Siargao Without the Surfing


"On the map but of the radar until the mid-00's, when a reckless, right-breaking reef wave, Cloud 9, put it on the grid as a premier surfing destination. Legend has it that Cloud 9 was discovered by a group of Australian surfers while scouring the country for the perfect surf spot. They had worked up such an appetite that they plowed through the only thing on hand- a box of Cloud 9 chocolate bars. Fact or fiction, it's this very water break that brings hundred of tourists to the island year after year."

In issue 05 of GRID Magazine, Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta visits the island of Siargao during its annual surf competition and discovers that there is a charm to Siargao beyond the surf buzz, in the landscape, in the culture and in the very travellers who've come. Issue 05 of GRID Magazine will be out on stands this week. Stay tuned for details.

Photographs by Sonny Thakur

Article Credit: GRID Magazine 

Gamefishing hot spots in the Philippines


Gamefishing in the Philippines is starting to gain a wider popularity among anglers and some travelers looking to find new travel adventures. With more than 7,000 island, there is no doubt that there are numerous hot spots for gamefishing. 


1.       Siargao Islands, Surigao

Siargao Island is not only famous for its famous Cloud 9 wave but it is also known as the "Gamefishing Mecca" in the Philippines --- thanks to Surigao del Norte Congressman Francisco Matugas and the Philippine Surfing Federation who started the annual international gamefishing tournament last April 2008. 

Gamefishing is a big thing in the bountiful seas of Siargao. With species such as marlin, tuna, grouper, dorado and billfish (i.e., sailfish, marlin, spearfish, and broadbill swordfish), avid anglers are not disappointed with their bounty.  In fact, international gamefishing competitions are held every April along the east of the shores of Pilar, north point of Burgos and south point of Daku Island.  

Travel Time:
  • About 60 minutes by plane from Manila via Cebu City (via Cebu Pacific Airlines)
  • About 30 minutes by plane from Cebu City
 Contact Person: 
  • Donna Tiu / mobile no. +63 9178051570
  • Don Pallugna / Mobile no. +63 915 995 52183 /                                    Email: pallugna_don@yahoo.com
 Best Season for fishing:   March to September

At the Municipality of Pilar in Siargao Island

2. Palaui Islands in  Sta. Ana, Cagayan 

The Philippine Gamefishing Foundation (PGFF), the first and oldest fishing club in the Philippines, owns and manages the Don Andres Soriano Sportfishing Camp located inside the Philippine Navy headquarters in Barangay San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan. The fishing camp serves as a take off point for anglers traveling to Susay Rock, which is about two to three hours away by motorized banca. Anglers intending to try out the fishing grounds of Camiguin Island can also use the fishing camp as their base, but travel time will take about four hours.

Travel Time:
  • Approximately 12 hours drive from Manila
  • Approximately 60 minutes by plane from Manila to Tuguegarao City plus 3 hours drive to Santa Ana
Contact Person:       Atty. Gordon Uy, Owner of Goodcatch Sportfishing      Email: gordonuy@pldtdsl.net    / Phone: +63 2 5166829      
Address: Unit B, Manila Bay Arcade, Quirino Avenue corner M.H. Del Pilar Street, Malate Manila, Philippines      
Website: www.goodcatch.com 

Best Season for fishing: 
  • Year-round - for bottom fishing of snapper and grouper
  • March-June – for blue marlin, sailfish and dorado
Fishing Area:  Babuyan Channel

OTHER FISHING AREAS
 

Contact Person: GoodCatch Sportfishing / Email: gordonuy@pldtdsl.net                        


1. Calatagan, Batangas

Calatagan is among the nearest gamefishing spots  in Metro Manila. It only takes a few hours to get there to catch local fishes such as giant trevally and African pompano.
 

Travel Time: 
About 3 hours drive from Manila 

2.    Subic, Zambales 

Hardcore gamefishers dock their yachts in Subic for a fantastic fishing experience. Anglers will be treated with giant trevally, sailfish, wahoo, king mackerel and barracuda. 

Best Season for Fishing:
 October to June. 

Travel Time: 
About 3 hours drive from Manila 

3.    Lake Lumot, Caliraya, Laguna and Pantabangan Lake, Nueva Ecija

These two lakes, Lumot and Pantabangan, are popular for largemouth bass fishing. Freshwater fishing in these areas is available year round.
 

