Tag: Clark

Skyway 3 project completed

Skyway 3 project completed

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It is all out in the news here in the Philippines and it is the best piece of infrastructure and travel-related news for travelers, business stakeholders and other concern parties specifically here in Metro Manila and the communities outside its boundaries – San Miguel Corporation (SMC)’s president and chief operation officer (COO) Ramon S. Ang announced the completion of the Skyway 3 project (AKA Skyway Stage 3) which is almost eighteen kilometers long. Right now, they are working on completing the finishing touches before formally opening it to the public.

Personally, I am happy for their achievement!

A great view of a portion of Skyway Stage 3. (source – Mark Villar Facebook page)

For the newcomers reading this, the Skyway 3 project is composed of a 17.93 kilometer stretch that links the norther and southern parts of Luzon by means of a modern highway. More specifically, once the newly completed project finally opens, travel from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will take only twenty minutes which will be a major improvement from the average of 2-3 hours (without Skyway 3). It should be noted that the project was completed way before the October 31, 2020 target of completion.

“I’m happy to announce that the whole structure of Skyway 3 is now complete. With this, Skyway 2 in Buendia is now officially extended all the way to the North Luzon Expressway. After many challenges, this project faced in previous years, the dream of connecting north and south and providing an alternative to Edsa is now a reality,” Ang said in a press statement released on October 13.

As mentioned earlier, I am happy for the completion of Skyway 3 and soon it will finally be opened to public motorists (who can afford to pay the eventual toll fees). Each year for the past several years, I travel from Alabang to Clark and Subic Bay to attend important events. During those times, it was a struggle to move from south to north and back WITHOUT Skyway 3. The traffic along EDSA (which passes through different Metro Manila cities and on the maze of roads within the City of Manila were often bad, time-consuming and unpredictable.

Another stretch of Skyway Stage 3 over water. (source – Mark Villar Facebook page)

With Skyway Stage 3, travel between SLEX and NLEX will be much faster. It is stated in the press statement that travel from Magallanes to Balintawak will only take about 15 minutes, Balintawak to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) also only 15 minutes, and Valenzuela to Makati in just 10 minutes. As for people from the cities of Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque and even further south from Laguna province who need to travel to Subic Bay faster in the near future, imagine going north using the SLEX, then the Skyway (in the south) moving through the metropolis in quick fashion to reach the NLEX thanks to Skyway 3’s stretch and then take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to get to Subic Bay faster than ever before. Travelers from Cavite province will also benefit from the improved access and travel too since their province has highways that connect to the SLEX. Really, a lot of people, especially families business people who need to travel within Metro Manila and those who want to go further north or south will really benefit from the eventual operation of Skyway 3 not for just a year but in the years to come.

From this point on, watch out for SMC’s announcement of the formal opening of Skyway 3. Congratulations to SMC and their strategic partners for their accomplishment! Thank the Lord in Heaven also for making big dreams a reality!

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Duty Free Philippines Grows 4% in 2019

Duty Free Philippines Grows 4% in 2019

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DutyFreeLogo

Hey everyone! Have you shopped at a Duty Free Philippines yet? Me? I have not been to a Duty Free Philippines outlet or shopping center for quite some time now.

Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) announced today that it grew 4% in 2019 in terms of year-on-year sales growth. Notably, the achieved growth was a clear improvement  over the 2% growth it achieved in 2018.

To put things in perspective, the consolidated sales reached a total of $226 million in 2019 compared with $217 million the previous year.

In relation to the latest statistics, DFPC chief operating officer Vicente Pelagio Angala said the Philippines’ hosting of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and the opening of Duty Free Luxe have significantly contributed to the upswing.

He said the growing number of tourists visiting the newly-rehabilitated Boracay Island via Kalibo Airport has been beneficial to DFPC sales.

When it comes to the top source markets, 85% came from Filipino tourists, balikbayans (visiting Filipinos who live overseas) and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Confectionery is still the major growth driver, with 31 percent share of the total sales, followed by liquor (21 percent), fragrance and cosmetics (18 percent), and fashion merchandise (10 percent).

The DFPC claimed it has met a number of significant milestones last year, including the opening of “Go Lokal’s” Marahuyo this past November.

