SBMA Cruise Tourism Program Nets 75,000 Visitors

Subic bay news vol 12 no 38 30.00Php

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT SPECIAL INSIDE

SBMA cruise tourism program nets 75,000 visitors SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — More than 75,000 cruise ship passengers have arrived in this Freeport in the last 20 months under the cruise tourism program launched by the Subic Bay Met- ropolitan Authority (SBMA) in February last year. SBMA Chairman and Adminis- trator Wilma T. Eisma said the steady influx of Chinese tourists, who comprise almost all of the cruise liner passengers going to Subic, “had significantly sus- tained Subic’s tourism program and con- siderably boosted its claim to fame as the next cruise ship playground in Asia.” “Our cruise program has been picking up, and, after logging more than 38,000 cruise visitors last year, as well as more than 39,000 from January 2 to Oc- tober 1 this year, we expect to top these records with about 54,000 by the end of this year,” Eisma said. “We are also proud of the fact that through this program, we have gen- erated more than P261 million in direct and indirect revenues since February last year,” she added. Records at the SBMA Tourism Department indicated a total of 34 cruise ship arrivals here since February 2018 that brought into Subic and neighboring communities a total of 77,485 foreign tourists. Of this number, 75,450 or 97.37 percent were Chinese. Four cruise operators now visit the Subic Freeport: the Italian firm Cos- ta Crociere, which logged in 22 arrivals for its flagship MS Costa Atlantica; the Hong Kong-based Dream Cruises with nine dockings of MV World Dream; Star Cruises, which booked two arrivals for MV Superstar Gemini; and Royal Carib- bean Cruise, which once brought in MS Ovation of the Seas. see SBMA Cruise , page 03 Chinese tourists from MS Costa Atlantica have their photos taken at Subic’s Waterfront Road upon arrival on Oct. 1 U.S., Philippines, and Japan Kick-off Maritime Training Activity by 1st Lt. John Doherty, 3rd Marine air defense and threat reaction drills be- Expeditionary Brigade tween Philippine and U.S. forces, which Manila, October 22, 2019 — The Philip- support territorial defense training. pines, Japan, and the United States con- “For the past nine days, we saw ac- ducted the closing ceremony of exercise tion, not on the battle field, but on the KAMANDAG 3 at Marine Barracks Rudi- training grounds, and we sweat and did ardo Brown, Taguig, Manila, Philippines, our best to enhance our Soldiers’ and Oct. 18, 2019. Marines’ capabilities in warfighting and The ceremony marked the end also humanitarian assistance and disas- of the Philippine-led, bilateral military ter relief,” said Brig. Gen. Ariel R. Cacu- exercise, which was designed to increase litan, Philippine Marine Corps deputy readiness, improve joint responsiveness, commandant. “The point is we must all and enhance partnership and interop- be prepared whenever we need these erability between Philippine, Japanese, capabilities, either warfighting orhu- and U.S. forces. manitarian assistance and disaster relief, “Our forces have enhanced ca- and I think this whole exercise we have pabilities, interoperability, and readiness met the goals and objectives.” through teamwork fostered by a true Throughout the exercise, Philip- dedication to the attainment of excel- pine and U.S. service members conduct- lence,” said Maj. Gen. Paul J. Rock Jr., ed training in amphibious operations, Philippine, Japanese and U.S. commanders and distinguished visitors stand together live fire drills, military operations in -ur during the conclusion of the closing ceremony for exercise KAMANDAG 3 at Marine Bar- 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade com- ban terrain, reconnaissance, low altitude racks Rudiardo Brown on Oct, 18, 2019 KAMANDAG advances military modernization manding general. “Seeing the output air defense, aviation operations, human- and capability development through subject matter expert exchanges. KAMANDAG is an of their hard work and expertise, I have itarian assistance and disaster relief, and acronym for the Filipino phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga Manirigma Ng Dagat,” which trans- the utmost confidence that our forces other areas. lates to “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea,” highlighting the partnership between stand prepared in their mission to up- The Japan Ground Self-Defense the U.S. and Philippine militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mackenzie Carter) hold peace and security throughout the Forces participation in the exercise fo- Indo-Pacific region.” cused on humanitarian assistance and This year’s KAMANDAG marked disaster relief training scenarios. All two