Manila Surfers score epic waves at Stoked Inc/Kahuna Resort Surf Cup

(Press Release - Mia Sebastian/Joncy Sumulong)

Photo of JP Sarmiento by Tim Hain and of Costume Comp by Tons Gozun

March 5

San Juan, La Union

Philippines

Manila surfers scored sweet 3-4 foot peeling pointbreak swells at the Stoked Inc & Kahuna Resort & Spa’s Manila Surfers Cup in La Union.  Now on its 6^th year, the Manila Surfers Association together with Stoked Inc (the Philippines’ pioneer action sports retailer) and La Union’s first premium resort, the Kahuna Resort and Spa, brought together the Philippine capital’s finest weekend warriors in  a Saturday and Sunday of surf, sun, and beach partying at the  idyllic beach-side town of San Juan. With an amusement park selection of beach breaks and friendly point breaks, La Union (250 kilometres north of Manila) has emerged as the epicenter of surfing for Manila’s rapidly-growing contingent of surf enthusiasts.

Hundreds of spectators along the beach cheered on, as the 2-day event saw intermediate and beginner surfers take to the waves in both longboard and shortboard divisions. Philippine surfing’s acknowledged golden girl Nikki Dela Paz  emerged champion in the women’s shortboard division displaying a fine selection of smooth rail-to-rail riding and cutbacks on consistent head-high sets. Young college girl Carla Sebastian was the surprise winner in the women’s longboard event bravely taking off on overhead dumpers in a roaring final heat.

In the men’s competition, JP Sarmiento continued his dominance of the men’s shortboard division as his impressive combination of floaters and backside hacks earned him the champs trophy for the second year running. Fil-Hawaiian and North Shore surfer Chris Watkins, in a just-for-fun moment, joined the longboard division only to win it, as the judges from The La Union Surf Club were awed by his migration of aggressive shortboard manoeuvres into longboarding. Longtime Manila surfer and 3rd-placer, Philip Santiago also wowed many as he threw spray and carved roundhouse cutbacks, showing off some respectable new-school longboarding skills.

For the beginner’s division, Paraiso Bautista was all smiles as he accepted this year’s novice trophy. But the crowd reserved its biggest cheers for British School Manila's 6-year old grommet Paco Borromeo, who surfed his heart out in the finals garnering a commendable 3^rd runner-up finish.

“We’re super-stoked for the epic surf all weekend,” says event director Mia Sebastian. “This year unquestionably delivered the best waves ever in this competition’s 6 year history. The Manila surfers really stepped-up their game, and it was great to see some new names come out with solid finishes.”

JV Borromeo, Managing Director of the Philippines’ pioneer action sports retailer, Stoked Inc., was also impressed with the surfing and the turnout, “We’re celebrating our 10^th year in the action sports business this year, so I can still recall when La Union was a quiet sleepy beach back in the day,” says JV. “Today, it’s terrific seeing how far its come and in positive ways. Surfing’s really helped the community’s economy what with all the surf cafes, surf resorts, surf schools, and restaurants all-around. Add to that Green Zinc, a local environmental initiative, which is composed of this beach’s surfers who take it upon themselves to keep the shoreline clean. In our decade of working alongside everyone here, Stoked Inc. is honoured to be part of this wonderful community.”

The popular costume competition, basically a Halloween-party with surfing thrown in, drew perplexed looks, unrestrained giggles, and outright laughs in the beach. Fruits in Ice Cream promised a year’s supply of their product for the winner. It was no surprise this year’s costume competition drew the most participants and the most ridiculous outfits. Good vibes rolled as much as the surf all around the beach.

With the swells ablazing and the competitors charging, there were definitely some nail-biting heats and triumphant finishes.  The crowd cheered as favourites and newcomers alike dug deep into their repertoire of manoeuvers.  While it can't be said that the waves were forgiving, they definitely rewarded those that dared challenge their capricious faces and punishing curls. Above all that, the surfing was awesome, the beach party was magnificent, people sang and danced, laughs were shared by many, and all was grand as usual in La Union.

The Manila Surfers Association thanks all who helped along the way: Stoked Inc., Kahuna Resort & Spa, Fruits in Ice Cream, The La Union Surf Club, Fox Clothing, Winternitz Insurance, Armada Sunblock by VMV Hypoallergenics, Vibram Footwear, Juice.ph, Total Fitness and OneSport Magazines, GoPro HD Cam, lokalsoul.com, Brown Belly Beachwear, Brownman Outfitters, Little Surfmaid Resort, San Juan Surf Resort, Hacienda Peters, Lola Nanny Surfers Retreat, and Kapuluan Vista Resort

-- Joncy Sumulong , Mia Sebastian

Winners and Finalists per Division

Men's Shortboard Division

Winner: JP Sarmiento
1st Runner-up: Buji Libarnes
2nd Runner-up: Bjorn Pabon
3th Runner-up E.J Ventura

Women's Shortboard Division

Winner: Nikki Dela Paz
1st Runner-up: Lalai Lopez
2nd Runner-up: Lorraine Lapus
3rd Runner-up: Tin Terrible

Men's Longboard Division

Winner: Chris Watkins
1st Runner-up: Buji Libarnes
2nd Runner-up: Philip Santiago
3rd Runner-up: Turtle Medel

Women's Longboard Division

Winner: Carla Sebastian
1st Runner-up: Lorraine Lapus
2nd Runner-up: Nikki Dela Paz
3rd Runner-up: Nicola Sebastian

Beginner's Division

CHAMPION: Paraiso Bautista

1st Runner-up: Kevin Sawit

2nd Runner-up: Matatag Bautista

3rd Runner-up: Paco Borromeo