Press Release: 8th Siargao National Surfing Cup

THE NORTH SWELL SEASON BEGINS IN SIARGAO

Calling all surfers, surf fans, and beach bums out there! The winds are changing. The south swell has come and gone. The northerly winds of Amihan are picking up. And the swell is building along with the excitement! The 2006 surf circuit which took a break after the 10^th Aurora Cup is picking up again with its second leg in picturesque Siargao island, hailed as the surfing capital of the Philippines. This year marks the 2nd year of the Smart Philippine Surfing Championship Tour which kicked off in Baler, Aurora last February. The second leg, the 8^th Siargao National Surfing Cup is slated for September 14 to 18 at Cloud 9.

This year marks a decade of the surf industry in Siargao. As the years have passed, breaks on the island have grown in popularity. The right-handed barrels of Cloud 9 have become synonymous to Siargao. From the first International and National competitions in 1996 and 1997 respectively, Siargao Island is now THE destination to go to for a world-class surf experience.

What started out small dry run event is now a tradition where Filipino surfers use Cloud 9 and Siargao as the measuring stick to test their skills against the best local Filipino surfers and international professional surfers.

Much of the success of these events can be credited to the hard work of the local government of General Luna, which has been a staunch supporter of the growing surf scene. The local surfers as well have benefited from the tourism that the industry has drawn to the island. And, in the last year and a half the Philippine Surf Federation has stepped up to cultivate and create a truly Filipino surfer athlete through the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour.

The 8^th Siargao National Surfing Cup will give surfers from all over the Philippines the opportunity to win cash prizes, and compete against the most seasoned Filipino wave riders. A total of Php200,000 is up for grabs this year as the most anticipated leg of the surf season kicks-off.

To bring more color to the event, nightly tropical beat disco with live-band, bikini open, free surfing clinic, island tour, and battle of the bands will be among the exciting features. Another highlight of this festivity is the Siargao Girls Beach Volleyball (inter-school /university) which is open to all interested teams.

Immediately following the national competition is an International surfing competition from September 25 to October 1 where the Top Twelve local surfers will be seeded into the international heats. Alongside their countrymen will be four wild cards - locals who will go through the gruelling qualifying rounds to secure a slot in the internationals - bringing the total to 16 Filipinos competing in a much-anticipated international event.

Brought to you by the Philippine Surfing Federation, the Department of Tourism, Smart Communications, Inc., the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, San Miguel Corporation, Asian Spirit Airlines, Maui and Sons Company, the local surfing associations and the Provincial and Local Government Units of General Luna, Siargao island.

For more information:

http://surfpinoy.blogspot.com/ or www.surfthephilippines.com

e-mail address: psftour@gmail.com / zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph

Siargao: Photo Releases

Siargao's Osot Alcala, chilling in the shade. Osot is the lone Filipino surfer that made it to the semi-finals of the Quiksilver Open, the 12th International Siargao Surf Cup.

Last year's champion Ryan Agustein making his way out of the Green Room.


Ryan Hipwood snaps, barrels and shreds his way to the championship.

To contact Kage Gozun for photography services or purchase of stock images, please leave a message on her online photo gallery Girl Meets Camera.

CIRCUIT 2006: Updated Schedule

This is the tentative schedule for this year surfing circuit. Last updated July 31, 2006.
Please keep checking the site for more updates as some of the dates below may change.


8-11 February 10th Aurora Cup
(Baler, Aurora)

29 April - 2 May 2nd Siargao Girls International Surfing Fest
(Siargao Island)

14-18 September 8th Siargao National Surfing Cup
(Siargao Island)

25 September - 1 October 12th Siargao International Surfing Cup
(Siargao Island)

5-8 October Eastern Samar Surfing Crown
(Guiuan, Eastern Samar)

18-21 October Catanduanes Governor's Cup
(Puraran, Catanduanes)

19-26 November 4th Lanuza Surfing Festival
(Lanuza, Surigao del Sur)

Late November (exact dates pending) Ilocos Sur Surfing Crown
(Cabugao, Ilocos Sur)

First week of December (exact dates pending) Rimat Ti Amianan Surfing Invitational
(San Juan, La Union)



Please watch this space for more updates on surfing in the Philippines this 2006!

