Two words, Pure talent, that’s what Wilson “Saddam” Faraon can offer to its spectators when you’re lucky enough to see him free surfing in his home spot, Sabang Beach, Baler Aurora. Watch this short edit of Saddam courtesy of Jovanne Lagman.
Click here to view the embedded video.
READ: Wilson “Saddam” Faraon Wins the Men’s Pro Division of the 7th Beach Break Master
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The recent Philippine Wahine Classic 2014 saw the largest attendance of female surfers who participated in the annual women’s surf event spearheaded by Surf Institute’s founder from California, Carla Rowland.
2014 Philippine Wahine Classic in Sabang, Beach Baler Aurora.
Presented by Ford Philippines, JackTV, and Solar Sports, sponsored by Stokedinc. and hosted by Roy Angara at Aliya Surf Resort, The PWC 2014 showed an outstanding women surfing empowerment, giving female surfers a chance to express themselves through surf competition.
these girls, Candra Jordan, Carla Sebastian, Jam Choa and Bea Vega were there to have fun.
Bicol surf community delegation.
Due to the big closeout waves in front of Aliya Surf Camp, the contest was move to the perfect right hand peelers of Secret Spot (not so secret anymore). There, wahine surfers gained more confidence as they slide through long right hander waves.
White water mayhem.
Daisy Valdez (La Union) was the 2013 Shortboard and Longboard champion. We never saw any pressure from her being the defending champion of both division. She’s calm and ready to take on the waves of Baler, a true mark of a champion. But Candra Jordan (USA) showed more resiliency over Daisy in the longboard division. This 23 year old California logger did an amazing display of skills dominating the longboard division.
2013 PWC longboard Champion Daisy Valdez from La Union.
Candra Jordan (USA) showed the crowd here graceful moves during the contest.
Carla Sebastian.
Josiela Delos Santos from Daet, Camarines Norte got a lucky wave and wins the expression session.
10 year old Vea Estrellado from Sorsogon proved everyone that her size will not stop her from getting quality waves during the Malihini shortboard competition. Her mentor and surf coach Bidge Villaroya was so stoked for Vea. ” I know my girls can dominate beginners contest. Even though she’s small, I know she’s more confident in getting more quality waves.” says Bidge.
Vea getting good quality waves.
Bidge Villaroya caddied Vea during the contest.
Instant little celebrity. Vea won the Malihini shortboard division.
Surfista Travels and GoPro Philippines Ambassador Elaine Abonal won the Malihini longboard division.
The Surf Institute awards one competitor at the Philippine Wahine Classic the title of Wahine of the Weekend. This award was created in memory of the ultimate wahine, Mags Martin, who lived life fully and completely. This year’s recipient, Mocha Edusma, showed her generosity and selflessness by chaperoning, mentoring, and loving her young team from Daet and Sorsogon, as well as bringing her own A-game to compete with some of the best talent in the Philippines, if not the world.
Mocha Edusma representing Bagasbas Beach, Daet Camarines Sur.
Mocha and Josiela.
Official results.
About the Philippine Wahine Classic
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.
Visit http://philippinewahineclassic.com/ for more info.
Photos by Michael Eijansantos and JC Zerrudo
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Last November 15 to 16 2014, Manila Surfers Association, in partnership with Maui and Sons, held Siege of Baler 3: Lusong Ulit Pake!
Aliyah Surf Camp Hosted the event. Thanks Aliyah! Like them on Facebook, CLICK HERE.
With different divisions that cater to different skill levels, including Men’s and Women’s Longboard Novice, Men’s and Women’s Open Longboard, and Men’s and Women’s Shortboard, the competition started early in the cold rainy morning of Saturday in front of Aliya Surf Camp, Sabang Beach, Baler.
There were three heats in the Men’s Longboard Novice, two heats in the Women’s Longboard Novice, five heats in the Men’s Longboard Open division, two heats in the Women’s Longboard Open division. As for the shortboard division, there were four heats for the Men’s and one heat for the women’s.