major exercise milestones: the three countries partnered during a va- Philippine Marine Corps successfully riety of community relations events, in- launched its assault amphibious vehicles cluding teaching hundreds of local civil- (AAVs) for the first time alongside U.S. ians in the Luzon region about lifesaving and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force skills, disease prevention practices, and AAVs to conduct a multilateral amphibi- overall personal wellness. ous landing; additionally, significant ad- “I’m really confident that we have vancements were made during bilateral achieved the exercise objective to -en hance our humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operational capabilities and foster mutual understanding and relationships among the Philippines, U.S. and Japan” Col. Yoshikatsu Fujii, 2nd Am- phibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade commanding officer. “We could not have reached the goal without the cooperation of the Armed Forces of the Phil- ippines and the United States forces.” KAMANDAG, which ran from Oct. 9 to 18, is an acronym for the Filipino U.S. Marine Major General Paul Rock walks down the aisle at the conclusion of the closing phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma ceremony for exercise KAMANDAG 3 at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown on Oct, 18, 2019. Ng Dagat,” which translates to “Coopera- KAMANDAG advances military modernization and capability development through subject tion of Warriors of the Sea,” highlighting matter expert exchanges. Rock Jr. is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Expeditionary the strong friendship, partnership, and Brigade. KAMANDAG is an acronym for the Filipino phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga Manirigma Ng alliance between the Philippine and U.S. Dagat,” which translates to “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea,” highlighting the part- Branch: 1677 Rizal Ave., West Tapinac,Olongapo City militaries and peoples. nership between the U.S. and Philippine militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Macken- zie Carter) Subic Bay News www.subicbaynews.com 02 Indonesian Navy Ships Japanese, Philippines and U.S. Marines visit Subic Bay conduct amphibious landing KATUNGKULAN BEACH, Philippines --The Armed Forces of the Philip- pines, Japan Self-Defense Force, and U.S. Armed Forces united to conduct an amphibious landing exercise at Katungkulan Beach, Marine Bar- racks Gregorio Lim during Exercise KAMANDAG 3 on Oct. 12, 2019. The ship-to-shore maneu- ver, which was the culminating event of two weeks of combined training focused on assault amphibious vehicle interoperability, marked The Indonesian Navy Ships KRI JOHN LIE (358), above, the first time the AFP conducted a and KRI FRANS KAISIEPO (368), below, arrived here in multilateral amphibious landing Subic Bay on Oct. 15 for a four-day goodwill visit to engage with its own AAVs. The drill’s success Filipino counterparts in various maritime activities like ship- validated the multinational forces’ board tours and friendly games to enhance cooperation be- ability to conduct complex, syn- tween the neighboring navies.(SubicBayNews photos by chronized amphibious operations, Vic V. Vizcocho, Jr.) and it reaffirmed the partnerships between the Philippines, Japan and the United States. “It’s a major challenge tak- U.S. Marine, Philippine Marine and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members ing three different elements with assault amphibious vehicles line up along the shore following an amphibious different backgrounds and bringing exercise as part of KAMANDAG 3 at Katungkulan Beach, Marine Barracks Gre- them together to execute one goal,” gorio Lim, Philippines, Oct. 12, 2019. KAMANDAG helps participating forces said Philippine Marine Sgt. Roderick maintain a high level of readiness and responsiveness, and enhances com- Moreno, an assistant team leader bined military-to-military relations, interoperability, and multinational coordi- with 61st Marine Company, Force nation. KAMANDAG is an acronym for the Filipino phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga Reconnaissance Group. “It was defi- Manirigma Ng Dagat,” which translates to “Cooperation of the Warriors of the nitely a learning experience, but ev- Sea,” highlighting the partnership between the U.S. and Philippine militaries. ery year we participate in KAMAN- (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Harrison Rakhshani) DAG, we get more in tune with our allies.” “Today was about effectively coordinating with our allies from the Philippines and Japan. AAVs representing each country maneu- vered simultaneously to conduct a movement up the beach. It’s crucial that we know how