PRESTIGIOUS ADDRESS. Each of the villas used for the 1996 APEC in Subic are now in the hands of private owners. Rappler photo

1996 was the first time the Philippines hosted the APEC summit, and it was a golden opportunity for the government to flaunt the potential of a US military base turned industry hub

SUBIC FREEPORT, Philippines – In this former US naval base, the most prestigious address is nestled in a quiet, uphill area, with commanding views of Triboa Bay.

From the outside, it looks like any other high-end subdivision for those with deep pockets: a wide, main street bordered by trees; caretakers sweeping up leaves strewn across driveways; and 21 two-storey houses, some already adorned with Christmas wreaths and holiday decorations.

This exclusive enclave carries a steep price tag and a piece of Subic history. Nineteen years ago, these luxurious mansion were once the homes of heads of state – at least for a couple of hours.

In November 1996, just 4 years since the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was created to spur development in the former US base, the freeport zone was chosen to host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit – the first time the Philippines hosted the high-level regional meet.

Leaders attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum pose for a family photo wearing the Philippines’ traditional ‘Barong Tagalog’ on November 25, 1996. The summit is expected to endorse an ambitious free trade scheme calling for the removal of trade and investment barriers by 2020. Photo by Jonathan Utz /AFP

To prepare for the arrival of the likes of US President Bill Clinton, Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and Australian Prime Minister John Howard, the Ramos administration pulled out all the stops. New roads and buildings were put up; a summit hall for the meetings was constructed; and a private developer was tapped to build the villas for 18 world leaders.

The frenetic preparations came at a price – the houses alone cost a staggering $1 million to $2 million each – but it was a golden opportunity for the government to flaunt the investment potential of the Central Luzon freeport.

“[The villas] are historic because 18 leaders actually used them. They were built not only to provide security and a place for the leaders to go to, but mainly as a showcase also of Philippine economy at the time,” SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia told Rappler.

Nearly two decades later, the houses still stand as a testament to that historic summit and the famous personalities that once graced the million-dollar homes. But they have now passed into the hands of private owners, some of whom opt to rent them out to guests.

Living in luxury for a night in one of these villas can cost an average of P20,000 to P30,000.

PRIVATELY OWNED. The two-storey houses were built at a cost of $1 million each in 1996. Rappler photo

Homes fit for state leaders

Building all villas took less than a year, a mammoth task that involved thousands of skilled laborers. An entire month was devoted just to remove the ammunition magazines, or the armored bunkers that served as storehouses for the US Navy, that dotted the area.

In 8 months, some 4,000 laborers worked in two shifts to finish construction a month before the summit. No detail was left to chance, as the private developer, Financial Building Corporation (FBC), intended to sell the villas after the summit to recoup their investment.

An account from Sunday Times Magazine painted a picture of how each villa was built with world-class standards in mind: the fully-furnished houses had expensive interiors; 3 bedrooms on the upper floor, with wide windows in the master’s bedroom offering a panoramic view of the bay; a downstairs study; quarters for the maids and drivers; a huge living room; and a kitchen.

Though the planning and construction came at a high cost, the 18 world leaders stayed only for a couple of hours. After the meetings at the nearby Summit Hall, they stopped at the villas to rest and freshen up, attended to by their personal “butlers” – selected young Filipino professionals and volunteers – but they did not actually stay the night.

But these few hours’ stay, plus the luxurious interiors, are enough for the villas to fetch a selling price of P50 million a piece after the event.

After the summit, FBC sold the houses to private owners, many of them to corporations, according to Garcia. The villas are now under the management of the Triboa Bay Country Club.

SBMA benefited from the sale of the houses, getting around a 10% share for each one sold.

Return on investments

While the APEC villas have passed into private hands, the Summit Hall where the meetings were held – now unfortunately rundown – has not been leased out.

But there are plans underway to capitalize on the natural beauty of Subic Bay and the freeport’s place in history.

HISTORIC. The clubhouse is set to be renovated in a bid to attract more tourists. Rappler photo

The clubhouse at the entrance of the APEC villas is set to be refurbished, with a private developer taking over renovation of the building.

Garcia said a hotel and condominium will also be built in the area for visitors to see the villas and “experience the Triboa Bay as it was during the APEC meeting.”

