Subic Bay Freeport – The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship docked at th Freeport on Tuesday morning as its maiden ship call here.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials and employees were present to welcome the passengers and crew of the Villa Vie Odyssey, along with representatives from the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Quarantine, and other stakeholders.
Some 650 passengers disembarked from the cruise ship as the Villa Vie Odyssey will be staying until tomorrow, while her passengers visit the many tourism destinations inside Subic Bay Freeport.
The Villa Vie Odyssey is a residential cruise ship offering a unique, full-time world cruise experience for residents, or “global residents,” who purchase cabins for long-term stays, rather than traditional shorter cruises.
Once known as the Braemar, the 924-passenger ship was purchased by Villa Vie Residences in 2023 and underwent a significant refurbishment before its 2024 launch.
The ship is designed to be smaller than mega-ships, allowing access to smaller, unique ports, and features a variety of amenities, including dining, pools, a gym with Peloton bikes, and community spaces for activities like art and fitness classes.

Subic Bay Freeport – The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship docked at this Freeport on Tuesday morning as its maiden ship call here.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials and employees were present to welcome the passengers and crew of the Villa Vie Odyssey, along with representatives from the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Quarantine, and other stakeholders.
 
Some 650 passengers disembarked from the cruise ship as the Villa Vie Odyssey will be staying until tomorrow, while her passengers visit the many tourism destinations inside Subic Bay Freeport.
 
The Villa Vie Odyssey is a residential cruise ship offering a unique, full-time world cruise experience for residents, or “global residents,” who purchase cabins for long-term stays, rather than traditional shorter cruises.
 
Once known as the Braemar, the 924-passenger ship was purchased by Villa Vie Residences in 2023 and underwent a significant refurbishment before its 2024 launch.
 
The ship is designed to be smaller than mega-ships, allowing access to smaller, unique ports, and features a variety of amenities, including dining, pools, a gym with Peloton bikes, and community spaces for activities like art and fitness classes.

The Kneeling Carabao Festival in Pulilan, Bulacan is more than just an annual tourism event as it seeks to preserve traditional rice farming and develop a dairy industry in the agro-industrial town.
Municipal Tourism Officer Josef Christian Navarro shared that the festival started in the 1920s.
“Consistency of conducting the Kneeling Carabao Festival serves as the vibrant symbol of bounty farming amidst modernization and mechanization of the agricultural sector,” he said.
Farmland in Pulilan comprises around two thousand hectares that produce approximately 10,000 metric tons of rice annually.
This year, about 427 carabaos owned by farmers joined the parade wherein they kneeled in front of the Pulilan Church in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the revered patron saint of farmers, peasants and agricultural workers.
“The participating carabaos this year is higher compared to the 277 who joined in 2024, and 266 in 2023. This is a positive indication that farming in Pulilan is still alive and can nurture potential in developing a local dairy industry,” Navarro added.
The municipal government provides subsidies to farmers who bring their carabaos to the annual festival. This is one way for them to increase the population of carabaos in their villages.
The local government is now seeking the assistance of the Department of Tourism in including the Kneeling Carabao Festival to its Philippine Experience Program to bring back foreign tourists to Pulilan, similar to what happened during the 2000s under the Wow Philippines Program. (PIA Region 3-Bulacan)

