Welcome to Siargao Islands

Philippine Surfing Federation announces 2012 events

2012-05-26T07:07:00.012+08:00

Kenya nationals joined the inaugural event of Siargao Adventure Race in the municipality of Santa Monica last October 4-6, 2011. This was through the initiative of Congressman Francisco Matugas, Governor Sol Matugas and Mayor Dattie Penera in cooperation with the Philippine Surfing Federation or PSF. The local government and PSF are now preparing for the 2nd Siargao Adventure Race, which will be held from October 5 to 7, 2012 with a total prizemoney of Php100,000. Adventure racers all over the globe are invited to join the race.

SAVE THE DATE AND REGISTER NOW!

(email us: zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph)

Upcoming sporting events:

August (First Week): CLOUD 9 MASTER
             Venue: Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao Island

September 23-27: 19TH SIARGAO INT'L SURFING CUP
             Venue: Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao Island
             Total Prizemoney: US$10,000
             Entry Fee: US$2,000/participant

October 5 to 7:    2ND SIARGAO ADVENTURE RACE
             Venue: Santa Monica, Siargao Island
             Total Prizemoney: Php100,000
             Entry Fee: Php1000/Team (2 persons per team)

September 21-28: Billabong Pro Junior Asia (Deferred)
             Venue: Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao Island

Billabong Pro Junior Asia at Cloud 9 in General Luna

Siargao International Surfing Cup held on September 29 to October 3 at Cloud 9.

Billabong Pro Junior Asia (5 Star rated event) held on September 21-28, 2011

Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament held on April 27-30, 2012

Roxy Siargao International Women's Cup held on May 1-4, 2012

OTHER EVENTS ORGANIZED BY PSF:

November 12-17 : LANUZA SURFING FESTIVAL
               Venue: Lanuza, Surigao del Sur
               Total Prizemoney: US$10,000
               Shortboard and Longboard/Men and Women

December 6 to 9 (to be confirmed): Ilocos SurFING CROWN
               Venue: Kiddo's Point, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur

For more information, please email us at: zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph

Singaporean and Canadian anglers catch the biggest billfish in Siargao's 2012 Game Fishing tournament

2012-05-17T22:51:00.004+08:00

Pilar Mayor Lucio Gonzales poses with the tourism officers and winners
of the 5th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament.
(L-R) Filipino angler Mel Dilag, Siargao Tourism Coordinator Donna Tiu,
Tournament Organizer Zeny Pallugna, Tourism Director Letty Tan,
Mayor Lucio Gonzales, Russian angler Yuri Saminsky,
Tournament Director Atty. Gordon Uy, Spanish angler Morales,
Canadian angler Richard Sharpe and Hungarian angler Paul de Ruiter.
(L-R/Seated) American angler Noli Manas, Swedish angler Daniel Hogberg,
Singaporian angler Roger Sarmiento and Filipino angler Robert Salahug.
(Photo by: Jay Directo)

General Luna, Siargao Island --- Anglers from Singapore and Canada, Roger Sarmiento and Richard Sharpe (respectively), caught the biggest billfish for both main and open categories in the recently concluded 5th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament that was held in the Municipality of Pilar in Siargao Island.

During the three-day tournament (April 27 to 30, 2012), Richard Sharpe caught a 45.5 kg billfish (open boat category) while Roger Sarmiento got 31.50kg billfish (main category).

Noli Manas, an American angler who was determined to catch a Dorado fish (14.20 kg), garnered the first place in the Biggest Dorado category.

Photo by: Jay Directo

Of the fourty-six anglers from Japan, United States of America, Singapore, Sweden, Hungary, Philippines, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain and Russia who joined in the tournament, ten of them won in the following categories and they received trophies and total cash prizes of P350,000 or approximately US$8,000.

Biggest Billfish Category

a. Main Category:
    First Placer      -   Roger Sarmiento (Singapore) - 31.50 kg
    Second Placer -   Daniel Hogberg (Sweden) - 26.55 kg
    Third Placer    -   Yuri Saminsky (Russia)   - 25.8kg

b. Open Boat Category: Dave Sharpe (Canada) - 45.5 kg

Biggest Wahoo/Tanguige

a. Main Category:
    First Placer     - Yuri Saminsky (Russia) - 9.95 kg
    Second Placer - Paul de Ruiter (Hungary) - 5.5 kg

b. Open Boat Category: Mike Kennedy (United States of America) - 5.20 kg

Biggest Dorado: Noli Manas (United States of America) - 14.20 kg

Biggest Total Catch per Boat

a. Main Category: Noli Manas (United States of America) - 14.20 kg

b. Open Boat Category:
    First Placer     - Carlos Morales (Spain) - 55.90 kg
    Second Placer - Mike Kennedy (United States of America) - 49.10 kg

Biggest Others Individual Catch for Main and Open Boat Categories

First Placer       - Robert Salahug (Philippines) - 9.9 kg
Second Placer   - Mel Dilag (Philippines) - 5.5 kg

Liplipan Cooking Contest and Food Demo with Chef Eric Rusillon and resident Chef of Kawili Resorts, Pinoy Games or Laro ng Lahi, Bikini Fashion Show and nightly live band with San Miguel Corporation were also held to make the event more festive and encourage local community involvement.

This event was brought to you by the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Office of the Congressman for the First District of Surigao del Norte, Municipality of Pilar and Philippine Surfing Federation in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, San Miguel Corporation, Team Nonino and Nature Spring.

For more information, email us at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or visit our website at http://www.siargaogamefishing.com/.

Philippines' surfer Roxy Siargao Int’l Surfing Cup title

2012-05-04T03:51:00.002+08:00

A local surfer from Siargao Island Nilve Blanca grabbed the Roxy Siargao International Surfing Cup
title held at Cloud 9 on Siargao Island from May 1 to 4, 2012.

General Luna, Siargao Island (May 3, 2012) --- A professional 19-year old local surfer from Siargao Island, Nilve Blanca, took out the crown of the inaugural Asian Surfing Championship event held in the Philippines and the first event to receive the top Ultima rating for its Php300,000 (approximately US$7,000) prize purse in the only all women surfing cup in Asia, dubbed as Roxy Siargao International Surfing Cup.

A surf photographer/writer, Tim Hain, quoted that "Blancada has only been surfing for four years and was an obvious standout throughout the entire competition, during the final patiently waiting out the back for the best-shaped waves and then putting together great combinations of maneuvers. Wooldridge was also impressive on her backhand, throwing up big turns and going deep trying to score a barrel ride, but failed to find the wave that would allow her the high score with to overtake Blancada."

“I’m so happy, so really happy” gushed the excited Blancada back in the tower surrounded by her admiring friends and spectators. “I was so nervous out there, as I’ve never really surfed with just one other surfer in the water. But it was good because I knew I just had to find the good waves. So that’s what I tried to do.”

When asked what she was going to do with her winnings, she replied, “I’m going to buy a motorbike! Then I’m going to share the other money with my family.” Blancada comes from a family with 10 children, and says she learned to surf from her sister Nildie and brother Nickie.

Kim Wooldridge was smiling and happy as well, saying, “This was so much fun, much different that when I was competing on the world tour. Back then when I would put on the contest jersey I would feel the pressure and have to force myself to try and relax. Here it was so different, I was able to just go out there and have fun. I’m so happy for Nilbie, she has a great style and was ripping out there, and for her to win here is awesome!”

