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

Edito “Piso” Alcala wins in 20^th 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 20^th 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 26^th of September Round 1 was run in small but fun conditions, then on the 27^th 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 20^th 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.

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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

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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 20^th 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. 

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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.

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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.

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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)

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Philippines announces underwater shootout festival on December 4 to 8

Manila, Philippines  -- The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) in cooperation with members of  the Underwater Macro Photographers Group (UWMP) will launch its first ever international underwater (UW) shootout in Anilao, a quiet seaside community in Batangas two hours away South of Manila, from December 4 to 8 this year.

The PDOT is setting its sights on promoting the Philippines as a premier UW macro photography destination in Asia and enticing more foreign UW photographers to engage their hobby in the Philippines through the holding of this event in Anilao,  “one of the best places for underwater photography in the world”, according to Christian Vizl, a multi-award winning underwater photographer.  

This joint project, entitled “Anilao Underwater Photo Competition Festival”, is open to both foreign and local UW photographers and fun divers for an entry fee of Php1000 or US$20 per participant inclusive of a 4-day dive pass, an event shirt and invitation to hosted welcome and farewell dinners with cultural entertainment.   

Winners will receive a minimum total of US$10,000 worth of valuable prizes including dive trips to the country’s best dive sites in Cebu, Bohol and Anilao through the support of Tourism Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Prestige Sport Malaysia, Cebu Pacific Airlines and other partner dive resorts in the Philippines. Contest mechanics can be viewed at www.acaciadive.com or by request through email at phdiveteam@gmail.com.

Simultaneous with the underwater macro photography contest, fun dives will also be organized for dive fanatics, as well as the conduct of seminars on “Dive Photography” during the festival. World renowned UW photographers (i.e., Koji Nakamura, President of Japan Underwater Films;    Yorko Summer, dive travel journalist;   Christian Vizl, current world champion in underwater photography; Ken Thongpila, multi-award winning underwater photographer and founder of Underwater Macro Photographers Club; and Michael Aw, one of the world’s most influential nature photographers) will grace the festival as board of judges and seminar speakers.

Divers can sign up and book their local travel arrangements for this international UW shootout at phdiveteam@gmail.com. Interested divers can also register at https://www.regonline.com/anilaounderwateruwphotocompetitionfestival  or visit the event facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Anilaouwphotocompetitionbydot.  PDOT partner resorts in Anilao are also offering special dive promo packages of as low as US$499 for a 4 nights/5 days dive package inclusive of 6 boat dives, fullboard meals, accommodation (twin sharing arrangement), air tanks and dive master.  

All the participating divers will surely say “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” with the opportunity to win fantastic prizes from local sponsors during the awarding ceremony on December 8 at seven o’clock in the evening at Acacia Resort and Dive Center and to be entertained with cultural dances, live band and treated to delectable cuisine.        

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