Travel Time:
  • About 2.5 hours drive from Manila to Caliraya, Laguna
  • About 4 hours drive from Manila to Pantabangan Lake, Nueva Ecija
 4. Mactan Island, Cebu

Just like any other fishing grounds in the Philippines, Mactan Island offers anglers with trevally (mamsa), Spanish mackerel (tanguigue), different varieties of tuna (including bonito, yellow fin, bigeye, and dogtooth), barracuda, dorado, and wahoo. 

 
Travel Time:  About 30 minutes by plane from Manila to Cebu

 5. Camiguin Island 

Camiguin Island offers a wide variety of fishes from great trevally, barracuda and wahoo, among other. Sailfish can be spotted from March to June and tuna from July to October. 
Reef fishing, mainly at night, can produce varieties of grouper, coral trout, wrasse, parrotfish, and many other species. Fishing of squid at night can also be very productive.
Travel Time:
  • About 75 minutes by plane from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City plus 3 hours by land and ferry boat to Camiguin Island
  • About 30 minutes by plane from Cebu City to Camiguin Island
Best time of the Year: Year-round 

6. Davao 

Davao specializes in offshore fishing from pelagic tuna, billfish, wahoo, dorado, and king mackerels.
 
Travel Time:
  • About 80 minutes by plane from Manila to Davao
  • About 30 minutes by plane from Cebu City to Davao


For more information, email the Philippine Department of Tourism-New York at pdotny@aol.com or zeny@philippinetourismny.org   

Winners of the first Siargao International Gamefishing Tournament in Siargao Island
with Congressman Francisco Matugas, Mayor Lucio Gonzales, Atty. Gordon Uy and Zeny Pallugna.

Cloud 9 local surfer wins the ASP QS 20th Annual Siargao International Surfing Cup

Edito “Piso” Alcala wins in 20th Siargao International Surfing Cup over Carlito Nogalo in pumping Cloud 9 local-on-local barrel fest

28 September, Siargao Island – Philippines:  General Luna’s Edito “Piso” Alcala took the win over fellow Siargao Island local Carlito Nogalo in pumping 4-5 foot Cloud 9 perfection today at the end of the 30 minute final of the 20th annual Siargao International Surfing Cup, coming back to the iconic wooden tower and be greeted by his many fans, $4,000 richer and proud winner of first-ever ASP Qualifying Series event in the Philippines, albeit with a broken surfboard after his final wave.

After scoring a perfect 10 point ride for a massive Cloud 7 barrel in his quarterfinal heat against 16 year old local ripper John Mark “Marama” Tokong on his way to an almost perfect heat score of 19 points (out of a possible 20), in arguably the most exciting heat of the entire event this morning, Piso went on to best young Aussie Chris Zaffis in his semifinal heat and then meet up with long time friend Carlito Nogala in the final.


Carlito Nogalo of Siargao Island

Piso’s two top scoring waves in the final were a 9.55 and a 9.90, two almost perfect scores for an almost perfect heat, 19.45 out of a possible 20 points!

“I’m very proud to win here today,” said Piso. “This win is for everyone, for me, my family, the locals, and the surfers from around the world who continue to visit. I’d like to thank the ASP and the ASC, and my sponsors Stoked Inc and Siargao Inn, and everyone who comes here to surf.” When asked how it felt to compete against his friend Carlito in the final, he replied, “We hang out, and we’re good friends.  And when the contest is on, that don’t affect us. Out there in the waves I still look out for him, and vice-versa. But in the end one of us will win, and today it was me.  I know he’s happy for me just like I would be happy for him if he was the winner.”

When asked the same question Carlito replied, “Piso and I have been friends for a long time and we’d also been competing with each other a long time. He’s very lucky that he was able to get some really good waves out there today. As for me, I got a few waves but it wasn’t enough to win this time. But there will next year. I train the whole year round so I’ll definitely be ready for another try next year.”


Edito "Piso" Alcala and Carlito Nogalo hug each other after the competition.
The event took place over a 5-day period from September 24-28, where after the opening ceremony there were two lay days while waiting for the arrival of a predicted swell.  On the 26th of September Round 1 was run in small but fun conditions, then on the 27th the swell increased significantly allowing for the completion of Rounds 2 and 3 for the total of 48 competitors the majority coming from countries including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Indonesia. 