For more highlights of the event, CLICK HERE
The awarding ceremony was alsoheld in Aliya Surf Camp, which was then followed by the Aloha X event.
The winners of the Siege of Baler 3: Lusong Ulit Pake! are as follows:
Women’s Longboard Novice
Champion – Katherine Sobrevinas
2nd – Camille Gellaco
3rd – Jean Jimenez
4th – Mica Mitra
Men’s Longboard Novice
Campion – Junichi Hamada
2nd – Lawrence Villanueva
3rd – Kurt Reyes
4th – Jojo Lim
Women’s Longboard Open
Campion – Bea Vega
2nd – May Prado
3rd – Ede Virata
4th – Kara Hizon
Men’s Longboard Open
Campion – Vinni Sanchez
2nd – Lance Cha
3rd – Leo Maralit
4th – JP Sarmiento
Women’s Shortboard Open
Campion – Carla Sebastian
2nd – Barbi Cruz
3rd – Nics Mandilag
4th – Annie Chua
Men’s Shortboard Open
Campion – Paco Fernandez
2nd – DK Pasallan
3rd – Del De Luna
4th – Peter Domingo
Women’s Longboard Invitational
Campion – Carla Sebastian
Men’s Longboard Invitational
Campion – Jeremy Ramilo
Women’s Shortboard Invitational
Campion – Tin Terrible
Men’s Shortboard Invitational
Champion – Ejay Ventura
There are also special awards that will be given. These are the Team Challenge and the People’s Choice awards, which will be announced and awarded during the post-party. Details will be posted in the Manila Surfers Association Facebook page and Instagram account.
All Manila-based surfers are invited to be part of the Manila Surfers Association (MSA). For registration CLICK HERE.
Like Manila Surfers Association on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/manilasurfers
Words by Moireen Espinosa
Photos by Xavier D’Souza
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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 3 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 and to give back to the locals of baler by giving out school supplies to the chosen public school, the Mariano L. Sindac Elementary School in Baler.
Watch the highlights of this event courtesy of A Dedace.
Click here to view the embedded video.
This event is presented to you by the Manila Surfers Association and Maui and Sons – Philippines.
In cooperation with Aloha Boardsports, D’Blanc Eyewear, Freewaters, San Lorenzo Bikinis, Vissla, MyPhone, Fluidsurf, Quiksilver, Roxy Philippines, DWLE (Driftwood Local Ent.), My Little Tattoo Shop by Miss Frances Arbie (female tattoo artist), Genesis Transport Service, Inc., Wasabi multimedia and JnS Surf Shop
Special thanks to our media partners Chalk Magazine, Clavel Magazine, and MyLife On Board
Official resort partner- Aliya Surf Camp (Baler)
Resident Partners: Costa Pacifica Hotel, Baler Aurora, Surfer Girls Lodge and Villareal’s Kubo
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The 8th 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 26-28, 2014. The 8th Beach Break Master is considered to be the final surfing contest in the Philippines for 2014! We’re inviting everyone, surf aficionados to come to Baler and witness the epic surf contest plus a beach party for all.
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Witness the Philippines’ best surf athletes as they come together in this annual surf event in Baler, Aurora. Mark your calendars this coming February 5-8, 2015, as Aurora Surfriders Association Inc. and the Province of Aurora with the cooperation of Tourism of Aurora presents, The 9th Aurora Surfing Challenge. An action packed surfing competition in the famous Sabang beach and Cemento Reef in Baler, Aurora.
The Aurora Surfrider Association, Inc.(ASRAI) is a group of organized surfers from Baler in cooperation with the Aurora Tourism office. will be holding our annual surfing competition entitled “9th Aurora Surfing Challenge ” from feb 5-9 2015 at Sabang Beach, Cemento Reef(optional) in Baler, Aurora. The four-days event will showcase Baler as one of the premier surfing destinations in the country while promoting camaraderie among local and international surfers. This will also raise awareness on protecting the environment and help minimize the impact of climate change.
Visit The 9th Aurora Surfing Challenge on Facebook, CLICK HERE.
Surf season in the Philippines will soon be over. The dreaded flat spell season will start and to give us those unavoidable surf itch. But before the season ends, the 9th Aurora Surfing Challenge kicked off in Baler and marked another awesome page of Philippine surf history in the books.
Best surfers from all over the Philippines. Siargao, La Union, Baler, Catanduanes, Bicol. Photo by Maki Aganon.
Here are some highlights of the event courtesy of our on board photographer Maki Aganon.
9th Aurora Surfing Challenge final results:
Wahine Division
Nilbie Blancada – Champion
Daisy Nerida Valdez – 1stRunner up
Bea Estrellado – 2nd Runner up
Louella Namoro – 3rd Runner up
Grommet
Jefferson Faraon – Champion
Rj Surf Lopez – 1st Runner Up
Glenn Dalma – 2nd Runner up
Kaeser Aguila – 3rd Runner Up
Junior’s Division
Jhon Mark Tokong – Champion
Neil Sanchez – 1st Runner Up
Kevin Issaguerre – 2nd Runner up
Jomark Fernandez – 3rd Runner Up
Men’s Open
Carlito Nogalo – champion
Jefferson Dela Torre -1st Runner up
Onyo Oclares – 2nd Runner up
Pakito Tena – 3rd runner up
The 9th Aurora Surfing Challenge is by far one of the longest surf contests in Baler, Aurora highlighting the talent of Filipino surfers to the world. This event is made possible by the Tourism Aurora and the LGU of Aurora province. Sponsored by Vans Philippines.
With its first branch in Zambales, the second in La Union – The Circle Hostel is now in Baler! It is situated a few meters away from Aliya Surf Camp, at the back of Cauti Bar and Grill. Our resident contributor, Moireen Espinosa who stayed in The Circle Hostel La Union a couple of times checked the Baler branch out and was definitely amazed!
The Circle Hostel Baler is currently in its soft operations but the facilities are already perfect to accommodate travellers of all kinds. From backpackers who would love to experience the hammocks, to groups of friends would like try surfing for the first time and sleep together in the bunkbeds area, or those who are also into the homey vibe of The Circle but opt for a more private room.
What’s extra nice about the The Circle Baler is that they have a mini skate area in the common area at the ground floor. They also have a tower, which is accessible through the common area at the second floor, which is great for waves checks!
The Circle Hostel Baler is located along Buton Street, Barangay Sabang, Baler Aurora. We’re near Aliya Surf Camp, past La Flor Lodge and right in front of Cautibar
How to Get to The Circle Hostel Baler
From Manila by Car:
Take NLEX and SCTEX – exit at Lapaz (Tarlac)Follow the highway leading to Aliaga and Cabanatuan City.Then take the Nueva Ecija-Aurora Highway where you’ll pass thru the towns of Talavera, Rizal and Pantabangan, eventually you’ll reach the town of Maria Aurora, pass San Luis and then Baler.
*Take extra caution while driving thru the mountains and the zigzag portions!
On google maps? Click Here for navigation: https://goo.gl/6IgogH
By Bus:
You can take either the Genesis bus or the Joy bus going to Baler.Their terminal is in Cubao and it should cost Php 450 for the Genesis bus and php 700 for the Joy Bus. Travel time is about 5-6 hours for the Genesis bus, and 4-5 Hours for the Joy Bus. When you get to Baler you can take a tricycle to the Circle Hostel (If the tricycle driver does not know where it is, just tell them we’re in front of CautiBar and next to Bitz Bar) For more info of if you’d like to book a bus, you can visit this website: https://
For more information:
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Circle-Hostel-Baler
Follow them in Instagram and Twitter @thecirclehostel
Jack TV and Solar Sports proudly brings you Surf Supreme! Get ready for the biggest surf and music festival this October featuring the country’s top performing bands, Franco, The Chonkeys, Coffee Break Island and many more!
See poster for details.
