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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.
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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.
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| 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
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
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