Today the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals were completed in the best waves of the entire event.  Later this evening there will be the awards presentation on the Boulevard in General Luna, which is always a highlight with speeches, music, dancing and lots of beverages being consumed.


Chris Zaffis of Australia
This was a historic event for not only the local community but for Philippine surfing as a whole, for with the support of the local and regional government and a year of being sanctioned by the Asian Surfing Championships, the event was upgraded to a ASP 1 star World Qualifying Series event (dual sanctioned with the ASC) with a $15,000 prize purse.

Considered by many as the Godfather of Philippine surfing for is long and unwavering support of the Siargao International Cup, General Luna’s Mayor Jaime Rusillon is already looking ahead to next year and has promised it will be an even bigger ASP event next year. “Even though I myself cannot surf,” said the Mayor Rusillon, “I’ve been supporting this event for a lot of years now and trust me, we will make it even bigger and better next year!”

(L-R) Governor Sol F. Matugas of Surigao del Norte with
Former Mayor Cecilia Rusillon of General Luna, Siargao Island.
Governor Sol Matugas also attended the event today and after the finals had this to say: “I really enjoyed the competition. I’m excited because it’s been hands-on work for me. We’re all so proud for having produced champion surfers that are at par with foreign surfers.  Piso and Carlito are both from Siargao and they’d been surfing for many years, honing their skills. I hope this international event will continue in the next twenty years and more with the help of private organizations and with the local government support. Siargao is also the only province the Philippines that are hosting two international events; aside from surfing we also host the International Game Fishing tournament in Pilar. Hopefully we will discover other events we could stage here in Siargao to promote our island.” (by Tim Hain, ASC)


Since the written word is rarely enough to portray the epic nature of a day like today, so just check out this finals video clip by Indo Inc’s Sean Gihooley…Cloud 9 was on fire today for the boys!
Finals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q_042dyY_A&feature=youtu.be Round 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfas6Oz6eJc Round 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m7DwFy50_A&feature=youtu.be Round 3:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaeA4qqXuUw&feature=youtu.be See all the results at http://www.aspworldtour.com/events/2014/mqs/1078/siargao-cloud-9-surfing-cup/results

The 2014 Siargao International Surfing Cup was a co-sanctioned 1-star ASP Men’s World Qualifying event and a ASC Grade 4 event that will ran from September 24-28, 2014 and boasted US$15,000 Prize Money.  


The 20th Siargao International Surfing Cup was presented by the MVP Group of Companies and Manila Mining Corporation, with event organizers the Municipality of General Luna and Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte) and support by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Philippine Department of Tourism, Cloud 9 Boardriders Club and Fluid Surf.

The event is sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals and the Asian Surfing Championships with the assistance of the Philippine Surfing Federation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC)
The Asian Surfing Championships was established in 2010 as the progression of the highly successful Indonesian Surfing Championships that began in Bali, Indonesia in 2004.  The mission of the ASC is to develop and progress the sport of surfing in Asia by assisting in the organizing and sanctioning of professional surfing events, which will help their growing surf communities and draw more attention to their areas for the progression of surfing locally, nationally, and throughout the Asian Region. 

The attached images are royalty free for editorial use only, no commercial rights granted. The copyright is owned by the Asian Surfing Championships. ONLY LOW RES WATERMARKED IMAGES MAY BE POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES WITH THE APPROPRIATE PHOTO CREDIT. Sale or license of the images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.



LIST OF WINNERS



ORGANIZERS / SPONSORS



Siargao's local surfers dominate quarter finals of the 20th Siargao International Surfing Cup

Carlito Nogalo of Siargao Island

27 September, Siargao Island – Philippines:  Out of the eight (8) quarter finalists of this year's Siargao International Surfing Cup (an ASC Qualifying Series and ASC Grade 4 sanctioned event in cooperation with the Philippine Surfing Federation), six (6) are Siargao's local surfers, with one Indonesian, last year’s winner Putra Hermawan, and 16 year old Australian Chris Zaffis the remaining internationals.  


Christ Zaffis of Australia

The expected increase in swell provided the international contestants with plenty of opportunities to pull into the world-renowned Cloud 9 barrels, as well as boosting airs and smashing big turns, with the Siargao crew clearly showing their local advantage in the face of the international contestants.

