Philippine Surfing Federation

21st Siargao Surfing Cup at Cloud 9 Upgraded to QS1,500

2015-08-20T08:32:00.003-07:00

General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines (Tuesday, July 18, 2015) - The Philippines is preparing to host one of its biggest international events, the 21st Siargao Surfing Cup at Cloud 9. This year’s event has been upgraded to hold a QS1,500 rating and will be co-sanctioned by the ASC (Asian Surfing Championship Tour) and is likly to attract a mix of local talent as well as surfers from Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Europe.

Last year local hero Piso Alcala (PHI) took out the event in classic conditions in the event’s 20th anniversary. Alcala possesses world-class tube riding skills and put on a clinic at his home break and will be looking to go back-to-back as the event enters its 21st year.

“I was so happy to win last year with such great surfers in the event,” Alcala said. “I really can’t wait to compete this year and hopefully I can achieve the same results. It was great to recently compete in Bali and now I have more confidence to compete at home.”

General Luna’s Mayor Rusillion has been a strong supporter of this event and surfing at Cloud 9 for a long time and is often referred to as the Godfather of surfing in Siargao and founder of the Philippine Surfing Federation. Mayor Rusillion is working with Governor Sol Matugas and the local government to grow this event to be the biggest in the event’s history and will offer $50,000 USD prize-money.

“WSL is thrilled to be returning to the Philippines for what is set to be the biggest and best Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup yet,” said WSL Australasia Tour Manager Will Hayden-Smith. “Cloud 9 truly lives up to its name and is one of the best waves in the world. Upgrading this event to a QS1,500 and dual sanctioning with the ASC will help us to attract some of the best surfers to this fantastic event.”

The event will run from September 24 - 29 with surfer registration to be held on the 23rd.

More information available via www.worldsurfleague.com

About the World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL) organizes the annual tour of professional surf competitions and broadcasts each event live at WorldSurfLeague.com where you can experience the athleticism, drama and adventure of competitive surfing -- anywhere and anytime it’s on. The WSL sanctions and operates the following tours: the Junior Tour, Longboard Tour, the Qualifying Series (QS), the Big Wave Tour and the crown jewel of the sport, the WSL Championship Tour (CT) which determines the sport's undisputed world champions. The organization is headquartered in Santa Monica, California with Commercial Offices in New York. The offices are supported by regional centers in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America and South America.

Will Hayden-Smith
Australasia Tour Manager
whaydensmith@worldsurfleague.com
+61 411 820 620

ASC announces winners of Vans Cloud 9 Masters 2015

2015-04-30T16:42:00.004-07:00

Vans Cloud 9 Masters 2015 Open Division Champ Edito "Piso" Alcala

Vans Cloud 9 Masters Finishes Up in Barreling Waves with Piso Alcala the Open Champ, Rina Kitazawa Winning the Women’s Division, and Mike Escoltura the Junior Champ

1 May 2015, Siargao Island, Philippines: The early morning light yesterday morning revealed the welcome sight of iconic Cloud 9 offering up glassy and barreling 2-4 foot perfection to start the final day of the Van’s Cloud 9 Masters, a day that would see wave and weather conditions run from glassy and calm to a torrential downpour and back again to near perfect conditions.

Vans Cloud 9 Masters 2015 Junior Division Champ Mike Escoltura

In the first of the afternoon finals it was Mike Escoltura taking the Junior Division win over John Mark Tokong, who had been surfing brilliantly all event long, winning every heat but his semifinal, couldn’t seem to find his rhythm in the final against the solid rail and barrel surfing of 18 year old Escoltura, whose twin brother Mark was also in the final. When asked how he felt about being the Junior Master of Cloud 9 he replied, “I’m so happy and I thank God that I got the good waves today, and also thanks to my sponsor who gave me the chance to compete here. I’m studying for college now so that’s why I didn’t have so much time to practice, but I think it was just my opportunity to win today. I’m very proud to be the winner here, and hope I can win again next year in the Open.”

Vans Cloud 9 Masters 2015 Women's Division Cham Rina Kitazawa with Nilbi Blancada, Nildi Blacada and Manette Alcala (R-L)

In the Women’s Division it was another upset as perpetual local winner Nilbie Blancada gave away the final to 2013 ASC Women’s Champion Rina Kitazawa from Japan at literally the last second. With Rina having gotten to her feet just as the horn blew time over, Nilbie stood up on the same wave just a few meters down the line and interfered with Rina’s ability to continue on the wave. The interference wasn’t immediately called as it was so close, but a video review as the results were being tabulated showed that there was indeed interference, giving Rina the win. “I’m really happy to be the winner here at Cloud 9,” said Rina. “I got here a week ago and have been practicing because I know how hard it is to beat the locals here, especially Nilbie and her sister Nildie. I’m glad we got good waves today for the final, and yes I got lucky because Nilbie made a mistake, unlucky for her, but I’m still happy to be the winner,” she added.

In the Men’s Open Division it was really no surprise to anyone when Edito “Piso” Alcala was announced the winner, having won so many contests at Cloud 9 over the last few years. What was surprising is that he is still recovering from a rather severe knee injury, and still only at 80% capacity by his own evaluation. Even so, Piso won ever heat convincingly in every wave condition on offer during the event, equally mixing up barrels, hacks, big full rail carves, and floaters. Normally also an aerial specialist as well, due to his knee injury he eliminated that maneuver from his repertoire for this event. When asked how he pulled of a win against the other guys who were operating at 100%, he replied, “Yes, even though I’m coming back from an injury and not yet 100%, I have been preparing for this competition. I knew I just had to be patient and pick the right waves, and not do anything too crazy. Just do my business and get the job done, that was my plan. I did think about my injury and so I’m always extra careful, thinking what to do and how to do it. So luckily it all worked out for me…and I got the win today!

Vans Philippines CEO Wendell Cunanan was all smiles in the tower after announcing the winners, stoked with his decision to support this event, saying, “Everything has really been beyond expectations here at Cloud 9 with this event. This final day has just been fantastic, with non-stop action from early this morning until finishing up this afternoon. We finally got to see some clean Cloud 9 barrels and the guys really blowing up,…and the girls too. We’re now looking forward to the next couple of years of supporting this event, and watching the surfers grow and progress so they can get out to other countries and begin competing on the larger stage. At the end I don’t even need to give you my opinion or a description of how it all went…just go to the event videos that Sean made and press play….that says it all!”

Tonight will be the official end of the event with a live band and the formal awards presentation at the Boulevard in the nearby town of General Luna, but as the swell was pumping and the timing seemed right, Contest Director Dencio Dizon make the wise decision to keep running the event through to the finals today.

Check out Sean Gilhooley’s daily highlight clips of the event:

Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29BGHHrxlsM&feature=youtu.be

Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tihnIH0JMbA&feature=youtu.be

Day 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL99OHD-2rA&feature=youtu.be

The Vans Cloud 9 Masters is sponsored/supported by The Rail, Illest, FluidSurf, Mad Kahuna, Son of a Beach, Cloud 9 Surf Co., Maya Siargao Villa & Golf, Kawayan Siargao Resort, Siargao Inn Beach Resort, Reef Beach Houses, the Municipality of General Luna, and the Province of Surigao Del Norte, and sanctioned by the Asian Surfing Championships. By Tim Hain of ASC

About Vans – the original action sports footwear brand grounded in youth, authenticity, and individual style. www.vans.com

About the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC)

The Asian Surfing Championships was established in 2010 as the progression of the highly successful Indonesian Surfing Championships that began in Bali, Indonesia in 2004. The mission of the ASC is to develop and progress the sport of surfing in Asia by assisting in the organizing and sanctioning of professional surfing events, which will help their growing surf communities and draw more attention to their areas for the progression of surfing locally, nationally, and throughout all of the Asian Region.

See more at http://www.asiansurfingtour.com

Vans Cloud 9 Masters To Kick Off This Morning with Men’s Open Division

2015-04-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

Carlito Nogala ripping the waves of Cloud 9

28 April 2015, Siargao Island, Philippines: The Vans Cloud 9 Masters Men’s Division will see first action this morning at the Philippines most iconic surf break of Cloud 9 on Siargao Island, where a total prize purse of Php 100,000 (over USD $2,000) up for grabs between the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, and Junior Divisions as well as ASC tour championship points.

Cloud 9 Master Piso Alcala

In the first heat of Round 1, Edito “Piso” Alcala will lead things off in what promises to be a day full of exciting action, as there will be 16 full heats in the Men’s Open Division today alone. Piso is working his way back from a knee injury sustained earlier in the year, but in yesterday’s warm up session appears to be well on his way to recovery. “I’m just trying to take it easy,” said Piso last night when asked about his knee. “I just don’t take any big chances, and so far it feels pretty good. We’ll see what happens tomorrow, he added with a smile.

An estimated 120 plus surfers were registered as of last night at the opening ceremony on the Boulevard at General Luna, where the surfers and spectators were welcomed by Mayor Jaime Rusillon, known as the Godfather of Philippine surfing for his unwavering support starting over 20 years ago.

Also giving speeches were Vans Philippines CEO Wendell Cunanan, ASC GM Tim Hain and Siargao Administrator Nathanial Plaza, and in between the audience was entertained by local dancing with a live acoustic session rounding out the evening.

With a rising tide starting at 8 am, it will be a full day of surfing as the organizers take advantage of the swell and wind conditions on offer, starting with the Men’s Open Division and moving into the Junior Division if time and conditions allow.

The contest has four days in which to be completed, with the final day on May 1 ending with dinner, the awarding ceremony, and a party/concert on General Luna Boulevard.

Stay tuned for daily updates and video highlights from the ASC via email and on www.asiansurfingtour.com

The first Cloud 9 Masters was held in May of 2007 as the realization of Cloud 9 locals Manuel “Wilmar” Melindo, Rodolfo “Osot” Alcala, and Ronald “Rasta” Sumalinog’s dream to have a local’s contest they could call their very own. With a bit of support from the local government, the Philippine Surfing Federation, and some of the local resort operators, the dream became a reality, and Osot Alcala the first champion, earning him the “the barrel master of Cloud 9.” It was in fact Osot who named the event the Cloud 9 Masters, his inspiration coming from the annual Pipeline Masters held each year at Hawaii’s Banzai Pipeline.

Other Cloud 9 Master’s champions include Piso Alcala, Carlito Nogalo, and Arkipo Figuron.

About Vans – the original action sports footwear brand grounded in youth, authenticity, and individual style. www.vans.com

About the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC)

See more at http://www.asiansurfingtour.com

Hot Spots for Gamefishing in the Philippines

2014-10-08T18:29:00.002-07:00

A Russian angler in Pilar, Siargao Island, Philippines

Gamefishing in the Philippines is starting to gain a wider popularity among anglers and some travelers looking to find new travel adventures. With more than 7,000 island, there is no doubt that there are numerous hot spots for gamefishing.

1. Siargao Islands, Surigao

Siargao is not only famous for its famous Cloud 9 wave. Gamefishing is also a big thing in the bountiful seas of Siargao. With species such as marlin, tuna, grouper and dorado, avid anglers are not disappointed with their bounty. Billfish (i.e., sailfish, marlin, spearfish, and broadbill swordfish) are abundant in Siargao. In fact, international gamefishing competitions are held every April along the east of the shores of Pilar, north point of Burgos and south point of Daku Island. Billfish are less plentiful but include sailfish, marlin, spearfish, and broadbill swordfish

Travel Time:

About 60 minutes by plane from Manila via Cebu City (via Cebu Pacific Airlines)
About 30 minutes by plane from Cebu City

Contact Person:

Donna Tiu / mobile no. +63 9178051570
Don Pallugna / Mobile no. +63 915 995 52183 / Email: pallugna_don@yahoo.com

Best Season for fishing: March to September

2. Palaui Islands in Sta. Ana, Cagayan

The Philippine Gamefishing Foundation (PGFF), the first and oldest fishing club in the Philippines, owns and manages the Don Andres Soriano Sportfishing Camp located inside the Philippine Navy headquarters in Barangay San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan. The fishing camp serves as a take off point for anglers traveling to Susay Rock, which is about two to three hours away by motorized banca. Anglers intending to try out the fishing grounds of Camiguin Island can also use the fishing camp as their base, but travel time will take about four hours.

Travel Time:

Approximately 12 hours drive from Manila

Approximately 60 minutes by plane from Manila to Tuguegarao City plus 3 hours drive to Santa Ana

Contact Person: Atty. Gordon Uy, Owner of Goodcatch Sportfishing Email: gordonuy@pldtdsl.net / Phone: +63 2 5166829 Address: Unit B, Manila Bay Arcade, Quirino Avenue corner M.H. Del Pilar Street, Malate Manila, Philippines Website: www.goodcatch.com Best Season for fishing:

Year-round - for bottom fishing of snapper and grouper

March-June – for blue marlin, sailfish and dorado

Fishing Area: Babuyan Channel

OTHER FISHING AREAS

Contact Person: GoodCatch Sportfishing / Email: gordonuy@pldtdsl.net

1. Calatagan, Batangas

Calatagan is among the nearest gamefishing spots in Metro Manila. It only takes a few hours to get there to catch local fishes such as giant trevally and African pompano.