That SBMA continues to capitalize on an event that happened nearly two decades ago is understandable, as it was what put Subic on the world map and boosted economic interest in the Freeport.

In the years since the 1996 meet, Garcia said there has been a steady interest in investments coming into the area.

“From zero when we started, SBMA now has 1,500 businesses here. We’ve accepted over $9.5 billion in investments….We have quadrupled the number of workers that used to work here in the base when it was a US military facility,” Garcia said.

If the boom in investments in Subic is an indication of the real economic benefits of hosting APEC, Garcia believes the same can hold true for the Philippines’ chairmanship of the regional meeting the second time around.

Nineteen years and 3 presidents later, the Philippines is back in the world spotlight, this time with the focus on the capital Manila.

Unlike in 1996, no expensive houses were built for the one-time use of the 20 other APEC leaders expected to arrive next week for the summit. But almost 10 billion has been spent to host it – an amount that the government says goes back into the local economy.

That amount can also be recouped if it translates into greater investor interest in the country.

“After being the sick man of Asia for many years, it’s now the turn of the Philippines. A lot of interest has been generated, foreign investors are looking very closely. The international community will clearly be looking eagerly at the outcome of this year’s APEC,” Garcia said. – Rappler.com

Source: www.rappler.com

The Villas and the Leaders who actually used them

Villa 2 | Fidel Valdez Ramos – Philippines

Villa 4 | Ryutaro Hashimoto – Japan

Villa 5 | Joseph Jacques Jean Chrétien – Canada

Villa 7 | Jiang Zemin – China

Villa 8 | Muhammad Soeharto – Indonesia

Villa 9 | Banharn Silpa-Archa – Thailand

Villa 10 | Lee Teng-Hui – Taiwan

Villa 11 | Goh Chok Tong – Singapore

Villa 12 | Julius Chan – Papua New Guinea

Villa 13 | James Brendan Bolger – New Zealand

Villa 14 | Ernesto Zedillo Ponce De León – Mexico

Villa 15 | Mahathir Bin Mohamad – Malaysia

Villa 16 | Kim Young-Sam – South Korea

Villa 17 | Donald Tsang Yam-Kuen – Hong Kong

Villa 18 | Eduardo Alfredo Juan Bernardo Frei Ruiz – Tagle of Chile

Villa 19 | Hassanal Bolkiah – Brunei

Villa 20 | John Winston Howard – Australia

Villa 21 | William Jefferson Clinton – United States

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SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Asian Business Aviation Association (ASBAA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on April 17 in Shanghai, China for the development of Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) Ink pact on Subic airport development.

According to SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma, the MOU signing was done during the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2018) in Shanghai.

She added that the agreement covers infrastructure development at SBIA, and ASBAA’s plan to advance their aviation operations in the Philippines.

She added that the ASBAA will also help with the operation of the SBIA.

“AsBAA will support and advise on the initial design and ongoing operation of the Subic Bay International Airport. This is envisioned to bring about an immediate and reliable facility that regional BA/GA operators can access as another option to operate from in the Philippines,” ASBAA Philippine Chapter Chairman Benjamin Lopez said.

Lopez, who is also the president of Inaec Aviation Corp, welcomed the country’s focus on infrastructure development to help decongest aviation traffic in Manila.

“Plans have long been discussed and now is the time for action. We are delighted to assist the authorities in advising on these vital enhancements to Philippine aviation infrastructure.”

The ASBAA Philippine chapter was launched in September 2017 and is the newest addition to ASBAA’s regional committees.

The chapter started in 2018 by leading a delegation of its members on a site visit and investment trip to Manila, Clark and Subic Airports to meetings with regulators, airport operators, and aviation stakeholders.

The SBIA agreement is the second MOU that the association signed this year to develop airport infrastructures in Southeast Asia.

The first agreement is between ASBAA and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to advise the Malaysian government on the Subang Regeneration Project, City Airport Development and other initiatives in the economic free zone.

Eisma said that she wants to make SBIA “a business aviation airport, general aviation, MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul), and (ready for) charter flights.”

She added that passenger aviation should be focused on Clark.

“We can get spillover from neighboring airports like Clark, but I would rather court general aviation and business aviation heavily and have a niche for them to attract tourists with curated experiences,” Eisma added.

She said that she hopes to get a chunk of general and business aviation since the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is focusing more on passenger aviation.

BY JONAS REYES

Source: news.mb.com.ph

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A burnt bus is seen at the side of the gutter on Wednesday at the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) near the Concepcion Exit, indicating a gruesome accident. (Jonas Reyes / MANILA BULLETIN)

A report from the Central Luzon Police Regional Office (PRO-3) said a Fuso truck with plate number RHD 831, driven by Emmanuel Retardo, 46, with his helper Victor Ayen, 40, both from Plaridel, Bulacan was rammed at its rear by a Five Star Bus (UYD 493) driven by Rolando Untalan, 50, of Calasiao, Pangasinan.

According to the initial investigation sent to Superintendent Augusto Pasamonte, chief of Concepcion Police Station, the speeding Five Star bus was tailing the Fuso truck while traversing the northbound lane of SCTEx. Suddenly, the bus rammed the rear portion of the truck..

The police report said the accident happened around 11:50 p.m. and was reported to authorities around 12:20 a.m. yesterday (Wednesday).

The impact sent the two vehicles falling into a creek, the report said.

Apparently, the bus caught flames after it fell to the embankment and toasted alive three of the passengers who were trapped inside the burning vehicle, police said.

Police have yet to identify the fatalities as investigators on the ground said they were “totally burned.”

Truck driver Retardo and helper Ayen were brought to Dr. Eutiquio Atanacio Memorial Hospital Inc., in Concepcion, Tarlac along with bus passengers Tammy Tagana, 24; Arnolfo Quinto, 59; Alfie Fernandez, 29; Carolyn Fernandez, 24; Rose Ann Agbanlog, 26; Criselda Joy Pascua, 25; Richard Sabiron, 29; Beth Carbonel, 25; and Felisa Bagon, 24.

Meanwhile, Untalan was rushed to Concepcion District Hospital along with his passengers Veronico Policarpio, 48; Dionisio Tibonsay, 33 and his 12-year-old companion (boy); Shaian Amor Sotto, 34; Sharah Jane Esteban, 41; Mylene Martinez, 41; Jerome Ian Lee Balagtas, 19; Meriam Reyes, 25; and a 17-year-old girl who is five months pregnant.

The other two bus passengers, Manny Agravante, 36; and Jhomar Samson, 24, were brought to Tarlac Provincial Hospital, the report added.

A follow-up investigation was already conducted to determine the cause of the accident and the identity of the three fatalities.

Th driver at fault will be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries and damage to property, police said.

Source: news.mb.com.ph

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Photo Credits to vientodelmar.com

SURFING has become more and more popular in the Philippines and a lot of locals are now giving it a shot. Lucky for us Filipinos, there are actually a number of good spots in the Philippines to practice surfing. Beginners and pros alike are sure to have an exciting time as they ride some waves this summer in five of the best surfing spots in the Philippines.

1. Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

Siargao Island is not known as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” for nothing with its strong waves from the Pacific Ocean that produces right and left hand breaks every intermediate to advanced surfers are dying to ride. Situated in Surigao del Norte, this popular wave has also gained attention in the international scene. Local and foreign surfers often flock to General Luna where the famous Cloud 9 can be found. Jacking Horse, Tuason Left, Rock Island, Stimpies and Pacifico are among the other popular breaks in the island.

2. Baler, Aurora

Baler is basically the birthplace of surfing in the country and is the most popular surfing destination for local surfers. Aside from it being the most accessible for locals since it’s only a couple of hours drive away from Manila, Baler also offers surfing spots fit for every surfer. Sabang Beach is suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers for its medium swell and gentle waves while Cemento Beach has the best waves in Baler for the more advanced surfers. Another famous spot is Charlie’s Point which offers medium-sized beach breaks for all surfers.

3. La Union

La Union is the closest to Manila which makes it the easiest to access by road and it is where surfers will find consistent waves throughout the year. San Juan is the primary surf beach in La Union and is best known for having three breaks: the Beach Break, The Bowl and The Point. Aside from San Juan, there are other few spots worth hitting like Carille which is only five minutes away from San Juan and is also one of the recommended surf spots for its long right hand point break. Other notable surf spots are Sunset, Bacnotan and Darigayos

4. Lanuza Bay in Surigao del Sur

Dubbed as the surf center of Surigao del Sur, Lanuza is also a must-visit surfing destination aside from the famous Siargao Island. Lanuza Bay in Cantilan makes big waves from the southern edge of the Northwestern Pacific typhoon belt during peak season with waves that could reach up to 15 feet. Surfing pros and enthusiasts can also drop by the town of Doot Poktoy, Punta and Sitio Badiang to experience world-class surfing.