“I’m pretty stoked to still be in it…really I’m surprised to be one of the only international surfers left in the comp, but proud to be flying the flag for Australia,” said Chris.  “I’m looking forward to a pumping morning of surf tomorrow, coz I just want to get barreled and make it into the final!” he added.

The Siargao locals in the quarterfinals are the usual suspects, a mix of previous event winners and Cloud 9 tube masters made up of “Piso” Alcala, “Osot” Alcala, “Dodo” Espijon, Philmar Alipayo, Carlito Nogalo, and “Marama” Tokong.  Almost without exception, everyone on the island goes by a nickname!

On sundown there were 4-6 foot sets blasting over the reef for the two dozen freesurfers enjoying a late session, so tomorrow’s finale should see some event better waves than today for an exciting finale to the event.  There is a 6:30 am call out for the 8 quarterfinalists, so stay tuned!   

 
Check out the highlight clips so far, courtesy of Indo Inc’s Sean Gilhooley
Day 1:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfas6Oz6eJc Day 2:  Round 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m7DwFy50_A&feature=youtu.be Round 3:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaeA4qqXuUw&feature=youtu.be
Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion tomorrow, and see all the results athttp://www.aspworldtour.com/events/2014/mqs/1078/siargao-cloud-9-surfing-cup/results
 

The 2014 Siargao International Surfing Cup is a co-sanctioned 1-star ASP Men’s World Qualifying event and a ASC Grade 4 event that will run from 24 - 28 September 2014 and boasts US$15,000 Prize Money.  



The 20th Siargao International Surfing Cup is presented by the MVP Group of Companies and Manila Mining Corporation, with event organizers the Municipality of General Luna and Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte) and support by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Philippine Department of Tourism, Cloud 9 Boardriders Club and Fluid Surf.

The event is sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals and the Asian Surfing Championships with the assistance of the Philippine Surfing Federation. 


  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
About the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC) The Asian Surfing Championships was established in 2010 as the progression of the highly successful Indonesian Surfing Championships that began in Bali, Indonesia in 2004.  The mission of the ASC is to develop and progress the sport of surfing in Asia by assisting in the organizing and sanctioning of professional surfing events, which will help their growing surf communities and draw more attention to their areas for the progression of surfing locally, nationally, and throughout the Asian Region. 

The attached images are royalty free for editorial use only, no commercial rights granted. The copyright is owned by the Asian Surfing Championships. ONLY LOW RES WATERMARKED IMAGES MAY BE POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES WITH THE APPROPRIATE PHOTO CREDIT. Sale or license of the images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Locals post top scores in Round 1 of the Siargao International Surfing Cup at Cloud 9

Piso Alcala, a local of Siargao Island
26 September, Siargao Island – Philippines:  Siargao locals posted the top scores in the opening round of the 20th annual Siargao International Surfing Cup at Cloud 9 today, with previous event winner Piso Alcala spending as much time in the air as in the water during the final heat of the day to rack up a the highest heat score of the day of 16.50 points (out of a possible 20) for his two biggest airs of 8.0 and 8.5. 

  
“There weren’t any barrels out there today, so I had no choice but to take to the air,” said Piso with a smile.  “But I hope there will be some barrels for us tomorrow, because that’s what Cloud 9 is all about!”  Last year, uncharacteristically, Piso didn’t make it out of Round 4, so he’s all about getting into the finals this year at his home break. 


  
The second highest combined heat score was posted in Heat 1 by Carlito Nogalo, whose power surfing and a barrel got him a total score of 15.25, for a 7.25 and an 8.0.  He bested last year’s winner Putra Hermawan, who finished in second place with a total score of 11.75. Both surfers advance to Round 2.


Carlito Nogalo of Siargao Island 
Rounding out the high scoring pool was young Mark “Marama” Tokong with a total score of 14.90, using his bantamweight frame to complete some impressive airs and handily win his heat and advance to Round 2.

Marama Tokong of Siargao Island

The swell is expected to fill in tomorrow and allow the Round 2 contestants to get their chance at some Cloud 9 tubes, so Contest Director Gerry Degan informed them at the end of today’s competition that they should be standing by and ready to compete at 6:00 am in the morning.