Please don’t forget to use the hashtags #surfsupreme2015 and #paddleout also tag @solarsports and @jacktv (twitter); @solar.jacktv (facebook); @jacktvnetwork (instagram)
Jack TV and Solar Sports are once again teaming up to give surfing aficionados Surf Supreme 2015!
Because of its success last year, Surf Supreme is back and poised to be better than ever. Baler’s beautiful Aliya Surf Camp will once again be the backdrop for a weekend filled with fun and excitement!
This year promises great activities, prizes, and awesome experiences. Everyone who will register at Aliya Surf Camp can enjoy free surf lessons from some of the best instructors in the field. Surfers of all skill levels can also enter the surfing competition, wherein cash prizes await those who come out victorious.
The excitement doesn’t end there as spectators can proceed to Circle Hostel to enjoy The Grommet Skate Competition. Catch young skating hopefuls as they grind, carve, and slide their way towards the top prize.
To cap off what will surely be an amazing weekend, enjoy Baler’s glorious sunset as the country’s top DJs and bands set the mood with sick beats and tunes for you to dance the night away.
Excited yet? Pack your bags and join us at Baler from October 16 to 18 for Surf Supreme, the most exciting event to happen on this side of the archipelago!
Surf Supreme is presented by Nestea, and brought to you by Johnnie Walker, Black Mamba, and Nescafe. Special thanks to Stokedinc, Quality, Grind, O’Neill and Neff.
This event would not be possible without our transportation partner Genesis.
Solar would also like to thank our official venue partners Costa Pacifica, Circle Hostel, and our friends from the media My Life On Board, Juice.ph, and WhenInManila.com
Don’t forget to book your Surf Supreme package with FlipTrip.ph
Calling all surfers, surfing enthusiasts, and adventure seekers: wax your surfboards, step up your game, and ride the waves to victory as SKYLife brings you in Aliya Resort, Baler, Aurora! One of the most exhilarating water activities there is, Beach, Boards, Bands is an all-day surfing event for professional surfers.
BEACH
Not only you can immerse yourself in Baler’s internationally known surf spot and other geographical features, discover an important piece of history and understand why surfing was born in the untamable beach of Aurora. Amidst its friendly people and laidback lifestyle that attracted countless visitors since it opened to the public, Baler is a constant host of an exciting watersports unmatched anywhere in the country – making it the perfect venue for such competitive sport!
BOARDS
Beach, Boards, Bands is a surfing competition and activity open to professional surfers. For the beach junkies and dawn patrollers, wax that surfboard of yours and showcase those surf skills. The competition is a fun-filled activity where you can bond with other surfers and meet some of the country’s renowned surfers! For the thrill-seekers and beginners who don’t have a knack in waves, there will be a free surfing clinics open to on-site participants aged 18 and above.
BANDS
After the surf contest, Beach, Boards, Bands will conclude in an all-night party with free drinks to every participant (YES, free drinks to everyone!). Party and have fun in the cool night breeze Baler has to offer while DJ Nina and two local bands, Hemptation and Blue Island, perform.
BEACH, BOARDS, BANDS
Against the breathtaking backdrop of Baler in coordination with Baler Tourism, Beach, Boards, Bands is surely a surfing event you don’t want to miss. So mark your colorful calendar and prepare your skin be sun-kissed! So if you think that you got what it takes to tame the waves of the north, join us on November 14 and reign supreme in SKYLife’s Beach, Boards, Bands.
Visit Sky Life Beach, Board, Bands’ Facebook page for more info, CLICK HERE.
Philippines was badly hit by Typhoon Koppu few months ago. This short web series sums up what supposed to be an epic surf trip for the boys from Cebu, Boying, Jukka, Pochollo, Dandoy Tongco and Epos Falcone. Filmed by Joseph Cepeda of Spindrift Production.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3D7v2gxga8
“Typhoon Koppu (Lando) based on NDRRMC ( National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council ) , was the worst storm to hit our island , Philippines. In search of good waves, category 5 Koppu welcomed us at Baler vigorously. But none the less, Joseph Cole , owner of Charlie Does together with his wife, has high hopes in changing the game in Baler.