Travel Time: About 3 hours drive from Manila

2. Subic, Zambales

Hardcore gamefishers dock their yachts in Subic for a fantastic fishing experience. Anglers will be treated with giant trevally, sailfish, wahoo, king mackerel and barracuda.

Best Season for Fishing: October to June.

Travel Time: About 3 hours drive from Manila

3. Lake Lumot, Caliraya, Laguna and Pantabangan Lake, Nueva Ecija

These two lakes, Lumot and Pantabangan, are popular for largemouth bass fishing. Freshwater fishing in these areas is available year round.

Travel Time:

About 2.5 hours drive from Manila to Caliraya, Laguna

About 4 hours drive from Manila to Pantabangan Lake, Nueva Ecija

4. Mactan Island, Cebu

Just like any other fishing grounds in the Philippines, Mactan Island offers anglers with trevally (mamsa), Spanish mackerel (tanguigue), different varieties of tuna (including bonito, yellow fin, bigeye, and dogtooth), barracuda, dorado, and wahoo.

Travel Time: About 30 minutes by plane from Manila to Cebu

5. Camiguin Island

Camiguin Island offers a wide variety of fishes from great trevally, barracuda and wahoo, among other. Sailfish can be spotted from March to June and tuna from July to October. Reef fishing, mainly at night, can produce varieties of grouper, coral trout, wrasse, parrotfish, and many other species. Fishing of squid at night can also be very productive.

Travel Time:

About 75 minutes by plane from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City plus 3 hours by land and ferry boat to Camiguin Island
About 30 minutes by plane from Cebu City to Camiguin Island

Best time of the Year: Year-round

6. Davao

Davao specializes in offshore fishing from pelagic tuna, billfish, wahoo, dorado, and king mackerels.

Travel Time:

About 80 minutes by plane from Manila to Davao

About 30 minutes by plane from Cebu City to Davao

For more information, email the Philippine Department of Tourism at pdotny@aol.com or zeny@philippinetourismny.org

Winners of the first Siargao International Gamefishing Tournament with Congressman Francisco Matugas, Mayor Gonzales, Atty. Gordon Uy and Zeny Pallugna

Ceremonial Casting of the fishing rod with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, Atty. Gordon Uy and Congressman Francisco Matugas

Cloud 9 local surfer wins 20th Siargao International Surfing Cup

2014-09-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

Piso Alcala locked it to a dreamy Cloud 9 tube. PIC ASP/Will H-S.

GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Philippines (Sunday, September 28, 2014) - Local surfer Piso Alcala (PHL) has taken out the 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 1-Star Qualifying Series (QS) event that’s also sanctioned by the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC).

Finals day dawned and revealed the best conditions of this year’s event, with surfers fighting for precious ranking’s points and prize-money in clean and hollow 5-foot classic Cloud 9 tubes.

Piso Alcala (white) celebrates victory with runner-up Carlito Nogalo (black).
PIC ASP/Will H-S.

Piso Alcala (PHL) also took out this event in 2008 and 2012 and sealed his third win today, and the first ever by a Filipino on the ASP QS, in dominant fashion netting two near-perfect rides in the Final to finish with a heat total of 19.45 out of a possible 20. Alcala was by far the standout surfer on Finals day dispatching the last international surfer, Chris Zaffis (AUS), in the Semifinals and fellow local, John Mark Tokong (PHL), in the Quarterfinals.

“I wasn’t expecting to win today so I feel really great,” Alcala said. “I just wanted to go out there and do my best for the locals. I had so much support and it felt so good. I was very lucky to get two good waves in the Final, there were some really good barrels today. Cloud 9 is my home break and it helps me to know where to go and what waves to get. It’s a lot of money for the win, I’m just going to save it and use it for my family.”

Carlito Nogalo exiting a Cloud 9 pit. PIC ASP/Will H-S.

Carlito Nogalo (PHL) finished runner-up to Alcala in the Final. The opening exchange saw Nogalo post an excellent 8.00, but when Alcala’s opening score came in at a 9.55 Nogalo was on the back foot. After a long lull Alcala caught and threaded the needle of a big, hollow tube and posted another excellent score leaving his countrymen Nogalo to settle for 2nd place.

Chris Zaffis (AUS), 16-year-old Angourie local and current NSW state junior champion put in a great showing at his first ever ASP QS event, finishing equal 3rd place after being eliminated in the Semifinals. Zaffis has put in a lot of time in the line-up at Cloud 9 and today his hard work paid off as he locked into tubes and punctuated rides with end section aerials.

Chris Zaffis out the back and Piso Alcala on the inside. PIC ASP/Will H-S.

“I came here to try and do well in the event and get barrelled and today I did both so I’m happy,” Zaffis said. “I really wanted to make the Final but Piso (Alcala) was too good. I’ve never been in a QS event before so to get to the Semis is good for me, the waves were so good today and surfing man-on-man heats was a great experience and I learnt a lot.”

Putra Hermawan (IND), last year’s Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup event champion and highest placed Indonesian surfer was eliminated by Donisio Espijon (PHL) in the Quarterfinals and finished this year’s event with an equal 5th place. (by: Will Hayden-Smith)

More info ASPWorldTour.com

Event organizers:
Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte
Cong. Francisco T. Matugas, House of Representatives
Municipality of General Luna
Philippine Surfing Federation

Event Co-presenters:
MVP Group of Companies (Philex Mining Corporation, Smart Communications, Silangan Mindanao Mining Inc.)

Sponsors:
Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority or TIEZA, Cebu Pacific, Cloud 9 Boardriders Club, Fluid Surf

Sanctioned by:
Association of Surfing Professionals, Asian Surfing Champions

These are hand-out images from the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC (ASP) and all images are royalty free for editorial use only. No commercial rights granted are granted to these images in any way. The copyright is owned by ASP. Sale or license of the images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

LIST OF WINNERS

ORGANIZERS / SPONSORS

Siargao local surfers dominate quarter finals of the 20th Siargao International Surfing Cup at Cloud 9

2014-09-27T06:16:00.003-07:00

Chris Zaffis of Australia

27 September, Siargao Island – Philippines: Quarter finalists were decided after Rounds 2 and 3 were completed in pulsing 3-4 foot Cloud 9 today at the Siargao International Surfing Cup in beautiful Siargao Island.

The expected increase in swell provided the international contestants with plenty of opportunities to pull into the world-renowned Cloud 9 barrels, as well as boosting airs and smashing big turns, with the Siargao crew clearly showing their local advantage in the face of the international contestants.

Out of the 8 quarterfinalists, 6 are local Siargao surfers, with one Indonesian, last year’s winner Putra Hermawan, and 16 year old Australian Chris Zaffis the remaining internationals.

“I’m pretty stoked to still be in it…really I’m surprised to be one of the only international surfers left in the comp, but proud to be flying the flag for Australia,” said Chris. “I’m looking forward to a pumping morning of surf tomorrow, coz I just want to get barreled and make it into the final!” he added.

The Siargao locals in the quarterfinals are the usual suspects, a mix of previous event winners and Cloud 9 tube masters made up of “Piso” Alcala, “Osot” Alcala, “Dodo” Espijon, Philmar Alipayo, Carlito Nogalo, and “Marama” Tokong. Almost without exception, everyone on the island goes by a nickname!

On sundown there were 4-6 foot sets blasting over the reef for the two dozen free surfers enjoying a late session, so tomorrow’s finale should see some event better waves than today for an exciting finale to the event. There is a 6:30 am call out for the 8 quarter finalists, so stay tuned!

Check out the highlight clips so far, courtesy of Indo Inc’s Sean Gilhooley

Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfas6Oz6eJc

Day 2:

Round 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m7DwFy50_A&feature=youtu.be

Round 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaeA4qqXuUw&feature=youtu.be

Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion tomorrow, and see all the results athttp://www.aspworldtour.com/events/2014/mqs/1078/siargao-cloud-9-surfing-cup/results

The 2014 Siargao International Surfing Cup is a co-sanctioned 1-star ASP Men’s World Qualifying event and a ASC Grade 4 event that will run from 24 - 28 September 2014 and boasts US$15,000 Prize Money.

The 20^th Siargao International Surfing Cup is presented by the MVP Group of Companies and Manila Mining Corporation, with event organizers the Municipality of General Luna and Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte) and support by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Philippine Department of Tourism, Cloud 9 Boardriders Club and Fluid Surf.

The event is sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals and the Asian Surfing Championships with the assistance of the Philippine Surfing Federation. (by Tim Hain, ASC)

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About the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC)

See more at http://www.asiansurfingtour.com

The attached images are royalty free for editorial use only, no commercial rights granted. The copyright is owned by the Asian Surfing Championships. ONLY LOW RES WATERMARKED IMAGES MAY BE POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES WITH THE APPROPRIATE PHOTO CREDIT. Sale or license of the images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Carlito Nogalo of Siargao Islands

Marama Tokong of Siargao Island

Dede Suryana

Small surf, big scores open 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup

2014-09-26T17:09:00.003-07:00

Local shredder John Talong spend most of the heat
above the lip. PIC ASP/Will H-S.

GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Philippines (Friday, September 26, 2014) - The 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 1-Star Qualifying Series(QS) event that’s also sanctioned by the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC), wrapped up Round 1 in building two-to-three foot surf with both tubes and turn sections on offer. After waiting two and half days for swell, competition commenced and the competitors turned it on in the fight for an all-important Round 2 berth.

Carlito Nogalo (PHL), winner of the Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup in 2012 started this year’s event with a bang, netting both a 7.50 and an 8.00 for a series of carves and barrel rides to easily advance into the next round.

“To qualify for this event I had to surf in the Nationals and the surf was really small,” Nogalo said, “So I’m glad the surf is picking up and we had some fun waves. There’s a lot of good Australian, Indonesian and American surfers in this event so I’m excited about making it into Round 2 because I think the surf will just get better.”

Putra Hermawan (IND), last year's winner survived a scare
to advance in 2nd position. PIC ASP/Will H-S.

Putra Hermawan (IND), last year’s Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup event champion was mere seconds from missing his opening heat, paddling out as the siren sounded but still managing to secure second position.

“I didn’t think they were going to run today,” Hermawan said. “I hadn’t watched the surf before my heat, I almost missed it, so I didn’t know what conditions to expect. I started with some bad waves but was lucky enough to get a couple of scores and make it through the heat.”

Philmar Alipayo (PHL), who finished equal third at the ASP Cloud 9 Pro Junior in 2011 and third in this event again last year was again on point today. In Round 1, Alipayo posted a dominant heat win with sharp backhand surfing on the rights and a big air-reverse on the left.

“I am feeling sick so I’m glad to make it through the heat,” Alipayo said. “The surf is small so I just had to go out and start with some turns and once I had the lead I went for an air and it worked. Hopefully I’m feeling better and the surf is bigger tomorrow.”

John Talong (PHL), 17-year-old Cloud 9 local, put on an aerial masterclass for his fellow competitors and the fans packing the tower wall to wall. Talong posted one of the highest heat totals of the opening day of competition for his technical and committed brand of surfing.

“I like it when the wind is like this because it’s good for airs,” Talong said. “I’m so happy to have a good heat in an ASP 1-Star QS event, it’s my first time in an event this big and it’s great. I want to stay focused and keep going in the event and get some barrels when it’s bigger.”

Cloud 9 minutes before the start of competition. PIC ASP/Will H-S.

The 2014 Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup will run from 24 - 28 September 2014 and boasts US$15,000 Prize Money, and will be run in conjunction with the Philippines Surfing Federation. (by Will Hayden Smith, ASP)

More info ASPWorldTour.com

Event organizers:
Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Cong. Francisco T. Matugas, House of Representatives, Municipality of General Luna, Philippine Surfing Federation

Event Co-presenters:
MVP Group of Companies (Philex Mining Corporation, Smart Communications, Silangan Mindanao Mining Inc.)

Sponsors:
Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority or TIEZA, Cebu Pacific, Cloud 9 Boardriders Club, Fluid Surf

Sanctioned by:
Association of Surfing Professionals, Asian Surfing Champions

These are hand-out images from the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC (ASP) and all images are royalty free for editorial use only. No commercial rights granted are granted to these images in any way. The copyright is owned by ASP. Sale or license of the images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Colorful Opening Day at 20th Siargao International Surfing Cup at Cloud 9

2014-09-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

September 24, 2014, Siargao Island, Philippines --- Colorful dancers, music groups, government dignitaries, event organizers, tourists, locals and of course surfers all came out today to participate in the official opening of the 20^th annual Siargao International Surfing Cup, which will run from today until the 28^th at the Philippines most famous surfing wave of Cloud 9.