2nd Siargao Girls International Surfing Fest

Move over boys, it's time for the women to take over the line-up. Last year saw the first ever all-women's surf competition held at the famous Cloud 9 break of Siargao. This was a landmark event in the local surf scene and its overall success of hinted at the promise of more participants coming from various countries for this year's summer fest. True enough, the 2nd Siargao Girls International Surfing Fest was held from April 29, 2006 until May 2nd. The event was organized by the Philippine Surf Federation led by Congressman Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.and the Municipality of General Luna led by Mayor Cecilia Rusillon and Attorney Jaime Rusillon, with the help of the Department of Tourism, Caraga Region 13.

Also on board to make the event happen were sponsors such as PAGCOR (Philippine Gaming Corporation), Duty Free Philippines, San Miguel Corporation, Asian Spirit Airlines and Maui & Sons

Results:

Champion: Sheridan Shields, Australia
1st Runner-up: Lyndsay Noyes, Australia
2nd Runner-up: Sarrah Beardmore, Australia
3rd Runner-up: Nildie Blancada, Siargao Island

tied at 5th: Kylie Jones and Shakira Westdrop, Australia
tied at 7th: Jessica Shelby (Aus) and Manet Alcala (Siar)

Also in the competition were Daisy Valdez and Joy Ishii from La Union and Aubrey Namoro of Baler.

Big ups to all the wahine chargers! Photos still being edited. Please check back for the photo gallery link, which will be activated once the photos are ready for viewing.

Wahines in the Water

THIS IS NOT BAYWATCH

Surfing is no longer just for boys in board shorts. More and more wahines in bikinis have been paddling out and catching waves. In fact, last year saw the first ever all-women's surf competition held at the famous Cloud 9 break of Siargao. This was a landmark event in the local surf scene and its overall success hinted at the promise of more participants coming from various countries for this year's summer fest. 
True enough, the 2nd Siargao Girls International Surfing Fest was held from April 29, 2006 until May 2nd. The event was organized by the Philippine Surf Federation led by Congressman Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.and the Municipality of General Luna led by Mayor Cecilia Rusillon and Attorney Jaime Rusillon, with the help of the Department of Tourism, Caraga Region 13.
Also on board to make the event happen were sponsors such as PAGCOR (Philippine Gaming Corporation), Duty Free Philippines, San Miguel Corporation, Asian Spirit Airlines and Maui & Sons. 

The challenge of paddling out to the waves of Cloud 9 was sweetened by the possibility of taking home cash prizes. This year, the total purse amounted to a whopping Php300,000. To bring more color to the event, tropical discos with live bands, a bikini open cum fashion show, free surfing clinics, island tours, and a battle of the bands were held. These side activities lent an added air of excitement to the competition and gave the visiting surfers a taste of the Filipino fiesta spirit.

The international all-wahine event pitted the skills of our country's top female surfers against those of foreign competitors. Siargao locals Nildie Blancada and Manet Alcala along with Aubrey Namoro of Baler, Daisy Valdez and Joy Ishi of La Union held their own against visiting surfers Lyndsay Noyes, Sheridan Shields, Sarah Beardmore, Kylie Jones, Grace Hawkins, Jessica Selby, Shakira Westdrop and Misty Kercher. 

The waves had dropped off to a smaller-than-ideal size. Strong on-shore wind did not help to create perfect competition conditions. At the end of the first two rounds, it was left to the local chargers from Siargao to carry the weight of Philippine pride on their shoulders as Daisy, Joy and Aubrey were knocked from the competition. 
But not even a home break advantage could keep Manet Alcala from falling off the competition roster during the semi-finals. The only remaining Filipina surfer, Nildie Blancada put her familiarity of Cloud 9 to the test during an intense half-hour final heat.  Unfortunately for the goofy-footed defending champion, it was Australian Lyndsay Noyes that not only scored a lion’s share of the waves but garnered the highest points. It came as no surprise when Lyndsay was later announced as the contest’s champion. 

