MATI CITY, Davao Oriental -- International champion Sonny Boy "Yogi" Aporbo lived up to his billing by clinching the expert division title of the just-concluded Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS) National Skim Boarding Competition at the Amihan sa Dahican here.
Aporbo, a Mati City native who was champion in the 10th International Skim Boarding Competition 2016 in Malaysia, wowed judges with his execution of 360 big spin and 540 wrap around spin. He outclassed Jesus Ortiz and Mani Dalamas, who placed second and third, respectively, in the event presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mati City.
Aporbo, in an interview with SunStar Davao, was glad to have won the title in his hometown.
"Dili mabayluan akoang kalipay nga nag champion ko diri. Stoked kaayo! (I'm happpy winning the championship here)," Aporbo said as he attributed his feat to his training.
He, however, felt nervous during the finals.
"Nakulbaan ko'g kalit kay daghan tao nagtan-aw sa akoa ug kabalo ko na nagsalig sila nga ako ang mudaog (I suddenly felt nervous seeing a lot of people watching, those who were rooting for me to win)," he said.
Aporbo received P25,000 and a gift pack from Bonamine-Tempra while the runner-up took home P15,000 and the third-placer claimed P10,000.
Aporbo's younger sister, Julieta, ruled the wahine category while Joven Dawang governed the beginner’s class.
Anjot Catubig, meanwhile, annexed the advance category crown.
The Amihan sa Dahican and its scholars will benefit from the proceeds of the tournament.