The skimboarding champ from Mati

FRESH from conquering the 6th International Skimboarding Competition in Penang, Malaysia, Mati City pride Sonny Boy "Bayogyog" Aporbo is all set to show his wares in Hong Kong come October 16.

The 19-year-old Amihan Boys sa Dahican skimboarding team mainstay said he's ready to compete not just for his native city but also for the country.

"Sakto akong preparasyon para sa muabutay nga torneyo. Unom ka oras akong ginagahin sa training matag-adlaw. Andam nako mudula (I have enough preparation for the tournament. I spend six hours for training every day. I'm ready to play)," Bayogyog told Sun.Star Davao in a phone interview on Saturday.

He also does body conditioning through jogging, running and swimming aside from his actual skimboarding sessions.
He said it's been an exciting journey since he tried the ropes of the adventure water sport when he was seven upon the encouragement of his mentor Jun Plaza.

It gives him a different high when he's on water, doing his stunts. The bigger the waves, the better he performs.

He shared, "Nindot kaayo kung dagko ang balod kay makasulod ko sa balod, mas mamahimong nindot akong pag-execute sa akong stunts (I get to enter the waves and execute my stunts better when the waves are bigger)."

When asked about winning the title in Hong Kong, Bayogyog was quick to reply: "Kayanon nako (I'll do my best)."

He said Filipino skimboarders are still the best, saying that his greatest rivals will be those coming from Cebu and not from other countries.

Bayogyog, the third among five children of Ricardo and Teresita who get their livelihood through fishing, still aims to finish his studies. He hopes to enter high school when the new school year opens in June next year.

He thanked the sport of skimboarding for changing his life.

"I get to appreciate nature, the sea and the wind more through this sport. I don't have any vice. I learned to respect people around me," he added in the vernacular.

Being a champion, according to him, takes determination, practice and prayer.

He encouraged the youth to also get into sport of their choice and excel in it.

He closed the interview with a warning for the youth not get into vices as these will only destroy their lives and their future.

Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat, in a story published in Sun.Star Davao newspaper, recently hailed Bayogyog's feat, saying: "It's time that Mati City and Dahican Beach be recognized not just for its beautiful beach and pristine water, now we can take pride of having the best skimboarders in the world."

The local government of Mati has long been supporting the Amihan Boys of Dahican in various competitions.