The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently approved new investment projects worth a total of $57.74 million, as this free port continues to beat the odds of the global economic downturn and attract fresh capital infusion from both foreign and Filipino investors.
In ceremonies at the conference hall of the Subic Bay Development and Management Corp. on Wednesday, SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga and SBMA administrator Armand Arreza formally signed in 17 new projects in four different industry sectors here.
These included six new projects in leisure industry worth a total of $ 53.59 million, three in manufacturing and maritime with total investments of $1.3 million, three in general business at a total of $266,274, and five in logistics with a total of $2.57 million.
According to Arreza, the latest additions to Subic’s growing business community “only proves the resiliency of the Subic Bay Freeport in attracting new investors despite the global economic crisis.”
He added that as of August this year, 65 new accounts have been added by the agency to the list of investor firms here that totaled 948 at the end of 2008.
Arreza also said that most of the 17 new investment contracts were signed by new business locators, while a few were by existing Subic firms that opted to expand operations.
The biggest investment commitments in this latest batch of approved projects is the P2.5-billion (about $50 million) commitment by Ocean Nine Philkor, Inc., a South Korean firm involved in the development and operation of hotels, casinos and resorts.
The firm, under its short-term plan, will be renovating a hotel complex in Subic’s Cubi area to start its hotel and casino operation by January 2010, Ocean Nine manager Charles Kim said during the contract-signing ceremony.
The second biggest project in this batch is the P70-million construction of a four-story hotel and expansion of a dining facility by Innasia Corp., which operates Courtyard Inn in this free port. This is followed by the P50-million expansion of Puregold Duty Free (Subic) Corp., and the $1-million project of Lionair Subic Philippines, Inc. for the servicing and maintenance of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft here.
The new investors whose project proposals were approved by the SBMA under the leisure sector are: Aggressive North Developers, Inc., with P30 million for hotel and restaurant operation; Goltongne Subic, Corp., $368,333 for a restaurant and gift shop; Innasia, P70 million; LG Digital Plaza, Inc., P11.25 million for an authentic Ilonggo restaurant, wholesale and retail operations, and import/export services; Ocean Nine, P2.5 billion; and Puregold Duty Free, P50 million.
Under the manufacturing and maritime sector, the new projects are: Consummare, Inc., with $562,478 for the production of specialty wood products; Pacific Metal Works Corp., for steel fabrication; and Shang Min Construction Corp., $580,000 for trading of construction-related materials and equipment.
Under general business, the new locators are: Golden AI Trucking, with committed investments of $215,074; I Will Communicate, Inc., $30,000; and M&M Subic Bay Development Corp., $21,200.
Meanwhile, five new investments were approved under the logistics sector: Food Entrepreneur and Exporters of the Phil., with $470,000 for trading in grains and meat products; Lionair Subic, $1 million; Omni Aviation Corp., $700,000; Solutions Advancing Global Enterprise International Import-Export Corp., $300,000; and Subic Bay Merlion Trading, Inc., with P5 million for the transshipment of wines and liquors.
In the same occasion, SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga thanked the new business locators “for having confidence in the Subic Bay Freeport”, and vowed the agency’s full support and cooperation. (SBMA Corporate Communications)
PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga (3rd from right, second row) and SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza (7th from left, second row) join representatives of new investor-companies at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone after a mass contract-signing on Wednesday.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Barrelhouse Remembers Swayze
To celebrate the life and sometimes brilliantly bizarre work of Patrick Swayze, Barrelhouse has assembled all the responses to The Swayze Question: "For the past five years, Barrelhouse has ended every interview with the same question: what is your favorite Patrick Swayze movie? We’ve asked The Swayze Question, quite literally, to anybody who would talk to us, everyone from Emmylou Harris to Ian MacKaye to Malcolm Gladwell to the Hold Steady.
"What’s your favorite Patrick Swayze movie? Is it a low-budget trucking action thriller? A big budget romantic escape with class warfare undertones? An indie drama about a disturbed kid who sees visions of a giant bunny rabbit? The one where he’s a doctor in India, who is kind of bathed in white light the entire time? The one where he’s a high school jock fighting the communists? See, that’s the thing about the Swayze Question: whatever your answer, it reveals a lot more about you than it does about Patrick Swayze.