Giving hope to the community and empowering them in ways they can cope up with the ever-growing economy of the town. Watch out for the next episode as we impart with you our experience amidst the typhoon.”– Joseph Cepeda, Spindrift Productions.
Like Spindrift Productions on Facebook, facebook.com/spindriftEST2015
Founded in May 2015, The Mobile Shack is a surf tour company built in passion and enthusiasm of two individuals who wants to share their love for surfing, adventure and good vibe.
MyLifeOnBoard interviewed Daniel Lagasca, one of the owners of The Mobile Shack. His inspiration to start this surf tour company are those Manila-based people who post on social media, advertising slots available in their cars which receives attention through likes but no one responds through comments or inquiries. They want to maximize the availability of the seats that they have. On a more important note, as The Mobile Shack, they want to maintain and spread the camaraderie of the surf vibe. As the community grows, they want to contribute in making the camaraderie stronger.
In the wave fifteen trip of the Mobile Shack, they went to Baler in time for the Central Luzon Surf Festival. MyLifeOnBoard was able to talk to two of their guests – Janine Salmo and Veronica “Aika” Esguerra.
Aika is a returning guest of The Mobile Shack. Her first TMS trip was in La Union earlier this year in January 2016. Aika told us that she since it was her first time to join a tour group, she was clueless on what to expect but nevertheless, her excitement was high above the clouds! She joined TMS again because she wants to spend her birthday weekend in Baler. When asked for the reason on why she returned and availed of The Mobile Shack again, she said that “Yung tour kasi. My first intention was to surf, which, nagawa ko naman. And yung side trips namin, like clay moulding [in La Union], yung waterfalls, at naka-hirit ulit ako ng isa pang surf! Happy din ako kasi may mga na-di-discover ako na hang out place. Before, nung nag Baler kami [ng iba kong friends], yung common lang na nakikita ko sa internet. Pero ngayon, ito, may bago! Uhuru Bar! Chill and billards!”
The Mobile Shack’s itinerary is different from the rest in a way that they inject interesting spots and activities along the way depending on our clients’ mood and availability.
Janine Salmo, a first-time guest of The Mobile Shack, she expected a lot from the tour since it was her first time in Baler. Also, she does not regularly go on tour groups but both she and her friend likes to go the beach as a means of relaxation. When asked how The Mobile Shack helped her expectation to relax, she said “May mga activities such as surfing. Ako kasi hindi ako nag-su-surf talaga, kasi hindi ako marunong mag swimming. And yung ibang places dito [sa Baler], kasi naka-align na yung schedule. So, kung first time mo dito, syempre hindi mo alam saan pupunta. Yun ang magada kapag kumuha ka ng package.. Saka syempre makaka-meet ka pa ng ibang tao.”
For more information, please contact them at:
Email: themobileshackph@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/themobileshackph
Instagram: @themobileshackph
The post The Mobile Shack- Share the Love for Surfing, Adventure and Good Vibes appeared first on My Life On Board.
The Aliya Surf Camp Surf and Music Festival 2017 proved to be the biggest event this year in Baler and became part of Philippine music history as Ely Buendia performed his greatest hits of his previous band Eraserheads for the last time together with the band’s lead guitarist Marcus Adoro. Also with the performances from Apartel, Markus Highway, Trop Depp, Sinosikat? Blue Island, Blue Jean Junkies, The Camera Walls, Bryan Estepa, Cherry Malaya, Akkaw first project, Bábabâ, and Stick Figgas.
Here are some stills during the surf and music festivity courtesy of Michael Eijansantos.
The Aliya Surf Camp Surf and Music Festival 2017 was one for the books and will get even better in this coming years! Congratulations to Aliya Surf Camp Baler for creating yet another successful surf and music event. Until next year!
Like the Aliya Surf Camp Baler on Facebook, facebook.com/aliyasurfcampbaler/
The post Visual Outtakes: The Aliya Surf Camp Surf and Music Festival 2017 appeared first on My Life On Board.
