Siargao among Southeast Asia's '8 Ultimate Islands"

Sunset in Pilar, Siargao Island (Photo by: Zeny Pallugna)

General Luna, Siargao Island ---  After eighteen years of promoting Siargao as the Philippines' Surfing Capital, the Island is once again recognized by an international travel magazine as one of the southeast Asia's top tropical wonderlands. 

Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia has included Siargao Island in its list of "8 Ultimate Islands," describing it as a great place for "hanging ten," ABS-CBNnews.com said on its website.

"If you're going to Siargao, you'd best bring a surfboard. Curls of white foam are what lure most visitors to this southeast corner of the Philippines, to an island that defines laid-back," the magazine said on its website.

The rest of Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia's Ultimate Islands include Gili Air, Flores and Togean Islads Sulawest in Indonesia, Timor-Lester, Koh Phangan in Thailand, Kadavu Fiji, and Phu Quoc in Vietnam.

In June this year, Siargao, dubbed as the Philippines' Surfing Capital, has been named as the eighth best surf spot in the world by CNNGo, the travel website of the Cable News Network or CNN. Topping CNNGo's list of top surf spots in the world is Pipeline in Oahu, Hawii, which was described as "the daddy of all waves." (Source: ABS-CBNnews.com, September 9, 2012)

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Kenya nationals join Siargao Adventure Race on October 19-21

Photo by: Dennis Ohashi

Santa Monica, Siargao Island  --- Kenya nationals together with last year's champion,  Kenneth Taylor and Stewart Lagura, confirmed to join in the  2nd Siargao Adventure Race, which will be held in the Municipality of Santa Monica from October 19 to 21, 2012.  Both teams are aiming to grab the total prizemoney of Php100,000. Adventure racers all over the globe are invited to join the race.  

This was through the initiative of Congressman Francisco Matugas, Governor Sol Matugas, Mayor Rosalinda  Penera and the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF). The organizers are now preparing for this adventure race.  SAVE THE DATE AND REGISTER NOW! (email us: zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph).

2012 Inaugural Event Champion:  
Kenneth Taylor and Stewart Lagurra from the Province of Bukidnon. (Photo by: Zeny Pallugna) 

EVENT DETAILS:

2nd Siargao Adventure Race 2012:  
"The First Philippine Bike-Orienteering Race"
Event Date:   October 19-21, 2012
Location:  Santa Monica, Siargao Island, Philippines

Distance:  40km / 8 hours
Total Prizemoney:  Php100,000

The Race:  

Siargao Adventure Race will take place in Santa Monica, a rural fishing town located north of Siargao Island that has a five kilometer stretch of white sand beach, waterfalls, hidden coves, caves, islets with beautiful coral reef teeming with fishes, and vast mangrove forest. This sporting event is more than a race, it is a real adventure since the competitors will be taken to these less travelled tourist spots in Santa Monica such as Alegria White Sand Beach and Taktak falls.

The race, scheduled on the 20th of October, will be a strenuous one-day event involving various disciplines such as off-road running, trekking, mountain biking and orienteering; and covering 40-kilometers of the most spectacular scenery and rugged terrain the island has to offer which needs to be completed in eight (8) hours. The terrain is about 30 percent single tract trails and the rest are gravel and dirt roads. Mountain bikes are required for the two-man teams. The race is a navigation race which means an ample amount of compass and map reading skills are needed. It is going to be a single category only. The Teams have to navigate on bikes all throughout the race althought, many parts of th trail cannot be biked, they have to carry their bikes on their backs. There is no swim leg anymore. This is the first "Philippine Bike-Orienteering Race." 

Other Activities:

Aside from the race, both visitors and participants can join in the mangrove planting at Santa Monica Mangrove Park, Budol-Budol Fight, Sapao-Sapao Festival, Discovery Santa Monica Tour, and San Miguel Corporation’s nightly entertainment at Santa Monica Boulevard.