"He's been kind of our patron saint, so this seemed like the best possible memorial." -Dave Housley
"What’s your favorite Patrick Swayze movie? Is it a low-budget trucking action thriller? A big budget romantic escape with class warfare undertones? An indie drama about a disturbed kid who sees visions of a giant bunny rabbit? The one where he’s a doctor in India, who is kind of bathed in white light the entire time? The one where he’s a high school jock fighting the communists? See, that’s the thing about the Swayze Question: whatever your answer, it reveals a lot more about you than it does about Patrick Swayze.
"He's been kind of our patron saint, so this seemed like the best possible memorial." -Dave Housley
CAPITALISM, AMERICAS LIFE VEINS
CAPITALISM, AMERICAS LIFE VEINS
Capitalism is the cardiovascular system of this nation. The USA is a strong developed nation. Capitalism has set us apart from the world. Why are our leaders so determined to fundamentally change Americas successful 233 year history for the sake of politics?
Europe is a deteriorating coalition of Liberal countries. The European nations are a chaotic union of Liberal powers. Europe liberally placing humans on an even playing field has created economical anarchy. This so called compassionate approach has European unemployment at 30%. What does congress see in this?
In America there’s always been the less fortunate. There’s many different causes contributing to unsuccessful people, but Congress believes they can take individual humans and give them success. How does congress plan to maintain these artificial levels of provided achievements? Is congress using the underprivileged as a motive to revert our great country? Nevertheless, their plans do not reflect past accomplishments.
Obama said in a speech, we would never go back to the way we were. Solely capitalism frames our past, Obama saying we will not go back means, dismantling successful capitalism. Fundamental changes are already implementing that promise. Obama has made it clear Wall Street, Big Business, and free trade (capitalism) is the aspect of economical decay. Is eliminating free trade the answer, or part of an unwavering agenda?
Using an economic decline to vanish free trade spells big trouble for American businesses. Mainstream Americas are aware that Liberals loathe Capitalism. Liberals are using capitalism (free trade) as another one of their negativity titles. According to Liberals, nothing in America works right, or at least not up to their standards. Capitalisms’ economical resolve quickly sustains a strengthen conclusion if left alone.
Capitalism is plainly, free trade. This essential method of trade has built an envious nation here and abroad. The world has relied on Americas financial well-being for six decades. More important, capitalism made America a country worth living in, moving to, invest in, and most of all, a nation the world could trust. American allies and its citizens are now questioning our leaders diplomacy, and honesty within their words.
Capitalism purchases our homes, and cars. Simple luxuries such as nice clothes and festive dinners are nice, but most of all, it gives us pride. Capitalism is the countries’ life veins. The circular motion of capitalism sustains freedom, the soul of our nation. Rich business owners afford our salaries. Without capitalism that affordability will die.
We write the checks that’s made possible by freedoms money. Without that income, your paper checks are worthless. Without capitalism we face a future that looks like France, Germany, and England. Have you seen these non-capitalistic countries lately? Do you want our government running American companies? Please review our 233 year history.
THE BOOKIE
ASHEVILLE, NC
Capitalism is the cardiovascular system of this nation. The USA is a strong developed nation. Capitalism has set us apart from the world. Why are our leaders so determined to fundamentally change Americas successful 233 year history for the sake of politics?
Europe is a deteriorating coalition of Liberal countries. The European nations are a chaotic union of Liberal powers. Europe liberally placing humans on an even playing field has created economical anarchy. This so called compassionate approach has European unemployment at 30%. What does congress see in this?
In America there’s always been the less fortunate. There’s many different causes contributing to unsuccessful people, but Congress believes they can take individual humans and give them success. How does congress plan to maintain these artificial levels of provided achievements? Is congress using the underprivileged as a motive to revert our great country? Nevertheless, their plans do not reflect past accomplishments.