It was indeed a historic day as it is the first time in the event’s long history that is an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying event, marking a big step forward for the event and Philippine surfing. It is also co-sanctioned by the Asian Surfing Championships, who have been working with the ASP and the event organizers and supporters during the last two years towards getting it on the ASP schedule.

Government and event officials combine for the Opening Ceremony tradition of breaking a surfboard as a way to honour and show respect to the waves of Cloud 9. PIC ASP/Will H-S.

Dancing and music started off the proceedings at 9 pm, followed by introductions, thank you’s, speeches by Governor Matugas, Congressman Matugas, and Mayor Rusillon, known as the Godfather of Philippine Surfing for his tireless efforts in support of the event, and then heaps of food for all.

Today the waves were too small to be contestable, but there is a swell on the way and the competitors were told be stand by at 6 am tomorrow morning when a call will be made according to the existing conditions. It is expected that there will be a Friday start to the event, which the 48 surfers from such countries as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, France, Israel, are frothing for, anxious to get out and tackle the perfect barreling waves of Cloud 9.

The event is sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals and the Asian Surfing Championships with the assistance of the Philippine Surfing Federation.

Event organizers:
Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Cong. Francisco T. Matugas, House of Representatives, Municipality of General Luna, Philippine Surfing Federation

Event Co-presenters:
MVP Group of Companies (Philex Mining Corporation, Smart Communications, Silangan Mindanao Mining Inc.)

Sponsors:
Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority or TIEZA, Cebu Pacific, Cloud 9 Boardriders Club, Fluid Surf

Sanctioned by:
Association of Surfing Professionals, Asian Surfing Champions

Technical Team:

Ivonnie B. Dumadag, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte

Donna Tiu, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte

Don Pallugna, Philippine Surfing Federation

Zeny Pallugna, Philippine Surfing Federation

Gerry Degan, Sagana Resort

Local Government Unit of General Luna, Surigao del Norte

Manuel Melindo, Philippine Surfing Federation

The 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup Opens Filipino Style

2014-09-25T04:20:00.000-07:00

Government and event officials combine for the Opening Ceremony tradition of breaking a surfboard as a way to honour and show respect to the waves of Cloud 9. PIC ASP/Will H-S.

GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Philippines (Wednesday, September 24, 2014) - The community of General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines put on a show for the Opening Ceremony of the 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup. A lay-day was called due to small surf, but there was plenty of action on the shore with bands, cultural dancing and welcome speeches from local dignitaries.

Jamie P. Rusillon, Municipal Mayor of General Luna, who is also affectionately referred to as the Philippines Godfather of Surfing gave a glimpse into the past, present and future of surfing at Cloud 9.

“I remember more than 30 years ago when the first surfers came to our island,” Mayor Rusillon said. “They carried these crazy contraptions that they called surfboards and went into the ocean to tame the big barrels at Cloud 9 and since then this place has become world-famous. Surfing has brought economic growth to this region and I want to see the Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup run long into the future.”

Gerry Degan, Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup Contest Director and owner of Sagana Cloud 9 resort is eyeing an increase in swell towards the weekend that will see the event get underway in four-six foot waves.

“The surf is small right now, but it’s been building every day for the last few days,” Degan said. “We’re going to make a call at 6am tomorrow for a possible start, but Friday, Saturday and Sunday are looking really promising.”

Small, but fun surf on offer at Cloud 9 today. PIC ASP/Will H-S.

Dane Jordan, ASP Australasia General Manager and Tim Hain, ASC General Manager have been working hard to make this this dual sanctioned ASP 1-Star Qualifying Series and ASC Tour event truly world-class.

“There’s a strong contingent of Australian, Indonesian and Filipino surfers in the draw as well a some Hawaiian, Americans and Japanese surfers,” Jordan said. “I’m really excited for the increase in swell because we’re going to see some excellent surfing. I really want to extend a huge thank you from ASP to the local government officials and the community of General Luna for the warm welcome at the opening ceremony.”

“I always look forward to this opening ceremony each year, being with all the dancers, the surfers, event officials, and all the government and private sector officials that have made the event a reality,” Said Hain. “The commitment and dedication they are showing towards growing the sport of surfing here in this beautiful island is amazing, and on behalf of the ASC I really thank you for making it an even bigger event this year by including the ASP. Can't wait for the swell to hit and watch the boys getting all those big Cloud 9 barrels!”

The 2014 Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup will run from 24 - 28 September 2014 and boasts US$15,000 Prize Money, and will be run in conjunction with the Philippines Surfing Federation.

More info ASPWorldTour.com

Event organizers:
Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Cong. Francisco T. Matugas, House of Representatives, Municipality of General Luna, Philippine Surfing Federation

Event Co-presenters:
MVP Group of Companies (Philex Mining Corporation, Smart Communications, Silangan Mindanao Mining Inc.)

Sponsors:
Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority or TIEZA, Cebu Pacific, Cloud 9 Boardriders Club, Fluid Surf

Sanctioned by:
Association of Surfing Professionals, Asian Surfing Champions

Philippines counts down to first ever ASP QS event at Cloud 9

2014-09-16T20:22:00.001-07:00

Cloud 9, Siargao, Philippines. PIC ASP/Will H-S

COOLANGATTA, QLD/AUS (Wednesday, September 17, 2014) - The 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup is only weeks away from creating history as the first ASP Qualifying Series (QS) event at Cloud 9 in the Philippines. The event will be co-sanctioned by both the Association of Surfing Professionals and the Asian Surfing Championship (ASC), with surfers battling for precious ranking’s points and prize money at one of the world’s best waves.

While the event only carries a 1-Star rating and won’t be attracting the stars of our sport the way the 6-Star and Prime events do, this event is more about offering competitive experience for local surfers and giving up-and-coming international surfers and future stars of the sport valuable competitive experience at QS level.

Byron Bay's Soli Bailey at the 2011 Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup. Pic ASP/Will H-S.

“It’s fantastic to be working with the ASC to help grow the sport of surfing throughout Asia,” ASP Australasia General Manager Dane Jordan said. “1-Star QS events are the ideal way to test your competitive skills and learn what it takes to fight through a draw of talented surfers. Not to mention have the chance to surf one of the world’s best waves with just a couple of other surfers in the water.”

16-year-old Quinn Bruce (Coolangatta, QLD/AUS) is one of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming talents. Bruce works hard to perfect his skills at Snapper Rocks, the training grounds of some of the world’s best surfers — Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore.

“I haven't been to Cloud 9 before and I can’t wait to check the place out,” Bruce said. “I’ve heard it’s a perfect right hand barrel with a section at the end of it which is what every natural footer dreams of. I think living at Snapper and being a natural footer could be an advantage for me. There’s quite a huge difference surfing at QS events compared to the Juniors, in Junior events average scores are no worries, but in QS events it’s much harder to get a good score, plus you’re coming up against bigger and more experienced guys which can sometimes be intimidating. I haven't been told anything negative about the place yet so I'm sure it’s going to be a magical trip.”

Dede Suryana (IND) is one of Indonesia’s favourite surfing sons, and is a threat in any and all conditions. Coming off an equal 3rd place finish at last year’s Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, Suryana is hungry to go one better and make the final this time around.

"I can't wait again to get back there,” Suryana said. “It’s such a good wave and it's a right hander. I love rights and especially barrels! I hope for more barrels again this year. Last year I finished in equal 3rd place. So, this year I need to be in the final! I'm coming Cloud 9!"

The 2014 Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup will run from 24 - 28 September 2014 and boasts US$15,000 Prize Money, and will be run in conjunction with the Philippines Surfing Federation.

This year's surfing event is brought to you by the MVP Group of Companies and Manila Mining Corporation and organized by the Municipality of General Luna, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF) in cooperation with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Philippine Department of Tourism, Cloud 9 Boardriders Club and Fluid Surf. (by Tim Hain)

For more information, visit ASPWorldTour.com or send email to Philippine Surfing Federation at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or pallugna_don@yahoo.com.

Siargao's local surfer wins Maldives Open 2014 surfing tourney

2014-09-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

Nilbie Blanca from Philippines (red jersey). Photo courtesy of James O'donnell.

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

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

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

For more information about the event:
Asian Surfing Championship http://www.asiansurfingtour.com/

Maldives Body Boarding Association https://www.facebook.com/m.bodyboarding.a

Sogod Bay: Southern Leyte's underwater paradise

2014-09-06T21:06:00.002-07:00

Sogod Bay: Southern Leyte’s underwater paradise

Re-posted: (The Philippine Star) | Updated September 7, 2014 - 12:00am

Photo Courtesy of Yorko Summer.

MANILA, Philippines - The Visayas island group is known for its diverse marine life, being part of the world’s Coral Triangle, and has become “must-see” dive spots for divers from all over the globe.

Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte is one of the unheralded but equally astounding marine sanctuaries which is slowly getting international attention.

Embracing the province like a huge cove, the bay is habitat to over 150 species of hard coral, hawksbill and green turtles, butterflyfish, groupers, sweetlips, stingrays and a host of colorful fish species.

It also boasts of shrimps, decorator crabs, octopuses, nudibranchs, sea slugs, sea snails, sea stars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins.

The bay’s southern end in Pintuyan town is also the playground of the whale shark, the world’s biggest fish which is known locally as “tiki-tiki”.

To nurture this underwater paradise, the provincial government has forged a Memorandum of Agreement with London-based environmental organization Coray Cay Conservation for the Southern Leyte Coral Reef Conservation Project.

Initiated in September 2002, it initially completed a survey of marine sanctuary sites in the towns of Padre Burgos and Malitbog.

The project is now based at the Napantao marine sanctuary in San Francisco town and is implementing a four-week marine conservancy program for international dive volunteers for the preservation of the bay.

The program undertakes a comprehensive assessment of coastal marine resources in Sogod and collects quantitative information on ecologically and commercially important marine species.

It also produces detailed coastal habitat maps for use as an educational and planning tool for designation of marine protected areas (MPAs) across the province.

Anchored on the alleviation of poverty, the project also undertakes community education and capacity-building programs to empower communities.

On the tourism side, Sogod Bay is being promoted by the Department of Tourism as a scuba diving haven in Eastern Visayas, being the only validated dive spot in the region.

DOT Region 8 director Karina Rosa Tiopes said that Southern Leyte is being marketed as the “Playground of Eastern Visayas” because of this specialized adventure activity.

To sell it to the global tourist market, the DOT’s Market Development Group recently held a dive expedition in July with noted underwater photographers Yorko Summer of Taiwan and Jerome Kim of Korea.

The three-day dive documented the bay’s lush marine life and is being promoted in international publications and social media.

To build upon this initiative, the DOT and local tourism stakeholders will be spearheading an international underwater photography workshop in Padre Burgos in December to tap into Asia-Pacific’s niche dive market.

-----------------------------

How to get there?

Southern Leyte can be reached by plane from Manila or Cebu through Tacloban City. From Tacloban City, Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte is just 3 hour leisure drive by van or passenger bus.

For more information, email the Dive Market Development Group of the Philippine Department of Tourism at phdiveteam@gmail.com.

Philippines hosts international underwater shootout festival on November 27-30

2014-09-05T22:23:00.000-07:00

For more information, send email to Dive Market Development Group of the
Philippine Department of Tourism at phdiveteam@gmail.com

Note: Contest Mechanics in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese versions
are listed below including list of Tournament Judges and Director.

Photo(L-R): 2013 Philippine Tourism Photographer of the Year, Cem Gazevekilli of Istanbul in Turkey, poses with Jerome Kim, the Shootout Director of the 1st Anilao Underwater Photo Competition Festival

Manila, Philippines -- The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) through Dive Market Development Group in cooperation with members of the Underwater Macro Photographers Group (UWMP) will host an international underwater (UW) shootout in Anilao, a quiet seaside community in Batangas two hours away South of Manila, from November 27 to 30 this year.

The PDOT is setting its sights on promoting the Philippines as a premier UW macro photography destination in Asia and enticing more foreign UW photographers to engage their hobby in the Philippines through the holding of this event in Anilao, “one of the best places for underwater photography in the world”, according to Christian Vizl, a multi-award winning underwater photographer.

This joint project, entitled “Anilao Underwater Photo Competition Festival”, is open to both foreign and local UW photographers and fun divers for an entry fee of Php1000 or US$20 per participant inclusive of a 4-day dive pass, an event shirt and invitation to hosted welcome and farewell dinners with cultural entertainment.

Winners will receive a minimum total of US$10,000 worth of valuable prizes including holiday dive trips to the country’s best dive sites in Cebu, Bohol and Anilao through the support of Tourism Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Aiyanar Dive Resort and partner dive resorts in the Philippines. Contest mechanics can be viewed at www.travelwithzen.blogspot.com or by request through email at phdiveteam@gmail.com.