Organizers: 

Municipality of Santa Monica, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and Philippine Surfing Federation

In-cooperation with: House of Representatives for the First District of Surigao del Norte and Department of Tourism

Sponsors:

San Miguel Corporation, Nature Spring and Coca-Cola Bottlers Company 

Congressman Francisco T. Matugas, First District of Surigao del Norte

Governor Sol F. Matugas, Province of Surigao del Norte

Mayor Rosalinda A. Penera, Municipality of Santa Monica

Entry Fee:   

PHP 1,500 for a Team of 2 persons

Inclusive of food, event jersey, event shirt, and transfers within the island.

Register Now:

Get Registration Form through Philippine Surfing Federation

Email: zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph / travelwithzen@gmail.com
Mobile No. +63929-6721508

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Siargao hosts int'l surfing cup from September 23-29

The 2011 defending champion from Tahiti, Enrique Ariitu. (Photo by: Loanne Guardo Huelma)  

General Luna, Siargao Island ---    The 18^th Siargao International Surfing Cup presented by the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF) will kick off on September 23, Sunday, at the world’s top eight surfing spot, Cloud Nine.  Congressman Guillermo Romarate, Jr. of the second district of Surigao del Norte and Vice-Governor Egay confirmed to grace the ceremonial breaking of the surfboard to pay homage to the gods of the ocean and officially open this year’s surfing festival in the Municipality of General Luna in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. 

A professional surfer from Tahiti, Enrique Ariitu, will be up against the foreign surfers and the Philippines’ top sixteen surfers to defend his last year’s title. The local talents will be naturally enjoying the advantage of carrying local knowledge of the waves along with the support of the local crowd.  Edito “Piso” Alcala, a local surfer from Siargao Island, will also be utilizing his experience at the break to his advantage to grab this year’s championship crown. In 2011, Alcala was defeated by Ariitu on a one-on-one 30-minute heat at Cloud Nine.       

The Philippines’ top sixteen surfers, who were selected during last May 2012’s Siargao national competition, will also be competing with the surfers from Australia, Indonesia and Japan. They are all vying for a total prize-money of US$10,000.

This international surfing event is the Philippines’ longest-running surfing competition making the country popular among the world’s sought after surf destinations.   It will be made possible through the efforts of the Municipality of General Luna, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and House of Representatives for the First District of Surigao del Norte. 

The event, which lasts through Saturday (September 29), will also feature Siargao National Women’s Beach Volleyball Open (September 24-27),  live musical performances each night from local and regional favorites, Laro Ng Lahi or Philippine Indigenous games, and San Miguel Corporations Fashion Show (September 29).  These special events will be held at Paseo de Cabutog. Everyone is enjoined to witness this surfing competition and explore the natural attractions of Siargao Island.    

This The 18^th Siargao International Surfing Cup presented by the PSF is made possible through the support of Surigao del Norte’s working couple, Congressman Francisco Matugas and Governor Sol Matugas; Mayor Jaime P. Rusillon of General Luna; the Municipality of General Luna, the Philippine Department of Tourism, San Miguel Corporation, Cloud Nine Boardriders, Fluid Surf, Coca-Cola Bottler’s Company, and My Life On Board.   For more information, you may send email to zenpallugna@yahoo.com or call PSF, through its Secretary General Zeny Pallugna, at +639296721508

Entry Fee:  Php2,000 or US$50 per surfer
Total Prizemoney: US$10,000  

Categories:         Men's Open  

Special Events

SIARGAO NATIONAL WOMEN'S BEACH VOLLEYBALL OPEN
Event Date:  September 24-27, 2012
Event Venue: Paseo de Cabuntog (Boulevard), General Luna, Siargao Island
Entry Fee:  Php500 per team

SMB Live Band - September 23 to 28, 2012
SMB Bikini Open - September 29, 2012

PINOY GAMES OR LARO NG LAHI -  September 24 to 28, 2012

Interested participants can register through the Philippine Surfing Federation at 
zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or text us at +63 9296721508
(Don Pallugna, Event Coordinator).

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Siargao's 18th International Surfing Cup is finally set from September 23 to 29

The world's top eight surfing destination, Cloud 9, will once again host its annual international event from September 23 to 29.  The Municipality of General Luna and the Philippine Surfing Federation invite all foreign and Filipino surfers to join this year's PSF 18th Siargao International Surfing Cup. 

Entry Fee:  US$20 or Php2,000 per surfer
Total Prizemoney:  US$10,000  

Shortboard Category:   Men's Open

This event is also brought to you by the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Governor Sol Matugas, Congressman Francisco Matugas, Municipality of General Luna and Philippine Surfing Federation in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism,  San Miguel Corporation, Cloud Nine Boardriders-The Philippine Pipeline, Fluid Surf, and My Life on Board. 

Special Event:

Siargao National Women's Beach Volleyball Open
September 24-28, 2012
Entry Fee: Php500 per team

Interested participants can register through the Philippine Surfing Federation at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or text us at +63 9296721508.

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Surigao del Sur hosts Lanuza Surfing Festival 2012

The Municipality of Lanuza and the Philippine Surfing Federation invite all foreign and Filipino surfers to join this year's Lanuza Surfing Festival, which will be held from November 12 to 17 in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.

Entry Fee:  Php500/surfer
Total Prizemoney: Php300,000 or US$6,500  

Categories:

1. Short Board:

Men's Open: 18 years old and above

Junior Division: 15 to 21 years old

Women's Open

2. Longboard

Men's Open: 18 years old and above


Women's Open


Interested participants can register through the Philippine Surfing Federation at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or text us at +63 9296721508.


This year's surfing festival is also brought to you by the Department of Tourism, Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Sur's Congressman Philip Pichay, Sr. and San Miguel Corporation.

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A dozen reasons to be in Del Carmen for the Bakhaw Festival 2012

1. July 16: 377 Fiesta Celebration 

2. July 17: Thanksgiving Mass and Fluvial Parade

3. July 16: Bakhaw Festival 2012 Dance Competition

4. July 15: Championships - Bakhaw Festival Open Basketball and 1st Siargao InterHS Sepak Takraw Competition

5. July 15: Del Carmen Singing Idol

6. July 14: 1st Del Carmen Health Summit and Bakhaw Food Festival

7. July 14: GSK / DZRH / PHAP Medical Mission 

8. July 14: Opening Parade and Blessing of various Buildings and Roads

9. July 13-16: Visit of Ms Earth to Del Carmen

10. July 5-17: Visit of New York University to Del Carmen

11. July 11-17: Nightly Parties at Tourism Square

12. July 7-17: A time to visit friends and families

Article Source: Municipality of Del Carmen

Photo Source: Municipality of Del Carmen

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Siargao 18th International Surfing Cup

Siargao 18th International Surfing Cup

Date: September 23-27, 2012

Venue: Cloud 9, Gen. Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines 

The 18th Siargao International Surfing Cup is set on September 23 to 27, 2012 with a total prize money of US$10,000. 

This is a men's open event for both junior and open divisions. 

The entry fee is U$20.

For more information, email Zeny at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph


Source: Siargao Tourism 

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Miss EARTH International 2011 will be joining Bakhaw Festival 2012

Miss EARTH International 2011 will be joining Bakhaw Festival 2012 to celebrate the benefits we have been getting from the Mangrove Forest of Del Carmen. We are very grateful to USAID-CENERGY with Ms Diwata Paredes supporting the initiative. Ms Earth winners will be doing reading sessions with children, joining the Bakhaw Food Festival and Health Summit, and other festival activities. Del Carmen now attracting even the most beautiful ladies to help us protect our environment. Let us do also our part for our own future. Mabuhay ang Bakhaw! Mabuhay ang Del Carmen!

This is the proposed rehabilitation program for the Coral Reefs of Del Carmen. We are working with the provincial government and possible donors for the said activity. On top of this, we have to also remove the crown of thorns that are now inhabiting the waters of Del Carmen and eating the corals. We hope to launch the Coral Reef Program soon. Let us all work together in ensuring our seas and corals are healthy for a sustainable food supply to our communities.

source: www.wowsurigao.com

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Siargao's woman surfer crowned Quiksilver Open West Java champ

Siargao's local surfer, Nilvie Blancada (yellow jersey) show-off her prize money of Rp.2.5 million and trophy during the awarding rites of the  Quiksilver Open West Java - Women's Division (Photo Courtesy: Rico R.). 

June 19, 2012 --- A local girl from the world’s famous Cloud Nine break in Siargao Island (Philippines), Nilvie Blancada, has taken first place in the Quiksilver Open West Java’s Women’s Division, at Cimaja Beach in Indonesia, defeating Australia (Aysia Doig), Taiwan (Jessie Hong) and Indonesia (Iis Trisnawati) surfers last June 17, 2012.

Blancada, who was recently crowned in the Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup, charged the Cimaja waves, big or small, without a hint of hesitation, clearly dominating each heat in the finals. “I’m so happy to win, and happy to be here in Indonesia to surf. It’s the first time I’ve been out of the Philippines so it’s a little different for me, but it’s nice to be here and meet new people, and surf Indonesia waves,” she said.

Nilvie Blancada poses with La Union's Luke Landrigan, who  got second place in the
 Longboard  Division of  Quiksilver Open West Java.

Meanwhile, in the Longboard Division final it was another repeat win for Java’s Arip “Mencos” Hidayat, whose mastery of the longboard is almost legendary. He quickly combo’d the rest of the field by racking up high scores of 9.25 and 8.75, with the Philippines Luke Landrigan giving chase but settling for second spot. Arip is also the reigning 2011 Coca-Cola ISC Longboard Champion.

The Quiksilver Open West Java was blessed with near perfect weather and surfing conditions during the four days of competition, with 3-4 foot waves consistently rolling in and making for an easy job for Contest Director Tipi Jabrik, who is also Quiksilver Indonesia’s Sports Marketing Manager and the Coca-Cola ISC’s President.

The 6-star professional surfing competition with total prize money of almost Rp 70,000,000 (USD 7,500) took place from June 14-17, 2012. It attracted South East Asia’s top pro surfers in search of great waves, big prize money, and valuable championship points for both the Coca-Cola Indonesian Surfing Championship and the Asian Surfing Championship tours. The four-day event include Pro, Masters, Women’s  and Longboard divisions.

Quiksilver Open West Java Competition Results:

Open Division

1. Lee Wilson (Bali)
2. Mustofa Jeksen (Bali)
Equal 3rd: Pepen Hendrik (Bali) and Putra Hermawan (Bali)

Women’s Division

1. Nilbie (Nilvie) Blancada (Philippines)2. Aysia Doig (Australia)
3. Jessie Hong (Taiwan)
4. Iis Trisnawati (Java)

Longboard Division

1.    Arif "Mencos) Hidayat (Java)

2.    Luke Landrigan (Philippines)

3.    Teiki Balian (France)

4.    Gilang (Java)

Masters Division

1. Sujari (Java)
2. Ketut Juliarta (Bali)
3. Made Lapur (Bali)
4. Edin (Java)

The Quiksilver Open West Java was sanctioned by the Coca-Cola Indonesian Surfing Championships and the Asian Surfing Championships.

Check out Quiksilver Open West Java 2012 on-line at www.isctour.com/events/quikwestjava and on Facebook at both ISC and Quiksilver Indonesia for all the heat scores and results during each day’s competition.

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Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley Live Viewing @ Del Carmen

Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley on live uninterrupted free public viewing at the Del Carmen Municipal Gym on June 10, 2012 from 9am. We are grateful to our sponsors for making this first time event realized: Cygnal Satellites, Atty. Ted Mosquito and Mrs. Judy M. Cubillan. Through the effort of Del Carmen Municipal Mayor JR Coro. Come on and bring your family to enjoy this day with the community. Mabuhay si Manny Pacquiao! 

Mabuhay ang Del Carmen!

Source: Municipality of Del Carmen

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