Obama said in a speech, we would never go back to the way we were. Solely capitalism frames our past, Obama saying we will not go back means, dismantling successful capitalism. Fundamental changes are already implementing that promise. Obama has made it clear Wall Street, Big Business, and free trade (capitalism) is the aspect of economical decay. Is eliminating free trade the answer, or part of an unwavering agenda?
Using an economic decline to vanish free trade spells big trouble for American businesses. Mainstream Americas are aware that Liberals loathe Capitalism. Liberals are using capitalism (free trade) as another one of their negativity titles. According to Liberals, nothing in America works right, or at least not up to their standards. Capitalisms’ economical resolve quickly sustains a strengthen conclusion if left alone.
Capitalism is plainly, free trade. This essential method of trade has built an envious nation here and abroad. The world has relied on Americas financial well-being for six decades. More important, capitalism made America a country worth living in, moving to, invest in, and most of all, a nation the world could trust. American allies and its citizens are now questioning our leaders diplomacy, and honesty within their words.
Capitalism purchases our homes, and cars. Simple luxuries such as nice clothes and festive dinners are nice, but most of all, it gives us pride. Capitalism is the countries’ life veins. The circular motion of capitalism sustains freedom, the soul of our nation. Rich business owners afford our salaries. Without capitalism that affordability will die.
We write the checks that’s made possible by freedoms money. Without that income, your paper checks are worthless. Without capitalism we face a future that looks like France, Germany, and England. Have you seen these non-capitalistic countries lately? Do you want our government running American companies? Please review our 233 year history.
THE BOOKIE
ASHEVILLE, NC
Still trucking, the Jiu Jitsu comeback continues....
Wed 16th
Meant to be a rest day but ended up doing Jiu Jitsu with Mick for about an hour
The knee didn't feel too bad. a little stiff afterwards but no real aching or burning going on.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue 15th
5 Strict Pullups
10 KB Clean and Jerk (Alternating) 16kg
15 Abmat Sit ups
11,20
Barbell curls (one of the few movements that doesnt hurt) 4 x 10 30kg
Felt ok on all movements. Pec was a little stretched on the pullups but nothign major. The workout didn't really flow, slow turnovers on the clean and jerks and abmat sit ups, didn't feel like a good combination.
Meant to be a rest day but ended up doing Jiu Jitsu with Mick for about an hour
The knee didn't feel too bad. a little stiff afterwards but no real aching or burning going on.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue 15th
5 Strict Pullups
10 KB Clean and Jerk (Alternating) 16kg
15 Abmat Sit ups
11,20
Barbell curls (one of the few movements that doesnt hurt) 4 x 10 30kg
Felt ok on all movements. Pec was a little stretched on the pullups but nothign major. The workout didn't really flow, slow turnovers on the clean and jerks and abmat sit ups, didn't feel like a good combination.
Starting Anew
I've deleted everything that I entered last year and decided to start it anew. this weekend I'm planning to get a aircard so I won't have such a difficult time finding net connections. That should allow me to post alot more regularly.
Well its been almost a year now since I've changed careers and started driving a truck. I chose Maverick Specialized for several reasons.
1. They would have me as a newbie.
2. Main Terminal for specialized division relatively close to the house.
3. Time at home every 2 weeks. (gotta keep the wife happy)
4. Excellent mileage rate compared to most other companies taking on newbies.
5. Ninety percent positive or neutral comments on the forums.
(most unusual considering how much truck drivers like to complain)
6. Good training program.
The recruiter was spot on so no complaints in that department. Around May they eliminated layover pay, but I had only been able to collect it 3 times since I started so no skin off my back.
YTD I'm averaging 2100+ paid miles a week. That includes the first week of the year with zero miles. Jan and Feb really sucked so if I was to exclude them I'm quite sure the average would be a lot higher. I've been in the retail industry for the last 20 years with various companies and unless you get into upper management the pay left a lot to be desired. In other words it wouldn't take many miles to surpass what I was making. Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb after you deduct the cost of living out on the road I averaged little better than I was doing before. Since then I've done considerably better and I get to see the country a bit.
Bookerz out
Well its been almost a year now since I've changed careers and started driving a truck. I chose Maverick Specialized for several reasons.
