RP's surfing capital Siargao holds int'l tourney

It’s the time of the year again when locals and tourists find another reason to converge on the beach and watch some of the most awesome stunts executed by the world’s best surfers.

A total of 36 top surfers from 8 countries are competing in this year’s 16th Siargao International Surfing Cup in Siargao Island.

Fifteen surfers are from Japan, Sweden, France, Australia, New Zealand, China and Israel while the 21 others are Filipinos.

The Siargao International Surfing Cup, which is now on its 16th year, is the longest running surfing competition in the Philippines.

Philippine pride Edito “The Tuberider” Alcala, a native of General Luna who championed last year’s tournament, is set to defend his title.

Last week, Alcala won first place in the 12th National Surfing Cup and bagged P100,000.

Alcala’s friend and fellow General Luna native, Jerson Pagado, is in his second bid to top the tournament.

Regarded as one of Siargao’s top surfers, Pagado will attempt to get the glory of winning using a 6-foot board that a foreign surfer gave him.

“Ang surfing kasi pag ang board mo hindi saktong sukat sayo mahirapan ka paggawa ng tricks,” Pagado claimed.

Australian surfers are his tough opponents this year, he said.

Among world’s best surfing sites

Deputy Ambassador of Australia Andrew Byrne and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) Minister Counsellor Titon Mitra joined Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas in opening the event.

“We want to reaffirm our status as one of the world’s best surfing sites,” said Matugas.

A local band from Bukidnon played beat drums. This provided the event a parallel to the atmosphere of the Caribbean.

The tournament, which will end on September 30, offers a total pot prize of P300,000. (abs-cbnnews.com)

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