Stay tuned for the exciting action that will continue at the Philippines oldest running surfing event that is now on the ASP’s schedule for the first time in history.

The 2014 Siargao International Surfing Cup is a co-sanctioned 1-star ASP Men’s World Qualifying event and a ASC Grade 4 event that will run from 24 - 28 September 2014 and boasts US$15,000 Prize Money.  



The 20th Siargao International Surfing Cup is presented by the MVP Group of Companies and Manila Mining Corporation, with event organizers the Municipality of General Luna and Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte) and support by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Philippine Department of Tourism, Cloud 9 Boardriders Club and Fluid Surf.

The event is sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals and the Asian Surfing Championships with the assistance of the Philippine Surfing Federation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
About the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC) The Asian Surfing Championships was established in 2010 as the progression of the highly successful Indonesian Surfing Championships that began in Bali, Indonesia in 2004.  The mission of the ASC is to develop and progress the sport of surfing in Asia by assisting in the organizing and sanctioning of professional surfing events, which will help their growing surf communities and draw more attention to their areas for the progression of surfing locally, nationally, and throughout the Asian Region.


The attached images are royalty free for editorial use only, no commercial rights granted. The copyright is owned by the Asian Surfing Championships. ONLY LOW RES WATERMARKED IMAGES MAY BE POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES WITH THE APPROPRIATE PHOTO CREDIT. Sale or license of the images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Chinese dive operators visit Siargao Island

The Chinese dive operators and celebrities with Tourism Attache Gerard Panga and DOT's Dive Market Development Group Representative Wen Sorioso
General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines --- For the first time, the Philippine Department of Tourism through the initiative of the Dive Market Development Group (MDG) invited six dive operators and celebrities  from Shanghai, China to witness this year's 20th Siargao International Surfing Cup, explore the colorful diving spots in the Island, experience surfing at the world's famous Cloud 9 and encounter the non-sting jellyfish at Siargao's Bucas Grande Island. 


While in Siargao, Tourism Attache Gerard Panga expressed his excitement by posting beautiful photos of the island with the caption, "Surfing. Spelunking underwater. Scuba diving. Sunset. Secret coves and lagoons. Sensational Siargao!!!" 



Close encounter with the non-sting jellyfish at Siargao's Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island.

Surfing 101 at Siargao's Cloud 9



This visit  of the Chinese dive operators and celebrities will open new market opportunities for Siargao Island. "Surfing and Diving" is the new market positioning for the island, targeting not only the surfers but also the Chinese, Russian and American dive and adventure markets."


The Dive-MDG is pushing Siargao Island as among the country's "Rising Stars" in diving while giving emphasis on the Siargao's schools of non-sting jellyfish at Bucas Grande Island, which is similar to Palau's famous jelly lake.

This would never be possible without the support of the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Local Government Unit of General Luna, PDOT-Shanghai and DOT's Dive-MDG.

Prior to their Siargao Island trip, the group joined the first ever Bohol Ocean Dive Fiesta at Bohol Beach Club. Panga posted in his facebook account, "Amid the heavy rains and threat of flight cancellations, our dive group (25 pax: elite Chinese dive clubs, media & celebrity divers) made it to Bohol and enjoyed perfect weather for diving and dolphin watching, island hopping (Balicasag), river cruise, countryside tour, etc. We had fun and memorable stay at Bohol Beach Club. Next stop...Siargao. It's more fun diving in the Phl!."  (Photos by Gerard Panga)


The Chinese dive operators, dive club members and celebrities in Bohol.


Beach front of Bohol Beach Club


Diving in Bohol Island

The Chinese dive operators, dive club members and celebrities in Bohol.

The 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup Opens Filipino Style

Government and event officials combine for the Opening Ceremony tradition of breaking a surfboard as a way to honour and show respect to the waves of Cloud 9. PIC ASP/Will H-S.

GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Philippines (Wednesday, September 24, 2014) - The community of General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines put on a show for the Opening Ceremony of the 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup. A lay-day was called due to small surf, but there was plenty of action on the shore with bands, cultural dancing and welcome speeches from local dignitaries.
Jamie P. Rusillon, Municipal Mayor of General Luna, who is also affectionately referred to as the Philippines Godfather of Surfing gave a glimpse into the past, present and future of surfing at Cloud 9.