1. They would have me as a newbie.
2. Main Terminal for specialized division relatively close to the house.
3. Time at home every 2 weeks. (gotta keep the wife happy)
4. Excellent mileage rate compared to most other companies taking on newbies.
5. Ninety percent positive or neutral comments on the forums.
(most unusual considering how much truck drivers like to complain)
6. Good training program.
The recruiter was spot on so no complaints in that department. Around May they eliminated layover pay, but I had only been able to collect it 3 times since I started so no skin off my back.
YTD I'm averaging 2100+ paid miles a week. That includes the first week of the year with zero miles. Jan and Feb really sucked so if I was to exclude them I'm quite sure the average would be a lot higher. I've been in the retail industry for the last 20 years with various companies and unless you get into upper management the pay left a lot to be desired. In other words it wouldn't take many miles to surpass what I was making. Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb after you deduct the cost of living out on the road I averaged little better than I was doing before. Since then I've done considerably better and I get to see the country a bit.
Bookerz out
Transportation Security Debate 09-17-09
On Tuesday afternoon Bill Graves, President and CEO, American Trucking Associations, added his comments to the debate on NationalJournal.com about transportation security that I mentioned in an earlier blog. Since the members of the ATA handle freight not passengers, his comments may be of interest to those in the chemical security community.
One specific area that Graves mentions deserves some discussion here. He writes:
“At present, government agencies that administer various security programs in the transportation sector lack coordination, resulting in security programs with duplicative background checks and requirements that create unnecessary burden and cost. Also, multiple security plans and training requirements that govern the transportation of certain types of products and operations in specific areas threaten to erode the trucking industry’s ability to continue delivering the goods that the consumer expects.”
Multiple Security Regulations
While the TSA has done relatively little to directly regulate the security of the trucking industry, truckers have come under other security regulations including the Coast Guard’s MTSA regulations and the Infrastructure Security and Compliance Division’s CFATS regulations. You will notice that there are at least three different organizations that are regulating various portions of trucking security.
Part of the problem can be traced back to fact that two of the regulations that affect truckers are not trucking regulations. Truckers are being forced to comply with security regulations that are directed at fixed facilities. Since there are no general security regulations for all truckers, there was no way for the facility based regulations to refer back to transportation regulations to provide adequate security requirements for truckers servicing those facilities.
Vetting of Truck Drivers
One of the major problems that truckers are facing is that there are a variety of identification and background check requirements depending on the cargo they haul and where they haul it. A truck driver is required to have a Commercial Driver’s License, another document for hauling hazardous materials, another document to enter a port facility, and another document to aid in custom’s clearance going to Canada or Mexico. There may be additional requirements for entering high-risk chemical facilities. Each of these requires slightly different background investigations.
One thing that could ease the burden somewhat would be for DHS to require the use of the TWIC for truck drivers entering high-risk chemical facilities. Currently DHS is prohibited by law from doing this. Congress needs to consider adding specific language to legislation like HR 2868 that would require the use of TWIC for truck drivers servicing those facilities. This would stop duplication of efforts and help relieve some of the competing requirements on truck drivers.
One specific area that Graves mentions deserves some discussion here. He writes:
“At present, government agencies that administer various security programs in the transportation sector lack coordination, resulting in security programs with duplicative background checks and requirements that create unnecessary burden and cost. Also, multiple security plans and training requirements that govern the transportation of certain types of products and operations in specific areas threaten to erode the trucking industry’s ability to continue delivering the goods that the consumer expects.”
Multiple Security Regulations
While the TSA has done relatively little to directly regulate the security of the trucking industry, truckers have come under other security regulations including the Coast Guard’s MTSA regulations and the Infrastructure Security and Compliance Division’s CFATS regulations. You will notice that there are at least three different organizations that are regulating various portions of trucking security.
Part of the problem can be traced back to fact that two of the regulations that affect truckers are not trucking regulations. Truckers are being forced to comply with security regulations that are directed at fixed facilities. Since there are no general security regulations for all truckers, there was no way for the facility based regulations to refer back to transportation regulations to provide adequate security requirements for truckers servicing those facilities.