Simultaneous with the underwater macro photography contest, fun dives will also be organized for dive fanatics, as well as the conduct of seminars on “Dive Photography” during the festival. World renowned UW photographers ---i.e., Mike Bartick (USA); Yorko Summer (Taiwan), dive travel journalist; Ken Thongpila (Australia), multi-award winning underwater photographer and founder of Underwater Macro Photographers Club; Gutsy Tuason (Philippines) and Contest Director Jerome Kim (Korea), --- will grace the festival as board of judges and seminar speakers.

PDOT partner resorts in Anilao are also offering special dive promo packages of as low as US$400 for a 4 nights/5 days dive package inclusive of 6 boat dives, fullboard meals, accommodation (twin sharing arrangement), air tanks and dive master.

All the participating divers will surely say “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” with the opportunity to win fantastic prizes from local sponsors during the awarding ceremony on November 30 at seven o’clock in the evening at Aiyanar Dive Resort and to be entertained with cultural dances, live band and treated to delectable cuisine.

Another highlight of the competition is the first ever underwater photography workshop in Southern Leyte to position the province as macro dive destination in the Eastern Visayas region. The 3-day event will be held at Sogod Bay Dive Resort from December 2-5, 2014.

Divers can sign up and book their local travel arrangements for this international UW shootout at phdiveteam@gmail.com. Interested divers can register thru phdiveteam@gmail.com and get mechanics of the contest through facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Anilaouwphotocompetitionbydot.

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Contest Mechanics of the 2nd Anilao Underwater Photo Competition Festival

(English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese Versions)

-- English Version --

A. Competition Classes
Open Class: Open to all participants using any kind of camera of their choosing. Frequently published and professional photographers are automatically placed in Open Class.
Compact Class: Exclusive for participants using compact cameras without interchangeable lenses. DSLR, Mirrorless and Micro 4/3 cameras are not allowed.

B. Categories
1. Macro/SuperMacro Photography: Any close up photo of any underwater subject using macrolenses and/or close up lenses.
2. Marine Behavior: Any photograph shot to display specific behavior of marine life underwater.
3. Nudibranch Portrait: Profile photos of any specie of nudibranchs, sea slugs. Flat worms are not included.
4. Crustacean Portrait: Profile photos of any specie of crustaceans (shrimps, crabs, lobsters etc.)
5. Portfolio (DOT photographer of the year): The winner will be judged based on the four main categories mentioned above.

C. Winners
Every category for every class will have 3 winners: Best, Second, and Third Prize.
There will be a total of 30 awards.
** Each participant can only win once in the 4 main categories (portfolio not included). The winner will automatically get the highest prize.
Portfolio Category winners can win one other category prize.

D. Competition Mechanics
The competition is open to all local and international, amateur and professional photographers.
Each participants can stay in any place (resorts) and submit photos in designated place (Aiyanar resort)
Each participant can only compete in one class, either Open or Compact.
Each participant can submit a maximum of 4 photos, one in each category.
Only photos taken on the shootout dates (November 27-29, 2014) are eligible.
Only photos taken in Anilao (Mabini-Tingloy) are eligible.
Images must be taken in Open Water. Photos taken in artificial environments such as aquariums and pools are not eligible.
All organizing bodies, including DOT representatives, judges, and volunteers are disqualified to join the competition.
The judges’ decisions are final.

E. Conservation and Underwater Conduct
The competition will uphold the strictest standards in respect for marine life and will tolerate zero marine life handling. Any photo submitted displaying the following would automatically be disqualified:
Divers exhibiting destructive contact to marine environment.
Animals visibly stressed.
Animals shoot in unnatural environment.
Animals feed by divers.
Any form of contact by divers to marine life.

F. Post Processing
Post processing will be allowed for this competition with the following guidelines:
Minimal image manipulation (sharpening, color correction, removal of back scatters) is allowed.
Maximum of 10% cropping is allowed.
Masking, healing, and cloning are not allowed.
Original RAW, JPEG files will be required as reference to the finished photograph.

G. File Entry Format
Competitors should submit both original and processed photos.
Original Photos should be submitted in original filename (RAW or JPG).
Processed Photos should be in jpg and renamed in below format
<CATEGORY>_<CLASS>_<YOURNAME>.jpg

Ex: MACRO_OPEN_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg
MARINEBEHAVIOR_COMPACT_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg
NUDIBRANCH_OPEN_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg
CRUSTACEAN_OPEN_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg

H. Copyright
In submitting an entry, the participant, as owner of the photograph, grants DOT the use of his entry or entries, no more than two (2)years from Awarding Ceremonies for promotion of the competition in printed,slide show, video, and web page formats, and for non-profit educational purposes. Copyright will be retained by the participant and recognition will begiven.
Model releases will be the responsibility of the photographer.

I. Registration
All participants are required to register at Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort prior to shooting.
Registration can be made everyday from November 27-29, 2014, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Cameras to be used for the duration of competition must be presented during registration.
Registration fee will be 20Us$ or 1,000 PhP
all the participants will be received ID and waved to pay 3 days of dive pass (cost 600 PhP).

J. Submission
Entries are accepted everyday from November 27-29, 2014, 8:00a.m. to 6:00 p.m and 8:00a.m to 10a.m on November 30, 2014 at Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort.
Deadline of submission is at 10:00 a.m of November 30, 2014.

K. Awarding
Awarding ceremony and farewell party will be at Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort from 7:00 p.m on November 30, 2014.

-- Chinese Version --

菲律賓擁有許多眾所皆知的知名潛水勝地，更由於位處於珊瑚金三角帶的頂端，此區海域匯聚成一處精彩且充滿多樣的海洋生物集散地。
菲律賓世界知名的潛水勝地例如位於Batangas的阿尼洛(Anilao)，這裡是毋庸置疑的世界級最佳微距潛場，也是所有潛水員及水下攝影師最愛的夢幻潛點。阿尼洛是全球水下生物密集度最高的區域之一，擁有超過九成的珊瑚種類、豐富的珊瑚礁群、無數的熱帶魚、特殊的海洋物種以及稀有罕見的海蛞蝓，在海平面下的每一處，都能有驚喜的發現與收獲。
每年十月至隔年五月，是阿尼洛最佳的潛水季節，在這段時間裡，這裡也是菲律賓最多人造訪的潛水地點之一，大量的曝光度讓菲律賓潛水市場獲得了更多人的關注，也促成了本次國際潛水活動的再次舉辦。
由菲律賓觀光局(DOT)所主辦的第二屆阿尼洛國際潛水節暨水下攝影大賽，活動期間為2014年11月27日起至11月30日止。本活動開放給來自世界各地的水下攝影師參加，競賽單元包含卡片機組與單眼機組（含微單相機）。
A. 獎品
總獎品金額超過30000美金，包含了潛水行程、潛水器材、消費折價券…等。
B. 大賽評審
1. Ken Thongpila (澳大利亞)
2. Mike Bartick (美國)
3. Mimmo Roscigno (義大利)
4. Scott Gutsy Tuazon (菲律賓)
5. Yorko Summer (台灣)
** 競賽使用機材分組 **
A. 競賽組別
開放組：這個組別不限任何相機使用，但知名或專業的水下攝影師，則自動歸納入本組。
卡片機組：本組別僅開放給使用卡片機拍攝者參加（即相機無法更換鏡頭之機種）。單眼及微單拍攝作品則不允許參加本組競賽。
B. 參賽類別
1. 微距/超微距：
參賽作品拍攝內容，使用微距鏡頭或外掛加倍鏡，以任何水中生物近攝題材為主。
2. 生物行為：
參賽作品拍攝內容，以水中生物特殊行為或習性為主題。
3. 海蛞蝓寫真：
參賽作品拍攝內容包含所有種類的海蛞蝓（含海兔、扁蟲）。
4. 甲殼類寫真：
參賽作品拍攝內容包含所有甲殼類（例如蝦、蟹、龍蝦…等）
5. 個人作品集（DOT年度最佳水下攝影師）：
由大賽評審群，從參賽者作品集（含上述四組類別），挑選綜合表現最佳者獲獎。
C. 優勝者
每一類別的每一組別，都將分別遴選出前3名優勝者：金獎，銀獎，銅獎，共有30張作品將最終獲選。
** 每一位參賽者只能獲選以上四個類別的其中一名（個人作品集則不在此限，作品可重複獲選於其他類別）獲獎者將自動保留於最佳名次。作品集獲奬者則可同時獲得其他類別的名次。
D. 競賽規則
- 本次競賽開放給菲律賓當地與其他來自國際的專業或業餘潛水攝影師。
- 每一位參賽者只可以選擇單一組別，開放組別或卡片機組別。
- 每一位參賽者每一類別最多可繳交4張作品。
- 參賽作品必須是於大賽期間2014年11月27日至29日所拍攝。
- 參賽作品必須是於阿尼洛(Anilao)區域所拍攝。
- 參賽作品必須是取材自海洋中的開放水域，如果照片拍攝於人造環境，例如水族館、游泳池，則將不為採用。
- 所有大賽工作人員，包含菲律賓觀光局之代表、大賽評審或相關自願協助工作者，則不允許參加本次比賽，避免有失公允。
- 比賽結果以大賽評審最終決定為主。
E. 環境保護與水下拍攝行為之規範
本次競賽將維持最高規格的把關標準，請尊重並絕對不允許傷害任何海洋生物或造成環境破壞，如有任何參賽作品不遵從以下規範，將自動取消作品參賽資格。
- 禁止潛水員觸碰或傷害海洋環境。
- 海洋生物明顯受到人為驚嚇。
- 海洋生物位處於非自然的環境或物件上。
- 海洋生物為潛水員餵食所拍攝的畫面。
- 任何作品有明顯為潛水員觸碰海洋生物所拍攝的畫面。
F.照片後製處理規範
- 照片後製處理只要遵守以下條件規範可被接受，例如圖片銳化、色彩校正、移除雜點。
- 最大圖片可被裁剪比例為10%。
- 圖片遮罩使用、修復、複製，則不被允許。
- 圖片原始檔案(RAW)以及JPG檔案將被要求提供審視。
G.作品繳交格式
- 參賽者繳交作品時，必須同時提供原始照片以及後製過的參賽照片。
- 繳交的原始照片必須必須保留原始檔名的RAW檔或JPG檔。
- 後製過的參賽照片必須為JPG檔並請更改為以下交件檔名範例。
<CATEGORY>_<CLASS>_<YOURNAME>.jpg
<參賽類別>_<機材組別>_<參賽者姓名>.jpg （請用英文填寫）
範例如下：
MACRO_OPEN_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg MARINEBEHAVIOR_COMPACT_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg NUDIBRANCH_OPEN_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg CRUSTACEAN_OPEN_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg
H. 著作權相關
參賽時，所有參加者，也是圖片所有者，必須允許提供菲律賓觀光局於頒獎公布兩年內無償使用，於印刷、投影片、影片視頻、網路宣傳格式以及提供教育計劃。著作權保留給圖片所有者，使用時也會注明拍攝者姓名。
** 如圖片內有人物出現，則使用責任歸屬於參賽攝影師負責，避免造成大會困擾。
I. 參賽登記
所有參賽者必須於拍攝開始前於Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort 登記參賽，登記處開放時間為2014年11月27日至29日，上午8點-下午6點，請記得攜帶於比賽期間將使用拍攝的相機至現場登記。
J. 作品交件
參賽登記時間為2014年11月27日至29日，上午8點-下午6點，地點為Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort，最終作品交件期限為2014年11月30日上午10點前，逾時恕不受理。
K. 頒獎典禮（結果公佈）
頒獎典禮暨活動派對將於2014年11月30日在Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort舉辦。

-- Korean Version--

제 2회 Anilao Underwater Shootout Festival 대회 요강

대회 일자: 2014년 11월 27일 – 30일
참가자들은 아닐라오내 아무 리조트에나 머무셔도 되며, 반드시 자기카메라를 가지고 아야나르리조트로 오셔서 등록절차를 마치신후 촬영을 하셔야 합니다.