“I remember more than 30 years ago when the first surfers came to our island,” Mayor Rusillon said. “They carried these crazy contraptions that they called surfboards and went into the ocean to tame the big barrels at Cloud 9 and since then this place has become world-famous. Surfing has brought economic growth to this region and I want to see the Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup run long into the future.”

Gerry Degan, Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup Contest Director and owner of Sagana Cloud 9 resort is eyeing an increase in swell towards the weekend that will see the event get underway in four-six foot waves.
Small, but fun surf on offer at Cloud 9 today. PIC ASP/Will H-S.

“The surf is small right now, but it’s been building every day for the last few days,” Degan said. “We’re going to make a call at 6am tomorrow for a possible start, but Friday, Saturday and Sunday are looking really promising.”

Dane Jordan, ASP Australasia General Manager and Tim Hain, ASC General Manager have been working hard to make this this dual sanctioned ASP 1-Star Qualifying Series and ASC Tour event truly world-class.

“There’s a strong contingent of Australian, Indonesian and Filipino surfers in the draw as well a some Hawaiian, Americans and Japanese surfers,” Jordan said. “I’m really excited for the increase in swell because we’re going to see some excellent surfing. I really want to extend a huge thank you from ASP to the local government officials and the community of General Luna for the warm welcome at the opening ceremony.”

“I always look forward to this opening ceremony each year, being with all the dancers, the surfers, event officials, and all the government and private sector officials that have made the event a reality,” Said Hain. “The commitment and dedication they are showing towards growing the sport of surfing here in this beautiful island is amazing, and on behalf of the ASC I really thank you for making it an even bigger event this year by including the ASP. Can't wait for the swell to hit and watch the boys getting all those big Cloud 9 barrels!”

The 2014 Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup will run from 24 - 28 September 2014 and boasts US$15,000 Prize Money, and will be run in conjunction with the Philippines Surfing Federation.



Event organizers:

Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Cong. Francisco T. Matugas, House of Representatives, Municipality of General Luna, Philippine Surfing Federation

Event Co-presenters:
MVP Group of Companies (Philex Mining Corporation, Smart Communications, Silangan Mindanao Mining Inc.)

Sponsors:
Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority or TIEZA, Cebu Pacific, Cloud 9 Boardriders Club, Fluid Surf

Sanctioned by:
Association of Surfing Professionals, Asian Surfing Champions

Technical Team:
Ivonnie B. Dumadag, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte
Donna Tiu, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte
Don Pallugna, Philippine Surfing Federation
Zeny Pallugna, Philippine Surfing Federation 
Gerry Degan, Sagana Resort
Local Government Unit of General Luna, Surigao del Norte
Manuel Melindo, Philippine Surfing Federation

Philippines counts down to first ever ASP QS event at Cloud 9

Cloud 9, Siargao, Philippines. PIC ASP/Will H-S
COOLANGATTA, QLD/AUS (Wednesday, September 17, 2014) - The 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup is only weeks away from creating history as the first ASP Qualifying Series (QS) event at Cloud 9 in the Philippines. The event will be co-sanctioned by both the Association of Surfing Professionals and the Asian Surfing Championship (ASC), with surfers battling for precious ranking’s points and prize money at one of the world’s best waves.

While the event only carries a 1-Star rating and won’t be attracting the stars of our sport the way the 6-Star and Prime events do, this event is more about offering competitive experience for local surfers and giving up-and-coming international surfers and future stars of the sport valuable competitive experience at QS level.
Byron Bay's Soli Bailey at the 2011 Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup. Pic ASP/Will H-S.
“It’s fantastic to be working with the ASC to help grow the sport of surfing throughout Asia,” ASP Australasia General Manager Dane Jordan said. “1-Star QS events are the ideal way to test your competitive skills and learn what it takes to fight through a draw of talented surfers. Not to mention have the chance to surf one of the world’s best waves with just a couple of other surfers in the water.” 

16-year-old Quinn Bruce (Coolangatta, QLD/AUS) is one of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming talents. Bruce works hard to perfect his skills at Snapper Rocks, the training grounds of some of the world’s best surfers — Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore.

“I haven't been to Cloud 9 before and I can’t wait to check the place out,” Bruce said. “I’ve heard it’s a perfect right hand barrel with a section at the end of it which is what every natural footer dreams of. I think living at Snapper and being a natural footer could be an advantage for me. There’s quite a huge difference surfing at QS events compared to the Juniors, in Junior events average scores are no worries, but in QS events it’s much harder to get a good score, plus you’re coming up against bigger and more experienced guys which can sometimes be intimidating. I haven't been told anything negative about the place yet so I'm sure it’s going to be a magical trip.”

Dede Suryana (IND) is one of Indonesia’s favourite surfing sons, and is a threat in any and all conditions. Coming off an equal 3rd place finish at last year’s Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, Suryana is hungry to go one better and make the final this time around.

"I can't wait again to get back there,” Suryana said. “It’s such a good wave and it's a right hander. I love rights and especially barrels! I hope for more barrels again this year. Last year I finished in equal 3rd place. So, this year I need to be in the final! I'm coming Cloud 9!"

The 2014 Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup will run from 24 - 28 September 2014 and boasts US$15,000 Prize Money, and will be run in conjunction with the Philippines Surfing Federation.

This year's surfing event is brought to you by the MVP Group of Companies and Manila Mining Corporation and organized by the Municipality of General Luna, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF) in cooperation with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Philippine Department of Tourism, Cloud 9 Boardriders Club and Fluid Surf. 

For more information, visit ASPWorldTour.com or send email to Philippine Surfing Federation at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or pallugna_don@yahoo.com.  (by Tim Hain)

Philippines' Cloud 9 surfing tourney becomes ASP Qualifying Series tournament

For more information, email us at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or pallugna_don@yahoo.com.
Photo courtesy of Ronald Allan Chua of Karaga Republic.
This year's Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, slated to run in the Philippines this September 24-28, will be a historic event. It has been running for 20 years, but this fall will be the Cup's first to offer ASP Qualifying Series (QS) points. The contest event will now be co-sanctioned by both ASP QS and Asian Surfing Championship (ASC), giving competitors a unique opportunity to better their respective standings in each league.

Defending champion Putra Hermawan (IDN) is looking forward to competing in an even bigger event and taking full advantage of the chance to compete for both ASP QS and ASC points simultaneously.



"Surfing Cloud 9 is like surfing my home break, Lacerations, in Nusa Lembongan," Hermawan said. "Last year was my first time to surf at Cloud 9 and I'm so excited to go back there again."

With ASP heading to the break, local surfers like Osot Alcala (PHI) will have the chance to compete among some of the sport's top athletes in the world.

"The locals are super excited to have the ASP and ASC here at Cloud 9," Alcala said. "We want our chance to surf against some of the best and can’t wait until September."

Siargao's governor, Francisco T. Matugas, has been a driving force behind getting this event on the world stage. Along with offering more opportunity for the surfers, a QS rating is a chance for the region to put a spotlight on its waves and its talent.

Surfing continues to gain footing in Asia and the Siargao is another step up in the upward mobility of the sport there. The president of the Republic of the Philippines, Benigno S. Aquino III, plans to attend the opening ceremonies, a sign of the growing popularity of surfing in the country.

The ASP sanction will also create a huge draw for both regional and international of surfers, furthering the Asia Pacific region's standing as integral part of competitive surfing.

"I've been lucky enough to see Cloud 9 first-hand and it truly is one of the world's best waves," said Dane Jordan, ASP Australasia General Manager. "It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make these events happen so I'd like to thank the people of the Philippines and everyone who's involved."

The 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup will run from September 24 to 28, 2014 and it is brought to you by the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Municipality of General Luna and the Philippine Surfing Federation in cooperation with the MVP Group of Companies, Philex Mining, Fluid Surf and Cloud 9 Boardriders. (by Tim Hain, ASC)



About ASP
The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the sole governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Championship Tours (WCT), the ASP Qualification Series (QS), the Big Wave World Tour; the ASP World Longboard Championship (WLC) and the ASP World Junior Championship (WJC).
The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfers in the world’s best waves with the International organization supported by seven regional offices in Africa, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, Japan, North America, and South America.
The ASP serves to celebrate and grow the history, elite athletes, diverse fans and dedicated partners that together embody professional surfing today.

About Siargao

Siargao is composed of 48 islands and islets-politically divided into nine municipalities: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Gen. luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro. Read more...

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