Friday, September 29, 2006 Siargao int'l surf tilt opens Friday By Ben Serrano Caraga Correspondent
SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte -- At least 48 surfers, 30 of them foreigners are now competing for the weeklong 12th Siargao International Surfing Cup which started last Sept. 26 and ends October 1.
More and more foreign surfers are scheduled to arrive today in this surfing capital island of the Philippines.
The surf industry here has grown in popularity this year, as events had grown to other parts of the island. Siargao is now considered a paramount destination for all surfing aficionados to experience the world-class waves.
The surfing craze has not been confined merely to the world renowned Cloud Nine in General Luna, however as the sport's allure extended up to the northeastern side of Siargao that offers the best surf breaks and possibly serve e as an alternative venue for the sport.
There are at least three rounds of competition this year, namely, the 8th Siargao National Open Surfing Cup, the North Siargao Surfing Challenge and the 12th Siargao International Surfing Cup.
Organizers strove further to enhance the surfing sport in the Philippines that is now turning out to be the growing hobby among young Filipinos living in the eastern coastline.
The right-handed barreling waves in Cloud Nine, known to be the trailblazer of the surfing sports in the country, continues to capture various spectators and tourists.
The success of the 8th National Surfing Cup held last September 14-18 made its point as the commencement of a bizarre surfing festivities for this year.
Surfers from all over country, most being seasoned wave riders from GL, Aurora, Catanduanes, Samar and Lanuza, competed closely to grab the P200, 000 total cash prizes plus trophies and other citations.
Emerging as champion on the 8th National Surfing Cup was Bonifacio Figuron of General Luna, who bagged the Php40, 000 cash plus trophy.
Other competitors who made it to the finals have also received cash prizes plus trophy provided by the Philippine Surfing Federation headed by its chair Congressman Prospero Pichay, Pagcor, San Miguel Corp. and other major sponsors.
Lawyer Jaime Rusillon, tagged as the Father of Philippine Surfing and PSF Board of Director described this year's surfing as a long-hot summer destined to make another milestone for Siargao Island.
Surfing fanatics from all over the world had arrived to come across the challenge to compete in the tournament as the world-class waves continued to roll on.
"As we continue promoting the surfing competition, the word of mouth spread was all about the beautiful island of Siargao and I guess this will help a lot to the tourism industry of the province and for the country," Atty. Rusillon said.
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