“In line with the directive of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), we have augmented our product portfolio which now includes more local artisans,” Angala said.

With the agency’s strong commitment to giving top local products a global audience, DFPC was recognized as “Highly Commended CSR Initiative of the Year “at the 2019 Frontier Awards in Cannes, France for supporting The Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The DFPC has expanded the list of exclusive brands that it carries which now includes: Gucci Beauty, Armani Beauty, Hogan, and MCM. Last year, it also embarked on the renovation of the Fiestamall and NAIA Terminal 1 Arrival stores.

DFPC is expected to maintain the momentum in 2020 with the opening of Duty Free store at the Hilton Sun Valley Resort inside Clark Freeport Zone by the first quarter of this year.

For everyone’s reference, the DFPC is the country’s sole operator of the duty-and tax-free merchandising system, and a vital component of the DOT as it contributes to the efforts in the development of the country’s tourism infrastructure, programs, and projects through revenue remittances. There are Duty Free Philippines outlets and shopping centers around the Philippines including Parañaque City (Fiestamall shopping center), Cebu province, and Clark International Airport to name a few.

For further learning, posted below is the official FAQ of Duty Free Philippines.

DFPFAQ

Check out their online store at https://www.dutyfreephilippines.ph/

PRESS RELEASE: Navo and Burgos the Fastest in 2nd MediCard Sprint Triathlon

PRESS RELEASE: Navo and Burgos the Fastest in 2nd MediCard Sprint Triathlon

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Navo and Burgos the Fastest in 2nd MediCard Sprint Triathlon

Teenagers Richard Anson Navo and Erika Nicole Burgos led all competitors in their respective categories during 2nd MediCard Sprint Tri held this past Sunday at Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga.

Navo registered the fastest time in the 600-meter swim – 20 Kilometer bike – 5 Km run event with 1 hour, 8 minutes and 46 seconds earning himself the Male 15-17 title. Next to him were two of his fellow age-group competitors Adrian Thomas Dionisio and Lorenzo Joaquin Solda with 1:09:46 and 1:10:45 respectively.

Among the ladies in the event supported by MediCard Philippines, Standard Insurance, Klean Athlete Nutritional Supplements, Smart, official timing partner Garmin, hydration partners Pocari Sweat and Sip Purified Water, recovery partner Air Relax Massage Guns Philippines, hotels Fontana and Royce Hotel & Casino, Erika Nicole Burgos was unbeatable in the Female 15-17 category with 1:24:26. Following Burgos was 18-24 champion Franchesca Ezzabella Joves with 1:26:49 and 25-29 champion Kath Lagusnad with 1:27:44.

Other champions of the race can be accessed at www.bikekingphilippines.com

“Today’s triathlon was pretty good as several participants, including people I personally know, became triathletes for the first time. Aside from seeing the participants enjoy the race to stay healthy, it was inspiring also to see participants aged fifty and older finish the race with strong determination,” said MediCard President Dr. Nicky S. Montoya.

Among the highlights of the race was the successful finish of 78-year-old 1st-timer Ruben Del Rosario who was greeted by his family and grandchildren near the finish line.

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Atty. Ruben Del Rosario completed his first-ever triathlon at age 78.

“It was challenging but I kept persevering as I focused on completing this event which was my main goal. This is an achievement that I will always treasure. I am very inspired right now,” said Del Rosario who works as a lawyer.

A joint project of Bike King and MediCard Philippines, the 2nd MediCard Sprint Tri was the race organizer’s closing event of 2019. Details about scheduled 2020 sports events of Bike King are available for viewing at their website.

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Bike King and MediCard Philippines.

Press release issued on behalf of Bike King Philippines and MediCard Philippines.

PRESS RELEASE: 2nd MediCard Sprint Triathlon in Clark on November 10

PRESS RELEASE: 2nd MediCard Sprint Triathlon in Clark on November 10

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2nd MediCard Sprint Triathlon in Clark on November 10

With a field of close to 300 participants listed, the stage is set for a beginner-friendly racing experience as the 2nd MediCard Sprint Tri fires off on November 10 inside the Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga.

MFC

The race organized by Bike King features a course of 600-meter swim at the Olympic-size pool of the water park followed by a single loop 20-kilometer bike course around the Clark grounds and a single lap 5 kilometer run on the rolling paths of the resort. The finish line will be located along J.P. Rizal Avenue.

At stake in the event sponsored by MediCard Philippines, Standard Insurance, Klean Athlete Nutritional Supplements, Smart, official timing partner Garmin, hydration partners Pocari Sweat and Sip Purified Water, recovery partner Air Relax Massage Guns Philippines, hotels Fontana and Royce Hotel & Casino are specially designed trophies and gift items for the age-group winners, Team Competition, and relay category winners. The awarding ceremony is scheduled to take place at 10:30 AM.

“Wellness is more than being free from illness. It includes physical, mental and social well-being. This is the reason why MediCard promotes wellness through sports because aside from promoting physical health through physical activities, sports also improve social skills and gives positive mental health,” said MediCard President Dr. Nicky S. Montoya

The 2nd MediCard Sprint Tri is a joint project of Bike King and MediCard. The company is a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) dedicated to building a culture of health awareness and behavior. MediCard’s extensive connections with outpatient clinics, partners and affiliate doctors nationwide allow us to offer an array of total healthcare services to suit the needs of corporations, SMEs, individuals, and families. Visit http://www.medicardphils.com or call (02) 884-9999 for your healthcare needs.

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Press release issued on behalf of Bike King Philippines and MediCard Philippines.

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE: New Clark City Hosts Successful Inaugural Triathlon

PRESS RELEASE: New Clark City Hosts Successful Inaugural Triathlon

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NEW CLARK CITY HOSTS SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL TRIATHLON

More than a thousand athletes participated in the first-ever triathlon held in New Clark City from October 19-20, 2019. The event, organized by the GoClark Sports and Events and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), welcomed participants from all ages with the hosting of the Kids’ Triathlon, fun run, and the major triathlon race.

“We’re fortunate that a lot of spectators supported the event. Hopefully these sports facilities will eventually help promote wellness and healthy living for many Filipinos. Seeing the faces of the participants, they were so happy. It’s just the beginning of what’s more to come [here in New Clark City] in the next few years,” BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon said.

Dizon added that the race was another opportunity to test the sports facilities before the SEA Games which will run from November 30 to December 11. Official Test games will start next week and will be participated by international athletes.

Participants raced at the world-class Athletics Stadium, Aquatics Center, and the new access road from New Clark City to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway which will boost connectivity in Central Luzon.

There were also para-athletes who joined the race.

“This event proves that you don’t have to be an elite athlete to do this sport,” says GoClark Sports and Events Director Jumbo Tayag.

Triathlon silver medalist John “Rambo” Chicano who will compete in this year’s 30th South East Asian Games are a huge help for national athletes as they train for competitions.

“Napakalaking tulong ng ganitong facility para sa aming mga atleta kasi ‘di na namin kailangan mag-overseas na training camp so ‘yun pa lang, makakatipid na kami kasi pamasahe pa lang ‘tsaka accommodation din malaki. Sa ganitong paraan, nakakatipid na. Nakaka-engganyo pa tayo ng kabataan [to turn to sports] dito sa Clark,” Chicano said.

“[For] Filipino athletes, to do the SEA Games in front of the home crowd is one of our biggest opportunities to promote our sport, triathlon. To showcase that we are good in endurance sports and that it should be given so much funding,” Gold medalist triathlete Nikko Huelgas underscored. “Kasi ‘pag tinutulungan ‘yung Philippine sports mas naiinspire ‘yung buong bayan to engage in sports and nabibigyan ng opportunities ‘yung mga tao magkaroon ng magandang buhay. Sports gives you a better life.”

Both the Athletics Stadium and Aquatics Center meet the standards of international governing bodies, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA).

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35,000+ expected to sign up for SEA Games this year

35,000+ expected to sign up for SEA Games this year

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As the anticipation for the 30th Southeast Asian Games (30th SEA Games) grows, the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) announced on September 18 that they expected more than 35,000 people to sign up for the biennial sports meet which will open on November 30 and last until December 11.

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According to Alona Quintos (director for accreditation and uniforms), the PHISGOC has received close to eleven thousand applications for accreditation from athlete and officials of the eleven nations participating in the big event.

Already 9,552 have been screened while more than eight thousand personnel have been granted access to the SEA Games. The organizers have been paying close attention to security to make sure that each and every person who got accredited is cleared. Quintos added that pre-valid accreditation cards or PVACs of the eleven national Olympic committees will start printing on September 30.

With regards to media, close to 1,500 personnel composed of journalists, photojournalists, videographers and broadcasters have applied to cover the 30th SEA Games.

So far, the preparation for the SEA Games here in the Philippines is looking good. In fact there were technical delegates from various sports who lauded the local organizers for the preparation and the venues. For one thing, Valson Cuddikotta (technical delegate for athletics) cited the track-and-field stadium in New Clark City as a world-class facility and noted PHISGOC’s efforts to come up with such fantastic venues. Cuddikotta believes the Philippines can conduct any event of the highest magnitude.

Historically speaking, the Philippines hosted the SEA Games in 1981, 1991 and 2005. The very first SEA Games were held in Thailand way back in 1959.

Tickets to the Games

For those who want to watch the SEA Games in person here in the Philippines, the organizers have teamed up with SM Tickets and tickets are being sold at www.SMtickets.com

For SEA Games venue references, click here.

For the official Facebook page of the 30th SEA Games, click here.

Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 in the Sports News (May 15, 2019)

Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 in the Sports News (May 15, 2019)

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Hi, sports fans! Those of you who are following the latest in Philippine multisports (triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon) are encouraged to check out the latest sports coverage of the successful Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 co-presented by Smart which was held this past Sunday at Clark Global City, Clark, Pampanga.

Below are the newspapers that published today the post-event news. Some of them with online versions that can be viewed. Just click.

Manila Bulletin

Manila Standard

People’s Tonight

Manila Times

Business Mirror

Malaya Business Insight

For pictures of the event, check out my previous post.

Race results? You can find them right here.

Also I encourage you to visit and follow Bike King on Facebook.

 

 

 

Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 Pics and Insight

Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 Pics and Insight

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As millions of people around the Philippines were focused on the 2019 National & Local Elections, the sprawling Clark Global City (CGC) in Clark, Pampanga was filled with excitement and fun yesterday morning with the successful Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 co-presented by Smart and organized by Bike King.

For the newcomers here, duathlon is a multi-sport activity composed of running and biking. The event in Clark yesterday had two distances: 6km run—60km bike—4km run and 3Km run-30Km bike-4Km run.

As with past multisport events organized by Bike King, the event handled efficiently, the field of participants was large (in the hundreds), the awarding ceremony was a nice attraction (with two emcees who are very talented) and the participants had fun.

What is also notable about Clark Global City is that it is located just a short drive away from the South Clark exit/entry of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx). If you came from Metro Manila via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and arrive at South Clark exit, there is no way you can miss the CGC.

For your viewing enjoyment, posted below are random pictures I took from the event. Just click to enlarge.

I encourage you to visit and follow Bike King on Facebook.

 

Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 in the Sports News (May 7, 2019)

Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 in the Sports News (May 7, 2019)

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The Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 co-presented by Smart and to be organized by Bike King made the sports news of the following Philippine newspapers:

Manila Standard

Malaya Business Insight

Manila Bulletin

Business Mirror

The event set for May 12 (Sunday) will be held at the scenic Clark Global City and there will be two distances, one short and one long.

For more information visit http://bikekingphilippines.com/index.html

 

 

 

TRI-Factor Asian Series Run-Bike-Run 2019 National Duathlon Championship In The News (April 2019)

TRI-Factor Asian Series Run-Bike-Run 2019 National Duathlon Championship In The News (April 2019)

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The TRI-Factor Asian Series Run-Bike-Run 2019 National Duathlon Championship made it in the sports news yesterday and below are the publications that printed the post-race story.

Philippine Star

Manila Standard

The Freeman 

Cebu Daily News

Malaya Business Insight

People’s Journal

People’s Tonight

Tempo

Business Mirror

Manila Times

Sun.Star Cebu

Congratulations to the winners and finishers and also thanks to the supporters who made the race possible. Remember the multi-sport franchise name TRI-Factor.