Sabik sa Subic and the Commodore's Cup 2012 International Regatta

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

After the US military left Subic, no one knows what will happen to the place. A lot were skeptical but there are also hopeful individuals.  But now, after several years, Subic has been turned into one of our tourist and economic attractions.  

Tourism wise, it has now adventure based theme parks such as Ocean Adventure, Zoobic Safari and Treetop Adventure.  It has several tourism facilities such as hotels, restaurants, spas and casinos.  It is one of Central Luzon's premier eco-tourism destinations, thanks to Pamulaklakin Traits, JEST Camp, Triboa Mangrove and several beach resorts, dive sites and bird watching spots.  It is also a top destination for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and cruise ships as it has natural deep harbor, modern passenger terminal and unique combination of tourist attractions and terminals.  And if you think you are already drowned with these attractions then try to get a life vest and hold on to your breath and Subic has a lot more to offer.  It is also a premier sports tourism destination having hosted the 23rd South East Asian Games for archery, kayaking / canoeing, sailing and triathlon; Le Tour de Filipinas; Philippine Olympic Festival, and many more.  

Lastly, Subic is ideal for sailing and other water sports as it's in a strategic location and has a magnificent natural setting.  It has a strong wind condition with calm water, it's mostly hot and sunny with occasional rain showers and thunder storms, it has a real holiday weather and scenic deep blue bay and sea.  And that's why the Commodore's Cup Regatta 2012 successfully took place at Subic Bay!

The Bloggies Jeman Villanueva of Orange Magazine TV, Myke Soon of Mix of Everything, Ruth Floresca of Write Breathe Live, Rod Magaru of The Rod Magaru Show and myself (of foydi's Treasure Hunt and Tatak Digitista) were invited to this event and witness the beauty of Subic's water once more.

(from L-R): Renjie Tolentino, The Rod Magaru, foydi and Lolo Myke.

The Commodore’s Cup Regatta 2012 comes right after the prestigious Rolex China Sea Race 2012, Asia’s blue water racing offshore sailing event which is a 565-nautical mile race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay, Philippines.

The four-day event officially started with the registration and skippers briefing, followed by a welcome party for participants and guests to be hosted by the Lighthouse Marina Resort. The race was participated by some 30 international boats from the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Daily awards and socials took place at the Lighthouse Marina Resort, which culminated to the Awards Night at the poolside of the Subic Bay Yacht Club.  Apart from the exhilarating competition, this year’s Commodore’s Cup gathered some of the country’s top celebrities and personalities and witnessed a one-of-a-kind sea adventure in one of the world’s top sailing destinations. Guests were treated to a special summer-themed soiree to be held at the Subic Bay Yacht Club Piazza Boardwalk that brings to mind the relaxing, laidback allure of the yacht lifestyle.

Subic Bay Yacht Club

The Commodore’s Cup Regatta was first convened in 2008 by then Subic Bay Yacht Club Commodore Ricky Sandoval. It has since grown in following and prestige, eventually becoming part of the Asian Yachting Circuit in 2010. It has since become one of the most anticipated regatta events in the country and one of the world’s top offshore racing competitions.

Past winners include JO De Ros with skipper George Hackett in 2008 and 2009; Hi Fi with skipper Neil Pryde in 2010; and Subic Centennial in 2011. With this year’s race happening on Subic Bay, the event is expected to draw not only sailing enthusiast but also tourists who want to experience a world-class regatta event on local shores. Sandoval shared, “This year’s Commodore’s Cup is truly a momentous event."  He added that there's a lot of potential in sailing and Filipinos can grab this opportunity.  He and his group are planning to set-up sailing / maritime educational opportunities to reach out to more Filipino youth.  "Sailing is not just pang-mayaman.  Anyone who are equipped to sail can enjoy beauty of the sport," Sandoval added.

With Subic Bay playing this year’s host, we aim to showcase the Philippines as among the world’s top sailing destinations with its clear waters and fine sand beaches.” The Commodore’s Cup Regatta 2012 was presented by main event PLDT Alpha Enterprise, with Mr. Jovy Hernandez, PLDT VP and Head for Corporate Business Group, and Mr. Dennis Magbatoc, President of Subictel and Clarktel. The event is organized by the Subic Bay Yacht Club, headed by Mr. Jose Maria Vargas, General Manager; Mr. Thomas Eirween Davis, Head of Commodore’s Cup 2012 Organizing Committee; in conjuction with Mr. Jesus Avecilla, President of the Lighthouse Marina Resort and representative of Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing Club; Mr. Federico Sandoval II, President of Watercraft Ventures, Inc.; and Mr. Roberto Garcia, Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Association.

The event was also sponsored by Double Haven, BusinessMirror, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Rogue Magazine, Sperry Topsider, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Broadwater Marine, Frontier Wish, SM, Casino Filipino, Stradcom Corporation, Cebu Pacific, ETC, Philippine Graphic, Health and Fitness, Jack TV, 2nd Avenue, Fragrant Harbour, Asia Pacific Boating, and asianyachting.com. and Nivea & organized by LEN PLUS INC.

Indeed, sailing has been a much celebrated attraction in Subic; another reason why we can't resist to become "Sabik in Subic" (Excited of Subic)! And this is foydi's Treasure Find 29!

Thank you to the Lead PR, Apet Nunez and Renjie Tolentino for the invitation and hospitality.