5. San Antonio, Zambales

The province of Zambales is mainly known for its laidback beaches and nice surfing spots. San Antonio is the well-known surf spot in Zambales with its impressive south swell. San Narciso is perfect for experienced surfers as it is an A-frame beach with some strong currents while San Felipe gives long waves and consistent swell on and off seasons.

Source: www.sunstar.com.ph

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EARTHY BEAUTIES Candidates for the Limgas na Pangasinan beauty title plant propagules at the provincial mangrove nursery in Bolinao town on Sunday as part of the nationwide celebration of Earth Day. —WILLIE LOMIBAO

The Philippines focused on the cleanup of Boracay on Sunday as it joined other countries in highlighting the global problem of plastic pollution on Earth Day.

“This year’s observance of Earth Day in the Philippines has stricken a resonant chord with the government’s resolve to clean [up] and restore Boracay Island to its previous stature as one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches of the world,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

In his State of the Environment Address, the message of Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu was: The time when Filipinos could simply turn a blind eye to crimes against Mother Nature is now over.

The speech was read by Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia to a sea of advocates decked out in sundry shades of green who were gathered for Earth Day festivities.

“Environmental abuse persists because there are those who allow, if not encourage, irresponsibility to proceed with impunity,” Cimatu said.

“We must cease being tolerant of environmental abuse, and take active part in the strict enforcement of environmental laws, rules, regulations and ordinances,” he added.

Earth Day theme

The speech was delivered at Harbour Park, Pasay City, set against the backdrop of Manila Bay, which has long been a dumping ground for the city’s waste—the perfect foil for this year’s Earth Day theme, “Green the Cities, Green the Oceans.”

Cimatu said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was not surprised when President Rodrigo Duterte branded Boracay a “cesspool” in February and ordered its temporary closure.

He said the DENR had been warning the public about the tourism hot spot’s ill fate for years.

“Why were our warnings not heeded?” he asked. “If the Philippines has been celebrating Earth Day since 1990, or for 28 years now, why do the environmental problems plaguing Boracay and other areas persist?”

Citizens also to blame

The answer Cimatu arrived at was that the blame could not rest solely on the shoulders of Boracay’s local government, or on duty-bearers anywhere—but also on every citizen and visitor who had tolerated environmental abuse, and who should take it upon themselves to make environmental protection “a way of life.”

The environment secretary vowed to restore Boracay’s “former robust ecology,” saying he would not stop until the island became “a liveable community.”

This year’s Earth Day celebration was punctuated by a call to end plastic pollution in the oceans by reducing waste from single-use plastics.

Cimatu cited an Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment report in September 2015 that ranked the Philippines third among the highest sources of plastic pollution in global waters, after China and Indonesia.

Banning plastic straws

The world’s plastic pollution problem is so large that banning plastic straws and stirrers may not be enough, according to scientists.

Australian scientists Denise Hardesty and Chris Wilcox estimate, using trash collected on US coastlines during cleanups over five years, that there are nearly 7.5 million plastic straws lying around America’s shorelines.

They reckon 437 million to 8.3 billion plastic straws are on the entire world’s coastlines.

But that huge number suddenly seems small when you look at all the plastic trash bobbing around oceans.

A University of Georgia environmental engineering professor, Jenna Jambeck, calculates that nearly 8 million metric tons end up in the world’s oceans and coastlines each year, as of 2010.

That’s just in and near oceans. Each year 31.9 million metric tons of plastic pollution are produced around Earth and about a quarter of that ends up around the water.

“For every pound of tuna we’re taking out of the ocean, we’re putting two pounds of plastic in the ocean,” says ocean scientist Sherry Lippiatt, California regional coordinator for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s marine debris program.

Seabirds can ingest as much as 8 percent of their body weight in plastic, which for humans “is equivalent to the average woman having the weight of two babies in her stomach,” says Hardesty of Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. —With reports from Christine O. Avendaño and AP

Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

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