to do things side by side, so that in the face of serious military or humanitarian crises, we can work together to overcome the challenges that face us.” U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Malcolm Dunlop, an AAV platoon commander with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division The broad sequence of training events included Philippine and U.S. reconnaissance of the beach, the three country’s AAVs launching from the Philippine BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602) and the American USS Germantown (LSD 42) then com- U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Paul J. Rock Jr., right, and Japan Ground Self-Defense ing ashore, Philippine and U.S. Ma- Force Maj. Gen. Shinichi Aoki observe an amphibious exercise during KAMAN- rines securing the objective, and DAG 3 at Katungkulan Beach, Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim, Philippines, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Adminis- Japanese Soldiers leading a medical Oct. 12, 2019. KAMANDAG helps participating forces maintain a high level trator Wilma T. Eisma receives a memento from First Admi- evacuation disaster relief drill. of readiness and responsiveness, and enhances combined military-to-military ral Rahmat Eko Raharjo, commander of the Indonesian Sea U.S. forces have been part- relations, interoperability, and multinational coordination. Rock Jr. is the com- Combat Group. nering with the Philippines and mander of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the deputy commander of III Japan for many years, working to- Marine Expeditionary Force. Aoki is the commander of the JGSDF Amphibious Philippine AZKALS earn luck gether in many areas to uphold our Rapid Deployment Brigade. KAMANDAG is an acronym for the Filipino phrase shared goals of peace, stability and “Kaagapay Ng Mga Manirigma Ng Dagat,” which translates to “Cooperation prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. of the Warriors of the Sea,” highlighting the partnership between the U.S. and of the draw in SEA Games Training efforts between the AFP, Philippine militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Bragg) The Philippine Azkals have been bunched in a light- JSDF and U.S. Armed Forces ensure er group alongside Timor Leste, Myanmar, Cambodia and that the combined militaries remain Malaysia during the ceremonial drawing of lots in the 30th ready to rapidly respond to crises Southeast Asian Games. across the full range of military op- Only the Malaysians, the 2017 edition silver med- erations, from conflict to natural di- alists on their home turf, are poised to provide the biggest sasters. challenge to the Azkals in men’s football where the top two “Although the Japan Ground teams from the two groups will progress to the semifinals. Self-Defense Force normally partic- Defending champion Thailand joined bronze medal- ipates in KAMANDAG, this was my ist Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei and Singapore in Group team’s first time working with the A during the event graced by Philippine Olympic Committee Filipinos and the Americans togeth- president Abraham “Bambol’’ Tolentino. er, and it went well,” said Japanese The Philippine Malditas, the country’s women’s Soldier Sgt. 1st Class Itaru Hirao, an football squad, got Myanmar and Malaysia as group mates AAV crewman with the Amphibious in Group A, the less punishing group compared to Group B’s Rapid Deployment Brigade, ARD defending champion Vietnam, silver medalist Thailand and Training Unit. Indonesia. KAMANDAG 3 is a Philippine-led, bilat- With only five teams in women’s volleyball after eral exercise with participation from the withdrawal of Malaysia, the Philippines will play in a sin- Japan. KAMANDAG is an acronym for gle-round robin format with Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia the Filipino phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga and Singapore. Manirigma Ng Dagat,” which translates The men’s squad, meanwhile, selected Group B with to “Cooperation of the Warriors of the defending silver and bronze medalists Indonesia and Viet- Sea,” highlighting the partnership be- Philippine and U.S. service members conducted training in amphibious op- nam together with Cambodia, to avoid defending champion tween the U.S. and Philippine militar- erations, live fire drills, military operations in urban terrain, reconnaissance, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar and Timor Leste in Group A. ies. low altitude air defense, aviation operations, humanitarian assistance and Badminton, underwater hockey, sepak takraw and disaster water polo also held their own draw to determine the group- The Sea, Sky...... from page 4 ings during the 11-nation sportsfest on Nov. 30-Dec. 11 