those who want to renew their Catholic faith, the Subic Bay chapel is sponsoring the following:

April 05

BLESSING OF PALMS/8:30 AM

April 08
PROCESSION/6:00PM

April 08
PROCESSION/6:00PM

April 09
LAST SUPPER MASS/5:30PM
LAST SUPPER MEAL/7:30PM

April 10
VIACRUSIS (STATIONS OF THE CROSS)/ 9:00AM
LITHURGY OF THE WORD / 3:00PM
GOOD FRIDAY GRAND PROCESSION/ 6:00PM

April 11
PASCHAL MYSTERY/EASTER VIGIL/7:30PM

April 12
SALUBONG/4:00AM
EASTER MASS/6:00AM
EASTER EGG HUNT/11:00AM

For those who plan to rev up their spirits, there will be a Black Saturday concert at the Remy Field. More info are available at your host hotel. Make sure to tell the concierge what type of activities you want to link up.

Subic Majestic is under new (old) management

2008-09-01T00:31:00.004-06:00

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

And the Review continues

2008-08-31T20:46:00.003-06:00

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.

Watch Manny Paquiao VS David Diaz brawl in Subic

2008-06-23T21:16:00.002-06:00

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.

Let's Help The People of Myanmar: Donate

2008-05-12T02:58:00.003-06:00

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

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

2008-04-29T21:18:00.004-06:00

(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.

Politics is tourism

2008-04-24T19:25:00.005-06:00

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?

Magic Lagoon: Great food, Fast Service

2008-04-17T21:35:00.008-06:00

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

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

2008-04-08T01:49:00.011-06:00

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?

GRADUATION is a beginning...

2008-04-02T20:35:00.010-06:00

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?

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

2008-03-26T20:48:00.023-06:00

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.

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

2008-03-25T00:21:00.009-06:00

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.

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

2008-03-17T22:50:00.006-06:00

(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!

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

2008-03-14T23:52:00.015-06:00

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

One Night Only: Cecil Licad @ Casa San Miguel

2008-03-10T20:06:00.009-06:00

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?

The Lighthouse at the end of the road

2008-03-05T21:32:00.021-07:00

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.

Crown-of-Thorn starfishes attack Subic Bay

2008-03-03T02:09:00.012-07:00

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.

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

2008-03-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

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!

GMO RICE ANYONE?

2008-02-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

"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?

Crystal pane for TOTALMED

2008-02-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Why a guide about Subic's places?

2008-02-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

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.