Sipalay caps off 3rd skim, surf fest
SIPALAY capped off the third installment of the Skim and Surf Fest at the southern Negros Occidental city’s public beach on Saturday, July 29, 2023.
“We are very happy for the active support of our local partners especially the participants as we position Sipalay as a major sports tourism destination in the province and even in the region,” said Jerick Lacson, Sipalay City Tourism Officer.
Lacson added that the three-day water sports fest, which started on July 27, is also part of the strategies of the city government under Mayor Maria Gina Lizares to create events and stimulate the local economy even during rainy or low season aside from promoting local sports talents.
Opet Cubid of Siargao Island rose as champion in the Surfing Longboard Category closely followed by Bayawan City natives Michael Rana and Pablo Elnar in the 1st-and-2nd runner-up slot, respectively.
Cubid also received the Best in Longboard special award.
Joining him in the roster of winners was Christian Quitat of Iligan City who clinched the Shortboard Category championship and was hailed Best in Shortboard.
Naithan Lamis of Bayawan City and Sipalay local Jhon Paul Simanero earned the runner-up slots for this category. Simanero also received the Best Wave Ride award.
Shyra Salinoo of Cagayan de Oro rose to the top of the Skimboarding Jam Girls Category with Sipalay’s Shayne Galan at 1st runner-up and Bacolod’s Sara Villarin at 2nd runner-up.
In the Boys Flatland Category Class A, Chrismar Lariosa put CDO again in the champion’s spot followed by Iligan’s Christian Quitat and Bayawan’s Donato Dela Torre.
In Class B, Thirdy Elbanbuena of Hinigaran town dominated over runners-up Kyle Aibano of Siquijor and Carlos Villamala of Bayawan.
Lariosa again rose to the top of the Boy’s Wave Category Class A with Cebu skimboarders Daniel Calle of Argao and John Michael Ayuda of Lilo-an following closely.
In Class B, Elbanbuena also returned as champion with runners-up Dela Torre and Rodil Masco of Hinigaran.
Zild John Culaniban of Dumaguete proved youngsters can also ride the waves as he snatched the campionship in the Kids Category followed by Sipalay natives Joel Guliman and John Lord Francis.
Donato also earned the Best in Flatland Tricks while Calle got Best in Wave Tricks. Meanwhile Elbanbuena got nods as Highest Ollie while Joshua of Hinigaran for Highest Hippy Jump.
Local Guliman was awarded Sipalay Tourism’s Choice Awards, and all Kid’s Category participants were hailed Crowd Favorites.
All the winners received cash gifts and certificates plus a token from Havaianas.
“To all the participants and guests, thank you for supporting the 3rd Sipalay Skim and Surf Fest and we hope you had a remarkable time! Sea you again in the next event,” Lacson said.