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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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

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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' 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.

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Siargao's annual surfing cup kicks off on September 17

(Photo courtesy of Ronald Allan Chua of Karaga Republic)

General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines --- Now on its 16th year, the Siargao National Surfing Cup at Cloud 9 in Siargao Island is expected to gather around 150 Filipino surfers from all over the Philippines from September 17 to 21 to grab the total prize money of Php200,000. Interested participants may just get in touch with the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF) at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or pallugna_don@yahoo.com.

This annual event is brought to you by the PSF in partnership with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, House of Representatives and Local Government Unit of General Luna.

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Siargao's local surfer wins in the Maldives Open 2014 surfing tourney

Nilbie Blancada (red jersey) wins in the Maldives Open 2014 surfing tournament. Photo courtesy of James O'donnell.

In the Women’s Division final of the inaugural event of Maldives Open 2014, it was 2013 ASC Women’s Champion Rina Kitazawa from Japan getting the win over local favorite and resort surf guide Amy Kotch (USA), Cloud Nine’s Nilbie Blancada (PHL), and 5-time Indonesian Women’s Champion Yasnyiar “Bonne” Gea (INA).  She admitted that she didn’t expect to win the event, as the wave is a left and she is a naturalfooter. “I didn’t think I would win, as there was Amy and Bonne who were goofyfooters and they are such good and experienced surfers, much older than me.  But the wave is so good here and I got a few nice waves, so in the end I could win,” she explained.

This Maldives 2014 event was brought to you by Asian Surfing Championships (ASC) in cooperation with the Maldives Bodyboarding Associatio. This ASC Grade 3 event, with a total prize purse of $15,000 over the three divisions of Men’s Open, Women’s, and Bodyboarding, took place from September 3-7 at Lohis Point.

Lohis Point at the Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi Resort is a machine-like left-hand wave that peels perfectly down the coral reef for often hundreds of meters, and has been the site of ASP World Qualifying Series (the world’s top professional surfing organization) events in the past due to its quality, consistency, and accessibility. Offering up barrel sections as well as steep wall sections for carves, lip hacks, and the occasional punt section, this wave will allow the competitors to display their full repertoire of maneuvers during their heats, and often all on the same wave.

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Siargao women surfers win in the 7th Siargao Int'l Surfing Cup

The winners (L-R) - Kim Woolridge (Australia), Nildie Retenbach (Philippines)
and Manette Alcala (Philippines)

On its 7th year, the all women's surfing event in Asia (which was held from May 6 to 10, 2014) successfully concluded last May 10, after days of intense competition among the 19 surfers from Japan, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Greece, Czech Republic, Sweden, Argentina, France and Philippines. at the world's best surfing spot, Cloud 9 in Siargao Island, Philippines. 

Whopping the US$5,000 prizemoney with trophies were three women surfers from Siargao Island plus an Australian surfer, Kim Woolridge, who was last year's defending.

Champion: Nelvie Blancada (Philippines)
1st RU: Manette Alcala (Philippines)
Equal 3rd RU: Nildie Retenbach (Philippines) and Kim Woolridge (Australia)

This 5-day event was organized by the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF), Local Government of General Luna, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and Philippine House of Representatives for the first district of Surigao del Norte.  (Photos by Wilmar Melindo)

The surfers together with the government officials (L-R) - Mayor Jaime Rusillon, Governor Sol Matugas, Congressman Francisco Matugas, Board Member Simeon Castrense, Vice Mayor Vic-Vic Solloso and Vice Governor Egay.

Special thanks to our sponsors - Surf Angel, Fluid Surf, Smart Communications, San Miguel Corporations and Nature Spring.

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Guide to Siargao for Non Surfers

If you are non surfer then try find another Siargao attraction like white beaches, enchanting lagoons, caves, sand bars, coral reefs, bizarre rock formations, exotic wildlife, endless rice fields, waterfalls, a large mangrove forest reserve and much more...

Photo Credit: Just One Way Ticket

Video Credit: Just One Way Ticket

Siargao Map - Click here

Siargao Accommodation - Click here

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Siargao Girls Int'l Surfing Cup is set on May 6 to 10

The Municipality of General Luna and the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF) are inviting you to join or witness this year's Siargao Girls International Surfing Cup which will be held at Cloud 9 (the world's number 8 surf spot) in General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines, from May 6 to 10, 2014. For more information, email us at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph.

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Surigao del Norte hosts inaugural Tourism Summit

Surigao City --- Building on the momentum of recent growth in visitors numbers to the Province of Surigao del Norte [more than doubled (134.5%) its tourist arrivals compared last year,  from 43,000 to 103,000 according to DOT Caraga Report], the provincial government through the initiative of Governor Sol Matugas hosted the inaugural Tourism Summit last February 24, 2014 at the Gateway Hotel in Surigao City.  The summit, which revolved on the theme, Reshaping the tourism industry towards Baong Surigao, gathered around 200 travel industry leaders to hear insights from the invited tourism experts.  

Governor Matugas said that this summit was just the first among the series of meetings to be organized by the Provincial Tourism Office to generate the inputs of both private and public sectors to develop a comprehensive program for tourism for the next five years. 

Tourism Marketing Consultant Zeny Pallugna said that the tourism landscape of Surigao del Norte will be reshaped through the development of a new tourism hub to spread the benefit of tourism to the mainland Municipalities. She recommended Bucas Grande Island as the new tourism hub for the province, capitalizing on the development of a new jump-off point to Bucas Grande Island, which is at Municipality of Claver. By doing this, the tourism potential of its neighboring Municipalities such as Guigaquit, Bucuag and Placer will also be developed. 

According to Pallugna, Bucas Grande is  a stand alone destination that can attract both foreign and local tourists by just capitalizing on its core product, the jelly fish lake. In the Philippines, there are only two areas which have non-stingy jelly fish --- Coron in Palawan and Bucas Grande. A simple improvement of its tourism center and development of unique tour packages, such as habal-habal tour, birdwatching tour, jelly lake tour and cultural experience tour would be a big boost to the island's tourism industry.  

She further recommended to develop scuba diving as a new tourism product for the province. Cagtinae Reef in the Municipality of Malimono is among the dive sites frequently visited by a group of Surigao divers.  The reef is about 30-minutes from Surigao City by private car.

Another untapped tourism products are the ESL or English as a Second Language and geotourism. Pallugna mentioned that ESL is also a good tourism product to be developed by the tourism office of Surigao City. The city has a number of universities and colleges which can be tapped for this program. The municipalities of Dapa and Del Carmen can also look into this ESL market to boost its tourist arrivals.    

The Municipality of Del Carmen is currently offering geotourism and other Municipalities can also do this. Geotourism is a huge market, with around 55.1 million geotourists around the globe who are mostly concentrated in New York, well-off, educated and interested on local culture, local products and community interaction.  

Meanwhile, Tourism Directors Letty Tan and Maria Patria Aurora Roa presented Caraga Region's tourism statistics and shared the tourism success stories of Cebu and Bohol, respectively. 

The success of the Tourism Summit was through the effort of the Provincial Tourism Office of Surigao del Norte, headed by Art Cruje. 

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