Results for the 2nd Siargao Girls International Surfing Fest:

Champion: Sheridan Shields, Australia
1st Runner-up: Lyndsay Noyes, Australia
2nd Runner-up: Sarrah Beardmore, Australia
3rd Runner-up: Nildie Blancada, Siargao Island

tied at 5th: Kylie Jones and Shakira Westdrop, Australia
tied at 7th: Jessica Shelby (Aus) and Manet Alcala (Siar)

For photos of the event please go to Kage's Photos

Official Press Release: The 10th Aurora Surfing Cup

THE 10^TH AURORA SURFING CUP

Baler, Aurora, home break to one of the oldest surf communities in the Philippines, hosted the first leg of this year’s Philippine Surfing Circuit. In a show of force, and lured by the Php23,000 prize for first place, over 80 Baler surfers signed up to compete in the qualifying rounds. Carrying the banner for distant Siargao island was a contingent of sixteen Siargao chargers who had traveled for 3 days to make it to Baler.

In the course of last year’s circuit, twelve Philippine surfers emerged as the country’s Top Twelve waveriders. This fortunate dozen, having already qualified for the Quarter Finals, were able to sit out the first two days of competition, held at the Sabang beach break.

At the end of the two-day qualifying rounds, four surfers slashed past the other trialists to earn wild card seats in the Quarter Final heats. These talented surfers would now have a shot to unseat a seeded surfer and maybe create a competition upset by making it through to the Semi-final and Final heats.

The quarter finals, moved to nearby Cemento reef break, was blessed by offshore winds and sunny skies. The intense heats demonstrated top caliber of local talent. But after the end of the day, it was clear that the visiting surfers from Siargao were dominating the competition, nabbing a majority of the slots for the next day’s semi-final round.

Come Sunday morning, there was the hint of a breeze in the air and the previous day’s sunny climate was threatening to be overshadowed by clouds on the horizon. Nonetheless, the right-hander famous for providing barrels did not disappoint. Neither did the remaining competitors as they charged wave after wave in fierce determination to nab one of four top spots in the finals.

The Junior Final saw the usual suspects in the line-up: Joe Henry Tena and Jeff dela Torre carrying the Baler banner while Zaldy Coldura and Joseph Antipasado surfed for Siargao island. Zaldy Coldura’s penchant for barrels made it clear from the first half of the thirty-minute heat that his rides were the ones to beat. The goofy-footer’s familiar pigdog stance made more than its fair share of appearances inside Baler’s barrels. True enough, Coldura charged his way to the Junior Championship. Right behind him was Joe Henry Tena, followed by Joseph Antipasado and Jeff dela Torre respectively.

After a heated two-round semi-final that pitted three homegrown Baler Boys against five from the Siargao crew, the Men’s Open came down to Baler’s Edmund Mendoza, and Siargao’s Dodo Espejon, Bonifacio Figuron and Alex Comandante.

It was clear from the beginning that the half-hour final heat was Alex Comandante’s or Dodo Espejon’s to take. The battle for first was on, with a tangible line drawn in the water separating the two from Figuron and Mendoza.

In the last few minutes of the heat, Dodo pulled into a wave that tipped the score over to his side. The 21-year old goofy-foot, who started the year in the number one slot defended his rank and started his year on the right foot. Comandante, Figuron and Mendoza placed 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th respectively.

The 10^th Aurora Cup was capped off by the awarding of the Aurora Cup, a hefty wooden trophy that bears the names of previous champions. Along with cash prizes and merchandise, guests and surfers alike were treated to a night of cold beer and live bands.

The Philippine Surf Circuit’s next stop is the island of Siargao for the 2nd Siargao Girls International Surfing Fest. The competition, held exclusively for wahines, is slated for the last week of April. For more information keep checking: http://surfpinoy.blogspot.com

Press Release: THE 10TH AURORA SURFING CUP

THE 10^TH AURORA SURFING CUP

Baler, Aurora, home break to one of the oldest surf communities in the Philippines, hosted the first leg of this year’s Philippine Surfing Circuit. In a show of force, and lured by the Php23,000 prize for first place, over 80 Baler surfers signed up to compete in the qualifying rounds. Carrying the banner for distant Siargao island was a contingent of sixteen Siargao chargers who had traveled for 3 days to make it to Baler.

In the course of last year’s circuit, twelve Philippine surfers emerged as the country’s Top Twelve waveriders. This fortunate dozen, having already qualified for the Quarter Finals, were able to sit out the first two days of competition, held at the Sabang beach break.

At the end of the two-day qualifying rounds, four surfers slashed past the other trialists to earn wild card seats in the Quarter Final heats. These talented surfers would now have a shot to unseat a seeded surfer and maybe create a competition upset by making it through to the Semi-final and Final heats.

The quarter finals, moved to nearby Cemento reef break, was blessed by offshore winds and sunny skies. The intense heats demonstrated top caliber of local talent. But after the end of the day, it was clear that the visiting surfers from Siargao were dominating the competition, nabbing a majority of the slots for the next day’s semi-final round.

Come Sunday morning, there was the hint of a breeze in the air and the previous day’s sunny climate was threatening to be overshadowed by clouds on the horizon. Nonetheless, the right-hander famous for providing barrels did not disappoint. Neither did the remaining competitors as they charged wave after wave in fierce determination to nab one of four top spots in the finals.

The Junior Final saw the usual suspects in the line-up: Joe Henry Tena and Jeff dela Torre carrying the Baler banner while Zaldy Coldura and Joseph Antipasado surfed for Siargao island. Zaldy Coldura’s penchant for barrels made it clear from the first half of the thirty-minute heat that his rides were the ones to beat. The goofy-footer’s familiar pigdog stance made more than its fair share of appearances inside Baler’s barrels. True enough, Coldura charged his way to the Junior Championship. Right behind him was Joe Henry Tena, followed by Joseph Antipasado and Jeff dela Torre respectively.

After a heated two-round semi-final that pitted three homegrown Baler Boys against five from the Siargao crew, the Men’s Open came down to Baler’s Edmund Mendoza, and Siargao’s Dodo Espejon, Bonifacio Figuron and Alex Comandante.

It initially seemed as though the half-hour final heat was Alex Comandante’s or Dodo Espejon’s to take. The battle for first was on, with a tangible line drawn in the water separating the two from Figuron and Mendoza.

In the last few minutes of the heat, Dodo pulled into a wave that tipped the score over to his side. The 21-year old goofy-foot, who started the year in the number one slot defended his rank and started his year on the right foot. Comandante, Figuron and Mendoza placed 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th respectively.

The 10^th Aurora Cup was capped off by the awarding of the Aurora Cup, a hefty wooden trophy that bears the names of previous champions. Along with cash prizes and merchandise, guests and surfers alike were treated to a night of cold beer and live bands.

The Philippine Surf Circuit’s next stop is the island of Siargao for the 2nd Siargao Girls International Surfing Fest. The competition, held exclusively for wahines, is slated for the last week of April. For more information keep checking: http://surfpinoy.blogspot.com

Join the Surfer Girls: 2nd Siargao Girls International Surfing Fest

Date: April 29- May 02, 2006
Time: whole day event with nightly activities
Venue: Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines

Entry Fees: US$20/competitor for surfing event
Battle of the Bands: P500/band
Women's Beach Volleyball: P500/team
Total Prizemoney for Surfing Event: P300 thousand
Total Prizemoney for Battle of the Bands: P30 thousand
Total Prizemoney for Women's Beach Volleyball: P60 thousand

This international Wahine surfing event is one of the country's most dynamic sporting celebrations. Surfers will have the opportunity to travel and surf the country's top surf destination, Cloud 9; compete with the most seasoned Filipino and foreign surfers and a chance to win cash prizes.

To bring more color to the event, tropical discos with live bands, a bikini open, free surfing clinics, island tours, and a battle of the bands will be among the exciting add-ons to the festival.

Another highlight of this event is the Siargao Girls Beach Volleyball Tournament (inter-school /university) which is open to all interested teams.

For more information, visit or contact:
http://surfpinoy.blogspot.com/
e-mail address: psftour@gmail.com
mobile numbers: 0917-2085317 (Mhay) / 09195355056 (Zen)

The 10th Aurora Surfing Cup

The first leg of the 2006 Philippine Surf Federation's surf circuit began in Baler, Aurora. Amidst the on-shore winds and cold water, 100 participants battled it out to claim the hefty Aurora Cup.
Results are as follows:

Men's Open:
Champion: Dionisio "Dodo" Espejon, SI
1st Runner-up: Alex "Al-Al"Comandante, SI
2nd Runner-up: Bonifacio "Arkipo" Figuron, SI
3rd Runner-up: Edmund "Django" Mendoza, BA

Junior Division:
Champion: Zaldy Coldura, SI
1st Runner-up: Joe Henry "Pakits" Tena, BA
2nd Runner-up: Joseph "Badok" Antipasado, SI
3rd Runner-up: Jefferson "Jeff" Dela Torre, BA

Wahine/Menehune Division:
Champion: Nildie Blancada, SI
1st Runner-up: Aubrey Namoro, BA
2nd Runner-up: Ella Namoro, BA
3rd Runner-up: Vangie Mendoza, BA

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all the participants, spectators, and sponsors.

Photos to follow.

SURFING CIRCUIT 2006: Surf the Philippines!

Text by Kage Gozun and Photos by Pat Mateo & Diwata Kage



Last year saw Congressman Pichay's promise to promote local surfing come to fruition. The Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF), launched the first ever surf circuit in the country in February of 2005. The circuit traveled to some of the country's choicest surf spots, uplifting the image of Philippine surfing both locally and internationally. In the end, the top twelve Filipino surfers were named based on a point system that was used throughout the year.

Each leg of last year's tour brought new adventures and experiences to everyone involved. There were some contest upsets as top surfers fell to dark horses in their heats. There were also hallmark moments and unbelievable heats as the level of the local surfers kept rising throughout the year.

If you missed the action and excitement of last year's tour, make up for it this year! Buoyed by the success of the 2005 Philippine Surf Circuit, the Philippine Surf Federation is gearing up once again to bring the surf, sun and stoke to the country's surf spots.

It begins on February in Baler, Aurora known as one of the first surf communities in the country. Past the scenic Sierra Madre Mountains, lies Cemento Reef, a reef break known to challenge even the best local surfers.

Afterwards the circuit will take a very short break. Not to worry, it will resume in May with a special All Women's Competition held at the famous Cloud 9 break of Siargao. Last year saw the first-ever women's competition, a landmark event in the local surf scene. The success of last year's contest hinted at the promise of more participants coming from various countries for this year's summer fest.

PSF will sit out the rainy months of June and July, as surfers from all over the Philippines get ready to paddle into the mostly-alien waters of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte in August. This addition to the circuit adds to the adventure of surfing's subculture – that of traveling to new spots in the hopes of scoring perfect waves and surf sessions.

Late September brings the tour back to Siargao Island. The now infamous break of Cloud 9 is expected to draw a myriad of surfers from not only the Philippines but all over the world. This is the longest-running competition in the country and has always attracted its fair share of surfers, spectators and media.

The circuit keeps its momentum going in October as it takes the tour back to Eastern Samar. There were more than few grumbles as this previously secret spot was exposed to the surf scene. But what was unfamiliar territory last year has proven to be the perfect spot to nurture a surf community along Eastern Samar's pristine coastline. PSF returns this year for the second Eastern Samar Surfing Crown.

The fourth Catanduanes Governor's Surfing Cup is the next stop of the Philippine Surf Circuit. The heavy waves and strong current of the Majestics in Catanduanes will once again test the mettle of our local surfers in late October.

November sends the crew and fellow waveriders to Lanuza in Surigao del Sur. The left and right-hander waves of Doot Poktoy seem to roll on endlessly and have gained popularity with both shortboarders and longboarders alike. The fourth Lanuza surfing festival brims with the potential for yet another successful leg on the Philippine Surf Federation's schedule of events.

At the end of the year, Manila surfers' favored spot of San Juan, La Union, will once again be the last stop in the year-long circuit. The finale of the circuit will culminate with the revelation of who among the local surfers on tour has ranked among the top twelve local surfers of the year.

Join the surfing crew around the archipelago’s choice destinations with their usual fair of beach events and a taste of the tropical lifestyle that will surely create a more exciting Philippine Surf Circuit 2006. The Philippine Surf Federation invites surfers, surf enthusiasts, non-surfers, and beach lovers, to be part of the upcoming legs of the tour.

If you have queries or you need more details on this event, send an e-mail to psftour@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE: Rimat Ti Amianan

FINAL LEG OF PHILIPPINE SURFING CIRCUIT 2005
by Kage Gozun

La Union, known in Northern Luzon as one of the most popular breaks for beginner surfers from Manila, was invaded by some of the best surfers in the country. Held at San Juan, La Union, “Rimat Ti Amianan” (Treasure of the North), was a fitting name for the sixth and final leg of the year-long Philippine Surf Circuit.

Mounted by the Philippine Surf Federation, a special aura permeated the final leg. This was when the Top Twelve Filipino surfers were going to be finalized and announced. These surfers had amassed points throughout the year, with positions in the roster shifting depending on how well they did in each leg. The La Union competition would either make or break some of the current standings. This was something that was on the minds of most of the competitors.

The event was set up at The Point, a break fronting the Monaliza Resort. The weeks leading up to the event date had proven disappointing, with small waves and strong on-shore winds. But, as the competition date drew nearer, the waves grew in size and strength. By the time the horn had been sounded for the first heat of the contest, The Point was looking like an angry monster challenging the surfers to take on its power.

By Friday morning, the waves were deemed too large for the grommet division. Contest director Olin Duaso split his team of judges and had the grommet heats run at the nearby break of Carille while simultaneously running the Open Division heats at The Point.

Several upsets were witnessed as front runners in the Top Twelve were dropped from their heats during the. Among these was Siargao Island’s Dodo Espejon, and La Union’s Luke Landrigan. Both were ranked in the top twelve before Rimat Ti Amianan. Dark horses such as La Union’s Jun “Tanjung” Fietas and Moro Gandawli, meanwhile advanced in their heats. How this would affect the top twelve’s current rankings would have to remain a mystery until after the final heat of the competition.

A special Wahine Division heat was also staged Saturday afternoon. The five women braved a break that was dishing out what their male counterparts were calling one of the strongest currents they had experienced in the area.

Awarding night was abuzz with excitement. After nearly a week of good surfing and high excitement, it was to be expected. The results of all the divisions were announced, as well as the final rankings of the top twelve surfers for 2005. Prizes were given out, speeches were made and beer flowed freely.

It was a fitting end for an enlivening competition and an even more adrenaline-pumping year of sun, stoke and surf.

The Philippine Surfing Federation blog is at http://surfpinoy.blogspot.com/ and has links to photos and results of what happened for 2005. We also encourage you be updated for next year’s string of events by joining the PSF mailing list at http://asia.groups.yahoo.com/group/psfupdates/ and click on the Join This Group icon. You can also email us at psftour@gmail.com so we would be happy to add your email address for you.

Top 12 Surfers of the Philippines

The circuit was created to determine the Top 12 Filipino Surfers for the year. After each surfer from the Open Division joined a competition, he stood to gain a predetermined number of points, depending on how he placed in a certain leg of the tour. These points were then tallied at the end of the circuit to determine which 12 waveriders made it to the prestigious list.

This year (the tour's first year) was an unpredictable race. Bets were made by surfers, spectators and sponsors. These are the men that surfed their way to the A-list.

1. Dionisio Espejon (SI)
2. Bonifacio Figuron (SI)
3. Argie Hugo (BA)
4. Alex Commandante (SI)
5. Martin Taniegra (SI)
6. Edmund Mendoza (BA)
7. Joel Faraon (BA)
8. Rodolfo Alcala (SI)
9. Jomar Gloria (SI)
10. Sandito Alciso (SI)
11. Luke Landrigan (LU)
12. Anthony Valdez (LU)

These are the people to watch. The surfer who holds the highest spot will be given an opportunity to join international competitions by Cong. Butch Pichay, PSF's Chairman.

The PHILIPPINE SURFING CIRCUIT 2005 has reached its final leg. Thank you to all the sponsors that despite the short time preparation delivered and supported us all throughout the year. To friends that traveled with us and the new ones we made in the 6 destinations we visited. To the Board of Directors and our Chairman who guided us along the way and made sure that we finish the circuit. And of course, to each and every SURFER that competed in each and every leg…the circuit’s success is because of you! We’ll see you all next year! Happy Holidays!

-PSF Team of Volunteers
Philip, Olin, Zeny, Mhay, Mako, Eric, Chris Pulo, Yok-yok, Floyd, Allan, Mac, Kage & Pat

Photos in this post are from Kage Gozun

Permission from owner or PSF is needed for commercial use

Results for Rimat Ti Aminian Surfing Invitational

As the year draws to a close, the PSF in turn concludes the first year of the Philippine Surfing Circuit 2005 with Rimat Ti Aminian as its last hurrah. Here are the results and some photos during the 5-day event.

Open Division:
Champion: Alex Comandante - Siargao Island
1st Runner-up: Bonifacio Figuron - Siargao Island
2nd Runner-up: Argie "Bad Boy" Hugo - Baler, Aurora
3rd Runner-up: Tanjung Fietas - La Union

Junior Division:
Champion: Joseph Antipasado - Siargao Island
1st Runner-up: Zaldy Coldura - Siargao Island
2nd Runner-up: Jeff dela Torre - Baler, Aurora
3rd Runner-up: Allan Derecho - Baler, Aurora

Wahine Division:
Champion: Nildie Blancada - Siargao Island
1st Runner-up: Daisy Valdez - La Union
2nd Runner-up: Mickey Galang - La Union
3rd Runner-up: Joy Ishii - La Union
4th Runner-up: Menchie Espenilla - La Union

Grommet Division:
Champion: Allen De Vera - Baler, Aurora
1st Runner-up: Bilmar Velasquez- La Union
2nd Runner-up: Peter Paul Alipayo - Siargao Island
3rd Runner-up: Paul John Alipayo - Siargao Island

For this leg we would like to say thank you to the La Union Surf Club- to Shiny Surf Lemon a.k.a El Presidente; the Philippine Longboarding Club- Mike & Alma and to Chris & Menchie, our local judges- Ian Saguan, Archie Martinez & Angel; Allan Alvarez and Sebay for hosting the night events; Ronnie of RP Bahay for the prizes, Love Radio 101.7, Bjorn Pabon of Fluid Surf for making sure the winners have new boardshorts, to Rey and Director Valera of DOT Reg 1, Vice Gov Nisce & the Provincial Government of La Union and as well as the Local Government of San Juan. Salamat! Amalam desho. Happy Holidays!

More photos on This Photosite ...thanks sistah Kage

La Union Invitation

Time for you to take a surf trip and join us for the last leg of the Philippine Surfing Circuit 2005. On Dec 13-17 the tour with haul its delegation of competitors and their usual groupies to San Juan, La Union for the final stop of the year-long surf tour.

PRESS RELEASE: 3rd Lanuza Surfing Festival

NO ONE LOSES IN LANUZA
by Kage Gozun

The friendly town of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur once again opened their homes to the throngs of surfers and media that came down to participate in the 3rd Lanuza Surfing Festival. This was the second-to-the-last leg of the year-long circuit spearheaded by the Philippine Surfing Federation through its chairman Cong. Butch Pichay Jr.

The area’s beach break – and the sizeable cash prize – drew over one hundred participants this year.

The lure of a grand prize of Php70,000 was too tempting for Filipino surfers to ignore. At final count, there was a record 157 surfers listed for the National Shortboard division. Over forty (40) signed up for the first ever International Longboard Competition where a whopping Php100,000 grand prize was at stake for the champion.

The competition was made possible by sponsors such as Smart Communications, Pagcor and Duty Free Philippines, Five Forty Surf Company, Conquer Equipment, Adrenaline Boardriding Company and the support of Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur and the Local Government Unit of Lanuza.

It was the locals from La Union that dominated in the international longboard event. Heat after heat, the local surfers dropped international competitors in a true show of local skill and talent. The final was an all-La Union heat competing between Ian Saguan, Luke Landrigan, Jun Fietas and Anthony Valdez, all big names in the La Union surfing scene.

Baler’s seven man contingent seemed small compared to Siargao’s 50-plus delegation and La Union’s 30 man party. But their numbers proved more than enough as four of their deputation made it to the finals of the shortboard competition.

The Junior division was a showcase of the amazing potential and future of Philippine surfing. Of the fifty competitors, Jeff dela Torre and Joe Henry Tena of Baler competed against Zaldy Coldura of Siargao and Myrel Santos of Samar in the finals.

Baler once again showed their mettle in the intense Men’s Open Division where Sandito Alciso of Siargao, Argie Hugo of Baler, Luke Landrigan of La Union and Joel Faraon, also of Baler met head to head in a half hour heat that had everyone at the edges of their seats.

A special Wahine division proved that women have earned their place in the line-up alongside the men. The finals saw La Union’s Daisy Valdez and Mickey Galang competing with Siargao’s Neldie Blancada and France’s Rafael Dore.

Siargao also established itself as training ground for up-and-coming talent as three of the four grommet division finalists paddled out representing the island. Philmar Alipayo, Pete Catulay, Paul Juan Alipayo surfed under their Siargao’s banner but fell short of local Lanuza boy Hiram Ariate’s knowledge of his home break.

In between intense surf heats that lasted all day were nightly parties held at Doot Poktoy. Surfers and spectators alike enjoyed dancing under the stars with their feet in the sand.

The awarding ceremony was also held at the Doot Poktoy sandbar to much fanfare. It seemed as though the entire town had turned out to join in the excitement of finding out who among these talented Filipino chargers was going to take home the big money. As it turns out, Cong. Pichay made sure that none of the participants of the competition would be going home empty-handed! All the entrants would be receiving a cash prize of Php500 for simply taking part in the event.

3rd LANUZA SURFING FESTIVAL

LANUZA, SURIGAO DEL SUR
Nov 14-20, 2005

The Almost Famous Surfing Tour (Thanks to Pat and Kage for the name), is back in Manila after braving the rainshowers in Lanuza. Highlights: best riding from our Big Brother Surfers and really huge waves! We also had opportunity to have surfer/writer/photographer McDaddy Mormon Tor Johnson join in the chaos.Here are the results:

International Longboard Division
(also known as the La Union Invasion)
Champion- Luke Landirgan
1st Runnerup- Kap Ian Saguan
2nd Runnerup- Jun "Tanjung" Fietas
3rd Runnerup- Anthony Valdez

Open Division for the 5th Leg of the Phil. Surfing Circuit 2005
Champion- Argie "Bad Boy" Hugo (Baler)
1st Runnerup- Luke "The Model" Landrigan (La Unioin)
2nd Runnerup- Brother Joel Faraon (Baler)
3rd Runnerup- Sandito Alciso (Siargao)

Wahine Division
Champion- Neldie Blancada (Siargao)
1st Runnerup- Daisy Valdez (La Union)
2nd Runnerup- Mickey Galang (La Union)
3rd Runnerup- Raf Dore (France)

Junior Division
Champion- Jeff dela Torre (Baler)
1st Runnerup- Joe Henry "Paquits" Tena (Baler)
2nd Runnerup- Zaldy Coldura (Siargao)
3rd Runnerup- Myrel Santos (Borongan, Eastern Samar)

Gromet Division
Champion- Ariate Hiram (Lanuza)
1st Runnerup- Paul Juan Alipayo (Siaragao)
2nd Runnerup- Pete Angelo Catulay (Siargao)
3rd Runnerup- Philmar Alipayo (Siargao)

INQUIRER AD

Here is a copy of the PSF Ad that was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Novemeber 13, 2005. Click the photo for a larger image.

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

Permission from owners or PSF is needed fro reprinting or commericial use

Eastern Samar Surfing Crown

We were face-to-face with the raw, rugged yet picturesque shores of Guiuan for the third leg of the Philippine Surfing Circuit 2005, dubbed as the Eastern Samar Surfing Crown.

Take a peek at what happend here.

Here are the results for the competition:

OPEN DIVISION
Champion - Dionisio “Dodo” Espejon from Siargao
1st Runner up - Joel Faraon from Baler
2nd Runner up - Argie Hugu from Baler
3rd Runner up - Edmund Mendoza from Baler

JUNIOR DIVISION
Champion - Zaldy Coldura from Siargao
1st Runner up - Allan Derecho from Baler
2nd Runner up - Jason Osarez from Lanuza
3rd Runner up - Myrell Santos from Boronggan















Photos in this post are from Pat Mateo
Permission from owner or PSF is needed for commercial use

Calendar of Events for 2005

Here is the Calendar of Events of the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF). If you need more information you can email us at psftour@gmail.com