OLONGAPO CITY, Zambales – Filipino Darell Johnson Bada captured the men’s junior elite title at the 2025 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay here Sunday.
Bada clocked 1 hour, 1 minute and 45 seconds to beat Japan’s Main Takata (1:02:10) and compatriot John Michael Lalimos (1:02:26).
He credited his victory to a strong breakaway during the run after a tough swim and bike leg.
“I really wanted to win so I did my best. The swim was very hard, the bike was challenging. I broke away early in the running stage,” Bada, who finished third last year with a time of 1:03:22, said.
Euan Arrow Ramos, the Under-15 super sprint champion last year, settled for eighth place in 1:07:38.
Despite dropping one of his shoes after the swim phase, he still managed to dominate the bike phase. But he ran out of energy in the run stage.
In the women’s junior elite, Japan’s Yukiho Okuma ruled with a time of 1:08:13, ahead of Filipinos Anisha Eunice Caluya (1:11:18) and Aira Danara Gregorio (1:12:17).
Meanwhile, national athlete Kira Ellis did not finish the race due to a shin injury, withdrawing after the bike leg on the advice of her coaches and therapist.
In the sprint age-group race, Dustine Dan Eslay of 2600 Tri Team North Pine Aquatics won the men’s 16-19 division with a time of 1:07:24 in his triathlon debut.
A Grade 12 student from University of Baguio, Eslay said he looks forward to joining more competitions in the future.
Other winners included Andie Jimeno (18-24), Rafael Sawali (25-29), Tristan Rene Santos (30-34), Mike Kramer (35-39), Craig Douglas (40-44), Marvin Baldemor (45-49), Junrox Roque (50-54), JT Gonzales (55-59), and Cristobal Olivas (60-over) in the men’s standard age group.
Para triathlon champions in the event supported by the Philippine Sports Commission were Edison Badillo (PTS2), Raul Angoluan (PTS3), Alex Silverio (PTS4), Jerome Nelmida and Shyrnel Amiladjid (PTVI), and Steven and Audrey Coleman (special category). (PNA)

Ayl Xyza Gonzaga of Olongapo City is back in training as she prepares for the Central Luzon regional qualifying for this year’s Palarong Pambansa.
Laoag City, the capital of Ilocos Norte, will host the Palarong Pambansa from May 24-31.
The 13-year-old Gonzaga was named Most Valuable Player for winning three titles at the Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas National Juniors Tennis Championships in Digos City, Davao del Sur last Sunday.
In the singles category, Gonzaga beat Princess Placa, 6-2, 6-0, in the U14 final and annexed the U16 title after prevailing over Mariam Mokalam, 6-0, 6-3.
She teamed up with Sanchena Francisco to capture the U18 doubles title over Camille Jhed Clar and Dhea Angelica Cua, 8-4.
“I am super happy and thankful to God, and my family and friends for their support. I also want to thank coach Richard Cunanan for the hard training,” Gonzaga said in an interview on Wednesday.
The Grade 7 student at Olongapo City National High School won the team silver at the Batang Pinoy National Finals in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last year.
“I hope I can play in the Palarong Pambansa again,” said Gonzaga, who bagged the mixed doubles bronze medal with Anthony James Cosca at the 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu.
Gonzaga is a member of the Philippine team which placed fourth in the World Juniors U14 tournament in Bahrain last February.
Meanwhile, Julius Otoc defeated Gil Niere, 6-3, 6-3, to secure the boys U14 title in Digos City.
Other winners were Dhea Cua (girls U18), Maria Shan Tuyor (girls U12), Stephen Fuertes (boys U18), Iñigo Barrios (boys U16), Pete Niere (boys U12) and KC Rabino (unisex U10). (PNA)

Subic Bay Freeport – Subic Bay Freeport plays host once again to the NCAA Season 99 Beach Volleyball Tournament, the host of the prestigious collegiate event since 2012.
The tournament will be held at the Subic Bay Sand Courts from January 24 to 28, utilizing the area that was once the battleground of the best beach volleyball players from Southeast Asia during the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2019.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator for Administration Atty. Ruel John Kabigting cited that admission is free for any beach volleyball fan who wish to root for their teams during the games. He added that the continued hosting of Subic for the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament is a testament of the agency’s thrust to help budding athletes become part of the national talent pool.
“Subic Freeport is incomparable to any other place in the country. The sand, sea and mountains are great venues for various sporting events such as triathlons, duathlons, epic bike races, marathons, and of course, beach volleyball,” he said.
“We are proud and honored to be the host of the event, and I hope that Subic Freeport remains the host for this event for the centennial season next year. It is also a great honor for us to cultivate the younger generation of athletes and make Subic their second home,” he added.
The official thanked the tournament organizers for promoting Subic Bay Freeport as their preferred sports destination, citing that their continued patronage of the area shows how much they trust the agency. He added that the SBMA is complete in terms of emergency responders, as well as competent security officers that keep the event safe and secure.
Jose Rizal University is the host of the tournament with Management Committee chairman Paul Supan leading the organizing of the event. Supan said, “We have an exciting tournament ahead of us. This year, we brought back our junior division so there are now three divisions: mens, women’s and junior.
He added that the reason why the organizing committee chose this Freeport is that Subic provides the appropriate atmosphere and ambience of holding the beach volleyball event. He added that one of the players to look out for is Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Louie Ramirez who is a promising talent to become part of the national team.
According to NCAA Beach Volleyball Event Chairman Peter Cayco, 12 persons represent each of the 10 schools. However, since some schools brought their staff along with them, the delegation is now at 200, yielding a full capacity for billeting hosts Bayfront Hotel and Terrace Hotel. This also caused a spill over to nearby hotels such as Subic Park hotel and Seorabol Grand Leisure Hotel.
“The spill over to other hotels happened since some of the players came along with their family and friends. This is certainly good for the economy since Subic Bay Freeport is a brand name in the sports tourism sector,” he added.

The countdown to Christmas Day begins on September 16 as SM launches a host of fun activities, deals, and surprises for each member of the family. It starts with surprises each day! From September 16 to December 25, someone lucky will be surprised, one mall at a time, with toys, gifts, groceries and meals on us as SM begins 100 Days of Christmas Surprises. Which mall will delight someone today? Come to SM to find out.

WHAT ELSE IS A-HAPPENIN’?
Breathtaking Spectacles, to mark the festive season, will dazzle you at your favorite SM mall. Your favorite malls will be adorned with a dazzling display of holiday magic, and sparkling Christmas centerpieces await shoppers for that IG-worthy moment.
Start your holiday gift shopping early on with a handful of artisan products and services from local MSMEs at the Holiday Bazaars. Toys, games, and collectibles are waiting to make this holiday season unforgettable at the Christmas Toy Fairs, in partnership with Toy Kingdom and Toy Kingdom Express.
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s bringing his merry squad along! Captivating performances, musicales, ensure there’s something for everyone at every visit.
Pets are family too, and SM Supermalls knows it! Bring your furry friends to select SM malls for a pawsome Christmas Pawty packed with games and prizes for furbabies in pet costumes.
Welcome our Overseas Filipino Workers and Families with the help of BDO Kabayan, SM Supermalls will be bringing holiday cheer to our modern-day heroes at the Pamaskong Handog by BDO Kabayan in SM City Cebu, SM City Fairview, and SM City General Santos with Superstars, prizes, and laughs galore.
Let’s not forget that you can make a positive impact on the lives of those in need while enjoying your shopping. Buy one SM Cares’ Bears of Joy, and we will donate another to underprivileged child.
And the fun never ends! On New Year’s Eve, welcome 2024 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration at SM Mall of Asia, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Lanang, and SM CDO Uptown.
To know more about SM Supermalls’ 100 Days of Surprises, visit
https://gosm.link/100DaysOfChristmasSurprises for daily surprise videos, www.smsupermalls.com, and follow @SMSupermalls on social media for all the Christmas surprises!
Source: SM Supermalls | #EverythingsHereatSM | 100 Days of Christmas Surprises

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – This premier Freeport again played host to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Beach Volleyball Tournament on Tuesday after a long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, who was represented by the Chief of Staff and Deputy Administrator for Business Atty. John Aquino, the hosting of the NCAA’s Season 98 Beach Volleyball Tournament is among the first of many sporting events that will be held in Subic Freeport.
Paulino cited that the hosting of the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament is also a grassroots thrust of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in molding the youth to become the country’s representative in the Olympics.
Around 150 delegations, including players, coaches and game officials from participating schools are currently in Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) to take part in the tournament. Paulino reminded the participants to keep the SBF clean as they go around and visit various places and establishments.
NCAA Season 98 Management Committee Chairman Estefanio Boquiron Jr. expressed elation over the venue of the tournament, citing that if the court is good for the Southeast Asian Games, it is certainly good for the NCAA.
“We started playing in Subic Bay Freeport several years back, using the sands at the Boardwalk area. After the first tournament held here, we just fell in love with the place because of the friendliness of the people and the cleanliness of the area,” Vice-chairman Paul Supan of the Jose Rizal University said.
Supan added that the Subic Bay Freeport is certainly the home of the NCAA’s Beach Volleyball Tournament, adding that the association aims to hold all of their beach volleyball tournaments in this premier Freeport.
Supan also said that the San Beda University Women’s team and the Emilio Aguinaldo College men’s team will defend their title in their respective divisions. He added that due to the long hiatus, teams from various schools are raring to show off their game.
The NCAA tournament will be held from January 17 to 21 at the Subic Bay Sand Courts.
In December last year, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation held its Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour at the Subic Bay Sand Courts.

SAN MATEO, RIZAL – Eight (8) “UNBREAKABLE” athletes from Olongapo City clinched medales at the Spartan Race Trifecta weekend, held November 5-6, 2022.
A total of 35 athletes from Olongapo City braved the challenging obstacles, and grueling all-terrain distance running in Timberland Heights; 8 among them were medaled in their respective age groups (AG) categories. Some of the winners came from the Black Eye OCR Team; Alessandro Magpayo; 1st Place Beast Male AG category 14-17, Dian Pascua; 3rd Place Beast Female AG 35-39, Joahna Paula Batungbacal; 2nd Place Beast Female AG 40-44, and Maribel Montehermoso; 1st Place Super Female AG 50-59. Athletes from Barretto Runners Club include Ryan Adam Whigan; 3rd Place Beast Male AG category 35-39, Melinda Whigan; 2nd Place Beast Female AG 35-39, Celine Camia; 3rd Place Beast Female AG 18-24, and Cielo Kuryakin; 2nd Place Beast Female AG 45-49.
Black Eye OCR’s Sprint Open category strong finishers include Joan Abelido, Jennifer Tibe, Daniel Migs Gado, Rudy Sadie, Helen Kalany, Abby Magpayo, Jemima Keizia Pablo, Andrei Jake Banez, Nap Julius Camba, Aejae Estabillo, Beau Jeff del Rosario, and Nesabel Montehermoso. Super AG category finishers were Paul Jess Perez, Jon Niel Unawa, Leonardo Alonzo Jr., Jermaine Joy Barredo; and Beast AG category finisher Black Eye OCR Head Coach Rodd Bañez, Steven Abadilla, Haven Abadilla, and Greston Castro. Barretto Runners’ Club finishers include Ramil F. Manamtam – Beast AG 40-44, Dann Mulles- Beast AG 35-39, Jhun Padua- Beast AG 30-34, Regina Angela Polloso Tolentino -Beast AG 30-34, and Sprint Open Arlene Vorwald – Beast AG 35-39, and Sean Michael¬- Beast Open. ¬¬
It can be recalled that Timberland Heights hosted the very first Spartan Race when the franchise arrived in the Philippines in 2017; hailed as the Metro’s last frontier, 677-hectare of recreational destination, situated at the foothills of Sierra Madre Mountain Range, approximately 450 meters above sea-level; a fitting venue for a variety of sporting activities.
Spartan race is the world’s premier obstacle course race (OCR); a running race with the additional challenge of obstacles along the course; happening in over 40 countries. Its goal is to move people off the couch, live an active healthy lifestyle, and get into the games. “Quitting is not an option.”
(By Abby Magpayo)