The finalists competing for the championship in today’s final leg (May 3) include contestants from Germany, the United States, Switzerland, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, England, and the Philippines. Manet Alcala of Siargao Island got equal third with Roxy's top rider Philippa Anderson of Australia.

Meanwhile, the local government here prepared a big and momentous closing ceremony on May 9, 2012 – intended to honor and entertain the participating women surfers from the various parts of the world, including foreign and local tourists. Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority General Manager Mark Lapid and actor Philip Salvador are expected to grace the occasion.

A cultural show and sumptuous dinner are also prepared by the local government here for the participants and visitors.

The Roxy Siargao International Surfing Cup is the biggest surfing event in the Philippines that is held here every year and the only all-women surfing competition in Asia, local officials said.

While the women’s surfing competition concluded today, the three-day 2012 Women’s Beach Volleyball Open will immediately start, while the 14th National Surfing Cup will take place from May 5 to 9, here at the “Cloud 9,” said General Luna Mayor Jaime Plaza Rusillon.

Various events are also sponsored by Surigao del Norte Representatives Francisco “Lalo” T. Matugas and Guillermo “Jun” A. Romarate Jr., and Governor Sol F. Matugas. The highlight of this year’s summer event in Siargao Island is the all-Filipino celebrity exhibition games to be held in the town of Dapa on the eve of May 9. Philip Salvador, Joko Diaz, Onyok Velasco, Carlos Morales, Marco Alcaraz, Emilio Garcia, Joseph Bitangcol, EJ Fiehl and Bong Hawkins are the featured celebrities.

The Roxy Siargao International Surfing Cup is presented by the Philippine Surfing Federation and the Municipality of General Luna, held from May 1 to 4, 2012, was in partnership with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, House of the Representatives for the First District of Surigao del Norte, Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastruction and Enterprise Zone Authority, and Asian Surfing Championship. Other sponsors include San Miguel Corporations and Smart Communications, Primer Group of Companies, Rockstar Energy Drink, Nature Spring, Philex Mining Corporation and Thirty Six-O Media.

Roxy Siargao International Surfing Cup Results:

Champion: Nilve Blancada (Philippines) $2,500 USD (PHP 120,000)
1st Runner-up: Kim Wooldridge (Australia) $1,500 USD (PHP 60,000)
Equal 3rd:

3. Manette Alcala (Philippines) $750 USD (PHP 30,000)
3. Philippa Anderson (Australia) $750 USD (PHP 30,000)

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

Ceremonial Breaking of the Surfboard

2012-05-04T03:39:00.005+08:00

Ceremonial Breaking of the Surfboard: (L-R) Department of Tourism Director Letty Tan,
Surigao del Norte Vice Governor Carlos Egay, Roxy's Marketing Manager for SEA Holly Monkman
and General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon.

1 May 2012, Siargao Island - Philippines: The Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup at world-class Cloud 9 on Siargao Island got started today in excellent 3-4 foot surf, after it was officially opened by Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Department of Tourism Director Letty Tan, Roxy's Marketing Manager for Southeast Asia (SEA) Holly Monkman and Municipal Mayor of General Luna Jamie Rusillon, known affectionately as the Father of Philippine Surfing.

An avid and long-time supporter of surfing, Mayor Rusillon entertained the crowd with a passionate yet humorous speech, welcoming the women contestants and assuring them that Siargao Island had the most handsome men in the Philippines, so he hoped they would all find their perfect mates here. He continued by referring to the poet Rudyard Kipling and his phase “East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet,” and how it was certainly not the case as East has often met West with excellent results as evidenced by the many happy Western/Filipino couples on the Island. All due to the sport of surfing and its influence on Siargao Island!

His speech was followed by a speech by Roxy’s Marketing Executive for SEA Holly Monkman, who expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the event, saying “Getting here was a bit of a challenge, but from the moment I arrived I fell in love with this place. It’s so beautiful with such great waves and people that I’m so delighted to be part of this event. I want to say a special thanks to Dino and Chinky at the Primer Group for coming in to help sponsor the event for Roxy, and to Tim and Michaela at the ASC for putting us onto this great opportunity.”

Speeches by Department of Tourism Director Letty Tan and Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay followed, both very pleased to be supporting the event and pledging their assurances that they would continue to support the event in the future, which drew a big round of applause. Dances by local groups followed, and then the event was officially opened by the traditional breaking of a surfboard by Vice Governor Egay, Director Tan, Mayor Rusillon, and Holly Monkman.

The 21 women surfers from Australia, England, Germany, Indonesia, Thailand, Switzerland, and the USA all took to the water today with Round 1 and a Repechage Round of two heats completed in solid 3-4 foot surf.

Occasional bomb sets sent some of the less experienced girls scurrying for the channel and picking off the smaller inside waves, but all the girls had a great experience and even those that lost their heats had another chance to advance with the repechage round.

Standouts included Yasnyiar “Bonne” Gea from Nias in Indonesia winning the first heat of the day, local Nilbie Blancada tearing into the biggest sets of the day for her heat win, Australia’s Philippa Anderson dominating her heat, and mother of two Nildie Blancada-Rietenbach getting the win in arguably the toughest heat of the day against fellow Cloud 9 local Manette Alcala, Daisy Valdez from La Union, and 16 year old Angeline Alipayo from Siargao.

Tomorrow the competition is scheduled to resume at approximately 10 am with Round 3, and conditions are expected to be slightly smaller with variable winds, so look forward to another exciting day of surfing from one of the world’s best surfing spots.

This historic event has the distinction of being both the first-ever Asian Surfing Championship event to be held in the Philippines and the first to receive the top Ultima rating for its PHP 300,000 (approximately $7,000 USD) prize purse in Women’s Division competition.

The Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup is supported by the Philippine Department of Tourism, the House of Representatives, the Province of Surigao Del Norte, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and the Municipality of General Luna, organized by the Philippine Surfing Federation, and with sponsorship from the Primer Group of Companies, Rockstar Energy Drink the San Miguel Corporation, and media support by Thirty Six-O Media.

For more information about this competition, please contact:

Philippine Surfing Federation

Zeny Pallugna – Secretary General

Phone: +639296721508

Email: zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph

Asian Surfing Championships

Michaela Partin – Tour Manager

Phone: +6281805584486

Email: marketing@isctour.com

(This article was written by TIm Hain)

The 21 competitors of the Roxy Siargao International Surfing Cup held from May 1 to 4, 2012
at Cloud 9 on Siargao Island. (Photo by: Tim Hain)

Dayday Arjente of Siargao Island (Photo by: Tim Hain)

Roxy's number one rider Philippa Anderson poses with the other competitors of the
Roxy Siargao International Surfing Cup (Photo by: Tim Hain)

Cloud 9 (Photo by: Tim Hain)

Nildie Blancada of Siargao Island (Photo by: Tim Hain)

Siargao readies for the 14th Siargao National Surfing Cup

2012-04-25T23:45:00.003+08:00

General Luna, Siargao Island - The Philippine Surfing Federation and the Municipality of General Luna in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and the House of Representatives for the first district of Surigao del Norte are inviting all Filipino surfers to join this year's 14th Siargao International Surfing Cup from May 5 to 9 at the world-renowned surf break, Cloud 9.

This five-day event, which will be held just right after the Roxy Siargao International Surfing Cup, is a pre-qualifying rounds for all-Filipino surfers who will be chosen to officially represent the Philippines for the 18^th Siargao International Surfing Cup in September. Philippines’ top 12 surfers will be chosen from among the surfers of Baler, Aurora, Camarines, Samar, La Union, General Luna, Lanuza and other parts of the country to compete for the forthcoming all-men surfing event at Cloud 9 from September 21 to 28, 2012. A total of two hundred thousand pesos (Php200,000) is up for grabs by the Filipino surfers for both open and junior (ages 20 and below) divisions with an entry fee of Php200 per participant.

This event is brought to you by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), San Miguel Corporation, Nature Spring and Rockstar Energy drink.

The awarding ceremony will be highlighted by a bikini open in General Luna and a celebrity basketball exhibition in Dapa on the 9th of May.

Everyone is enjoyed to participate and witness this spectacular island summer events.

For registration, please email us at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph.

See you all in Siargao!

Philippines hosts Roxy Siargao Int’l Surfing Cup from May 1 to 4

2012-04-21T16:03:00.002+08:00

General Luna, Siargao Island – The world’s top eight surfing destination, Cloud 9 on Siargao Island, will host the Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup from May 1 to 4.

This historic event will have the distinction of being both the first-ever Asian Surfing Championship event to be held in the Philippines and the first to receive the top Ultima rating for its PHP 300,000 (approximately $7,000 USD) prize purse in Women’s Division competition.

The top women surfers from Asian countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, and Japan as well as from Australia and of course a strong contingent from the Philippines will soon be chasing down the $2,500 USD first place prize money, ASC championship points, and the prestige that comes with winning such a premier event at the world class surfing destination of Cloud 9. Signed up to compete in the event is Roxy’s own Philippa Anderson from Australia.

Anderson has surfed and competed at Cloud 9 before, winning the contest in 2009, and when she heard about the event happening again this year she was instantly keen. “I’ve been surfing and training in Bali for the past week to get away from the early Australian winter back home,” she said, “So when Holly (Monkman) told me about the event and asked if I wanted to come I said yes straight away, as surfing there has always been one of my best memories. I’m really excited to see all the girls surf and to be part of the event again this year…I can’t wait!

Australian surfer Philippa Anderson.

Quiksilver-Roxy Marketing Executive for SEA Holly Monkman is delighted with the opportunity to both participate and attend the event, saying “We’re really excited to have Roxy be a part of this event as we know the beach culture in the Philippines is a huge part of everyone’s lifestyle here. Seeing a women’s event at such a prime surfing location is also not only a great opportunity for the surfers but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to showcase the ASC women’s tour to the surfing world. I’d love to see more professional women’s events at waves like Cloud 9, so we are really proud to be a part of this year’s event and to help the growth of women’s surfing in the Philippines.”

The Philippine Surfing Federation is equally excited to gain such great support for the competition and the sport of surfing in the Philippines, according to Secretary General Zeny Pallugna. “This is the 5^th time we are holding the competition, but in the past two years it didn’t happen due to budget constraints and a change in the local leadership. Thanks to Mayor Jaime Rusillon, Governor Sol Matugas and Congressman Francisco Matugas of Surigao del Norte who revived it this year. This is indeed a major breakthrough in the surfing industry in the Philippines as this is the first-ever ASC sanctioned Ultima event held in the Philippines and we are happy to have Roxy and Primer Group of Companies came in as our sponsors,” she explained.

“The Primer Group of Companies as the distributor of Roxy is proud to announce Roxy as the presenting sponsor of this year’s Siargao Women’s International Surfing Cup, Quiksilver/Roxy/DC Brand Manager Dino Gilladoga added. He further said that “we are excited to be part of this huge event in Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines, as this signals the beginning of Roxy’s aggressive plan for supporting and growing the women’s surfing scene here in the Philippines. Events like these are truly the venue for local talent development, where our local girls get to compete side by side with international surfers, which will be very valuable for their growth. Hopefully one day we will have athletes surfing at the standard of Sally Fitzgibbons and Stephanie Gilmore.”

Organized by the Philippine Surfing Federation and the Municipality of General Luna, the Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup is supported by the House of Representatives, Province of Surigao Del Norte, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Philippine Department of Tourism, Smart Communications, Primer Group of Companies, Rockstar Energy Drink, Nature Spring, Sagana Resort. San Miguel Corporation and Thirty Six-O Media.

The Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup will take place over a 4-day period at Cloud 9 on Siargao Island, arguably the most well-known surf destination in the Philippines, known for its perfectly barreling right hand wave that has captured the hearts and minds of the surfing world. Great waves, white sand beaches, clear blue water, tall palm trees and the laid back island life has made Siargao Island one of most popular surf destinations for traveling surfers, and with a the variety of accommodations and restaurants fronting the Cloud 9 break it makes for an incredible venue for an international surfing competition.

Other highlights of this summer event include the national Siargao Women’s Beach Volleyball Open (May 3-6), 14^th Siargao National Surfing Cup (Men’s Division / May 5-9), nightly entertainment with San Miguel Corporation, Bikini Fashion Show and all Celebrity Basketball exhibition games (May 9) which will be held from May 1 to 9 in Siargao Island.

For more information and to register for the competition, please contact the Secretary General of Philippine Surfing Federation Zeny Pallugna at +639296721508/ zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or Tour Manager of Asian Surfing Championships Michaela Partin at +6281805584486 / marketing@isctour.com. -xxx –

Cloud 9 fires up: The world's top eight surfing destination.

Summer means SURFING in Siargao Island

2012-03-26T07:07:00.006+08:00

Summer means SURFING as Siargao Island hosts this year's Siargao Girls International Summer Surfing Cup from May 1 to 4 and 14th Siargao National Surfing Cup from May 5 to 9.

Women surfers from all over Asia will converge at Cloud 9 surf break in General Luna as they vie for the Php300,000 or approximately US$7,000 total prize-money. This is a historical landmark in the progression of Philippine surfing as it is the first time that Asian Surfing Championship [ASC] tour included Philippines in a multi-country, multi-event professional surfing competition circuit. The ASC circuit will be held in five countries, namely: Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and now PHILIPPINES.

The ASC works with local, national and multinational event sponsors and organizers to maximize the results of the competitive surfing events towards accomplishing the goals of sharing the sport of surfing and bringing positive economic, social and environmental benefits to the people in these Asian countries.

Siargao Island is very fortunate to be chosen as venue of this ASC through the initiative of the Philippine Surfing Federation and General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon.

The ultimate goal of the ASC is to grow the sport of surfing in Asia from the grassroots level by assisting each country in creating organized and sanctioned events that will develop the skills of their surfers in healthy competition as well as to draw attention to their area for the progression of surfing locally, nationally, and throughout the Asian region.

As an ASC sanctioned event, it is expected to draw around forty surfers from Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia and Philippines.

The 14th Siargao National Surfing Cup, on the other hand, is the inaugural event for the Philippine Surfing Championship tour [Part 3]. the tournament will take off in Siargao and travels to Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte in August, Guiuan in Eastern Samar in October, Lanuza in November and Cabugao in December [final leg]. This is a joint effort of the surfing destinations in the country to promote surfing as a sport and at the same time increase tourist arrivals to these emerging destinations. The top 12 junior [ages 21 years old and below] and senior [21 years old and above] Filipino surfers will be selected and they will have the opportunity to represent the country in the international surfing competitions and get surf companies to sponsor them as riders. They will also represent the country for the Billabong Pro-Junior event and 18th Siargao International Surfing Cup in September this year.

Mayor Rusillon announced that during the women's event, the municipality will also be staging the General Luna Beach Volleyball Tournament from may 2-4. It will be held night and day at the beach area of Paseo de Cabuntog Boulevard. He said that this is the first time, this event is supported by the PSC or Philippine Sports Commission's Philippine Volleyball Association. According to him, PSC Commissioner Chito Loyzaga committed to send around teams for the tournament. this is another breakthrough to siargao as the 'beach volleyball destination' next to Boracay.

These events would not be possible without the full support of Surigao del Norte's working couple, Congressman Francisco "Lalo" Matugas and Governor Sol Matugas. These events have flourished over the years and brought several tourism benefits to the island. These tourism benefits include: 1) made Siargao as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines and top 8th world surfing destination, 2) made Siargao as the Fishing Mecca in the Philippines, 3) based on the tourism statistics, the jobs and income generated from spending by visitors was approximately P1.5 billion (tourist receipts) and created more than 34 thousand jobs in 2010, 4) enticed more foreign and local investors, and 4) improved the island's infrastructure facilities from accommodation, road networks, seaports to aiports. Tourism infrastructure-related projects include: Cloud Nine's wooden footbridge and tower, homestay program in Pilar, boat ramp in Pilar, Tourism Lounge and Cottages at Mangpopongko Beach, water system in Pilar, road network improvements, Sayak Airport expansion and the regular direct flight of Cebu Pacific from Cebu to Siargao four times a week.

These surfing events are brought to you by the Office of the Congressman of the First District of Surigao del Norte, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Local Government Unit of General Luna, Philippine Surfing Federation, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and the Philippine Department of Tourism.

For more details of this event, please email us at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or call/text at +639296721508 or visit www.travelwithzen.blogspot.com.

P802-M budget to make Siargao a prime tourist destination

2012-03-18T20:25:00.000+08:00

SAYAK AIRPORT, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 18 (PIA) -- Finally, the Eden-like island that is Siargao Island has been noticed, and big time at that. In an objective to make the “paradise island” of Siargao the country’s modern tourist destination, a proposed P802-million budget for 2013 was strongly endorsed on Friday.

Surigao del Norte Representative Francisco T. Matugas made the endorsement as he briefed Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas during the inauguration of the newly completed P25-million Sayak Airport terminal here.

Matugas said the proposed budget will make Siargao Island and other tourist destinations in the province more globally competitive.He said the proposed fund will be used to complete all road networks to the various tourism sites. “We hope this budget proposal will be given priority next year because we are really aiming high to make this part of Mindanao globally competitive,” stressed Matugas.

Currently, in prepping up Siargao for bigger things, more than P100 million worth of various infrastructure projects such as roads, municipal and barangay (village) ports, and other national government offices are undergoing construction on the island’s nine towns.

The provincial government is also preparing for a five-day global fishing competition slated from April 28 to May 1, this year in Pilar town.

In another development, the Region-9 office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-9) said that President Aquino is expected to lead the inauguration of the P342 million Sanga-Sanga – Lapid-Lapid steel bridge in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi early next month.

Bridge Project Engineer Jul-Arab Kong of the DPWH-9 said that by April of this year, the bridge will be made opened to the public.

DPWH-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) Secretary Emil K. Sadain pointed out that after decades at attempting to construct the bridge project, “it is only now that we are to realize it.” The steel bridge is expected to spur economic growth and boost the social transformation of Tawi-Tawi.

The bridge, one of the priority projects of the national government, will connect the capital town of Bongao to the municipalities of Panglima Sugala, Sapa-Sapa, Tandubas, and Lunguyan.

“Most people in this province are eagerly waiting for the completion of the bridge since it will reduce travel time to this (Bonago) town,” Sadain was told.

The project, which started in 2008, has five components – the upgrading of the 7.6-kilometer Sanga-Sanga Road, upgrading of the 8.45-kilometer Lapid-Lapid Road, construction of Sanga-Sanga Bridge, construction of the Lapid-Lapid Bridge, and the implementation of the Bakhaw Dakula Link Road. (NCLM/MUC/PIA-Caraga)

Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1701332034194

Del Carmen from 2G to 3G

2012-02-26T22:20:00.000+08:00

The strong partnership between SMART Communications and the Municipality of Del Carmen has resulted into the upgrading of the mobile technology in Del Carmen from 2G to 3G with Smart Canopy. This will increase the stability of the signal and access to internet connectivity benefiting the students, teachers, business community and government service delivery. New Service is targetted to start on February 29, 2012. Mabuhay ang Del Carmen! Mabuhay ang SMART!

Source: Municipality of Del Carmen

Government Assistance Benefits Island Towns

2012-02-26T13:34:00.001+08:00

26/02/2012 - DAPA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines – At least 16 organizations in various communities of the three towns on this “paradise island” received some P2.9 million assistance from the government’s Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program.

The cash assistance was received by the 16 organization-beneficiaries in the towns of Dapa, Del Carmen, and Pilar.

The SEA-K aid was personally handed over by the Caraga Livelihood Unit of the Region-13 office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-13) Thursday.

DSWD-13 Information Officer Leah T. Quintana said the 16 organizations are composed of some 325 members that benefited from the SEA-K – a national government effort to alleviate poverty.

Meanwhile, Roy Serdeña, of the DSWD-Caraga Livelihood Unit, also said that the beneficiaries will use the financial aid in venturing to other livelihood opportunities.

SEA-K aims to provide the poor and disadvantaged sector of society with timely access to credit and development opportunities.

This initiative was realized during the previous administration and is continuously implemented by the present administration.

In another development, to supply the demand, the City Agriculturist’s Office in Butuan City has dispersed hundreds of tilapia fingerlings to various fishpond operators and fisherfolk.

City Agriculturist Bert Boca said around 500 tilapia fingerlings had been distributed to fishpond operators and fisherfolk in line with the aquaculture project implemented by the city government.

He said the tilapia business is increasing in the city and its neighboring areas in the Caraga Region, prompting the city government to provide alternative livelihood opportunities.

It was learned that event the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is assisting the fisherfolk in Butuan City in an effort to increase their fish production.

The said activity will be continued this year, as it was observed that the conduct of the program was made successful.

According to BFAR, tilapia is the second most important fish that is cultured in the Philippines, next to milkfish.

In 2006, of the total fisheries production – some 4,408,472 metric tons, tilapia contributed 202,040.56 metric tons or 22 percent.

The continuous study on the development of tilapia species and the use of a number of various culture technologies contributed to this steady increase of the fish production in Northeastern Mindanao, BFAR added. (Manila Bulletin)

5th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament

2012-01-24T22:16:00.004+08:00

The municipality of Pilar in Siargao Island will once again host the first and biggest international game fishing tournament from April 26 to 30, 2012. The town is expecting more than eighty anglers from the different countries in the world such as Japan, Singapore, Russia, United States, Germany, Switzerland and China to join the tournament. For more information or details of this event, please email us at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or visit our website www.siargaogamefishing.com or www.travelwithzen.blogspot.com.

