It was an all out blast! The 6th Beach Break Masters held last November 18-20, 2011 at the world famous surf spot Sabang beach, Baler, Aurora, made its way as  one of the best surfing competition as 2011 ends. Surfing athletes gathered to show their skills and battle for the title of being the champion of the 6th Beach Break Master.

Here are some of the highlights of the event courtesy of Ronald Rojo

Here are the winners of this epic surf competition

OPEN Division

CHAMPION: Wilson Faraon
1st Runner Up: Joehenry Pakito Tena
2nd Runner Up: Argie Hugo
3rd Runner Up: Tisoy Fontanilla

JUNIOR Division

Champion: Jerick Penaredondo
1st Runner Up: Daniel Tapucol
2nd Runner Up: Micko Mendoza
3rd Runner Up: Neil Sanchez

 Congratulations to all the winners! See you all again in the 7th Beach Break Masters!

The 4th Annual Baler Beginner’s Surf Cup made a blast during the week long vacation, showcasing new sets of surfers who conquered sets of waves in the famous beach of Sabang, Baler, Aurora.

here are some highlights of the recently concluded Baler Beginner’s Surf Cup

The beginners surf competition is the best way to build your confidence in riding waves and consider it as your competitive sport. It was indeed a successful event! Congratulations Surfari Philippines for pulling out an awesome beginners surfing event this year.

Photos courtesy of Surfari Philippines. Add them on Facebook, facebook.com/surfari.phils

For more highlights of the 4th Annual Baler Beginner’s Surf Cup, click here.

A true weekend warrior who balances his love for architecture and surfing perfectly, Buji Libarnes of Coast Thru Life captured a unique feeling of stoke in his latest video “Balerinas” during the Aloha Boardsports and Travel Factor Surf and Music Festival held in Baler last year.

Coast Thru Life is about a group of sunburnt friends who found themselves, and each other through surfing. They hope to inspire others to appreciate life and find sunshine in every corner. Coast Thru Life celebrates the golden age of surfing when life was simple and surfing was pure fun. Coast Thru Life advocates love of our ocean playground and playmates whom they share it with.

“It’s not just always about ripping, tearing, and shredding. Oftentimes, you just gotta coast”.

Dance with the ocean.

“Marshmallow and Wine”

Original track by Juan Drama Jr.

Video and edit by Buji Brownlegs

Visit coastthrulife.blogspot.com

Like Coast thru Life on Facebook, click here.

Follow Coast tbru Life on Tweeter, @Coastthrulife

The Siege is on! Gear up for another action packed surfing event that will hit the shores of Baler. Siege of Baler: Pangalawa na ‘to Pake! is a yearly MSA event that provides an opportunity for Manila surfers to surf and compete in an exciting event that is held in one of the best surf destinations in Luzon, Baler, Aurora. This surfing event is for the benefit of the students of Zubia Elementary School. Mark your calendars, November 24 to 25, 2012. Be there!

See poster for more details.

KICK OFF party at Good Earth, the Fort Strip on Wednesday, November 21 around 8pm. Please bring used books, school supplies, etc. as donation to our SURFSKWELA project.

My Life on Board is honored to be one of the media partners of this awesome surf event of the year!

What better way for Manila surf enthusiasts to mark the arrival of the surf season than by coming together for an invasion of friendly surf competition, stoke, good vibes and good times in one of the country’s top-of-mind surf destinations?

With its commitment to promote and develop the sport of surfing amongst Manila residents, the Manila Surfers Association, set to make waves again, this time in partnership with the Philippines’ pioneer sports action store and brand, Stoked Inc, and the Province of Aurora, will conduct the second installment of the Siege of Baler on November 24 and 25, 2012 – an annual event that provides the setting for Manila surfers to compete with fellow weekend warriors in a fun and exciting atmosphere that will be held in one of the top surf destinations in the country, BALER.

The long coastline of Sabang beach in Baler. 

Manila surfers can take their pick from a different range of divisions composing this event: Novice Men’s, Novice Women’s, Open Shortboard Men’s, Open Shortboard Women’s, Open Longboard Men’s and Open Longboard Women’s, all of which will be held at the Sabang beach break.

 View from above overseeing the Cemento Reef, one of the most challenging surf spots in Baler.

