The 8th Manila Surfers Cup: ‘Baywatch’ with a tide of philanthropy

On the first day of the 8th Manila Surfers Cup held last February 23 to 24 in San Juan, La Union, a commotion on the edge of the beach diverted the spectators’ attention from the rivalry at sea.

A surfer’s leash had caught in the rocks, and she was struggling to get it off her ankle or risk getting towed by the waves. Another surfer immediately came to her rescue, bringing her back to the shore and pulling her wayward surfboard along.

It was a Baywatch moment if there ever was one. And when one hangs out with the Manila Surfers Association, the organizers and participants of the event, such incidents can become everyday concerns. Or in the case of these city-bred swell-seekers who head straight for the beach as soon as work ends on Fridays, every weekend.






There is another story of a novice surfer who had paddled out too far, getting caught in the river-mouth where the currents can be brutal. He tries to make his way back to safety, but the water is too powerful. He waves his arms in the air, hoping his companions at the beach spot him. They wave back, thinking he is just saying hello.

He tries again, his arms knifing through the water, though they feel like jelly by now. He prays that he can make it. And as he struggles, another surfer arrives. He tries to warn him to stop in his tracks. Except the newcomer doesn’t understand what he’s saying and swims forward anyway.

The beginner is rescued by this stranger, who paddles against the strong current for both of them.

It’s not all about the drama with the Manila Surfers Association, though. Just like any other community, they make fun of each other, whether it be about their form in the water, a botched attempt at riding a wave, or the latest girl or guy they have their eye on. They tease the competitors for their ripped abs, cheer them on for conquering the whitewater, and despair at an otherwise spectacular ride suddenly spoiled by the elements.

And because surfing competitions are filled with endless commentary from the emcees holding court at the sand, microphone in hand, these jibes are for all on the stretch of beach to hear.



Aside from having fun, though, these surfers also give back to the community regularly. During the 8^th Manila Surfers Cup, they presented school materials and previously used computers to the pupils and teachers of Quirino Elementary School, Urbiztondo Elementary School, and Lingsat Elementary School.

Anyone who wants to make an impact in these beachside communities can feel free to send their donations to the Manila Surfers Association during their next competition. They can join or help out the MSA by logging on to www.facebook.com/manilasurf.


Meanwhile, here are the results of the 8th Manila Surfers Cup.

Men’s Longboard Novice Competition:
Champion: Vinni Sanchez
1st Runner Up: Jay Sueno
2nd Runner Up: Mike Eijansantos

Wahine Longboard Novice Competition:
Champion: Coco Brite
1st Runner Up: Toni Jazmin
2nd Runner Up: Ana Abad Santos

Men’s Longboard Open Competition:
Champion: Philip Santiago
1st Runner Up: Jeremy Ramilo
2nd Runner Up: Kiddo Cosio
3rd Runner Up: Ely Cresencio

Wahine Longboard Open Competition:
Champion: Mia Sebastian
1st Runner Up: Bea Vega
2nd Runner Up: Tin Terible
3rd Runner Up: Jam Choa

Men’s Shortboard Open Competition:
Champion: Seth Tan
1st Runner Up: Rafu Nepumuceno
2nd Runner Up: Vic Gamboa
3rd Runner Up: Pete Domingo

Invitational Division Champions:
Men’s Longboard: Buji Libarnes
Wahine Longboard: Lorraine Lapus
Men’s Shortboard: Lui Tortuya
Wahine Shortboard: Nikki dela Paz

source: interaksyon.com

Three surfing tips from the champs of the 8th Manila Surfers Cup

The best thing about the Philippines, says a girl to a Canadian at a seaside hostel, is that there’s always a bus headed to a beach somewhere. The foreigner has to agree. He himself is there to catch a few waves over the weekend.

This is exactly what surfers like to take advantage of as frequently as possible. While weekdays are for the daily grind inside concrete and steel offices, weekends are solely for the sand and sea.

At the 8th Manila Surfers Cup held last February 23 to 24 by the Manila Surfers Association in San Juan, La Union, pros Nikki dela Paz, Buji Libarnes, and Lui Tortuya revealed a few nuggets of wisdom for anyone who wants a piece of the action, too.




1. There are no epiphanies in surfing. One doesn’t figure it out in a single day, said Tortuya, who took the crown at the men’s shortboard invitational division.

“You don’t say, ‘I’m gonna learn to surf this weekend,’” he said. There are hundreds of minor adjustments and tiny movements one’s body learns to make over time, he added.

Tortuya has been surfing for some 20 years, having started when he was 13 back in California, where he grew up. Meanwhile, dela Paz and Libarnes have been in the game for ten and 13 years, respectively.

2. Always prioritize your safety. Dela Paz, who was the champion at the wahine shortboard invitational division, recalled the how she got hooked on surfing on her first try.

“When learning to surf, your instructor will push you into the water. I was done for. With that first push, I knew I would be back.”

While a thrilling experience, she emphasized that surfers should only go on waves they know they can handle. Injury and drowning are very real possibilities.

3. Don’t be ashamed to ride a big board. “Foam is fun,” said Libarnes, who brought home the bacon at the men’s longboard invitational division.

Most surfers from Manila are averse to the longboard, he observed. This is a no-no, as they don’t get to learn the basics in style, gliding, and the like when they immediately use a shortboard.

One gets to catch more waves with a bigger board. If beginners go on shortboards and don’t catch waves, they can get frustrated. Worse, they no longer want to pursue surfing. With a bigger board, said Libarnes, one can improve faster and attain a better form.

He had been longboarding for eight years before he transitioned to shortboarding.

“There is a proper board for every type of wave,” he said. The shortboard is appropriate for big waves, while the longboard is suited for knee-high waves.



Dancing in the ocean

“Dancing in the ocean” is how Tortuya calls it, and whether it be the boogie or the ballet, it is what separates the good surfers from the best.

Libarnes, who is Mr. Style himself, says surfing is “the best feeling.” The architect goes to the beach at least twice a month to get a natural high, spending up to five hours straight in the water to get his fill.

“Wala akong kain (I don’t even have to eat)!” he said. “It’s just you, the ocean, and a couple of friends enjoying nature. You feel like kids again.”

It is here that he finds his escape. There are no problems out in the sea. It never gets tiring, either, as each wave is special.

At the very least, Dela Paz joked, surfing beats going to the gym. One doesn’t break out in a sweat even though it is a form of exercise.

Also an architect, she advised that beginners shouldn’t be discouraged if they wipe out. Falling of the board is normal. One just has to keep going back to try and catch another wave.

She wishes more girls would begin surfing, although their numbers have swelled over the years.

Meanwhile, Libarnes extends the invite to everyone.

“It’s life-changing. You see the world differently. You’d want life to be simpler, to be less materialistic,” he explained.

source: interaksyon.com