Siargao’s Cloud 9 ranks top 8 of the world’s 50 best surf spots

2012-01-23T06:01:00.003+08:00

Siargao Island's Cloud 9 surf break ranks top 8
in CNNGo's World's 50 Best Surf Spots.
(Photo by: Aye Navarro)

CNNGo, an ultimate travel website of CNN International (www.cnngo.com), recently featured Siargao Island’s Cloud 9 as top eight (8) of the world’s 50 best surf spots. As a Southeast Asian country, Philippines or Siargao Island in particular, ranked second to Indonesia’s Uluwatu and Kuta surf breaks as it shared top 3 spot.

World’s 10 Best Surf Spots (Source: CNNGo, 2012 )

Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, United States (The daddy of all waves)
Supertubes, Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Uluwatu and Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
Superbanks, Gold Coast, Australia
Mavericks, California, United States
Lima, Peru
Hossegor, France
Cloud Nine, Siargao Island, Philippines
Sultans, North Male, Maldives
Honolua Bay, Hawaii, United States

With this pronouncement of CNNGo, Siargao is once again creating a “buzz” among the surfers and surfing enthusiasts to discover and explore Cloud 9, aptly described by CNNGo --- “This dramatic and powerful reef break, which crashes onto shallow razor sharp coral, offers right and left death rides to those who dare. Those who do will experience a slice of paradise, or magic mushroom-like hallucinations, as the wave wraps over them like a Cornish pasty shaped cocoon of water. Don’t slip, or your skin and bones will be ripped to shreds by the ocean bed.”

However, whether you are a beginner or a pro surfer, you are all welcome to “experience a slice of paradise” in Siargao Island. Aside from world-class waves, Siargao Island --- a tropical paradise of Surigao del Norte --- offers beautiful white-sand beaches and islets, naturally-carved tide pools, mangrove forests, coves, caves, and schools of non-stingy jellyfish. The beautiful smiles, the warmth and hospitality of the islanders, inadvertently made it a must see destination.

You will also enjoy the different surf spots in the island any time of the year. The local surfers are very much willing to be your surf guides or surf instructors.

Cloud 9 is the surf break in Siargao Island named after the local no-melt chocolate bars. It was discovered by John Callahan, a famous American surf photographer and writer. The photographs and articles he wrote about his surf expedition to Siargao Island in 1992 made Cloud 9 a famous surfing haven in the Philippines. It is recognized as one of the surfers dream breaks in the Pacific Region (Nelson & Taylor, 2006) and considered as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines.

Before the advent of sports tourism, the people of Siargao Island were largely a community subsistent on fishing and farming with the island having inadequate infrastructure facilities and poor road conditions.

With the growing popularity of Siargao Island as a surfing destination, the municipality of General Luna and the entire Siargao Island caught the attention of the national government and local and foreign investors. Tourism-related investments projects and project support started pouring in, in the form of road concreting, airport expansion, seaport construction, and water supply and tourism facilities or resorts construction. It is also expected that with the “buzz” created by CNNGo, Siargao Island will have an increased visitor arrivals and vibrant local economy.

Anyone interested to surf at Cloud 9 or spend your holiday in the Island, just send an email to Philippine Surfing Federation, zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph (e-mail) or call us at +63 9296721508 (mobile).

Gov’t allots P429.5M for Siargao Island road projects in 2012

2011-12-24T08:37:00.000+08:00

Thursday, December 24, 2011 - The Philippine government is allocating P429.5 million for the road improvement projects in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte to be undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2012.

DPWH-Siargao District Engr. Salvador E. Montil, Jr. said the projects under the 2012 DPWH Infrastracture Program include the concreting of roads along Dapa-General Luna road, Junction Del Carmen-Sta. Monica-San Isidro road, Junction Cancohoy-Pilar road, Junction Osmeña-Pilar road, Socorro-Nueva Estrella-Pamosaingan road and Dapa-Union-General Luna road.

“These projects are part of the government’s plan to completely pave the Siargao circumferential road especially roads that are declared as tourism roads,” said Montil.

“The improvement of the road network will surely boost the tourism development in the island,” Montil added.

Out of the P429.5 million allocation, P117.4 million will fund the concreting of Dapa-Union-General Luna road which leads to prime beaches and resorts in the island.

The projects are made possible through the efforts of Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco T. Matugas to provide necessary infrastructure facilities in order to spur economic activities in the surfing and game fishing capital of the country. (DPWH Siargao District/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=69178

Help for Cagayan de Oro flood victims

2011-12-22T07:47:00.000+08:00

REPOSTED Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan Relief Operations
(http://www.xu.edu.ph/index.php/other-news/642-bagyong-sendong-relief-operations-in-xavier-university)

Your DONATIONS will make a difference!

My hometown, Cagayan de Oro was struck by Typhoon Sendong last December 17, 2011. As typhoon "Sendong" ravaged the city, it left thousands of families homeless and some of their family members died or are still missing. Many villages were swept away by the flash floods that hit the city between 12:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. while everyone was asleep.

I am appealing to both Filipinos and non-Filipinos all over the globe to unite in helping our "Kababayans" who need our help. They are asking for donations in:

CASH

FOOD (noodles, canned goods, etc.)

BOTTLED WATER and

CLEAN CLOTHES.

You can send your donations through Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan's relief operations.

Photo by: Atoy Martinez

REPOSTED Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan Relief Operations (http://www.xu.edu.ph/index.php/other-news/642-bagyong-sendong-relief-operations-in-xavier-university) --- The University is accepting donations at the Helpdesk set up at the University's front gate or at the Relief Center at the Satellite Canteen near the College of Agriculture building (beside the gymnasium). Personnel and student volunteers are being deployed to buy, pack and deliver relief goods all over the City, under the direction of the University Chaplain.

Fr. Eric Garcia Velandria S.J.
Coordinator of Sendong Operation,
KKP Office, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Corrales Ave.
9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

Cash donations can be deposited at this account:

Account Name: Xavier University
Account Number: 9331-0133-63

Xavier University Relief Center is conducting a relief operation for families affected by Bagyong Sendong.They are asking for donations in

CASH
FOOD (noodles, canned goods, etc.)
BOTTLED WATER and
CLEAN CLOTHES.

You can drop them off at the
Xavier University KKP-SIO.
Volunteers also needed @DSWD (Masterson Rd, Upper Carmen).
Call 09066150095 or 858-8892. Let's help, please.

Other Useful Information:

SMART LIBRENG TAWAG, INTERNET and CELLPHONE CHARGING sa PHILCOM OFFICE, MAX SUNIEL ST. CARMEN (RIGHT BESIDE ACSAT GYM) for those who would like to contact their loved ones who have been affected by the recent FLASHFLOODS. Please tell your friends, family and neighbors!!!! Please repost. - T. Tamayo.

For those who live in Manila, you can help us

For CASH/ CHEQUE donations...(through Simbahang Lingkod)

Direct deposits may be made online from any BPI branches, pay to:
SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)
BPI Peso Checking Account Number: 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number: 3084-0420-12

Photo by: Atoy Martinez

Australia's Cooper Chapman claims Billabong Pro Junior Asia title

2011-12-18T23:55:00.013+08:00

The inaugural Billabong Pro Junior Asia Champion Cooper Chapman celebrates his victory with his friends right after his action packed Finals over an Indonesian surfer Oney Anwar. (Photo by Dennis Ohashi)

Cooper Chapman, a young professional surfer from Australia, took out the inaugural Billabong Pro Junior Asia title in an action packed Finals over an Indonesian surfer Oney Anwar last September 27, 2011 at "Cloud 8", a new spot identified by the technical team of Association of Surfing Professionals or ASP. With a new swell coming in from a different direction, the competition at Cloud 9 was forced to move down the reef to a spot referred to as Cloud 8.

The Billabong Pro Junior Asia Second Placer Oney Anwar of Indonesia poses with (L-R) Billabong Marketing Director Peter Thew, Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority General Manager Mark Lapid. (Photo by Loanne Guardo Huelma)

(L-R) The Father of Philippine Surfing, Mayor Jaime P. Rusillon proudly presents the winners of the inaugural Billabong Pro Junior Asia, namely: Cooper Chapman (Champion-Australia) and One Anwar (First Runner-Up - Indonesia). The event was held at Cloud 9 from September 21 to 28, 2011. (Photo by Aye Navarro)

Third Placer Philmar Alipayo was the lone Filipino surfer who became one of the four finalists ofthe Billabong Pro Junior Asia. (Photo by Loanne Guardo Huelma)

Cloud 9 has finally carved its name in the world's surfing map as 64 best junior surfers from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Philippines, United States of America and Indonesia joined in this year's Billabong's pro junior event.

According to ASP Australia General Manager Dane Jordan, this was a landmark event for the region since this was the first time that ASP Australasia and Japan jointly sanctioned a professional surfing event in an iconic break like Cloud 9.

The Billabong Pro Junior Asia presented by Sony Ericson, held last September 21 to 28, 2011, was in partnership with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Local Government Unit of General Luna, Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastruction and Enterprise Zone Authority, Philippine Surfing Federation, and ASP Austrailasia. Other sponsors include Air Asia, Nixon, and Von Zipper, San Miguel Corporations and Smart Communications.

Tourism Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin (Fushia Pink Blouse) and Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas lead the ceremonial opening of the Billabong Pro Junior Asia together with General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon, Surigao del Norte Congressman Francisco Matugas, Billabong Philippines President Freddie Gonzales, Provincial Tourism Officer Ivonnie Beltran-Dumadag, Philippine Surfing Federation Secretary General Zeny Pallugna and other mayors and board members of the of Surigao del Norte.

Cloud 9's judging tower.

Landslide kills 5 as 'Sendong' passes Northeastern Mindanao

2011-12-18T23:52:00.001+08:00

12/17/2011 - Five persons died in a landslide at gold-rush Barangay Mt. Diwata, in Monkayo, Compostela Valley as tropical storm Sendong lashes through Northeastern Mindanao provinces which were placed at public storm signal number two Friday.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) of Monkayo said Mt. Diwata Brgy. Capt. Rodolfo Boyles revealed that the landslide occurred Friday at 4:30 p.m., affecting five puroks.

Identified casualties were Julito Lumacto,28 years of age; Rosita dela Pena, 57; Ashlia Tuan, 14; Nasser Tuan, 6; and Rakema Tuan, 4 while the seven other individuals were physically injured. The report, however, failed to give further details about the physical injuries.

At least 83 families were affected with the landslide totally damaging six houses and partially damaged seven other houses.

Meanwhile, flash floods also occurred in nine other barangays of Monkayo including its Poblacion, specifically in Union, Salvacion, Pasian, Baylo, Naboc,UpperUlip, San Jose and Rizal.

Monkayo MDRRMC reports as of 11:45 today showed that more than 100 families were affected in Poblacion areas where some houses were submerged in floodwaters. Two others were partially damaged while five were washed out.

Electricity went out at the height of the heavy rains in barangays Upper Ulip and Rizal as electric posts got damaged and wires were cut off.

Some households were submerged in Barangay Salvacion. Affected houses in Pasian, Baylo, Upper and Rizal were either partially damaged or washed out due to strong current of floodwaters.

Aside from Monkayo, flashflood also occurred in Nabunturan, Mawab and Compostela towns of Compostela Valley, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Josephine Frasco said. She could not off-hand give details as she waited for reports from MDRRMCs.

Meanwhile, Davao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Div. chief Sonio Sanchez in a text message revealed that parts of barangays Sagayen and Napungas of Asuncion town were inundated when Saug River overflowed due to heavy rains.

No casualties were monitored but initial reports revealed that 514 families were affected in Napungas.

Sonio had yet to get reports on affected families in Sagayen as of presstime, though initial reports bared five puroks in the barangay were flooded.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported Tropical Storm Sendong to have slowed down as of 5 a.m. on Dec.16 but it continued to threaten Northeastern Mindanao and Eastern Visayas.

Listed Friday under storm signal 2 were Surigao del Norte including Siargao Island, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Province, Agusan Provinces, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte. (PIA-11/jeane duron-abangan)

source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=68576

Tahitian surfer invades Cloud 9

2011-12-18T22:28:00.018+08:00

Enrique Ariitu's foreign friends cheerfully congratulated him after winning the
final rounds of the 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup last October 2, 2011.
(Photo by: Loanne Guardo Huelma)

A Tahitian surfer Enrique Ariitu showed both Filipino and foreign surfers including the spectators how Tahitians tube ride would be like and defeated the local surfer, Edito "Piso" Alcala in the final rounds of the 17^th Siargao International Surfing Cup. This sporting event, presented by Smart Communications, was held at Cloud 9 in General Luna, Siargao Island from September 29 to October 3, 2011.

The winning smile of a young Tahitian surfer: Enrique Ariitu
grabbed the 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup title.(Photo by: Loanne Guardo Huelma)

Ariitu who travelled for more than twenty hours from Tahiti (an island located in the South Pacific otherwise known as French Polynesia) to the Philippines was the first Tahitian surfer who invaded Cloud 9. He said that he loves the warmth and hospitality of the Filipinos and promises to be back in Siargao next year.

The tournament was attended by forty surfers from

Australia

Indonesia

, Tahiti,

Japan

United States of America

, and

Philippines

. Oscar Scanes (

Australia

) and Martin Tanegra (

Philippines

) were in the equal third while Carlito Nogalo (

Philippines

), Todd Rosswell (USA), Arkipo Figuron (

Philippines

), and John Mark “Marama” Tokong (

Philippines

) were in the equal fifth. All the winners got a total prize-money of US$10,000 plus trophies. Alcala who was in the second place was chosen as the Best Filipino Surfer.

The winners of the Smart 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup pose with the government officials (L-R, standing) General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon, Surigao del Norte Congressman Francisco Matugas, Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas, Department of Budget Secretary Butch Abad (the Guest of Honor), and Philippine Surfing Federation Secretary General Zeny Pallugna.

The 17^th Siargao International Surfing Cup by Smart Communications was the

Philippines

’ longest-running surfing competition making the country popular among the world’s surfing arena and giving more opportunities to other surfing destinations in the country to be discovered or developed.

The event would not be made possible without the support from the Local Government of General Luna, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, House of Representatives for the First District of Surigao del Norte, Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Philippine Surfing Federation and Smart Communications, Inc. Other minor sponsors include San Miguel Corporation, Stoked, Inc., Fluidsurf, Coca-Cola Bottlers' Company and Nature Spring.

(L-R) The Champion Enrique Ariitu (Tahiti) poses with Oscar canes (

Australia

) and Todd Rosswell (USA) at the awarding ceremony of the 17th SIargao International Surfing Cup.
(Photo by Loanne Guardo Huelma)

Second Placer Edito "Piso" Alcala receives his Best Filipino Surfer award from Surigao del Norte Congressman Francisco T. Matugas during the awarding ceremony of the 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup. (Photo by: Loanna Guardo Huelma)

BFAR-Caraga to turnover patrol boat to Del Carmen, Siargao Island

2011-12-18T18:06:00.001+08:00

12/15/11 - The Regional Office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga is set to turnover a patrol boat to the municipality of Del Carmen, Siargao Island that will help in the conservation, protection and rehabilitation of the environment and natural resources.

During the recent interview with a local broadcaster here, BFAR-Caraga Regional Director Nerio Casil said illegal fishing is very rampant in the coastal areas of Siargao Island, which prompted them to take necessary action.

Dir. Casil also said that with the said motor vessel, illegal fishing will be minimized as they are determined to run after those fishermen who are practicing dynamite fishing and other illegal fishing activities.

Casil said illegal fishing activities tend to happen when perpetrators know that the arm of the law cannot reach them.

However, the BFAR chief of the region emphasized that authorities are determined to go after these violators to end illegal fishing no matter how far they are in the main land of Surigao City and in the region. He also called on the townspeople and Philippine National Police (PNP) for support in this cause to protect the environment and natural resources. (PIA-Caraga)

source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=68120

Ryan Gosling in Siargao, Philippines?

2011-12-06T19:03:00.002+08:00

A rumor about Hollywood actor Ryan Gosling spotted surfing in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Philippines is making the Twitter world abuzz right now. Even celebrities are tweeting about it.

"Just got a txt "Omgomgomgomgomg!!! Ryan Gosling is surfing in Siargao Island!"-800km southeast of Surigao del Norte. Is this truth or rumor?," beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez posted.

"@iloveruffag I think I just died. Ryan Gosling is in Siargao Island? I'm booking a flight right now." "Eat Bulaga" host Isabelle Daza tweeted.

"Is it true? Ryan Gosling is here in the Philippines, surfing in Siargao?? #trueorfalse help!!!" Kapuso star Maxene Magalona said.

However, there has been no one who confirmed the report with a visual proof as of this writing.

"Ryan Gosling" has climbed to the second spot on the list of the most talked-about topics in the microblogging site at the moment,

Canadian actor and singer Ryan Gosling is best known for his role in the 2004 romantic film "The Notebook" which earned him four Teen Choice Awards and a MTV Movie Awards recognition. His other movies are "Half Nelson", "Drive", "Blue Valetine", "All Good Things" and many more.

(Source: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/12/ryan-gosling-in-siargao-philippines.html)

Who is Ryan Gosling?

Ryan Thomas Gosling (born November 12, 1980) is a Canadian actor and musician. He first came to public attention as a child star on the Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club (1993–95) and went on to appear in other family entertainment programmes including Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1995), Goosebumps (1996), Breaker High (1997–98) and Young Hercules (1998–99). His first serious role was as a fanatic Neo-Nazi in The Believer (2001), and he then built a reputation for playing misfits in independent films such as Murder by Numbers (2002), The Slaughter Rule (2002), The United States of Leland (2003) and Stay (2005).

He came to the attention of a wider audience in 2004 with a leading role in the romantic drama The Notebook, for which he won four Teen Choice Awards and an MTV Movie Award. His performance as a drug-addicted junior high school teacher in Half Nelson (2006) was nominated for an Academy Award and his appearance as a socially inept loner in Lars and the Real Girl (2007) was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. In 2007, he starred in courtroom thriller Fracture.

After a three-year acting hiatus, he starred in both Blue Valentine and All Good Things in 2010. The former performance as a frazzled husband earned him a second Golden Globe nomination. 2011 proved to be a landmark year for the actor as he appeared in three mainstream films: the romantic comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love, the thriller Drive and the political drama The Ides of March. He is due to appear in five upcoming films: the bank heist film The Place Beyond the Pines, the period crime feature The Gangster Squad, the revenge drama Only God Forgives, Terrence Malick's Lawless and a remake of the sci-fi film Logan's Run.

His band, Dead Man's Bones, released their self-titled debut album and toured North America in 2009. He is co-owner of Tagine, a Moroccan restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. He has had relationships with actors Sandra Bullock (2002–03) and Rachel McAdams (2005–08) and lives in New York City.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Official Results of the 13th Siargao National Surfing Cup

2011-12-05T19:49:00.000+08:00

Official Results of the 13th Siargao National Surfing Cup

Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines

September 17 - 20, 2011

How To Really Enjoy Your Vacation: 7 Tips

2011-12-04T12:21:00.000+08:00

Vacations may be fun in the moment, but they don't have much lingering stress-reducing, or happiness-raising benefits, according to a study from the Netherlands, published the Journal Applied Research in Quality of Life.

According to the study, after the vacation, happiness quickly drops back to baseline levels for most people. Vacationers were no happier than those who hadn't taken off (as an aside, the greatest boost in happiness came from anticipating and planning the vacation). Post-vacation happiness was affected by how much stress or relaxation a traveler experienced on their vacation. If vacationers described their trip as neutral or stressful, there was no post-trip happiness benefit.

Vacations can reduce stress while you're away, and may improve your life over the long term if you allow yourself to relax. "Many people have epiphanies when they travel because they can view their life back home from a detached, outsider's view and give you a clearer sense of who you are and how you really want to live your life," says Bryan Robinson, Ph.D., author of Chained to the Desk: A Guidebook for Workaholics, their Partners and Children and the Clinicians Who Treat Them.

So how do you take a vacation, de-stress, and have the effects linger more than a day or two?

Make sure it's relaxing: The only vacationers in the Netherlands study who saw a boost in happiness were those who reported feeling "very relaxed" on their vacation. If you're travelling with young kids (though it may be better not to), consider enrolling them in half-day camps or arranging for a babysitter in the evenings so you have time to relax.
Create a vacation that fits your personal style. Think about what you love to do, not what you should do. Some people love thrill-seeking vacations, others love exploring and some love just lounging on the beach. If the vacation doesn't fit, it may increase, not lower stress.
Balance activities. "Alternate your time between staying active and resting," says Robinson. Activity raises feel-good endorphins, while quieting your mind reduces levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
Take several mini vacations. Since the study showed that people get a mood boost out of planning and anticipating vacations, having several trips throughout the year may raise your overall happiness quotient higher than if you just have one vacation and then there's nothing to look forward to until next year.
Take vacations during major holidays, such as the Fourth of July or in August, when many people are away and the workload is usually lighter, so you're less worried about work piling up while you're away.
Delegate work before you leave. Since completely disconnecting from the office might be more stressful for some people, allow yourself to check voice mail and email under strict time limits, say one hour a day.
Buffer your vacation. "Don't work right up until the moment you leave and head back to work right off the bat," says Robinson. "If possible, schedule an extra day off before you depart and another when you come back to dive back in slowly," he says.

source: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-48441331/how-to-really-enjoy-your-vacation-7-tips/

Biyahe Tayo : Wow Philippines Biyahe Tayo Video and Lyrics

2011-12-03T22:32:00.000+08:00

Artists: Lea Salonga, Sharon Cuneta, Freddie Aguilar, Rey Valera, Rico Puno, Joey Ayala, Apo Hiking Society, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Jolina Magdangal, April Boy Regino, Jessa Zaragoza, Paolo Santos, Nina and Rico Blanco of Rivermaya, John Lesaca, and Jong Cuenco

Biyahe Tayo Lyrics:

Ikaw ba’y nalulungkot
Naiinip, nababagot?
Ikaw ba’y napapagod
Araw gabi’y puro kayod?

Buhay mo ba’y walang saysay
Walang sigla, walang kulay?
Bawa’t araw ba’y pareho
Parang walang pagbabago?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Kasama ang pamilya
Barkada at buong grupo
Para mag-enjoy nang todo.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Napasyal ka na ba
Sa Intramuros at Luneta
Palawan, Vigan at Batanes
Subic, Baguio at Rice Terraces?

Namasdan mo na ba
Ang mga vinta ng Zamboanga
Bulkang Taal, Bulkang Mayon
Beach ng Boracay at La Union?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Mula Basco hanggang Jolo
Nang makilala ng husto
Ang ating kapwa-Pilipino.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

From city to city,
Seven thousand and a hundred plus islas
Sa mahal kong Pilipinas
Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao ating puntahan.
Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan!

Nasubukan mo na bang
Mag-rapids sa Pagsanjan
Mag-diving sa Anilao
Mag-surfing sa Siargao?

Natikman mo na ba
Ang sisig ng Pampanga
Duriang Davao, Bangus Dagupan
Bicol Express at Lechong Balayan?

Tara na, biyahe tayo,
Nang makatulong kahit pano
Sa pag-unlad ng kabuhayan
Ng ating mga kababayan.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Nakisaya ka na ba
Sa Pahiyas at Masskara
Moriones at Ati-Atihan
Sinulog at Kadayawan?

Namiesta ka na ba
Sa PeÃ±afrancia sa Naga
Umakyat sa Antipolo
Nagsayaw sa Obando?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Upang ating matamo
Ligaya at pagkakaibigan
Kaunlaran, kapayapaan.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Upang ating matamo
Ligaya at pagkakaibigan
Kaunlaran, kapayapaan.

Halika, biyahe tayo
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Halika, biyahe tayo…
WOW Philippines…

Surigao Norte sees tourism growth

2011-12-03T01:24:00.001+08:00

12/03/2011 - Citing the growing tourism opportunities, and also the notable potentials of the agriculture sector of the province of Surigao del Norte, the national government has approved the amount of P450,476,000 for the implementation of more infrastructure projects, especially the construction of roads and other related programs to be implemented next year.

To boost the tourism and agriculture sectors, the allocation of the budget is primarily intended for the construction of roads that will connect the various tourism areas, thus generating additional employment opportunities, livelihood prospects, and increased tax revenues that will benefit the villages in the province.

Because of this government support, the local government unit (LGU) officials expressed their heartfelt gratitude to President Aquino for providing the much-needed support for the development and progress of the province.

“Additional employment and livelihood will directly benefit the villagers,” said Representative Francisco T. Matugas (1st District, Surigao del Norte).

He said the infrastructure projects that are set for implementation early next year include the Dapa-General Luna Road, Santa Monica-San Isidro Road, Socorro-Nueva Estrella Pamosaingan Road, Cancohoy-Pilar Road, Osmeña-Pilar Road, improvement/concreting of the Dapa-Union General Luna Road, improvement/concreting the Osmeña-Pilar Road, construction of lighthouses along the Del Carmen Channel, installation of lanterns and lighting fixtures at the lighthouse in Santa Monica, construction of the Montserrat Port in Dapa, the Malimono Port, and Gigaquit Road.

Aside from the allocated budget, a total of P115 million was recently approved for this year’s last quarter budget for the province of Surigao del Norte.

“The funding release for this year’s last quarter budget is for our tourism sites in the province, especially on the Paradise Island of Siargao,” added Matugas, who deeply expressed his gratitude to the President for his full support of the province’s eco-tourism industry.

He added that Siargao Island is the home of international game fishing and surfing competitions, and also a tourist hub due to its white powdery sand beaches, and other tourist attractions.

He also said that the budget released for the last quarter for Siargao Island and the province include the following – P40 million for the concreting of the Maasin to Pilar Road, P30 million for the concreting of the junction of the Osmeña to Pilar Road, P20 million – concreting of the Dapa to Union Road, P15 million – flood control project from Dapa to General Luna, P5 million for the farm-to-market road from Santa Paz to Poblacion in San Isidro, and P5 million for the farm-to-market road from Maasin to Katipunan in Pilar town.

Matugas had a round-table meeting Monday with Public Works and Highways Region-13 Director Danilo E. Versola in Butuan City for the implementation of the said projects.

Meanwhile, President Aquino also approved, over the weekend, the release of P19.5 million for the provincial road improvement projects and library hubs in the province.

The budget allocation was personally received by Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas.

“This is really a big boost to our economy, and we express our thanks to President Aquino,” said the governor. (Manila Bulletin)

Boat capsizes off Siargao Island; 43 passengers rescued

2011-11-04T07:11:00.000+08:00

11/05/2011 - A total of 43 passengers, including 11 crew members of a passenger boat, were rescued off the coastal waters of San Benito town in Siargao Island after their vessel capsized due to strong leaking of water coming from the freeboard on Tuesday morning, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

PNP Police Community Relations Officer P/Insp. Elsa Montenegro said that around 4:30 a.m., Oct. 25, motorbanca “Maricris” left the port of Sta. Monica en route to Surigao City. Upon reaching at the seawater of the municipality of San Benito around 5 a.m., one crew noticed a volume of water in the lower part of the boat.

“Attempts have been made to pump the water out of the boat but it failed until the boat sank on the seawater,” said Montegro.

The ill-fated motor banca, owned and operated by Maria Rose Lim, was skippered by B/Capt. Jerry Lim.

A report from Phil. Coast Guard (PCG) Surigao del Norte Station further revealed that the motorbanca was loaded with 320 sacks of copra.

The boat slowly submerged at the sea water while all passengers including the crew abandoned the boat wearing life jackets. According to the PCG report, all passengers were rescued by motorbanca Kimnet-1 and were brought to the port of Sta. Monica.

“All passengers and crew are in good health condition,” the PCG report added. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Science high school to rise in Siargao

2011-10-19T18:46:00.000+08:00

10/19/2011 - GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines – After years of waiting, a science high school will finally rise in this “paradise island” of Surigao del Norte.

The dream of parents, teachers and local officials came true when Budget Secretary Florencio Abad Jr. along with his wife Rep. Dina Abad, lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the General Luna Science High School Saturday.

Abad will be accompanied by Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st District), Gov. Sol F. Matugas and General Luna Mayor Peter Ruaya.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released an initial P6.5 million for the General Luna Science High School.

The department also lined up and approved the construction of the P53-million provincial hospital in Barangay Sta. Cruz in Placer town, Surigao del Norte.

It was gathered that the construction of the provincial hospital in Placer is very vital since it will cater the medical needs of thousands of village communities along the southern part of the province.

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO