"Juan Attraction"

Subic to become first skydiving destination in the Philippines


Reported last 21st of September this year (2010) inPositiveNewsMedia.com, more than 300 skydivers from United States, Canada, Europe, Philippines and other countries will join the first mass skydiving event here in the country. The world-class event entitled “1st Philippine Parachuting Phun Phestival” is said to be held in Subic Bay Freeport for about eight (8) to 12 days, starting November 8-20, 2010.

It was organized by a Canadian national named Sheldon Rice who is the operations manager of Adrenoline Island Adventures at the Baloy Beach Resort in Olongapo City and is working with with Exotic Sky Adventures from Europe. He aims to promote skydiving as another tourist destination here in the Philippines. Organizers also want to top some destinations in Subic like Zoobic Safari and Treetop Adventure Park. Furthermore, they encourage the participants to engage other adventure sports here like horseback riding, scuba diving, kite boarding, jet skiing, wake boarding, parasailing and more.

107 skydivers will be jumping from a height of 15,000 feet from SBIA (Subic Bay International Airport) forming “First Jump Tandem”, “Pro-Swoop Competition”, “Canopy Formation”, and “Big Way Formation.” There would be also an attempt to include Rice’s son (3year old cson) on a first jump tandem skydive. Also, a European national will be taking his children aged 10 and 11 who completed tandem jump at the age of two and currently holding the world title record as “youngest tandem skydiving passengers.” Rice invited several celebrities and newscasters, free of charge for publicity.

Aside from the event, numerous airline operators will set up their booths to offer their services including skydiving and scuba gears. The organizers teamed up with the most popular hotels in Subic to provide tourists the best food and accommodation. They are intending to celebrate the event annually, promoting Subic as the best tourist destination in the Philippines for sky divers.

Article Source:
Positive news media


What now?
by: Cha Octiva

Zoobic. Ocean Adventure. Bat Kingdom. Organized traffic scheme. Tax-free imported items. Seems too familiar to us, right? This is how Subic was noted in my mind since I was young. Seeing this opportunity, I think Subic has a great potentiality on tourism sector. Businessmen are flocking and continuously investing in Subic as it was known for its relatively cheap imported goods. Given that it is one of the booming destinations here in the country, not only in the business sector, Subic provides world-class accommodations, bars and restaurants-seemingly designed to address the needs of future travelers.

Now, the skydiving activity adds up the spice in what Subic has. It is good to hear that another field of interest is born; especially it will rise on Subic. On the contrary, I’m not seeing this as beneficial to the locals of Subic. Investment on tourism is made by foreigners and not by our countrymen. If DOT could only top in this project and then further develop it, it would be better. Also, I think that other nationals will benefit in this income generating project. The Philippines will gain its popularity but it would not help us on our income in general. Good luck to Juan! :)