Vetting of Truck Drivers
One of the major problems that truckers are facing is that there are a variety of identification and background check requirements depending on the cargo they haul and where they haul it. A truck driver is required to have a Commercial Driver’s License, another document for hauling hazardous materials, another document to enter a port facility, and another document to aid in custom’s clearance going to Canada or Mexico. There may be additional requirements for entering high-risk chemical facilities. Each of these requires slightly different background investigations.
One thing that could ease the burden somewhat would be for DHS to require the use of the TWIC for truck drivers entering high-risk chemical facilities. Currently DHS is prohibited by law from doing this. Congress needs to consider adding specific language to legislation like HR 2868 that would require the use of TWIC for truck drivers servicing those facilities. This would stop duplication of efforts and help relieve some of the competing requirements on truck drivers.
Trucking Along
All has been well here at the Linville household. Isaac continues to amaze me with his humor and speed! He has truly been going 100 MPH lately. We had an appointment yesterday with a neurological psychiatrist. I had no idea what one of those was either until yesterday. Turns out they specialize in the developments after a head injury and focus on how the children are adjusting emotionally and behaviorally.
As I mentioned, Isaac has been going 100 MPH and although he's two and has always been on the go, at times it's been a little over the top compared to where he was before the accident (i.e. running in circles for an hour, no napping). It was reassuring to hear from the neuro psych that this is very common. Why, they don't exactly know but apparently it should subside a little at some point. In addition to the daytime energy, he's also a bear to get down and keep down at night. Like after running on high all day, by 9pm he is still not ready to crash (even after not napping)! Well this too is not uncommon and so they recommended giving him melatonin to help mellow him out at night. I am just hoping and praying that this will give us all a little more rest.
The psych also reassured me that I should not be concerned about the Fragile Child Syndrome that I mentioned in an earlier post. He needs to be watched, I should be concerned and none of that is going over the top at all. I'm so glad she said what she did because although I continued to be on his every move, felt I was obsessing. Four more weeks until we can be fairly confident that the fractures have healed but she also told me Isaac will always be a helmet child. For those Mariners fans it's like John Olerud - he suffered a brain injury and wears a helmet even in the field. Same would be for skiing, snowboarding, white water kayaking, etc. Not that I anticipate Isaac to partake in all that fun during his lifetime - but it's good to know if he wants to, he can - extra protection just would be required.
Later this week we see the neurological surgeon and on Saturday the ENT. I am really anxious about the ENT appointment. He's the nerve guru! I will surely be reporting after these visits!
The rest of our family is doing fabulous!
Thanks to all those who still follow and pray for our family!
As I mentioned, Isaac has been going 100 MPH and although he's two and has always been on the go, at times it's been a little over the top compared to where he was before the accident (i.e. running in circles for an hour, no napping). It was reassuring to hear from the neuro psych that this is very common. Why, they don't exactly know but apparently it should subside a little at some point. In addition to the daytime energy, he's also a bear to get down and keep down at night. Like after running on high all day, by 9pm he is still not ready to crash (even after not napping)! Well this too is not uncommon and so they recommended giving him melatonin to help mellow him out at night. I am just hoping and praying that this will give us all a little more rest.
The psych also reassured me that I should not be concerned about the Fragile Child Syndrome that I mentioned in an earlier post. He needs to be watched, I should be concerned and none of that is going over the top at all. I'm so glad she said what she did because although I continued to be on his every move, felt I was obsessing. Four more weeks until we can be fairly confident that the fractures have healed but she also told me Isaac will always be a helmet child. For those Mariners fans it's like John Olerud - he suffered a brain injury and wears a helmet even in the field. Same would be for skiing, snowboarding, white water kayaking, etc. Not that I anticipate Isaac to partake in all that fun during his lifetime - but it's good to know if he wants to, he can - extra protection just would be required.
Later this week we see the neurological surgeon and on Saturday the ENT. I am really anxious about the ENT appointment. He's the nerve guru! I will surely be reporting after these visits!
The rest of our family is doing fabulous!
Thanks to all those who still follow and pray for our family!
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