Catanduanes Governor's Cup

Boards were packed and everyone took a 2-hour (at least) trip to Puraran, Catanduanes; the location of the world-famous Majestics break for the 4th leg of the Surfing Circuit 2005.

Scenes of mornings on hammocks. Patintero. Playing golf with the view of the beach. Surfers zipping ribbons. Laughter and drama infused to create another memorable surfing event and week at the beach.

3rd Governor Leandro B. Verceles Surfing Cup CATANDUANES

The fourth leg of the Philippine Surf Circuit wended its way from Virac, down the scenic mountainsides of Baras and into Puraran, Catanduanes. The province, known as “The Land of the Howling Winds” is also home to The Majestics, one of the most popular surf spots in the country.

There were 28 participants in the Men’s Open division. Entering the most number of competitors of course was Barasm Catanduanes with a 15-man contingent. Right on their heels were the eight surfers from General Luna, Siargao. Baler and Samar had two participants each while Daet was represented by a lone surfer.

The Juniors saw 15 under-18 entrants vying for the top prize. Once again Baras, Catanduanes topped the list with 8 entries. General Luna, Siargao sent two of the best young riders while their neighbor Lanuza, Surigao del Sur dispatched four of their young riders and Samar fielded one.

The four-day competition was held under less-than-ideal conditions but the surfers made the most out of each ride, in spite of the howling onshore winds.

In the end, three of the four Juniors from Lanuza managed to edge out the competition to dominate the Junior’s Final heat with Jason Osares and Clyde Ruina taking first and second spots respectively. Joseph “Badok” Antipasado, the lone Siargao surfer to make it to the finals, squeaked past Lanuza’s Joniper Pioc to place third to Joniper’s fourth.

If the Juniors’ finals belonged to Lanuza, it was the quiver from Siargao that dominated the Men’s Open. The four-man final ended with Bonifacio Figuron and Jomar Gloria taking fourth and third while Dionisio “Dodo” Espejon snagged second. It should be noted that Figuron placed first in the Siargao leg of the circuit and Espejon had just come from the Samar stop in first place.

Victory during this Catanduanes Cup could not have been sweeter for champion Martin Taniegra. Taniegra, who now surfs under the banner of Siargao, is originally from Catanduanes. This return saw the return of a local hero. His win, at the break where he first began surfing, was emotional and touching. So moved was he during the awarding ceremony that he was unable to give a speech that the crowd was clamoring for.

All the top finishers were awarded with Tuason Point t-shirts, 540 Surf Company gift packs and Conquer sandals. The top sixteen from the Men’s Division and the top eight from the Juniors’ Division were all awarded with cash prizes as well. And, in the spirit of good sportsmanship and camaraderie, all the contestants were given a certificate of participation.

The success of the competition has sparked major interest in the realm of surfing, which is among the numerous goals of the Philippine Surfing Federation. It is hoped by many that next year’s event will be even bigger and better.

The surf tour will continue on to Lanuza, Surigao del Norte for the fifth leg in the year-long circuit. An international longboard competition will precede the shortboard contest. The circuit then culminates in San Juan, La Union come December. It is there that all the scores will be tallied and the Philippine Surf Federation announces who among the local competitors can be called this year’s number one surfer in the country.

Photos by: Kage Gozun & Olin Duaso

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