SUBIC BAY FREEPORT (August 25, 2026) — Living up to its reputation as the go-to destination for athletes and sports organizers, Subic Bay Freeport bagged the “Destination of the Year Award” for 2025 during the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards held at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Metro Manila on Monday, August 24. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño received the award along with SBMA Tourism Department Manager Mary Jamelle Camba and Division Chief Raquel J. Delos Reyes.

“We have carried forward what our predecessors have built upon, and we will ensure that Subic Bay Freeport remains the top destination in sports tourism in the country. Our goal right now for the SBMA is to further push the boundaries of sports tourism in Subic,” Aliño said.

In 2025, Subic Bay hosted major international and local sports tourism events anchored by major triathlons and running races. This included the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay, held from June 12 to 15, which drew over 1,000 international and local athletes.

Philippine Sports Tourism Alliance (PSTA) President and Founder Charles Lim, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio, and Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Shalimar Tamano presented the award to Aliño and other SBMA officials. 

“This win belongs to our entire community—our partner organizers, stakeholders, athletes, and spectators who bring unstoppable energy to Subic Bay time and time again!” SBMA Tourism Manager Camba said. 

Other winners during the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards were City of Puerto Princesa as the “Emerging Destination of the Year,” New Clark City as the “Venue of the Year,” Sports Tourism Forum-SMX Clark as the “MICE Event of the Year,” and Cynthia Lagdameo Carrion as “Sports Tourism Personality of the Year.”

Meanwhile, PSTA’s Lim gave a “massive thank you” to key partners, guests, and sponsors: the PSC, Sports Turismo Alliance, Manila Marriott Hotel, NUSTAR Resort, Universal Robina Corporation, and Clark Development Corporation President & CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera.

He also congratulated all the awardees, citing their vision, passion, and commitment to elevate the Philippines as a world-class sports tourism hub. H

Sports tourism is a rapidly growing industry in the Philippines, driven by government initiatives, world-class hosting events, and diverse regional destinations. 

Subic Bay is the top award-winning sports tourism hub in the Philippines, famous for hosting major endurance, water, and track events that include the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3, the Chairman’s Cup Regatta, and the Beach Pro Tour Future Volleyball. ▲

COVER PHOTO:  SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño (3rd from right), Tourism Manager Mary Jamelle Camba (4th from right), with Division Chief Raquel Delos Reyes (4th from left) and the rest of the SBMA Board of Directors receive the “Destination of the Year” award for 2025 during the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards held at the Manila Marriott Hotel on August 24.