in ters around the vicinity, they New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac; Subic and Metro Manila. could follow schools of fish as The 30th SEA Games hosting is supported by: Plati- they dart in and out of seagrass num sponsors - Ajinomoto, Philippine Amusement and Gam- and coral reefs. In the latest ma- ing Corporation, MG Cars, Philippine Airlines, Skyworth and rine biota study, a third-party CooCaa. Gold Sponsors - MasterCard, Milo, Pocari Sweat, environmental consultancy was NLEX, PInco and Rzaer. Preferred - Asics, SM Lifestyle Inc. able to profile 22 fish families and BMW. Prestige - Molten and Mikasa. Banking Partners - with close to 5,700 fish individ- Chinabank and PNB. Media Partners - Bombo Radyo, Star FM uals. Close to half of these fish and the Inquirer Group, CNN, United Neon and DOOH. Host individuals are target species or Broadcaster - NEP. Official Broadcaster - Sports and Action, fish that are commercially via- TV 5, Cignal, ESPN and PTV 4. ble. Recently, five sea turtle or pawikan nests have also been discovered along the coast of the power plant. From these nests, more than 300 sea turtle hatchlings have made their way into the sea. When these hatchlings reach maturity, they will come back to nest in the place they were hatched and repeat the cycle once more. The vibrant marine life can be attributed to the fact that the waters around the plant have become something Health and Safety Management (OHSAS 18001:2007). akin to a protected area because it is a no-fishing zone. The “In AboitizPower, we go beyond environmental host communities of Barangay Binugao and Inawayan are compliance, we strive for stewardship, to sustainably oper- also given pieces of training on sustainable fishing practices, ate our power facilities. The avian and marine life present marine protection information drives, and conduct regular within our facility is proof of this responsible operations,” coastal clean-ups with TSI. said Danel Aboitiz, President and Chief Operating Officer of The power plant ensures that it has minimal impact the AP Coal Business Unit. on the environment by utilizing the Circulating Fluidized Bed TSI is open for pre-arranged plant tours on Tuesdays Technology, cultivating a culture of environmental steward- and Thursdays to better inform the public of the plant’s oper- ship, and going beyond mere compliance with environmen- ations and to give the visitors the opportunity to experience tal laws and regulations. to see the birds, greens, and waters inside TSI themselves. 8C Fontaine Ext., East Tapinac, Olongapo City To further solidify its efforts for environmental stew- The tours are free of charge. To book a reservation, you may TEL. 251- 3104 CELL: 0917 503-8350 / 0928 503-8350 ardship, TSI was given the Environmental Management Sys- email [email protected]. 0932 879-8350 / 0917 879-8350 tem (ISO 14001:2015) certification by international certifying Therma South, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of body TUV Rheinland in 2017. The company was recommend- Aboitiz Power Corporation. Together with Therma Luzon, email: [email protected] ed for recertification in 2018, along with its certifications Inc. and Therma Visayas, Inc., the three primarily form the in Quality Management (ISO 9001:2015) and Occupation AboitizPower Coal Business Unit. www.subicbaynews.com

Subic Bay News www.subicbaynews.com 07 AROUND CENTRAL LUZON ‘B.E.S.T’ of Central Luzon in EXPO SM’s North Luzon BESTival Every province in the Philippines loves to celebrate and has a lot to look for- ward to during festivals. At SM Supermalls, they are launching a campaign dubbed as “Zambales and Tarlac Food & Adventure BESTival”. North and Central Luzon BESTival Campaign—SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Olongapo Downtown and SM City Tarlac—the Zambales & Tarlac BESTival! The campaign will highlight everything BEST in both provinces from must- eats, must-sees and must-dos from Zambales and Tarlac. To capture the BEST in the campaign, they will be conducting the Local Frolic segment of BESTival event. An exhibition of festival street dancers and unveiling of the giant featured food. SM City Olongapo Central showcased a 10 x 16ft Mango pizza, baked and prepared by Lyceum of Subic Bay and Gordon College HRM students. A “Bestival” Dance exhibition by the Zambaleño Dinamulag Festival Dancers from Masinloc and San Felipe Zambales made the afternoon festive and colorful. Meanwhile, SM City Olongapo Downtown also had its showcase of recipes infused with mango with a modern twist. Pase Ballo dance group of Gordon College opened the program with their energetic Sibit Sibit dance exhibition. SM Supermalls continues to provide the community a venue where they can experience local culture and traditions.

Held at the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark Freeport Zone, the first Central Luzon Expo features 7 provincial pavilions as well as booths for 16 corporations, 63 small and medium enterprises and 12 travel agencies. (Mar Jay Delas Alas/PIA 3) CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga -- The modity Processing Facility in Nueva Eci- seven provinces of Central Luzon pooled ja. together their resources for an expo that Also, Product Development seeks to lure investors and travelers alike and Packaging Innovation Center, Flor- in experiencing the B.E.S.T. of the region. idablanca Cassava Processing Center B.E.S.T stands for Business Friend- with Custom Service Provider, Sasmuan ly, Environmentally Sustainable, Strategi- Eco-Recreational Adventure, Mount cally Located, and Tourism Destination. Pinatubo Eco-Tourism Adventure, and Olongapo City Councilors Lugie Lipumano, Jerome Bacay, Rodel Cerezo, Kaye Legaspi, “For the first time, we have- em City of San Fernando Town Center in SM Olongapo Central Mall manager Ana Lorraine Azucena, Metro Olongapo Chamber barked to put a gargantuan task. It took Pampanga; Youth and Lifestyle Center of Commerce President Ruben De Guzman and City Tourism Head Fifi Legaspi joined two years to plan this Central Luzon Expo in Tarlac; and San Marcelino Cacao Co- together to slice the giant pizza at SM City Olongapo Central. The giant pizza was where all the seven provinces will be able conut Plantation in Zambales. baked and prepared by Lyceum of Subic Bay and Gordon College HRM students. to showcase what their strengths are and “We conceptualized this expo what they have to offer not only in terms because Central Luzon is such a vibrant of their products but in terms of invest- economy now. So much abuzz in the ments, tourism, employment opportuni- region such as developments happen- ties, and many others,” Tarlac Governor ing in New Clark City, the opening of and Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foun- the New Passenger Terminal Building dation Inc. (CLGCFI) President Susan A. of Clark International Airport and many Yap said. more. The region has a very good road Held at the ASEAN Convention network and of course, the human re- Center, the expo featured 7 provincial pa- source that you can tap. The skilled vilions as well as booths for 16 corpora- workers from all the seven provinces tions, 63 small and medium enterprises are at par with Metro Manila’s human and 12 travel agencies. There are also 15 resource. So you can expect only the participating companies in the job fair. B.E.S.T.,” Yap added. The two-day event likewise had CLGCFI is an organization of business to business meetings, industry the Governors of Central Luzon and of- forum and procurement matching activi- ficials from Department of Trade and ty. Industry (DTI). Its present members Among the business offers for include Governor Gerardo A. Noveras investment presented include Dingalan of Aurora, Governor Albert S. Garcia of Commercial Fishing Industry and Mega Bataan, Governor Daniel R. Fernando Convention Center in Aurora; Master Plan of Bulacan, Governor Aurelio Umali of for Hotels in Bataan; establishment of Nueva Ecija, Governor Dennis G. Pineda Community-Based Bangus Nursery in Bu- of Pampanga, Governor Hermogenes lacan; and establishment of Palayan City E. Ebdane Jr. of Zambales, DTI Under- Onion Cold Storage, construction of Pant- secretary for Industry and Investments abangan hotel, establishment of Goat Ceferino S. Rodolfo and DTI Regional Di- Multiplier Farm, and Talavera Multi-Com- rector Judith Angeles. (CLJD-PIA 3) Awareness vs Substandard Construction Materials Moreover, DTI advised business BALANGA CITY -- Department of Trade owners and operators to ensure that all and Industry (DTI) Bataan intensified its distributed products should conform to campaign against substandard products standards laws to further protect the The Masinloc Street Dancers, 2-time Hall of Famer at the Dinamulag Festival Street through the conduct of a seminar attend- welfare of the consumers. Dance Competition ed by various industries. Products should have mandato- DTI Provincial Director Nelin Ca- ry certification and should be labelled bahug said the objective of the seminar is properly as per the list released by DTI. to convene and inform manufacturing and “The required labels for con- construction industries on how to deter- struction materials include name and mine substandard products. address of the manufacturer; brand, “I hope with this seminar, we can trade name and recognized trademark; boost our knowledge on product confor- Philippine Standard or Import Com- mance and extend our partnership from modity Clearance mark; and country of industries to the consumers,” Cabahug manufacture,” Cabahug added. told attendees. Establishments proven to sell Representatives from the Bureau products without mandatory certifica- of Philippine Standards discussed Repub- tion or required labels shall be issued lic Act 4109 otherwise known as the Prod- a notice of violation and may result to uct Standards Law as well as relative de- penalties. (PIA 3) partment issuances. National ID Registration in The Panagkakadua-An San Felipe Street Dancers, back-to-back Champion at the Zambayle Streetdance competition Bataan to begin July 2020- PSA SBMA Cruise...... from page 01 BALANGA CITY -- Philippine Statistics -Au SBMA tourism records also indi- arrivals and two tentative bookings for thority (PSA) is set to begin the registra- cated that the 19 cruise ship arrivals in 2020, as well as four confirmed and one 2018 accounted for some P45.75 million tentative schedules for 2021. tion of the Philippine Identification Sys- in direct revenues at the agency’s sea- “Best of all, of the 40 bookings tem (PhilSys) in Bataan by July 2020. port and tourism offices, as well as an for next year, 15 are confirmed overnight PhilSys already started last month estimated P83.26 million in indirect rev- stay. This could only mean more tourism its pilot registration in the National Cap- enues collected by theme parks, restau- income for Subic and the nearby areas of ital Region for pre-determined beneficia- rants, buses and taxis, and other facilities Olongapo, Zambales, Bataan, and even ries of Department of Social Welfare and and services used by cruise ship tourists. Pampanga,” she added. Development and employees of PSA. These amounted to a total of P129 mil- The overnight bookings, Eisma “Next year, the pilot area for the lion. explained, was made possible by Exec- On the other hand, cruise ship utive Order No. 72 signed by President registration in Region 3 is Pampanga then tourism income for the first nine months Rodrigo Duterte last December. This Bulacan and Nueva Ecija before Bataan of 2019 was placed at P7.94 million for gave foreign nationals entering through by July 2020,” PSA Bataan Chief Statistical direct revenues and P124.11 million for Subic seaports a visa-free stay of 14 days, Specialist Ledesma Morante disclosed. indirect revenues, for a total of P132 mil- a privilege previously given to those ar- “The national ID shall contain a lion. riving via the Subic airport. person’s PhilSys number, full name, gen- Eisma said Subic expects to con- The SBMA official also said that der, blood type, date of birth, place of tinue getting this tourism bonanza, as among the cruise ship set to arrive be- birth, civil status, address and a front fac- more cruise ships have confirmed book- fore the yearend is MS Spectrum of the ings here until 2021. Seas, a Royal Caribbean Cruises vessel ing photo,” she added. “This is just the start of what that has booked 4,819 passengers for a The system paved way after Presi- we hope would be a sustainable cruise December 27 trip to Subic. dent Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the PhilSys tourism program for Subic, which would Spectrum of the Seas is set to be Act which mandates the government to Philippine Statistics Authority Bata- also portend inclusive tourism growth back in Subic on January 20 next year create a single official identification card an Chief Statistical Specialist Ledesma for nearby areas in Central Luzon,” Eisma with 4,819 passengers, while its sister for all residents and resident aliens in the Morante discloses that registration of said. cruise liner MS Quantum of the Seas will Philippines. (PIA 3) the Philippine Identification System in She pointed out that the SBMA arrive with 4,905 tourists and 1,500 crew Bataan will begin by July 2020. (Mar Jay had so far listed 38 confirmed cruise ship on February 28. Delas Alas/PIA 3) IN THE NAVY

World Class Cellist, Pianist perform at Casa San Miguel

SUBIC BAY, Philippines. Lt. Andrew Lagayada, from San Diego, stands watch in the com- mand control center aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) as the ship arrives in Subic Bay, Philippines. John P. Murtha is currently on its first deployment and part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th Marine Ex- peditionary Unit (MEU) team and is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support regional stability, reassure partners and allies, and maintain a presence postured to respond to any crisis ranging from humanitarian assistance to contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom)

INTERNATIONALLY renowned cellist Thomas Demenga and former child piano prodigy Charisse Dumlao wowed the audience at Casa San Miguel’s recent Sunday’s Best pre- sentation. The duo’s appearance further af- firms Casa San Miguel’s commitment to en- able local music students, and the public, to witness, enjoy and learn from world-class artists. Demenga, who hails from Switzer- land, is an accomplished soloist, composer and teacher who has performed at import- ant festivals around the globe and shared the stage with fellow big name musicians. Dumlao started playing piano almost self-taught at the age of 4 in the small city of Tacloban, Leyte before moving to Manila where, at the age of 17, she studied Music at the University of Sto. Tomas. PHILIPPINE SEA. Lt. Levi Ellis, left and Lt. Bradley Woods pilot a P-8A Poseidon assigned to She also underwent piano coaching Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 as part of a sinking exercise (SINKEX) during Exercise Pacific Griffin under German trained pianist Peter Porticos and See Siang Womg in Switzerland. 2019. Pacific Griffin is a biennial exercise conducted in the waters near Guam aimed at en- Since 1980, Demenga has led a hancing combined proficiency at sea while strengthening relationships between the U.S. class for students and soloists at the Hoch- and Republic of Singapore navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st scule fur Musik in Basel. Class Nathan Carpenter) Casa San Miguel in San Antonio, Zambales is home to the famous Pundaquit Virtuosi that has just concluded a European Tour recently. Students of all ages are welcome to enroll in violin, piano, cello, viola and other musical instrument lessons. Casa San Mi- guel also offer art lessons. (VVV) The Sea, Sky, and TSI

NAVAL EDUCATION TRAINING CENTER, PHILIPPINES. A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion with Assault Craft Unit 5, prepares to depart Naval Education Training Center, Philippines, to backload 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit forces and equipment after completing exercise KAMANDAG 3, Oct. 18, 2019. KAMANDAG advances military modernization and capability development through subject matter expert exchanges. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Adam Dublinske) RELIABLE, REASONABLE, RESPONSIBLE. The 300-megawatt Davao Baseload Power Plant operated by AboitizPower subsidiary Therma South, Inc. (TSI) is home to some colorful avian and marine life. Bird photos used are courtesy of birder Peter Simpson. At five o’clock in the morning every be discovered. day, the engineers aren’t the only ones up “TSI is a haven for birds because of and about inside the power plant. An un- the great range of habitats; open sea, the likely bunch kept them company amid the beach, grassland, marshland, and freshwa- impressive steel and concrete structures. ter pools. Even the man-made structures You would have to pay close attention to no- offer an opportunity to the birds as evi- tice them because despite being frequent denced by house swifts nesting on the sides visitors, these winged creatures were often of the coal dome,” Simpson shared. overlooked. The visitors weren’t angels — AboitizPower has always strived they were birds. to provide reliable and reasonably-priced Dawn crawls over the Davao Gulf, power, making sure that all its business onto the jetty that juts out the border of units are operated responsibly. Therma Davao City and Davao del Sur, and the sun South, Inc. or TSI, under its Coal Business rises behind the iconic coal dome. Birds Unit, is a prime example of the lengths a leave their roosts on ladder rungs and elec- thermal power plant would go to protect trical lines to forage for a morsel among the environment. the pockets of foliage inside the 75-hect- Proof of this is the thriving avian are compound of the 300-megawatt Davao and marine life inside and around the plant Baseload Power Plant operated by Aboitiz- complex. Birds perch on metal trusses and Power subsidiary Therma South, Inc. hunt for food in marshy patches of grass Flocks of birds, lush greenery, sea, and spring water. The power plant provides and springs teeming with life — this is not a unique ecotone for them. the usual scenery that is associated with a Marine biodiversity also continues coal-fired power plant. But undoubtedly, it to improve throughout the years of TSI’s is the scenery that we should see more of- operations. Ridge-to-Reef, a third-party COLONEL ERNESTO RAVINA AIR BASE, PHILIPPINES. U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Griffin Dula- ten. consultancy that conducts quarterly marine ny, a platoon commander with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Davao-based birder Peter Simpson biota studies in TSI, has observed that the Expeditionary Unit, fires an M240B machine gun during exercise KAMANDAG 3 at Colonel spotted and identified 45 different species live coral cover around the power plant in- Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 12, 2019. KAMANDAG advances military mod- inside the plant after three birdwatching creased from 16% in 2013 to 30% in 2018. sessions last June 27, 2018, September 24, If one were to dive under the wa- ernization and capability development through subject matter expert exchanges. (U.S. -Ma 2018, and June 18, 2019. He believes that rine Corps photo by Sgt. Adam Dublinske) with a few more sessions, more species may see, the Sea, Sky, page 02