Proceeds from the competition shall be used to purchase books and other school paraphernalia to be donated to the Ruperto Zubia Sr. Elementary School in Sabang, Baler, where most of the Baler local surfers attended their elementary education. A Kick-Off Party will be held on November 21, Wednesday, at Good Earth Roast at the Fort Strip, 8PM, for donation drive to amass used books, educational materials and school supplies in support of this SURFSWELA project.

The first installment, “Siege of Baler: Isa Para Kay Pake”, drew over 60 participants including famed Manila surfers such as Buji Libarnes, Nikki Dela Paz, Lorraine Lapus, Lui Tortuya and Paolo Soler. This year, expect to be witness to a bigger and more exciting surf action as we welcome new breeds and more big-names from the Manila surf scene.

The “Siege of Baler 2: Pangalawa Na ‘To Pake”, co-presented with StokedInc and the Province of Aurora, is also made possible in partnership with Ripcurl, Electric, Vans, Magoo’s, Aliya Surf Camp, Costa Pacifica, Balai Isabel, Genesis, Joy Bus, Go Pro, JnS, Zem Gear, Mojo Footwear, Orale and Good Earth Roast. The Invitational Division will be powered up by Jack TV.

Our media partners: Interaksyon.com, Philstar.com, Rappler, OneSport Magazine, My Life On Board, When in Manila, Surfing Philippines, View Travel and Lifestyle Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star.

Do you want to join the Siege of Baler 2: Pangalawa Na ‘To Pake surfing competition? click here for more details.

Like Manila Surfers Association on Facebook:

MSA FB fan page:         http://www.facebook.com/manilasurf

MSA FB group page:     http://www.facebook.com/groups/2392488698/

Follow MSA on Twitter:

MSA Twitter account:   http://twitter.com/manilasurfers

November 24, 2012 Sabang Beach, Baler, Aurora: It was a fun filled surf weekend as surfers from Manila gathered in one of the best surfing destinations in the Philippines, Sabang Beach in Baler, Aurora. A celebration of surf and camaraderie with fellow Manila surfers, the Siege of Baler 2 was a perfect getaway to the busy life in the metro.

The Siege of Baler 2 was presented by StokedInc, the Philippines’ pioneer action sports store & brand and the Manila Surfers Association who delivered a fun and friendly surf competition for everyone.

StokedInc. has been at the forefront of supporting and growing the Philippine Boardsports culture since 2001. Apart from being the exlcusive distributor for Rip Curl, over the last 11 years, StokedInc. has grown from a simple store in Rockwell Mall to a network of 12 retail outlets across the country, distributing equipment and apparel to support the growing number of wakeboarders, skaters and surfers in the Philippines.

Manila Surfers Association also intended to promote Baler as one of the top surfing destinations in Luzon. Baler, Aurora, the birth place of Philippine surfing with its long coastline and consistent swells all year round was the perfect location for the  event.

Aliya Surf Camp hosted the organizers and the competitors during the 2nd Siege of Baler.

Top Manila resident surfers who were vying to be the ultimate winner of the longboard and short board open competition and invitationals gathered in Baler to show everyone their skills in maneuvering their surfboards and to support the SurfSkwela project, a gift giving drive which was initiated by the Manila Surfers Association for the benefit of the students in Ruperto Zubia Sr. Elementary School.

Buji Libarnes, Lui Tortuya and JP Sarmiento were among the top longboarders in the line up for the Men’s Longboard Invitational as well as Lorraine Lapus and Tin Terible for the women’s shortboard invitationals. For women’s longboard invitational, Lorraine Lapus, sisters Carla and Nicola Sebastian will battle it out for the title. Fluidsurf’s main man Bjorn Pabon, Ejay Ventura, Lui Tortuya, JP Sarmiento, Mark Mabanag and Jasher Villaruel are some of the shortboard competitors who competed for the men’s shortboard invitationals.

Here are some highlights of the Siege of Baler 2.

Perfect waves during the 1st round of the competition.

Mr. Ely Cresencio.

Mac Lubaczewski.

DogCat Clothing’s main man Harold Crisostomo.

Paco Fernandez.

Free surfers enjoying the perfect morning pacific swells.

Quiksilver Philippines ambassador Lui Tortuya done with his early morning free surf.

Proud Zamboangeno surfer and Aloha boardsports rider Buji Libarnes.

Shortboard open competitors waiting for their heat.

Video screenshot of men’s shortboard action.

The youngest competitor during the Siege of Baler, 8 year old surfer Tereze Lumdang.

Women’s longboard final 4, Becky Mcpeek, Tin Terible, Tamara Benitez and Mia Sebastian.

Longboard men’s invitational with JP Sarmiento, Lui Tortuya and Buji Libarnes.

Lui Tortuya. 

Buji Libarnes.

JP Sarmiento.

Here are the results.

Wahine Longboard Open

3rd Runner up – Becky Mcpeek

2nd Runner up – Tin Terible

1st Runner up – Mia Sebastian

Champion – Tamara Benitez

Men’s Longboard Open

3rd Runner up – Paco Fernandez

2nd Runner up – DK Pasallan

1st Runner up – Ely Cresencio

Champion – Mark Go

Wahine Shortboard Open

3rd Runner up – Edeliza Virata

2nd Runner up – Tamara Benitez

1st Runner up – Carla Sebastian

Champion – Tereze Lumdang

Men’s Shortboard Open

3rd Runner up – Harold Crisostomo

2nd Runner up – Jeremy Ramillo

1st Runner up – Seth Tan

Champion – Leo Maralit

More highlights coming your way. Full results of the surf invitationals will be announced on December 5, 2012. Venue to be announced so stay tuned.

The Siege of Baler 2: Pangalawa Na ‘To Pake, is co-presented by StokedInc and the Province of Aurora, and also made possible in partnership with Ripcurl, Electric Visuals, Vans, Magoo’s Pizza, Aliya Surf Camp, Costa Pacifica, Balai Isabel, Genesis, Joy Bus, GoPro, JnS, Zem Gear, Mojo Footwear, Orale and Good Earth Roast. The Invitational Division will be powered up by Jack TV.

Media support by Interaksyon.com, Philstar.com, Rappler, OneSport Magazine, My Life On Board, When in Manila, Surfing Philippines, View Travel and Lifestyle Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star.

Like Manila Surfers Association on Facebook:

MSA FB fan page:         http://www.facebook.com/manilasurf

MSA FB group page:     http://www.facebook.com/groups/2392488698/

Follow MSA on Twitter:

MSA Twitter account:   http://twitter.com/manilasurfers

It was a fun filled surf weekend as surfers from Manila gathered in one of the best surfing destinations in the Philippines, Sabang Beach in Baler, Aurora. A celebration of surf and camaraderie with fellow Manila surfers, the Siege of Baler 2 was a perfect getaway to the busy life in the metro.

Manila Surfers Association also intended to promote Baler as one of the top surfing destinations in Luzon. Baler, Aurora, the birth place of Philippine surfing with its long coastline and consistent swells all year round was the perfect location for the  event.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Siege of Baler 2: Pangalawa Na ‘To Pake, is co-presented by StokedInc and the Province of Aurora, and also made possible in partnership with Ripcurl, Electric Visuals, Vans, Magoo’s Pizza, Aliya Surf Camp, Costa Pacifica, Balai Isabel, Genesis, Joy Bus, GoPro, JnS, Zem Gear, Mojo Footwear, Orale and Good Earth Roast. The Invitational Division will be powered up by Jack TV.

Media support by Interaksyon.com, Philstar.com, Rappler, OneSport Magazine, My Life On Board, When in Manila, Surfing Philippines, View Travel and Lifestyle Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star.

Like Manila Surfers Association on Facebook:

MSA FB fan page:         http://www.facebook.com/manilasurf

MSA FB group page:     http://www.facebook.com/groups/2392488698/

Follow MSA on Twitter:

MSA Twitter account:   http://twitter.com/manilasurfers

MLOB surf ambassador and Stokedinc. surf rider Lorraine Lapus took the shortboard and longboard championship crown  at the recent Siege of Baler 2: Pangalawa na ‘to Pake last November 24 to 25, 2012.

A certified surf instructor for the Philippine Surfing Academy, Lorraine has been surfing the waves in the Philippines for 8 years making her one of the female surf icons in the country. Pulling out some graceful moves in her surfboard, gliding over the perfect peeling waves of Sabang beach, Lorraine made sure that she will be able to take home the title for invitationals, both on shortboard and in longboard category.

Lorraine Lapus during her heat in the longboards women’s invitationals. Photo courtesy of Mr. Troy Medina

Lorraine Lapus together with the other winners of the invitationals, Jasher Villaruel for shortboard and Lui Tortuya for longboard with the host, Carla Sebastian during the awards night at the Balcony last December 5, 2012. Photo courtesy of Ezra Efondo.

With her sheer determination, Lorraine was able to out score her opponent to secure her top spot in both shortboard and longboard competition.

Congratulations Lorraine!

Like Lorraine’s fan page on Facebook, facebook.com/LapusLorraine

Photos courtesy of Troy Medina and Ezra Efondo

Tonyo Productions has brought us tons of amazing boardpsorts videos starting from his very popular recreation of the Longboard Pintail down to the latest Haven’s Gate downhill race video. Now Tonyo Productions together with My Life on Board and Free Energy Coop came up with this epic adventure that will make you crave for more good vibes video only from Tonyo Productions.

Born and raised in the US, Les San Jose came back to the Philippines for a holiday vacation and to experience the awesome longboarding community in the Philippines.

From Manila, to Tanay, Rizal, to the epic historical province of Bataan and Baler, Aurora, together with Free Energy Coop, My Life on Board and OSC, we traveled miles away just to experience the serene and the captivated beauty of the Philippines and to have the best boardsports adventure of our lives before 2012 ends!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Film and Edit by Tonyo El-etswani

Additional footage by Michael Eijansantos and Dandoy Tongco

Subscribe to Tonyo’s YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/killerbrush

Surfista Travels Philippines is now offering a surf tour to BALER this summer from March 22 – 24, 2014. Surfista Travels offers surf tour groups and packages which include transportation, accommodation, surf lessons, and board rentals. It is perfect for people who live in Manila who would like to get away and try something new for the weekend or for tourists who want to explore and see the Philippines in a different way! We work with the best surf resorts and surf schools so that you will have the most amazing experience.

The Philippines is a fast growing surf destination with its numerous islands and waves around the country. Surfing is one of the best ways to enjoy the waters and beauty of the Philippines, meet new people and be exposed to a different lifestyle while having fun. No trip to the Philippines would be complete without going on a surf trip. Our aim is to help groups of people to get to the best surf spots, surf resorts and surf schools while making it easy, convenient, and fun. So come join us and share our passion for surfing, traveling, meeting new people, exploring the Philippines and having a great time! Learn how to SURF with Aliya Surf School and stay at the beautiful Aliya Surf Camp in BALER for the long weekend of March 22 – 24, 2013.

Tour Package is inclusive of:

1. Roundtrip Private Transfers: Manila to Baler, Baler to Manila

2. Private Instruction and 4 LESSONS with Aliya Surf School (1 hour/lesson)

3. Surfing Equipment Rental – surfboard & legrope

4. Hurley – Surfista Rashguard Rental

5. Overnight Accommodation at the beachfront Aliya Surf Camp (spacious airconditioned rooms)

6. Toll & gas fees

7. Breakfast at the Aliya Surf Resort Restaurant

8. Transportation within Baler to try different local restaurants (unless participants would like to experience riding the jeepneys!)

9. Tours around the city (Baler Museum, Waterfalls, Balete tree, etc.)

10. Surfista Travels Certificate of Attendance sponsored by Hurley and Grind

11. Products from our sponsors – Lightwater, Vitaminboost, Yabang Pinoy, 7107 Island Travel Magazine

12. Surfista Travels shirt and baller

13. Internet access and 24-hour security

14. Surfista Travels coordinator

15. Convenience,quality service, smiles and FUN!

Limited slots available. Surf trip fee: P7,600 *Meals are not included since our clients have different tastes & meal preferences. We will have the option of going to different restaurants and trying different kinds of food during the weekend.

For more information, check out the website www.surfistatravels.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/SurfistaTravels

E-mail: surfistatravels@yahoo.com Twitter: @SurfistaTravels

Wahine surfers will invade the beach of Sabang, Baler Aurora this coming October 5-6. 2013. The first ever Philippine Wahine Classic will highlight some of the best female surfers currently in the Philippines, as well as those quickly coming up the ranks. The PWC is also hoping to have special appearances by popular international pro surfers like Mary Osborne (USA), Belinda Baggs (AUS), and Summer Romero (USA).

This first annual all-girls surf event in Baler will be a 2-day surf contest. Approximately 80 contestants are expected to join PWC with the goal of empowering the new, yet strong female sect of surfing enthusiasts.

Save the date! To register visit http://philippinewahineclassic.thesurfinstitute.com/sign-up/

All proceeds will benefit a new community water filter distribution program. PROJECT PHIL UP offers Filipinos the unique opportunity to obtain fresh, clean drinking water, while allowing them to simultaneously save desperately needed pesos.

In return, a percentage of proceeds from PROJECT PHIL UP will be allocated in purchasing school supplies for various schools and classes throughout impacted areas. Visit http://h2ophilup.org/ for more info.

Like The Surf Institute on Facebook, facebook.com/thesurfinstitute

Daisy Valdez from La Union dominated the open longboard and shortboard division making her as the 1st back to back champion of the 1st STOKEDinc Philippine Wahine Classic. Daisy received a stylish top-of-the-line bespoke surfboards from Zamora Surf, personally handcrafted by Ian Zamora.

Check out the highlights courtesy of Goofy Foot Media’s Ezra Efondo

Click here to view the embedded video.

You might want to watch:

The 1st STOKEDinc Philippine Wahine Classic Day 1 Video Highlights

The 1st STOKEDinc Philippine Wahine Classic is supported by:

The Surf Institute, STOKEDinc, Aliya Surf Resort Baler, Zamora Surf, Aliya Surf School, Surfing Philippines, GoSurPH, Solar Sports, Rip Curl, Electric, Roy Angara, Carla Rowland, Ian Zamora, Unilever, When In Manila, ASRAI, My Life On Board, Costa Pacifica, Son of a Beach, Riding Waves, Anna Ehrgott, Elise Nicole K, Brown Belly, Mad Kahuna, Surfista Travels, Ian Zamora Images, Artwork by STOKEDinc Surf Teamrider Carla Sebastian

About five to six hour drive from the bustling city of Manila, facing the iconic  Sabang Beach in Baler Aurora, Costa Pacifica Raintree is an ideal place to relax, have fun and make the most out it while enjoying the scenic view of the beach.

The enigmatic sunrise view of Sabang beach.

Baler, the birth place of Philippine surfing, after it was featured in the classic 1979 movie “Apocalypse Now,” Baler became the surfers paradise. Every year, thousands of beach goers, surfers and enthusiasts flock to Baler to experience the warm tropical beach and the long glassy peeling waves which then became the trademark of Baler.

Upon arriving at the hotel, we were greeted with the cheerful and hospitable hotel staff. Am I in Baler? That question lingered in my mind. The last time I was in Baler was during the Aurora Surfing Cup last November 2012. Costa Pacifica was still under construction back then. 

Boasting its 106 well furnished and stylish rooms and suites, you’ll definitely feel the comfort of your home away from home. Costa Pacifica’s facilities will also help you relieve all the stress that you had after a long week at the office and will give you a vibrant feel with its outdoor pool, a kid’s activity room for your little ones as well as a gym to set a tone for your daily work out regimen.

Eat, eat and eat.

After a whole morning surfing session, you may dine in at Costa Pacifica’s two new restaurants: The Beach House and Cafe Rosa. The Beach house offers a delectable treat with an all day dining both local and international cuisine. Mouth watering dishes will suit your fine dining experience with a touch of local vibe feel for a reasonable price.

The best breakfast for early morning risers.  

Want to take an afternoon nap?

Costa Pacifica’s minimalist style will give you a dose of pampering treatment with the finest view of Sabang beach. The light-colored and well-lit rooms emulate the lovely beach as well.

Time for an afternoon swim.

The swimming pool is one of the highlights of my stay at Costa Pacifica.

GoPro Screenshot while relaxing at the pool.

You should learn how to surf.

Charlie Does, a thriving little surf shop located on the other side of the road  offers surf lessons and surfboard rentals. The name of the Shop Charlie was derived from the character Colonel Kilgore from the movie “Apocalypse Now” when he said: “Charlie don’t surf,” the Colonel is referring to the surf spot known as Charlie’s point and also from an English band named “The Clash” released a track called “Charlie don’t Surf.”

So if you’re planning to go on a vacation with your family or with your friends, take a road trip in full color and choose Costa Pacifica Raintree.

How to get there?

By Private Vehicle

Take the North Luzon Expressway and exit at Sta. Rita Bulacan. Head to Nueva Ecija and take the Canili-Pantabangan Road. Baler is about seven hours from Manila by land. For detailed directions, please send them an email at inquiry@costapacificaraintree.com

By Bus

Genesis Transport buses can take you directly from Metro Manila to Baler. For a more convenient ride you may take Joy Bus (high end buses by Genesis transport.) Please call +63(2) 576 4555 for more information.

Costa Pacifica Raintree, located at 80 Buton St, Sitio Labasin, Barangay Sabang, Baler, Aurora, Philippines.

Visit www.costapacificaraintree-baler.com for more info.

For more photos of Costa Pacifica visit www.costapacificaraintree.com

Like Costa Pacifica on Facebook, facebook.com/CostaPacificaRaintree

Twitter: @CostaPacificaPH

Instagram: @costapacificabaler

And here it is! Roxy Philippines in partnership with Ford Philippines and Costa Pacifica, Baler brings you the ROXY Does Baler! A five part web-series of the epic surf adventure of Roxy Philippine athletes in the birth place of Philippine surfing, Baler, Aurora.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video courtesy of ByTheSea Productions. Like them on Facebook, facebook.com/bytheseaproductions

About Roxy

Roxy is the capital fashion brand that expresses the coastal and mountain casual lifestyle for all females out there. Launched in 1990 as Quiksilver’s swimwear line, Roxy became a worldwide phenomenon in 1994 with the invention of the women’s boardshorts and the meteoric rise of its first sponsored athlete, four-time world surfing champion Lisa Andersen. Surf and snow is Roxy’s core, but fashion is its heart. The Roxy product offering includes trendsetting sportswear, footwear, eyewear, bags, outerwear, snowboards, skis, beauty care, bedroom furnishings, fragrance, travel, accessories, and the “Teenie Wahine” toddler and infant lines. Roxy products are sold in over 90 countries worldwide. Roxy is “fun and alive”, “naturally beautiful”, “daring and confident.”

Roxy is officially distributed in the Philippines by Primer Group of Companies.

At Roxy Edsa Shangri-La

OUTLETS

Roxy Robinsons Ermita * Roxy SM Davao * Quiksilver ATC * Quiksilver SM North Edsa Annex * Quiksilver Nuvali * Quiksilver Abreeza Davao * Quiksilver SM Cebu * Quiksilver Harbor Point Subic * Quiksilver SM Pampanga * Quiksilver Centrio CDO * Quiksilver SM Pampanga * Quiksilver Edsa Sangri-La

R.O.X.
Bonifacio High Street * Marquee Mall * Ayala Center Cebu

Bratpack Stores
Greenbelt 5 * Gateway Mall * Robinsons Ermita

The Travel Club (Bag & Travel Goods Only)
Shangrila Mall * Trinoma Mall * Rockwell * Megamall * SM Mall of Asia

The 7th Beach Break Master! The world famous surf spot and the birth of Philippine surfing, Sabang beach Baler Aurora will host another epic surf contest this December 19-22, 2013. The 7th Beach Break Master is considered to be the final surfing contest in the Philippines for 2013! We’re inviting everyone, surf aficionados to come to Baler and witness the epic surf contest plus a beach party for all.

See poster for details.

Visit the 7th Beach Break Master event page on Facebook, click here.

The 7th Beach Break Master! The world famous surf spot and the birth of Philippine surfing, Sabang beach Baler Aurora hosted another epic surf contest last December 19-22, 2013.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Considered to be the final surfing contest in the Philippines for 2013.

For results and highlight  CLICK HERE.

The 7th Beach Break Master is presented by San Mig Zero, Charlie Does and the Aurora Surfriders Club. Sponsored by Quiksilver, DC and Roxy, Bay-ler View Hotel, Aurora Telecoms, LGU of Baler, SMART, Kahea’s Lodge, Villareal’s Bahay Kubo and My Life on Board.

Last February 13-16 2014, the 8^th Aurora Surf Challenge took place in the famous Sabang beach in Baler, Aurora. This has been an annual event organized by the Aurora Surfriders Association Inc., and the Province of Aurora with the cooperation of the Tourism Office of Aurora.

Judges tower. A clear view of what’s gonna happen during the contest.

A grommet participant is rushing towards the beach for his heat.

Hundreds of spectators gathered in the shores of Sabang beach to witness a momentous annual surf event in Baler Aurora.

The (Weather) Conditions

In watching and in participating in a surf competition, there are different factors to consider aside from the practice a participant does prior to the competition. There’s a scoring system, knowing which heat you are in, and of course, the conditions of the area where the competition will take place.

Sets coming in.

As for the 8^th Aurora Surf Challenge, there were decent-sized swells with a strong onshore wind that made the conditions difficult at times, especially during the last day; thus, it made the competition more interesting to watch.

Locals cheering for their bet.

Roundhouse cutback by Jay-R Esquivel from la Union.

Powerful snap from Wilson “Saddam” Faraon from Baler.

Aerial show courtesy of John Mark “Marama” Tokong from Siargao.

Participants and Results

There were around 120 participants that joined the Open Division, 30 participants in the Grommets Division, and 7 participants in the Wahine Division. On the last day of the competition, the quarter-, semi-, and finals happened in the morning and ended a bit before lunch. Then the awarding happened at 6pm in Aliya Surf Camp, where there were different bands that performed and booths from different sponsors were set up.

Men’s open finals.

Awarding Ceremony.

Piso Alcala from Siargao.

Women’s division finalist.

The results of the winners are as follows:

Men’s Open Division
Champion: Joel Faraon
1^st Jr. Esquivel
2^nd Wilson “Saddam” Faraon
3^rd Piso Alcala

Women’s (Wahine) Division
Champion: Nilbie Blanca
1^st Daisy Valdez
2^nd Ella Namoro
3^rd Leng Namoro

Grommets Division
Champion: Jeff Faraon
1^st Elvis Legaspi
2^nd Clifford Banaña
3^rd Kahea Namoro

It was a fun-filled surf competition. Like what Leng Namorro said in our interview with her, “napaka-ganda ng laro. Binigay naming yung best namin para sa comp na ito.”

See you next year!!!

For more highlights of the contest CLICK HERE.

The 8th Aurora Surfing Challenge will not be possible without the support of following partners and sponsors.

Local’s Perspective: A Web Visual Story Series is a new addition to My Life on Board’s online content featuring the top local surfers and surf destinations in the Philippines.

A Local’s perspective will be an outtake which will highlight the surf culture and differences of each surf localities from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

 This web visual series will capture the most scenic yet powerful tool that unite us all, that is for the love of surf.

Local’s Perspective: A Web Visual Story Series premiering soon.

Photos courtesy of Michael Eijansantos, Pam Eijansantos and JC Zerrudo.

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Check out this film by Robin Lee about their surf adventure in the Philippines featuring the birth place of Philippine surfing, Baler, Aurora.

Click here to view the embedded video.

“There are many surf spots to go in the Philippines but they are becoming incredible popular due to the high quality of waves and as I stated earlier, cheap Island life. So we picked Baler, a lesser known spot where we were hoping for less crowds. Baler delivered. Not only were we among the few few foreigners but the lineups were generally small and in some spots we were the only ones there. The locals there were super friendly and happy to show us around to the best spots and give us pointers along the way. Being only a year into surfing myself this was awesome!”

Website: robinleevisuals.com
Facebook: facebook.com/robinleevisuals
Instagram: instagram.com/robintlee

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Jack TV and Solar Sports proudly brings you Surf Supreme featuring The 2nd Philippine Wahine Classic this coming October 4-5, 2014 at Aliyah Surf Camp, Baler Aurora.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Philippine Wahine Classic is a brainchild of Southern California-based professional surf coach Carla Rowland, founder of The Surf Institute (a prestigious surf school in Southern California) The 2nd STOKEDinc Philippine Wahine Competition celebrates the flourishing surfergirl lifestyle in the Philippines.

Check our coverage of Philippine Wahine Classic 2013:

The 1st STOKEDinc Philippine Wahine Classic Day 1 Video Highlights

The 1st STOKEDinc Philippine Wahine Classic Day 2 Video Highlights

Visit http://philippinewahineclassic.com/ for more details.

Visit Philippine Wahine Classic 2014 event page on Facebook, CLICK HERE.

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