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Saturday, April 23, 2005
'Blue Crush' at Siargao's Surf Cup
By Ben Serrano
SURIGAO CITY -- The best women surfers from around the world arrive at this seaport city of the Caraga Region since Friday to join the first "Siargao Girls International Surfing Cup" slated today until April 26, at the world renowned Cloud 9 in General Luna town, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
According to the organizers, the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF), the Municipality of General Luna and the Department of Tourism (DOT), this year's contest is expected to lure 10-15 professional women surfers from Australia, Japan, Europe and the Hawaii together with best of Filipino women surfers.
They will be competing for top honors including prize money of about P300,000 total cash prize, trophies and give away products in this exciting international competition.
But on Friday, women surfer enthusiasts from foreign countries as well as foreign and local tourists have shown interest in watching the international event by coming in droves here.
Filipino surfers from La Union, Baler, Lanuza and Guian, Eastern Samar have started to arrive earlier the other on the way to General Luna some one hour and a half motorboat ride from this seaport city of the region.
As promised by Surigao del Sur Representative Prospero Pichay, Jr. in last year's Siargao Surfing event he created the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF) which is aimed at enhancing the image of the country's surfing industry.
Officials say this would establish local tourism awareness geared towards surfing to boost tourism arrivals.
Pichay, a supporter of the sport and the island said the country has top three jewels---Boracay, Panglao and Siargao.
He said while the two spots are enjoying their international fame with facilities, Siargao should not worry since it will soon have its own.
Pichay pointed out that Siargao surfing has already taken a life of its own. "Nobody can stop this event. This is known not only in this country but the world."
General Luna Mayor Cecilia Rusillon said the Siargao event is a contribution to the "I love Philippines, Biyahe Na" program of the Department of Tourism to boost domestic tourism.
She then invited all surfers, non-surfers, beach lovers and surf enthusiasts to come to Siargao Island, the surfing capital of the Philippines and witness and be a part of this particular event.
Former General Luna Mayor and now Board Member of the PSF, Atty. Jaime Rusillon said aside from Pichay the event is also supported by PSF board members like former Surigao del Norte Governor Atty. Francisco Matugas, Representative Marcelino Libaranan of Eastern Samar and Aurora Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo.
(April 23, 2005 issue)
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