A. 종목
1. Macro/Super Macro (마크로/ 슈퍼마크로) – 마크로 렌즈나 크로즈업렌즈를 사용한 모든 생물들을 포함한 작품.
2. Marine Behavior (수중 생태) – 수중생물들의 생태를 표현한 작품.
3. Nudibranch Portrait (누디브렌치) – 모든 종류의 누디브렌치, 씨 슬럭을 찍은 작품 (플랫웜은 포함안됨).
4. Crustacean Portrait (갑각류) - 모든 종류의 새우, 게, 랍스터류의 갑각류
5. Portfolio (DOT photographer of the year) 포트폴리오 – 상기 4부문의 작품들의 점수를 합산하여 수상

B. 부문
1. Open Class (일반 부문) – 모든 종류의 카메라를 사용할수 있음. 컴팩트 카메라를 사용할지라도 이미 여러 수상경력이 있는 작가나 프로패셔널 작가는 자동적으로 오픈 클라스로 등록됨
2. Compact Class (컴팩트 부문) – 렌즈교환이 불가능한 컴팩트 카메라를 소지한 작가들에 한하며, DSLR이나 미러리스, 마이크로 포서드 카메라는 포함되지 않는다

C. 수상 내역: 총 상품 3만불 상당
각 종목 3등까지 수상하며 포트폴리오를 제외한 각종목에서의 중복수상은 허용안됨.

D. 촬영대회 유의사항
제출 사진은 대회기간중 마비니-팅로이(통틀어 아닐라오라 지칭) 지역에서 촬영된 사진에 한하며, 반드시 자연상태의 수중에서 촬영된 사진만 제출이 허용된다. (수영장, 수족관에서 촬영 불가)

E. 환경보호 규칙
참가자는 반드시 다음의 환경보호 규칙을 지켜야 하며 그렇지 않은 경우 자동 실격 처리 될 수 있음
• 생태계를 훼손하는 행위
• 수중 생물에게 스트레스를 주는 행위
• 부자연스럽거나 위험한 위치로 생물을 옮기는 행위
• 먹이를 주는 행위
• 함부로 만지는 행위

F. 후보정 허용범위
1. 국제적으로 통용되는 한도내에서 후보정을 허용함 (색상, 밝기, 선명도 조정 가능)
2. 최고 10% 크롭 허용
3. 마스킹, 힐링, 클로닝은 허용안됨 (10개 이내의 불순물 제거 가능, 단 피사체위의 불순물은 불가능)
원본과의 비교를 위해 사진은 원본과 보정한 사진을 함께 제출하여야 함

G. 사진 제출 형식
1. 파일명 – 사진을 제출시에 본인이 직접 아래 양식을 따라 파일명을 수정하여 제출하여야 하며 그렇지 않을시 자동 실격됨
<종목>_<부문>_<작가명>.jpg
<종목>_<부문>_<작가명>.(RAW Format)
예.
MACRO_OPEN_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg
BEHAVIOR_COMPACT_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg
NUDIBRANCH_OPEN_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg
CRUSTACEAN_OPEN_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg
포트폴리오 심사를 위해 4가지 종목의 사진들을 원본과 함께 같은 폴더에 저장하여 제출 (총8장)
컴팩트부문은 원본과 보정본을 다른 폴더에 따로 저장하여 제출
2. 파일 종류
모든 결과물은 JPEG와 원본을 함께 제출해야함.
RAW 기능을 지원하지 않는 컴팩트 카메라도 보정본과 원본을 함께 제출하여야 함(다른 폴더로 저장)

H. 저작권
모든 작품의 저작권은 작가 본인에게 있으며 수상작들에 한하여 필리핀관광청은 2년동안 작품을 비영리적인 목적에 한하여 사용할 권리를 가진다.

I. 등록 절차
모든 참가자들은 반드시 자신의 카메라를 지참하여 지정된 등록처에 가서 카메라 세팅에 관한 안내를 듣고 본인의 카메라임을 확인받아야한다.
미리 촬영된 사진제출을 방지하기 위해 카메라내 날자 세팅을 바꾸어야 하며 대회 당일 발표함.
참가비는 일인당 20$이나 1000페소이며 사흘간 다이빙패스 (600페소)를 면제받습니다

J. 사진 제출
사진제출은 반드시 2014년 11월 30일 오전 10시 이전에 지정된 등록처에 제출하여야 한다.

K. 수상작 발표및 시상식
2014년 11월 30일 7시부터 아야나르 리조트에서 시상식과 만찬이 있음.

-- Japanese Version --

A　コンペティションのクラス
オープンクラス：どんな種類のカメラでも参加可。プロのカメラマンはオープンクラスでエントリーすること。
コンデジクラス：レンズの着脱可能でないタイプのコンパクトカメラの使用者に限る。デジタル一眼、ミラーレス一眼、マイクロフォーサーズカメラは不可。
B　カテゴリー
1. マクロ／スーパーマクロ：マクロレンズかクローズアップレンズを使ったマクロ写真。被写体は問わず。
2. 水中生物生態：水中生物の生態を写した写真。
3. ウミウシポートレート：ウミウシのポートレート写真。ヒラムシは不可。
4. 甲殻類ポートレート：エビ、カニ、コシオリエビなど甲殻類のポートレート写真。
5. ポートフォリオ（フィリピン観光省フォトグラファーオブザイヤー）：上記4部門の総合賞。
C. 受賞者
それぞれのクラスのそれぞれのカテゴリーにつき、1位～3位の受賞者を選ぶ。
注；それぞれの参加者は、ポートフォリオカテゴリーを含まない4つのメインカテゴリーの賞どれか一つ最も高い順位の賞だけ受賞することができる。4つのカテゴリーのどれか一つと、ポートフォリオカテゴリーの2つを受賞することはできる。
D. 参加資格
フィリピン国内、海外、プロ・アマ問わず。
参加者はどのリゾートに宿泊してもよく、アイヤナールリゾートに設置される本部に写真を提出する。
参加者は、オープンクラスかコンデジグラスのどちらかのクラス一つにしかエントリーできない。
参加者は、各カテゴリーにつき1枚だけ写真を提出できる。
2014年の11月27日～29日に撮影された写真のみ提出することができる。
アニラオ（マビニおよびティンロイ）地域で撮影された写真に限る。
自然の環境で撮影された写真に限る。水槽などの中で撮影したものは不可。
運営サイドの人間、フィリピン観光省職員、審査員、イベントボランティアはコンペティションに参加できない。
審査員の審査に異を唱えないこと。
E. 水中生物への敬意
本コンペティションは、水中生物への最大の敬意を払うことを前提にしている。下記のようなものが映っている水中写真は自動的に受賞資格を失う。
水中環境に被害を与えるような接触をおこなっているダイバー。
水中生物が明らかにストレスを受けている。
不自然な環境に生物が置かれている。
餌付けしている。
ダイバーが生物に触っている。
F. レタッチ
撮影後のレタッチについては、以下に述べる範囲で行うことができる。
シャープ、色調補正、ゴミ除去はおこなっても良い。
トリミングは10％まで。
コピーアンドペースト、ゴミ以外の除去は不可。
レタッチ前のRAWもしくはJPEGファイルも提出すること。
G. 提出ファイルの形式
参加者は、オリジナルデータと提出のためのデータファイルの両方を提出すること。
オリジナルデータ（RAWまたはJPG）は、オリジナルのファイル名で提出すること。
提出のためのデータファイルの名前は以下の様式に従う。
<CATEGORY>_<CLASS>_<YOURNAME>.jpg
例: MACRO_OPEN_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg
MARINEBEHAVIOR_COMPACT_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg
NUDIBRANCH_OPEN_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg
CRUSTACEAN_OPEN_JUANDELACRUZ.jpg
H. コピーライト
提出された画像については、提出から2年間の使用をフィリピン観光省に認めるものとし、コンペティションの宣伝用印刷物、ウェブ、ビデオ、教育用の非営利教材等に使用される。使用にあたっては、撮影者のコピーライトを表記する。
写真内に人物がいる場合の肖像権の許可については、撮影者が責任を負う。
I. 登録
撮影を開始する前に、アイヤナールビーチアンドダイブリゾート（Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort）で登録を行うこと。
登録時間は、2014年11月27日～29日の午前8時～午後6時。
登録を行う際、撮影に使うカメラを持参すること。
登録料は20米ドルもしくは1,000ペソ。
参加費者には、3日間のダイブパス（600ペソの相当）を兼ねたIDが手渡される。
J. 提出
作品の提出は、2014年11月27日～29日の午前8時～午後6時の間に、11月30日については午前8時～午前10時の間にアイヤナールビーチアンドダイブリゾートで受け付ける。
提出の最終締め切りは、2014年11月30日午前10時とする。
K. 表彰
表彰式および閉会式は、アイヤナールビーチアンドダイブリゾートで2014年11月30日午後7時より行う。

Board o Judges and Contest Director

1. Scott Gutsy Tuason (Philippines)

Scott was first handed his underwater camera at the age of 16 though he started diving before he even hit puberty. Decades later he’s still a passionate photographer, and the element of doing things just at the edge characterizes how he gets his images. From throwing himself into a feeding frenzy or tangling off a line in open water at night, Gutsy as he is known thrives on the thrills. His photography has won awards, notably the Palme D’or at Antibes festival for his co-authored book Anilao in 2000, but the real gratification lies in sharing the marvels of the ocean and inspiring others to help preserve it

Scott Gutsy Tuason (Philippines)

2. Mike Bartick (USA)

Mike is an award winning, Marine Wildlife Photographer, field editor and Photo Pro based in South East Asia. He has an insatiable love for finding critters, shooting photos and sharing his insight and knowledge with others. His curiosity and drive for first- hand experience has lead him across the globe in search of that special critter encounter.
Mike is widely published with work appearing monthly in international magazines, websites and internet publications. He also hosts photo clinics and seminars concentrating on the different aspects of Underwater Photography and the natural history of the Indo-Pacific.
Publications include but are not limited to:
• Sport Diver
• Sport Diver Asia Pacific
• Alert Diver Magazine
• Action Asia
• UWphotographyguide.com
• Undersea Journal
• X-Ray Magazine
• California Diver
Mike is regarded as an expert in his field and enjoys being in the water as much as possible and agrees that the next best thing to being there, is talking about it.

Mike Bartick (USA)

3. Yorko Summer (Taiwan)
Yorko, a Taiwanese, works as an Under Water Photographer. At the same time, he is a certified PADI Dive Instructor and travel journalist. He visited many countries and exotic islands. He loves to spend time taking beautiful photograph from the unique and amazing underwater world also the vast culture around the world. His photographs and works are often seen on internet websites, newspaper, and magazines. Ever since year 2002, Yorko has started his scuba diving and underwater photographing career. He had also lived in a beautiful exotic island named Palau for 6 years. Yorko fell in love with the mysterious yet elegant ocean world and its inhabitants. He is particularly fascinated using macro lens for his photography. During his recent years, he often visits The Micronesian Islands, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, etc. Currently, Yorko travels and resides frequently in Shanghai, China and Taiwan.

Yorko Summer (Taiwan)

4. Ken Thongpila (Australia)
Ken Thongpila is an Australian-Thai, living and working in Sydney. He is an award-winning photographer featured in diving magazines and websites.

Ken has been scuba diving and taking photographs underwater as his hobby since 2003. His passion is macro photography and his favourite critter is the nudibranch. In October 2011 he created the Underwater Macro Photographers (UWMP) Facebook Group which quickly became popular with the underwater photography community and has more than 28,000 members from all over the world. The aim of the group is “sharing, learning and inspiring each other”.

Along with managing the Facebook group, Ken also produces and edits the UWMP eNews, a regular online magazine which provides members with tips and techniques for capturing stunning photos of small exotic marine life. From more than 600 photo entries each month, a top 10 is selected for DSLR and compact camera categories and showcased in the magazine.

Ken has been diving in Australia, Norfolk Island, Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vanuatu Papua New Guinea. His favorite destination for macro photography is Anilao, Philippines.

Ken Thongpila (Australia)

5. Jerome Kim – Tournament Director

Born and raise in Korea, Jerome Kim has been based in the Philippines for the last 13 years. One of the reasons why he moved here was for diving. He considers Anilao as his favorite dive spot in the whole Coral Triangle because of the great macro opportunities. Coincidentally it was also on Anilao where he got his first taste of diving in early 1990’s.

He became a certified open water diver in Boracay, and four years ago become a certified SSI Instructor in Anilao. Currently he has logged over 1,500 dives and hits the water at least twice a month. He got into underwater photography around the same time he moved to the Philippines. By then he needed a new challenge when diving so he started off with film cameras. In 2006 he made the jump to go digital.

He likes Macro photography and taking photos of small critters. He has won a bunch of awards from several UW photo competitions in Korea and abroad. His photos and columns were published on several dive magazines

He is professional architect and leaves many works in Korea and Philippines. He wants to design photography as an art like his profession.

Jerome Kim (Korea)

All Filipino surfing cup kicks off on September 17

2014-09-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

For more information, email Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF) at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or pallugna_don@yahoo.com. (Poster designed by Ronald Allan Chua)

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

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

LIST OF WINNERS

PSF TECHNICAL STAFF:

Contest Director: Dondi Pallugna (Siargao Island)
Head Judge: Manuel Melindo (Siargao Island)
Judge 1: Ronald Sumalinog (Siargao Island)
Judge 2: Luke Ladrigan (La Union)
Judge 3: Alex Comandante (Siargao Island)
Judge 4: Abdel Elecho (Eastern Samar)
Alternate Judge: Nildie Blancada (Siargao Island)
Alternate Judge: Mannette Alcala (Siargao Island)

Siargao's surfing cup becomes ASP 1 Star Qualifying Series

2014-09-01T13:39:00.003-07:00

For more information email PSF at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or pallugna_don@yahoo.com
(Poster designed by Ronald Allan Chua)

This year's Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, slated to run in the Philippines this September 24-28, will be a historic event. It has been running for 20 years, but this fall will be the Cup's first to offer Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Qualifying Series (QS) points. The contest event will now be co-sanctioned by both ASP QS and Asian Surfing Championship (ASC), giving competitors a unique opportunity to better their respective standings in each league.

Defending champion Putra Hermawan (IDN) is looking forward to competing in an even bigger event and taking full advantage of the chance to compete for both ASP QS and ASC points simultaneously.

Putra Hermawan winning last year's ASC Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup. Photo by: ASC/Tim Hain

"Surfing Cloud 9 is like surfing my home break, Lacerations, in Nusa Lembongan," Hermawan said. "Last year was my first time to surf at Cloud 9 and I'm so excited to go back there again."

With ASP heading to the break, local surfers like Osot Alcala (PHI) will have the chance to compete among some of the sport's top athletes in the world.

"The locals are super excited to have the ASP and ASC here at Cloud 9," Alcala said. "We want our chance to surf against some of the best and can’t wait until September."

Siargao's governor, Francisco T. Matugas, has been a driving force behind getting this event on the world stage. Along with offering more opportunity for the surfers, a QS rating is a chance for the region to put a spotlight on its waves and its talent.

Surfing continues to gain footing in Asia and the Siargao is another step up in the upward mobility of the sport there. The president of the Republic of the Philippines, Benigno S. Aquino III, plans to attend the opening ceremonies, a sign of the growing popularity of surfing in the country.

The ASP sanction will also create a huge draw for both regional and international of surfers, furthering the Asia Pacific region's standing as integral part of competitive surfing.

"I've been lucky enough to see Cloud 9 first-hand and it truly is one of the world's best waves," said Dane Jordan, ASP Australasia General Manager. "It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make these events happen so I'd like to thank the people of the Philippines and everyone who's involved."

The 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup will run from September 24 to 28, 2014 and it is brought to you by the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Municipality of General Luna and the Philippine Surfing Federation. (by Tim Hain, ASC).

Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines.Photo by: Tim Hain

Cronulla's Connor O'Leary at Cloud 9 in 2011 for a Pro Junior event. Photo by: Tim Hain/ASC

---------------------------------------------------------

About ASP

The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the sole governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Championship Tours (WCT), the ASP Qualification Series (QS), the Big Wave World Tour; the ASP World Longboard Championship (WLC) and the ASP World Junior Championship (WJC).

The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfers in the world’s best waves with the International organization supported by seven regional offices in Africa, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, Japan, North America, and South America.

The ASP serves to celebrate and grow the history, elite athletes, diverse fans and dedicated partners that together embody professional surfing today.

Siargao surfers grab the top 3 slots of Siargao International Women Surfing Cup 2014

2014-05-17T23:31:00.000-07:00

Cloud 9 Tower in General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines

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

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

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

(L-R) Equal third Kim Woolridge (Australia) and Nildie Retenback (Philippines) and
1st Runner Up Manette Alcala.

Congratulations to all the winners.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
1. Keiko Russo (Japan)
2. Rissa Nogaliza (Burgos, Philippines)
3. Jasmin Schroeter (Germany)
4. Stephanie Burket (Switzerland)
5. Katarina Escamillan (General Luna, Philippines)
6. Julieta Hepner (Argentina)
7. Verity Wigley (United Kingdom)
8. Jovelyn Figuron (General Luna, Philippines)
9. Dalvina Gallardo (Czech Republic)
10. Emmy Adollsin (Sweden)
11. Angieline Alipayo (General Luna, Philippines)
12. Nemia Alceso (General Luna, Philippines)
13. Nelbie Blancada (General Luna, Philippines)
14. Nildie Retenback (General Luna, Philippines)
15. Sandy Fontannez (North Australia)
16. Kim Wooldridge (Australia)
17. Manette Alcala (General Luna, Philippines)
18. Ana Mae Alipayo (General Luna, Philippines)
19. Ananda Alipayo (France)

TECHNICAL STAFF
PSF Secretary General - Zeny C. Pallugna
Contest Director - Gerry Degan
Contest Coordinator - Don Pallugna
Head Judge - Wilmar Melindo
Judges
- Ronald Sumalinog
- Gary
- Alon (Israel)
Marshall - Bones
Flagmen - Sandito Alciso
Tabulator - Eric Rusillon

Tourism Coordinator - Donna Tiu
Creative Designer - Ronald Chua (Karaga Republik)

ORGANIZERS
Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF)
Local Government Unit of General Luna (LGU-GL)
Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte (SDN)
House of Representatives - First District of Surigao del Norte

SPECIAL THANKS
Congressman Francisco T. Matugas
Governor Sol F. Matugas
Mayor Jaime P. Rusillon

The participants of the 7th Siargao Women's Surfing Cup together with the government officials of Surigao del Norte (L-R) Mayor Jaime Rusillon, Governor Sol Matugas, Congressman Matugas and Board Member Simeon Castrense. Standing at the back are Vice Mayor Vic-Vic Solloso and Vice Governor Egay.

SPONSORS
Surf Angel
Smart Communications
San Miguel Corporation
Fluid Surf
Karaga Republik
Nature Spring

Siargao Girl's International Surfing Cup is set on May 6-10

2014-03-01T12:14:00.000-08:00

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

Siargao's Dedon Island Resort ranks #16 as among the "21 Amazing Hotels You Need to Visit Before You Die"

2014-02-28T19:19:00.001-08:00

(www.dedonisland.com)

I have been traveling around the Philippines since mid-1990s but I fell in love with Siargao Island, the moment I step on it --- the smiles and warmth of the local people and the beautiful scenery (sun, sand, sea and surf). My love for surfing, outdoor activities and Siargao Island, got me involved in several tourism activities, programs and projects in the Island. It gave me the opportunity to visit the Island more often in a year and I felt like I'm a local resident there.

Since mid-90's, together with the local government and tourism stakeholders in Siargao, we worked together to promote the Island's tourism assets. The concerted efforts of the different sectors in the Island has been paid off, as the Island received several accolades from the international tourism publications.

This year (2014), My Science Academy published a list of 21 Amazing Hotels You Need to Visit Before You Die and Siargao's Dedon Island Resort ranks number 16 among the 21 amazing hotels in the world. (http://myscienceacademy.org/2014/02/11/21-amazing-hotels-you-need-to-visit-before-you-die/)

Äscher Cliff, Switzerland (Website: myswitzerland.com)

Ascher Cliff in Switzerland (www.switzerland.com)

2. Hotel Kakslauttanen, Finland (Website: kakslauttanen.fi)

Hotle Kakslauttanen in Finland (www.kakslauttanen.fi)

3. Ladera Resort, St. Lucia (Website: ladera.com)
4. The Manta Resort, Zanzibar
5. Rayavadee Krabi, Thailand (Website: rayavadee.com)
6. Shangri La, Paris (Website: shangri-la.com)
7. Hotel Ristorante Grotta Palazzese Polignano a Mare, Italy (Website: grottapalazzese.it)
8. Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island (Website: conradhotels3.hilton.com)
9. Panchoran Retreat, Bali (Website: panchoran-retreat.com)
10. Hotel Ubud Hanging Gardens, Indonesia (Website: hanginggardensubud.com)
11. Attrap Reves Hotel, France (Website: attrap-reves.com)

Attrap Reves Hotel in France (www.attrap-reves.com)

12. Katikies Hotel-Oia, Greece (website: katikies.com)
13. Hotel Le Sirenuse, Amalfi Coast, Italy (Website: sirenuse.it)
14. Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden (Website: icehotel.com)
15. The Cambrian Hotel, Adelboden, Switzerland (Website: thecambrianadelboden.com)
16. Dedon Island Resort, Philippines (Website: dedonisland.com)

Dedon Island Resort in Siargao Island, Philippines (www.dedonisland.com)

17. Home Stead Resort (Website: homesteadresort.com)
18. Villa Escudero, Philippines (Website: villaescudero.com)

Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation (www.villaescudero.com)

19. Hotel-Restaurant Öschinensee, Switzerland (Website: oeschinensee.ch)

20. Astarte Suits Hotel, Greece (Website: astartesuites.gr)

21. Montana Magica Lodge, Chile (Website: huilohuilo.com)

Montana Magica Lodge in Chile (www.huilohuilo.com)

The Dedon Island Resort in Siargao Island earlier received a prestigious recognition from an International Traveller, a widely read international magazine, as No. 37 among the 100 Best Hotels and Resorts in the world.

Siargao’s popularity can be traced back in early 1990s when a famous surf photographer and writer, John Callahan, discovered Cloud 9 surf break (named after the local no-melt chocolate bars) and published an article about his surf expedition in the island. It was also recognized by CNN.Go as world’s ten best surf spot for two consecutive years (2012-2013).

The discovery of Cloud 9 as a world-class surfing destination stimulated tourist arrivals and tourism investors, making it the number one source of international visitor arrivals in Caraga Region.

Winners of the Anilao Underwater Photo Competition Festival

2014-02-28T18:08:00.002-08:00

The Dive Market Development Group of the Philippine Department of Tourism in cooperation with the Underwater Photographers Association announces the winners of the first Anilao Underwater Photo Competition Festival held in Anilao, Batangas last December 4-8, 2013. The event was attended by 118 underwater photographers from all over the globe (i.e., US, Ukrain, Dubai, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Shanghai and Philippines) competed to the following categories:

Open Class
* DOT Photographer of the Year
* Best Macro and Super Macro
* Best Nudibranch
* Best Marine Behavior

Compact Class
* DOT Photographer of the Year
* Best Macro and Super Macro
* Best Nudibranch
* Best Marine Behavior

The DOT initiated this event to position the Philippines as a premier UW macro photography destination in Asia. It was also aimed to entice more foreign UW photographers to engage their hobby in the Philippines through the holding of this event in Anilao, “one of the best places for underwater photography in the world”, according to Christian Vizl, a multi-award winning underwater photographer. (Watch this Anilao UW Photo Competition Festival at YouTube --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn5ehNeWGQI#t=14)

WINNERS FOR OPEN CLASS CATEGORY

* OPEN CLASS: DOT Photographer of the Year

Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) Photographer of the Year for Compact Class is Mr. Cem Gaziverkici (Turkey).

Second Placer - Mr. Iyad Sueyman (Ukrain)

Third Placer - Mr. Son Euisik (Korea)

* OPEN CLASS: Best Macro and Super Macro

The Finalists for Open Class-Macro and Super Macro

The Winner, Son Euisik (Korea)

Secon Placer - Kim Hyunduk (Korea)

Third Placer - Mr. Minuok Kim (Korea)

* OPEN CLASS: Best Nudibranch

The Finalists for Open Class - Best Nudibranch Category

The Winner - Mr. Cem Gaziverkici (Turkey)

Second Placer - Mr. Peri Parelacio

Third Placer - Mr. Iyad Suleyman (Ukrain)

* OPEN CLASS - Best Marine Behavior

The Finalists for the Open Class- Best Marine Behavior

The Winner - Mr. Jun Lao (Philippines)

Second Placer - Mr. Kisang Lee (Korea)

Third Placer - Mr. Beyond Tien (Shanghai)

WINNERS FOR COMPACT CLASS CATEGORY

* DOT Photographer of the Year

Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) Photographer of the Year for Compact Class is Mr. Alexis Principe (Philippines).

Second Placer - Ms. Ivan Manzanares (Philippines)

Third Placer - Mr. Yoshi Osawa (Japan)

* COMPACT CLASS - Best Macro and Super Macro

The Finalists for the Compact Class - Macro and Super Macro

The Winner - Mr. Ivan Manzanares (Philippines)

Second Placer - Mr. Alexis Principe (Philippines)

Third Placer - Ms. Paz Santos (Philippines)

* COMPACT CLASS - Best Nudibranch

The Finalists for the Compact Class - Best Nudibranch

The Winner - Ms. Bebot Esteban (Philippines)

Second Placer - Mr. Yoshi Osawa (Japan)

Third Placer - Mr. Oliver Aquino (Philippines)

* COMPACT CLASS - Best Marine Behavior

The Finalists for Compact Class - Marine Behavior

The Winner - Ms. Kay Manebo (Philippines)

Second Placer - Ms. Bunnee Santos (Philippines)

Third Placer - Mr. Giyoung Jang (Korea)

World renowned UW photographers (i.e., Koji Nakamura, President of Japan Underwater Films; Yorko Summer, dive travel journalist; Christian Vizl, current world champion in underwater photography; Ken Thongpila, multi-award winning underwater photographer and founder of Underwater Macro Photographers Club; and Michael Aw, one of the world’s most influential nature photographers) were invited to grace the festival as board of judges and seminar speakers.

The Board of Judges (Christian Vizl, Jerome Kim, Ken Thongpila, Yorko Summer and Ken Nakamura) with Zeny Pallugna, Head of the Dive Market Development Group of the Department of Tourism, and Vice Mayor of Anilao, Batangas.

The DOT Team with the Board of Judges

The Anilao Team

Thank you to the participating sponsors of this Anilao UW Photo Competition Festival.

Philippines announces underwater shootout festival on December 4 to 8

2013-10-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

Manila, Philippines -- The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) in cooperation with members of the Underwater Macro Photographers Group (UWMP) will launch its first ever international underwater (UW) shootout in Anilao, a quiet seaside community in Batangas two hours away South of Manila, from December 4 to 8 this year.

Winners will receive a minimum total of US$10,000 worth of valuable prizes including dive trips to the country’s best dive sites in Cebu, Bohol and Anilao through the support of Tourism Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Prestige Sport Malaysia, Cebu Pacific Airlines and other partner dive resorts in the Philippines. Contest mechanics can be viewed at www.acaciadive.com or by request through email at phdiveteam@gmail.com.

Simultaneous with the underwater macro photography contest, fun dives will also be organized for dive fanatics, as well as the conduct of seminars on “Dive Photography” during the festival. World renowned UW photographers (i.e., Koji Nakamura, President of Japan Underwater Films; Yorko Summer, dive travel journalist; Christian Vizl, current world champion in underwater photography; Ken Thongpila, multi-award winning underwater photographer and founder of Underwater Macro Photographers Club; and Michael Aw, one of the world’s most influential nature photographers) will grace the festival as board of judges and seminar speakers.

Divers can sign up and book their local travel arrangements for this international UW shootout at phdiveteam@gmail.com. Interested divers can also register at https://www.regonline.com/anilaounderwateruwphotocompetitionfestival or visit the event facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Anilaouwphotocompetitionbydot. PDOT partner resorts in Anilao are also offering special dive promo packages of as low as US$499 for a 4 nights/5 days dive package inclusive of 6 boat dives, fullboard meals, accommodation (twin sharing arrangement), air tanks and dive master.

All the participating divers will surely say “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” with the opportunity to win fantastic prizes from local sponsors during the awarding ceremony on December 8 at seven o’clock in the evening at Acacia Resort and Dive Center and to be entertained with cultural dances, live band and treated to delectable cuisine.

Siargao's sisters grab 19th Siargao Int'l Surfing Cup Women's Division title at Cloud 9

2013-10-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

Siargao Local Nilbie Blancada Wins 19^th Annual Siargao International Surfing Cup Women’s Division Title at Cloud Nine over Her Sister Nildie Rietenbach (by: Tim Hain)

The Siargao sisters, Nilbie Blancada and Nildie Rietenbach wins the 19th Siargao International Surfing Cup Women's Division Title held at Cloud 9 in General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippine from September 23-29, 2013.

28 September 2013, Siargao Island-Philippines: It was sister-on-sister today at the 19^th Annual Siargao International Surfing Cup ASC 6 star Women’s Division final here at Cloud 9, where it was older sister Nildie (Blancada) Rietenbach on her backhand up against younger sister Nilbie Blancada on her forehand trading back-to-back barrels in a perfectly scripted end to a dream surfing competition.

When the horn blew it was 20 year old Nilbie Blancada who will take home the $2,500 USD first place prize money as well as 3,000 ASC championship points towards her race for the 2013 Asian Surfing Championship Women’s Division trophy. This is her second victory in as many years at her home break, as she was also last year’s Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup winner, besting Australian ex-pro surfer Kim Wooldridge in her first ever ASC sanctioned women-on-women final.

The Siargao sisters, Nilbie Blancada and Nildie Rietenbach

Both women put on the best show of the entire girls event, as in no other heat and any of the other contestants charged so deep and pulled into any significant barrel rides. The highlight of the final was when Nilbie pulled into a solid 4 footer and raced down to the double up section to pull in and then fight her way out of the closing end section, then blasted a turn to finish off, earning her 9 points (out of a possible 10) from the judges and the high score of the day. Older sister Nilbie out the back raised her arms and clapped for her sister when she heard the score, but then proceeded to answer back with a nice little barrel of her own a few moments later.

ASC Head Judge Mark “Boonga” Clift applauded the action, citing that it was the first heat of the entire women’s event where the women were charging Cloud 9, and that with each of the competitors getting barrels one after the other, this was indeed something special to be witnessing.

Nilbie went on to post another nice barrel ride for 7 points, and right behind her again came Nildie with an amazing backhand barrel riding performance for a well-deserved 8.25 score. At the buzzer the final scores were only half a point different, with Nilbie winning with a score of 16.00 points for her two best waves, and Nildie scoring 15.50 for her two best waves. Truly the most exciting women’s final to date on the ASC tour.

Nildie Retenbach in the Finals of the 19th Siargao International Surfing Cup.

At the start of the day Nildie was reportedly ill, so when asked about that she explained, “I got bad sick last night, and so this morning I was really tired. But little by little I got feeling better. I kept telling myself I just had to go on, and after getting a few good waves I was ok.”

And about her win, she replied, “I really wanted to win this event, and I think my sister gave me the good waves. This is the first time I’ve ever surfed in a final with my sister, and it was fun to be out there just the two of us. It was like a free surf with just us, and that doesn’t happen very often. I’m so happy to win and to be out there with my sister.”

And what is she going to do with her $2,500 cash prize money? “I’m going to build a house!” she replied.

And Nildie was just as happy with her sister’s win, saying, “I really wanted my sister to win, and I’m so happy that she did. I’m getting older and though I still like competing and am still surfing good, there is no pressure on me. I was so happy when she got that big score, and I didn’t really even want to catch any more waves after that. But that one came through and said ‘oh no, what should I do?’ but I couldn’t help it, I just had to take it. I’m so happy that I made it to the final with her, this is the best feeling that I ever had.”

Nildie is the mother of two and runs the Siargao Beach Inn with her husband Rico, but still finds time to surf everyday and has the distinction of being known at the best female surfer in the Philippines for years now.

The day begin with Nilbie crushing ASC number one ranked Rita Kitazawa from Japan in Semifinal One by a score of 13.50 to 6.55, and Nildie took down 5 time Indonesian Women’s surfing champion Yasnyiar “Bonne” Gea in Semifinal Two by a score of 15.65 to 10.50.

Japan's Rina Kitazawa

Third placer Yasnyiar Gea.

A total of 13 women surfers joined in the event, representing the Philippines, Japan, Hawaii, Indonesia, and Greece.

ASC 6-Star Women's Division Final results:

1. Nilbie Blancada (PHL)

2. Nildie Rietenbach (PHL)

3. Yasnyiar “Bonne” Gea (INA)

3. Rita Kitazawa (JPN)

There will be a video clip of the final available tomorrow, but in the meantime here is the Men’s Final video clip from yesterday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4B8OH_BdpI&feature=youtu.be

Tomorrow evening will be the closing ceremony and prize giving at the nearby town of General Luna starting at 6 pm, so you don’t want to miss that if you are nearby.

For results and other information, check www.asiansurfingtour.com and look up ASC Tour on Facebook.

The 19th Annual Siargao Surfing Cup is sponsored by the Philippines Department of Tourism, the Province of Surigao Del Norte, the Municipality of General Luna, Cloud 9 Boardriders, Surf Angels, Reef Beach Houses, San Miguel Brewery Inc., Stoked Inc, Fluidsurf, Rip Curl, Siargao Bleu Resort, Nature Spring, Sagana Resort, The Boardwalk, Ocean 101, and DT General Merchandise, with media support by TV 5 and My Life On Board, organized by the Philippine Surfing Federation and sanctioned by the Asian Surfing Championships.

Asian Surfing Championships

Tim Hain – Media, Marketing and Communications

Tel: +628123606674

Email: tim.hain@asiansurfingtour.com

Philippine Surfing Federation

Zeny Pallugna – Secretary General

Email: zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph

Indonesian surfer wins the 19th Annual Siargao Int'l Surfing Cup

2013-10-17T09:29:00.001-07:00

Putra Hermawan Wins the 19^th Annual Siargao International Surfing Cup at Cloud Nine over Local Barrel Ace Rodolfo “Osot” Alcala (by: Tim Hain)

An Indonesian surfer, Putra Hermawa wins over Cloud Nine local barrel ace Rodolfo "Osot" Alcala.

L-R: Siargao's Roldolfo "Osot" Alcala (second place) and Indonesian's Putra Hermawan (champion).

27 September 2013, Siargao Island-Philippines: In a 30 minute man-on man duel at the 19^thAnnual Siargao International Surfing Cup at Cloud 9 on Siargao Island today, Indonesia’s Putra Hermawan defeated Siargao’s local barrel ace Rodolfo “Osot” Alcala to win the ASC-sanctioned Men’s Open Division and bring home the $5,000 USD winner’s prize as well as 3,000 valuable ASC championship points.

Alcala will receive $2,000 USD for his impressive performance during the competition and the honor of the runner up title.

Both surfers struggled to find open waves in the final, with a swell direction that pinched off the end sections of the majority of the 4-5 foot set waves, but they kept pulling in deep and getting lots of travel time in the barrel to the delight of the crowd on the tower who were mostly cheering for their local favorite, Alcala.

Hermawan, who hails from the tiny Indonesian island of Nusa Lembongan (just a few kilometers off the coast of Bali) and was the 2010 Indonesian Open and Pro Junior champion, found the finals' first open wave and got barreled not once but twice on the same wave to post the final’s highest single wave score, 8.15 out of a possible 10 points. He went on the add another shorter barrel ride that scored him 4.5 points to end with a final score of 12.65 points out of a possible 20.

Alcala on the other hand, pulled in deep on wave after wave but just couldn’t find the exit, ending the final with mostly 1’s on his score sheet and a final points total of only 2.4.

After the final, Hermawan was asked what his secret was to besting Alcala, who as a reputation as being the area’s best barrel rider, to which he replied, “During the semifinal I got a couple really good waves by lining up with this house on the hill, and so during the final I tried to keep in that position so I’d have a chance at getting the best open waves. It was a bit slow in the final, so I knew I just had to get a couple of good ones. And lucky for me I did!”

When asked if at the beginning of the day he thought he would be the winner of the event he responded, “No way, I thought it would be Dede because he was surfing so good or maybe Osot, because he knows the wave so well.”

Runner up Alcala was a bit disappointed at not putting on a better show during the final, citing a bit of nerves. “I knew all those people on the tower were hoping I would win,” he said. “ so I was a bit nervous because I really wanted to do good for both them and me, so I just took off as deep as I could to try and get the really long barrels, but I just didn't get the open ones. I had really good luck up until the finals, so I'm really happy about that. To be in the finals against with all these pro surfers in the contest, I guess second is ok. I have won here before but it’s been a few years, and last contest I only got to the quarterfinals, so I’m happy I got to the finals even if I didn’t win,” he explained.

In the first semifinal of the day Alcala took down Bali’s Mega Semadhi in the final seconds, needing a 3.7 point wave score to overtake Semadhi for the win and getting 4 points for small inside barrel with under a minute remaining. Final score was Alcala with 13.5 points and Semadhi with 13.15.

In the second semifinal it was a high-scoring and very exciting affair with West Java’s Dede Suryana battling it out with Putra Hermawan. Suryana jumped out into the lead and appeared to be well on the way to a heat win until Hermawan found two perfect waves, getting barreled twice on both of them, posting scores of first 8.25 and then 9.0 points to take the lead. Suryana mounted a comeback by posting a 9.0 on his last wave, but it was just short of the 9.85 that he needed to take the win away from Hermawan.

After the Men’s Open final, the Women’s Division competitors got their chance to take on Cloud 9. The waves were sometimes a bit intimidating for the women, but the standouts were local sisters Nildie (Blancada) Rietenbach and Nilbe Blancada. Nildie on her back hand was charging deepest and taking on the biggest set waves, posting the sessions highest single wave score of 8.33 and the highest total heat score of 15.33 out of a possible 20.

Tomorrow will see the Women’s semifinals with first ASC Women’s Division number 1 ranked Rina Kitazawa taking on Nilbie Blancada in Semifinal 1, and Nildie Rietenbach is up against 5-time Indonesian Women’s Champion Yasnyiar “Bonne” Gea in Semifinal 2.

The Women’s semifinalists were told to be standing by at 9:00 am tomorrow for a possible 9:30 am start.

The prize presentations are scheduled for Sunday evening in the town of General Luna.

For results and other information, check www.asiansurfingtour.com and look up ASC Tour on Facebook.

Asian Surfing Championships

Tim Hain – Media, Marketing and Communications

Tel: +628123606674

Email: tim.hain@asiansurfingtour.com

Philippine Surfing Federation

Zeny Pallugna – Secretary General

Email: zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph

Semifinalists decide on absolute barrel fest at Cloud 9 on day two of the 19th Annual Siargao Int'l Surfing Cup

2013-10-15T09:26:00.003-07:00

Semifinalists Decided in Absolute Barrel Fest and Two Perfect Scores at Cloud Nine on Day Two of the 19^th Annual Siargao International Surfing Cup (by: Tim Hain)

Dede Suryana of Bali, Indonesia.

25 September 2013, Siargao Island-Philippines: In a day full of impressive surfing performances by Asia’s best surfers in nothing short of fantastic barreling Cloud 9, the semifinalists of the ASC Men’s Open Division were decided today at the 19^th Annual Siargao International Surfing Cup on Siargao Island, Philippines.

The day started at just after 6:30 am with Heat 3 of Round 3 and ended at just before 2:00 pm with Quarterfinal 4 having been completed, setting up tomorrow’s semifinal contestants. When competition resumes tomorrow it will be Siargao’s Osot Alcala (PH) up against Bali’s Mega Semadhi (INA) in Semifinal One, and Nusa Lembongan’s Putra Hermawan (INA) against West Java’s Dede Suryana (INA) in Semifinal Two.

Rodolfo "Osot" Alcala of Siargao Island.

Dede Suryana topped the list of exciting performances in Heat 8 of Round 4, where he got the first perfect score of the event on his first wave, 10 points out of a possible 10. Suryana took off behind the peak and backdoored a big set wave, disappearing so deep that nobody expected it when he came shooting out the end in a cloud of spray. He went on to throw away wave scores of 8.15, 7.5, 8.5, and 4.0 before ending the heat with another massive 9.15 point barrel ride to end with combined heat score of 19.15 points out of a possible 20, a nearly perfect heat.

When asked how he got his perfect score and so many good waves during that heat Suryana replied, “This is an insane wave, such a great barrel, and I felt like it was a bit like this one wave up in West Java, but this one is more makeable. I knew I just needed to pull in on the biggest waves and get barreled, as that’s what gets the most points. There were so many good waves in that heat, it was amazing!” Regarding his knack for wave selection, he explained, “I just looked at the shape of the waves and got the good ones, pulling in, pumping, taking the high line, and focused on making it through every one. I hope tomorrow is just as good, as I want to get more barrels!”

The sole Filipino surfer making it through to the Semifinals is local Osot Alcala, who Contest Director Gerry Degan is willing to go on record as saying is the best barrel rider on the island, always getting the longest and deepest barrels in every surf session.

Alcala certainly proved that today, posting the day’s only other 10 point wave while eliminating ASC number 2 ranked Garut Widiarta from Bali (INA) in Quarterfinal 1.

Alcala began the heat with a barrel that got him 6.65 points, then took off on a thick lipped beauty that he stayed in an impossibly long time before be ejected into the channel for a perfect 10 points. He went on to finish with another nice barrel that got him 8.5 points for the second highest combined heat score of the day of 18.5 points.

In his post heat interview with Contest Director Gerry Degan, Alcala was asked what he was thinking after hearing he scored a perfect 10, and he replied with a big smile, “I wasn’t thinking anything. I just got lucky to get that wave. But right now I’m thinking I’m really happy!”

Tomorrow Alcala will be up against Bali’s Mega Semadhi in Semifinal One and with the same luck he had today might just find himself in the finals tomorrow.

At the end of the day Degan was asked to compare today’s waves and action against past events at Cloud Nine and he replied, “I really rate today as good as any we’ve had here, the waves were solid 4-6 foot, guys getting 10’s….it’s not often where guys get 10’s two heats in a row, so how can you get any better surfing conditions than that? I’ve been here for almost every event and it’s as least as good as any of the best ones. I’m super, super happy.”

When asked about the performance of the local guys against the ASC surfers, Degan replied, “Apart from Osot who made the semifinals, I think they were a somewhat overawed, especially the younger guys. My prediction was that we’d have two Filipinos and two Indonesian guys in the semifinals, but at least we have one Filipino still in it. Look, the Indonesian guys are a lot more contest savvy and I think the locals learned a lot, and we still have one guy left so we have every chance to see a Filipino winner tomorrow.”

There were not as many broken boards today as yesterday, but Bali’s Marlon Gerber had the misfortune of first breaking a board in Heat 6 of Round 3, but still winning the heat, then pulling out a fin plug on his backup board in Heat 4, which he also won. He was finally stopped in Quarterfinal 2 by Mega Semahdi, who in the final minutes found the 3.7 points he needed to add to his 9.4 point barrel and elimate Gerber, winning by .15 of a point.

There were so many highlights today that it would take 10 pages to describe them all, so we’ll have to let Sean Gilhooley’s next video clip show them too you tomorrow instead. Meanwhile, to see a clip of yesterday’s action just go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaFBv23vysg&feature=youtu.be

and you can also check www.asiansurfingtour.com and look up ASC Tour on Facebook.

Tomorrow's action is scheduled for a 9 am start, and depending upon conditions could see the completion of the Men's Open, or possibly there will be Women's Division competition.

Asian Surfing Championships

Tim Hain – Media, Marketing and Communications

Tel: +628123606674

Email: tim.hain@asiansurfingtour.com

Philippine Surfing Federation

Zeny Pallugna – Secretary General

Email: zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph

ASC calls lay day at Cloud Nine on day three of the 19th Siargao Int'l Surfing Cup

2013-10-15T08:48:00.005-07:00

Lay Day Called at Cloud Nine on Day Three of the 19^th Annual Siargao International Surfing Cup Due to Large and Unfavorable Conditions

Cloud Nine, Philippines.

26 September 2013, Siargao Island-Philippines: Due to large and unfavorable surf conditions, meaning 6-8 foot bombs detonating continuously on the Cloud 9 reef since sometime last night, a lay day has been called today at the 19^th Annual Siargao International Surfing Cup.

After 9:00 am and 1:30 pm standby calls, Contest Director Gerry Degan made the official announcement that there would be no competition today as there are still three days left in the waiting period and the swell conditions are expected to improve tomorrow.

There were certainly some impressive waves rolling in today, but the swell direction didn’t produce the long barrels that are needed to complete the Men’s Open Division semifinals and finals in the optimum conditions that Cloud 9 is known for.

It’s hoped that overnight the swell will drop and perhaps even take a change in direction that will allow the Men’s Open Division to finish and also give the Women’s Division competitors their shot at some Cloud 9 barrels tomorrow.

The remaining men’s competitors, Mega Semadhi, Osot Alcala, Putra Hermawan, and Dede Suryana, and the 13 women’s competitors were told to be at the tower at 9 am and to be ready to surf.

Here are some more photos from yesterday action, as well as the video clips from Round 3, 4, and the Quarterfinals:

Round 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieYYpTnB70o#t=21

Round 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcJe68vWUgg&feature=youtu.be

Quarterfinals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff5NQEiTh5I&feature=youtu.be

and you can also check www.asiansurfingtour.com and look up ASC Tour on Facebook.

Asian Surfing Championships

Tim Hain – Media, Marketing and Communications

Tel: +628123606674

Email: tim.hain@asiansurfingtour.com

Philippine Surfing Federation

Zeny Pallugna – Secretary General

Email: zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph

Siargao locals post highest scores in pumping cloud nine perfection

2013-10-15T08:32:00.003-07:00

Siargao Locals Post Highest Scores in Pumping Cloud Nine Perfection and Top Seed Raditya Rondi Eliminated on Day One of the 19^th Annual Siargao International Surfing Cup

Carlito Nogalo of Siargao Island.

24 September 2013, Siargao Island-Philippines: Living up to its reputation as one of the world’s best righthand barreling waves, Cloud 9 delivered solid 5-6 foot perfection today to start the ASC 6 star Men’s Open Division of the 19^thAnnual Siargao International Surfing Cup, with the Siargao locals showing off their tube riding virtuosity by posting the day’s highest scores and on the way eliminating the ASC’s number one ranked surfer, Raditya Rondi from Indonesia.

At least six surfboards and as many legropes fell victim to the crushing forces of Cloud 9 today, a wave that many compare to the famous Backdoor of Hawaii’s North Shore Pipeline.

Rounds One and Two, as well as two heats of Round 3 were completed today before competition was called off due to the afternoon low tide.

Round One got underway just after 6:00 am this morning, with 32 of the 48 competitors in hot pursuit of a heat win, which would propel them directly into a Round 3 berth where they would meet up with the ASC’s highest ranked surfers and the four finalists from last week’s Siargao Cup Nationals competition.

The first highlight of Round One was Siargao local Carlito Nogalo putting on an impressive display of competitive surfing during his 20 minute heat, posting 7.67 and 8.17 scores on his best two waves to earn the praise of ASC Head Judge Mark “Boonga” Clift, who from the microphone told the other competitors, “Here is a surfer who knows how get points from the judges. With great combinations of aggressive but smooth maneuvers all under control, this is how you earn points and win heats!” His final combined two wave heat score was 15.83 points out of a possible 20.

Marama Tokong of Siargao Island.

15 year old Marama Tokong put that advice to work in the very next heat, dropping in behind the peak in triple overhead waves to score barrel rides of 7.50 and then a whopping 9.17 to easily win his heat with a total score of 16.67. His presence, lack of hesitation, and relaxed form in the barrel is nothing short of amazing for a kid this young with no formal coaching and training.

The Alipayo name is synonymous with inspired surfing here on the island of Siargao, and today it was cemented to allow no room for doubt. Heat 6 of Round One saw Philmar Alipayo post 8.0 and 7.27 point scores to win his heat with 15.27 points, and in Heat 7 it was a battle between Paul John Alipayo and Pete Pete Alipayo for the win, with Paul John besting Pete Pete by just 1.43 points.

Philmar Alipayo of Siargao Island.

Paul John Alipayo of Siargao Island

Paul John on his backhand posted the day’s highest single wave score of 9.8 points out of a possible 10, an almost perfect wave score for a super deep barrel where he was actually surfing behind the foam ball in the middle section of the wave before getting spit out the end section. His final point tally was 17.47 points, the highest heat score of the day.

And though Pete Pete was relegated to second spot with his worthy heat score of 16.03 points, he made the most of his Round 2 opportunity by scoring first a 6.83 and then a massive 9.5 to finish with a 16.33 point total, far head of his closest competitor who only managed a total of 6.6 points! Remarkable consistency in his heats scores, both being in the 16 point range.

Special for this event in order to give the non-seeded surfers the opportunity to surf twice during the competition, the heat winners from Round 1 advanced directly into Round 3, and the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th place finishers competed again in Round 2, where again only the 1^st place finisher advance into Round 3.

The Round Two highlight was Siargao local Donesio “Dodo” Espijon winning his heat and ticket into Round 3 by getting deep backside barrel rides, posting first an 8.0 and then an 8.83 for a total heat score of 16.83.

In the first heat of Round 3, it was local Mark Cannon winning the heat and Osot Alcala coming in second to eliminate current ASC number one seed and two time ASC Open Champion Raditya Rondi.

In the final heat of the day, Heat 2 of Round 3, Indonesian Pepen Hendrik from Bali won his heat despite having sustained a significant injury in an early morning warmup session, hitting the reef with his face and puncturing his lower lip and chin, requiring stitches. “I guess I was too relaxed and maybe still half asleep this morning,” said Hendrik. “I just saw there was great waves so I didn’t stretch or anything, just paddled right out. I was kind of lazy paddling for that first wave and it just slipped out from under me. I hit the reef for just a second and then it sucked me up and I was almost standing up in waist deep water with blood pouring from my chin. It happened really fast. It was hard out there as my chin and lip still hurt, but I want to keep surfing so I had to try to win,” he explained.

According to tomorrow’s swell forecast the current swell is predicted to be even larger than today and then peaking on Thursday morning, we should see more exciting action and the finish of the Men’s Open on Thursday. Women’s action will commence once the swell conditions are suitable, possibly as soon as Friday but most likely on Saturday.

Round 3 action is scheduled to resume tomorrow with a 6:30 am start, so look for Asia’s best surfers to put on quite a show in the pumping Cloud 9 waves on Siargao Island!

A link to the video clip of today’s action will be included in tomorrow’s press release, or you can check later atwww.asiansurfingtour.com and look up ASC Tour on Facebook.

Asian Surfing Championships

Tim Hain – Media, Marketing and Communications

Tel: +628123606674

Email: tim.hain@asiansurfingtour.com

Philippine Surfing Federation

Zeny Pallugna – Secretary General

Email: zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph