SEPTEMBER 2018
BESIARGAO
THE SIARGAO LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
SURF / COMMUNITY / ENVIRONMENT / TOURISM
#5
# Editorial
THE STORY BEHIND THE COVER Photographer: Oli Bayer
SURF SEASON IS HERE ! For many, the start of September marks the end of summer and going back to a work routine. But in Siargao, September means fun at all levels: surf season has officially begun. Hundreds of aspiring surfers from all over the world have started to flock to the island for the national and international championships, hoping to win the glorious 3000 WQS points by surfing the right hand reef break of Cloud 9. We will spend hours at the tower hoping to admire cutbacks, floaters, 360 aerials, and barrel rides from the athletes, cheering for those we know. At the same time, some of us will be catching some of the good swell. On the 21st and 22nd of September, we’ll fill
Happy September to everyone, best luck to all surfers competing, especially to the Siargaonons, and marajaw na pista so atoang tanan (happy fiesta to all of us)! Olga Garcia
BE SIARGAO @BE SIARGAO
Instagram: @olibayer
SPECIAL THANKS Thanks to everyone who help in making this issue a reality: Main Contributor: Olga Garcia
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Marama, with his always-smiling face, is here thanking forces of nature for providing endless bliss.
our tummies with lechon, sweet macaroni salad and rice, and join the fiesta of General Luna by dancing to disco music and drinking Tanduay. We will have dinner with the neighbors who have become our second families and we will end the night by singing some Abba songs and simply enjoying the best of what life has to offer.
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Oli Bayer took that epic shot of Marama Tokong from the inside of the famous Cloud 9 barrel, braving the danger of being hit or being wipe-outed by the ridiculous power of the Pacific Ocean swell.
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Graphic Designer: Vincent Le Compagnon Writers: Christophe Bariou, Mayan Benedicto, Olga Garcia Photographers: Bren Stormin, Camille Robiou Du Pont, John Vincent, Marc Jansà, Matias Olivieri, Matt Power, Oli Bayer, Pedro Moreno, Tropic Drone Translating and correcting: Julla González, Hernan Palang, Mayan Benedicto TO EVERY PERSON WHO PROVIDED US INFORMATION AND DATA AND TO ALL OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS WHO MAKE THIS PROJECT REAL!
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Photographer: Bren Stormin
# Be single
Written by: Mayan Benedicto
ENGLISH
FEELING SINGLE The Feeling Single Competition held its third annual competition last August 16, 2018. The competition aims to provide a fun-filled surfing event and marks the opening surf season. The event, which started at 5am, was participated by locals and Siargao residents (+3 years). All were required to wear fun costumes, giving a more comical tone instead of a competitive one. This year, Marama Tokong bagged the Shortboard Single Fin Category while Rafael Nogalo won the Longboard Single Fin Category. Best in Style was awarded to Maricel Parajes and Joel Espejon, while
Best in Costume was awarded to Rodel “Panggoy” Patawi, who painted himself as a blue elf ala Avatar, and Verity “Hippie” Wigley, donning a Harley Quinn - inspired get up. Founded by Iñigo Enciso Jaldon and Manuel “Wilmar” Melindo, the event aims to raise funds for the community and for a surf sponsorship to the local kids of Siargao, the future champions. Beyond that, their advocacy is to strengthen the camaraderie between the locals, immigrants and the local businesses.
Association (SISA), the settlers who have been here ever since, the businesses who continue to support us, the sponsors, the Catangnan crew, and especially the local community. I’d also like to extend my deepest gratitude to Gap Sabuero for the videos” - Iñigo Enciso Jaldon. In Memory of Mike Escoltura (1995-2017), the first Feeling Single Champion (2016).
The event grows as more people are involved and is proving to be a great platform to raise awareness on the island issues. This year, the highlight was road safety. “We are immensely thankful to everyone who helped us, especially the local surf association, Siargao Island Surfers
BISAYA
FEELING SINGLE Ang kompetitisyong gipanganla’g Feeling Single gipahigayun sa ika-tulong tuig kaniadtong ika-16 sa Agosto, 2018. Ang kompetitisyon nagtumong nga makahatag ug malingaw nga kalihokan sa surfing ug nagtimaan sa sinugdanan sa tempo sa surfing. Gisugdan sa alas 5 sa buntag ang kalihokan nga gisalmotan sa mga lokal ug residente sa Siargao (+3 ka tuig). Ang tanan gikinahanglan nga magsul-ob ug kengkoy nga baro, aron mas magpakatawa inay sa paganyar sa kusog.
4#
Karung tuiga, si Marama Tokong ang nakadaug sa Shortboard Single Fin, samtang si Rafael Logalo ang midaug sa Longboard Single Fin. Si Maricel Parajes (para sa babae) ug si Joel Espejon (para sa lalaki) pud ang gihatagan sa Best in Style, samtang si Rodel “Panggoy” Patawi (para sa lalaki) nga mauy nakadaug sa Best in Costume tungod sa iyang pagbughaw sa panit nga ala-Avatar, kauban ni Verity “Hippie” Wigley (para sa babae) nga nagsul-ob ug ala Harley Quinn nga sanina. Gisugdan ni Iñigo Enciso Jaldon ug Manuel “Wilmar” Melindo ang kalihokan nagtumong nga makatigum ug pondo para sa komunidad ug pagsponsor og surf sa mga batang Siargaoanon, ang mga kampeon puhon. Labaw pa, ang ilang adbokasiya mao ang mapadasig ang panaghi-usa sa mga lokal, langyaw ug apil na ang mga lokal nga negosyo.
Ang kalihokan nagkadako kay daghan pang tawo ang naapil ug maayo pud kini nga pamaagi sa pagpahibalo sa mga isyu sa isla. Karung tuiga, ang pagahisgutan mao ang kahilwasan sa dalan. “Mapasalamaton kaayo kami sa tanang tao nga nitabang namo, labi na gyud sa mga hukpong sa mga lokal nga surfers, SISA, sa mga silingan nga kaniadto pa ania na, ang mga negosyante nga padayon nagpaluyo sa amo, among mga sponsor, ang crew sa Catangnan, ug labi na gyud sa lokal nga komunidad. Gusto pud kong magpasalamat pag maayo kang Gap Sabuero alang sa iyang mga video.” - Iñigo Enciso Jaldon Usa ka handumanan alang kang Mike Escoltura (1995 - 2017), ang labing unang Feeling Single Champion (2016).
SOUVENIR SHOP Open from Monday to Saturday from 7am to 9pm Tourism road - Brgy Catangnan
Dayo Siargao
Photographer: Matias Olivieri
# Be local
Written by: Olga Garcia
ENGLISH
THE FIRST LOCAL TO WIN THE SIARGAO CUP The first Siargaonon who won the Surfing Cup in his hometown was Rodolfo Alcala in 2000. He was only 16 years old then. Originally from Pilar, he started to surf Cloud 9 at the age of 11. Along with other local surf legends such as Wilmar Melindo, Nildie Blancada, and Carlito Nogalo, they spent their childhood together and took their first steps in surfing by riding the same waves. Surfing was unknown at that time as basketball was the only sport practiced on the island. Alcala and his friends looked up to the first foreigners who landed in Siargao. They were also the ones to discover other surf breaks aside from Cloud 9. “They found new spots and showed them to us,” explains Alcala. “I started with a 7’2” board and I would cut it to have a shorter board” he says. Rodolfo Alcala became the best Filipino surfer in 2000 with a borrowed board from Stewart Caden, an Australian surfer. The irony of his victory was that it happened the following year where Alcala defeated Caden with a great barrel in 1999 in the International Competition in Cloud 9. Alcala won PHP100,000 from the international competition and PHP15,000 from the national competition. “I gave the whole amount to my grandma and asked her to buy me a motorbike, so I could go surfing everyday”, Alcala remembers, laughing. By the end of the 90’s there was not any national surfing organisation such as we know today like the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT). Moreover the World Surf League (WSL) 6#
was still not looking at Siargao as a prime surf spot for their qualifying series. It was the Local Government Unit (LGU) itself who organized and recruited surfers from all over the world to come to the island and participate in the competition.
WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE, HE REMEMBERS THAT DURING SURF BREAKS THEY WOULD ONLY EAT COCONUT, BANANA AND JACKFRUIT
In the Philippines, surfing is a relatively new sport (compared to places like Hawaii or Australia). The first and the second generation of surfers here are now in their 30’s or 50’s. Back then there were no sponsors to finance their boards and equipment. They had to find their way to the top. Through the years, Alcala has competed in different spots in the Philippines, having won three international competitions and four national competitions. However, he
has never been able to travel abroad to compete. For the new generation, things seem to come easier. “They are very lucky,” says Alcala. The best are able to travel and compete in world class competitions such as the World Surfing Games in Japan this mid-September. Alcala also believes that the “Pinoy” surfers are improving so much on their skills, focusing on aerial maneuver, unlike his generation whose maneuvers were more simple. Even if nowadays kids still struggle to have the right equipment and training, they certainly have more opportunities. The first local champion now has new plans for him and his family. His passion currently lies on his one year old son, Roa. This year, Alcala is planning to retire from surfing competitions to become a judge. Even then, his days of surfing are not over. You will find this legend in the water, but only when the conditions are optimal. With a smile on his face, he remembers that during surf breaks they would only eat coconut, banana and jackfruit, as there were no karenderias (local eatery) around Cloud 9 and also that the area was still very isolated. “I wish the best of luck to all new participants for the national and international competition, hoping the gold will stay home,” concludes Alcala.
# Be local
Photographer Gerry Degan
BISAYA
ANG PINAKA-UNANG MANANAOG SA SIARGAO CUP Ang pinaka-unang Siargaonon nga nakadaug sa Surfing Cup sa isla mao si Rodolfo Alcala pag 2000. Desisayis anyos palang si Rodolfo pag daug niya sa prestihiyosong kompetitisyon, wala’y lima ka tuig sukad nagsugod pagkat-on ug surf sa Cloud 9.
international competitions ug upat ka national competition. Apan wala pa jud siya makalarga ug laing nasud para maka-apil ug kompetisyon. Para sa mga bag-ong henerasyon sa surfer, mas sayun na para sa ilaha karun. “Swerte kaayo sila” ingon ni Rodolfo. Ang mga pinakamaayung surfer karun mahimo nang mu larga ug makipagtigi sa mga kompetisyong world-class sama sa World Surfing Games sa Japan karung Septyembre. Nisalig pud si Rodolfo nga ang mga Pinoy nga surfer karun dako na kaayo ug kausaban sa ilang pamaagi sa pagsurf, sama sa pag maniobra sa board samtang naglupad pa sa hangin, kung ikompara sa ilang mga estilo kaniadto.
Kuyug ang mga banggiitang surfer nga silang Wilmar Melindo, Nildie Blancada, and Carlito Nogalo, nagdako silang nagkuyug pagdula sa parehong mga balud. Wa pa kaayo nailhan ang surfing kaniadto, ug basketball ra ang giduwa sa mga Siargaonon. Gi-idolo nilang Rodolfo ug sa iyang mga amigo ang mga unang langyaw nga nibisita sa Siargao, kay sila ang unang nagpaila-ila nila sa lain-laing mga surf spot gawas sa Cloud 9.
NAGSUKOD KO UG 7’2” BOARD,NGA UNYA AKONG GIPAMUB-AN
“Nagsukod ko ug 7’2” board, nga unya akong gipamub-an” ingun ni Rodolfo. Siya pud ang nahimong pinakamaayung Pinoy nga surfer pag 2000 gamit ang iyang board nga hinulam sa usa ka Australyanong surfer nga si Stewart Caden. Ang 8# dakong pamali mao nga siya
pud ang nakapildi kang Caden pag 1999 sa International Competition sa Cloud 9. Nakadaug si Rodolfo ug 100,000 pesos sa international competition, ug 15,000 pesos sa national competition. Gi unsa man niya ang iyang nadaug nga kwarta? Iyang gihatag sa iyang lola ug nagpapalit ug motor, para maka surf siya kada adlaw. Sa pagtapos sa dekada ‘90 wala pa’y tarung nga organisasyong pang-surfing pareho sa PSCT (Philippine Surfing Championship Tour) karon. Wala pa pud nailhan ang Siargao sa WSL o World Surf League nga posibleng puwesto para sa qualifying series sa kompetisyon. Ang LGU pa mismo maoy nag imbitar ug nagorganisa sa mga lain-laing surfer sa kalibutan para muapil sa ilang kompetisyon. Diri sa Pilipinas, bag-o palang nga esport ang surfing (kung ikompara sa ubang lugar sama sa Hawaii o Australia). Ang mga unang henerasyon sa surfer naa sa mga 30 - 50 años pa lamang. Kaniadtong panahona, wala pa sila’y mga isponsor para sa mga ekipo, kaugalingong paningkamot ra ang gibuhat para makab-ot ang ilang mga panganduy. Sa mga niaging tuig, nakigtigi si Rodolfo sa lain-laing lugar sa Pilipinas, ug nakadaug ug tulo ka
SA PAGTAPOS SA DEKADA ‘90 WALA PA’Y TARUNG NGA ORGANISASYONG PANG-SURFING PAREHO SA PSCT (PHILIPPINE SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR) KARON.
Be local # Bisag aduna gihapo’y kalisod sa mga bagong surfer para makakuha sa saktong training ug ekipo, dako ang iyang pagtuo nga mas daghan gayud ang ilang oportunidad. Ang atong unang kampeon lahi na ang mga plano para sa iyang kaugalingon ug sa iyang pamilya. Ang iyang gitutukan karon dili na ang surfing kundi ang iyang 1-ka-anyos nga anak nga si Roa. Karung tuiga sab, plano na ni Rodolfo nga mu retiro isip sumasalmot sa mga kompetisyon para mag judge nalang niini. Apan dili buot pasabot nga itago na niya ang iyang surfboard. Makita gihapon nimo si Rodolfo nag mag-duwa sa mga bawd sa dagat, pero kung maayo lang ang panahon. Makatawa nalang si Rodolfo inig ka hinumdum niya sa ilang mga kaagi nga kada human ug surf, mangaon lang sila ug lubi, saging ug nangka tungod kay wala pay mga kan-anan sa kamingaw sa Cloud 9. Dako ang iyang pagampo alang sa mga sumasalmot sa mga international ug national nga kompetisyon karun, ug ang iyang dakong hinaot nga magpabilin sa Siargao ang bulawan nga tropeyo.
Photographer Oli Bayer
# Be salty
Written by: Olga Garcia
ENGLISH
FUTURE CHAMPIONS The best Filipino surfers are ready to compete on the second year of the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT), which will start in Siargao with the first leg, from the 23rd to the 27th of September. The PSCT is the country’s first ever and only professional surfing tournament patterned after the Word Surf League (WSL). Surfers from all over the Philippines will tour around different surf spots to battle for the top position in the national rankings. PSCT’s vision is to be the main venue for professional surfing in the Philippines that follows International Surfing Association (ISA) standards of competition, preparing Filipino athletes for the international stage while promoting camaraderie and unity of the local surfing community.
Last year, the pro surfer Philmar Alipayo, from Brgy Catangnan, made history winning the first-ever PSCT event, with a total score of 250 points. He defeated Piso Alcala, in a 25-minute man-on-man duel in 2-3 foot waves on the world famous Cloud 9. He won with a final heat score of 17.85 (out of 20) against the 13.25 scored by Piso. By the end of the tour, Alipayo qualified as the champion of the PSCT 2017 with 775 points in total. Second, was Piso Alcala, also from Brgy Catangnan, who achieved 750 points. Finally, third on the ranking was Neil Sanchez from Baler with 710 points.
This year, there will be 64 slots available for the Men’s Open Shortboard Category. 16 slots for the first PSCT 2017 ranked surfers, the rest of them, 24 slots for Siargao surfers and 24 slots for Non-Siargao surfers will be awarded after local qualifying rounds. The competition briefing will be on September 23rd at 4pm at the Tower. After the National Competition, the top eight Filipinos surfers will be directly qualified and will compete for the World Surf League Qualifying Series (WSL WQS) held from the 28th of September until the 4th of October. “I see this year’s competitions as having some of the best up and coming surfers in the world today. We will have 120 competitors. The event will be webcast through WSL Website and depending on the waves, a million people could be watching. So it is very exciting for me personally and for all those involved”, explains Gerry Deagan, organizer of both competitions.
RANKING OF THE TOP 3 OF THE PSCT 2017
1st
2nd
3rd
PHILMAR ALIPAYO NOGALO
EDITO “PISO” ALCALA JR.
NEIL SANCHEZ
Date of birth: August 17, 1992
Date of birth: December 28, 1987
Date of birth: September 22, 1998
Place of birth: Catangnan, General Luna, S.D.N
Place of birth: General Luna, S.D.N
Place of birth: Baler, Aurora
Place of residence: Catagnan, Siargao Island
Place of residence: General Luna, Siargao Island
Place of residence: Baler, Aurora
Weight: 64kg
Weight: 58kg
Weight: 65kg
Height: 6’9
Height: 5’6
Height: 5’7
Board Size: 5’7 / 5’8
Board Size: 5’6
Board Size: 5’6 / 5’4 / 5’5
Stance: Goofy
Stance: Regular
Stance: Regular
Titles won: 4 times International Surfing Competition Champion in Cloud 9
Titles won: • 1st Lanuza leg • 1st Psct baler • Sorsogon • Kabugao
Titles won: • 1st championship PSCT 2017 • 1st Siargao leg • West Sumbawa Pro 10# 2016 in Bali
Be salty # BISAYA
ANG MGA UMAABOT NGA KAMPEON Ang mga pinakamangtas nga Pilipinong surfer ang makigtigi alang sa ika-duhang tuig sa Philippine Surfing Championship Tour o PSCT, nga magsugod sa Siargao inig 23 ngadto sa 27 sa Septyembre. Photographer Bren Stormin
nga 17.85 / 20, kontra sa kang Piso nga 13.25 / 20. Sa pagtapos sa kompetisyon, gianunsiyo si Alipayo nga kampeon tungod sa iyang total score nga 775 points. Nisunod si Piso, nga tagaCatangnan pud, sa iyang 750 points. Ikatulo sa ranggo si Neil Sanchez nga taga-Baler nga nakakuha ug 710 points. Karung tuiga, 64 ka sumasalmot ang pwedeng makaapil sa Men’s Open Shortboard Category, kung asa ang 16 mao ang mga pinaka-unang surfer sa ranggo sa PSCT 2017, 24 ang para sa mga Siargaonon nga surfer, ug 24 ang para sa mga dayo. Ang briefing para sa mga sumasalmot ipahigayun inig 23 sa Septyembre, alas 4 sa hapon didto sa Tower.
Ang PSCT mao ang pinaka-una ug ang nag-inusarang propesyonal nga surfing tournament nga gi sunod ang pamaagi sa World Surf League (WSL). Ang mga banggiitang Pilipinong surfer sa Pilipinas magbalhin-balhin sa mga lain-laing surf spot sa nasud para makig-kompetensya alang sa numero unong posisyon sa national ranking. Ang tumong sa PSCT mao ang mahimong punoan nga puwesto para sa propesyonal nga surfing sa Pilipinas, mao nga ilang gisunod ang mga sukdanan nga gilatag sa International Surfing
Association o ISA. Gusto sab nilang maandam ang mga atletang Pinoy para sa mga internasyonal nga kompetisyon samtang mapaila-ila ug managhi-usa ang komunidad sa mga Pilipinong surfer. Sa niaging tuig, ang nailhang surfer nga si Philmar Alipayo, nga taga Catangnan, mao ang pinakaunang mananaug sa PSCT tungod sa iyang eskor nga 250. Iyang napildi si Piso Alcala sa usa ka pagtigi sa mga balod nga mga duha ngadto sa tulo ka dupa kadagko, ug nagdugay ang 25 ka minuto. Tungod niini, nakadaug siya sa final heat score
Pagkatapos sa National Competition, ang top 8 sa mga surfer mao ang mupadayun sa World Surf League Qualifying Series (WSL-WQS) nga magsugod sa 28 sa Septyembre ngadto sa ika-upat sa Oktobre. Alang kay Gerry Deagan, ang tigpasiugda sa kalihokan, nga karung tuiga adunay dakong potensyal ang mga sumasalmot, ug makita gayud ang mga pinakamaayong surfer gikan sa 120 ka partisipante. Ipakita sab ang kalihokan sa website sa WSL, ug kung maayo ang panahon, muabot ug usa ka milyon ka tao ang posibleng mutan-aw sa waytumbas ug prestihiyosong kalihokan.
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THE DIRTIEST HOES
IN TOWN siargaolandscaping@gmail.com // +63 947 0317 711
# Through the Lens THE BEAUTY OF CLOUD 9 Before dawn, surfers are already welcoming the first rays of sunlight on their boards: ready to start the day having some fun sans the peak-hour traďŹƒc. The only goal of the day is to simply surf the blue ocean and play with its waves.
12#
Photographer Camille Robiou Du Pont
Through the Lens # Photographer Matt Power
Photographer Tropicdrone
THIS MONTH, THROUGH THE LENS IS A COVERAGE OF OUR ISLAND-BASED PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO HAVE CAPTURED THE UNIQUE AND EXTRAORDINARY CLOUD 9. Cloud Nine has seen the first rides of many Siargaonons who have gone far into surfing. If you pass by, it won't take long until you encounter some of the best surfers in the island, with whom you can easily share a friendly high-five. This surf spot is also one of most photographed places in Siargao. Without a doubt, the beauty of Cloud Nine has stolen the hearts of many.
Photographer Oli Bayer
13#
# Through the Lens ANG KAANYAG SA CLOUD 9 Bisag kadlawn palang gani, nagsugod na pagsugat ang mga surfer sa Haring Adlaw: andam nang sugdan ang ilang adlaw nga mag lingawlingaw sa tubig samtang wala pa’y daghang tao. Ang tumong lamang nila anang buntaga mao ang magdula-dula sa mga ka-gana nga mga balod sa bughawng dagat.
Photographer Matias Olivieri
14#
Photographer Marc Jansa
Through the Lens #
Photographer Pedro Moreno
KARUNG BUWANA, IPAKITA SA THROUGH THE LENS ANG LAIN-LAING MGA LILTRATO SA MGA MANINIYOT SA ISLA MAHITUNGOD SA KAANYAG UG KA-GRANDE SA SURF SPOT NGA CLOUD 9.
Photographer John Vincent
Ang kadaghanang mga banggitang surfer sa Siargao, didto una nakaton sa Cloud 9. Kung ikaw mulabay didto, dali ra kaayo ni nimo sila makitan ug ma ila-ila. Ang Cloud 9 sab ang usa sa mga pinakasikat nga lugar nga tag-piktyuran sa Siargao. Di ikalalis nga daghan kaayong tao, turista o lokal, ang nahigugma sa Cloud 9.
Photographer Bren Stormin
15#
Italian coffee and pastries Open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
09157248801 Lunares cafe siargao
@lunarescafe
Photographer: Gerry Degan
# Be wise
Written by: Christophe Bariou
ENGLISH
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN Siargao without Cloud 9 and its many surf spots would not be Siargao. Many would rightly argue that Siargao is not just General Luna, where the iconic Cloud 9 resides.
Of course, there are other places that make up the island but when you talk to anyone about Siargao, Cloud 9 is definitely one of, if not the first thing, that pops into mind. Without a doubt, if the pioneers did not discover the waves in Siargao, the island would be very different. Maybe it would not be as unique as it is today and probably lost within the other 7,640 islands. Where did it all begin? The island was first discovered by the Western world in 1543 by the Spanish navigator Bernardo de la Torre. It was then named Isla de las Palmas -- “Palm Island” in Spanish. If you already know Siargao, you know how relevant it was! In recent history, Siargao still was a very remote island. It was hard to access and sparsely populated until two surfers, Tony Arruza and Steve Jones, went on a wave-hunting trip in 1980, looking for the perfect wave. They found it in General Luna and the Cloud 9 legend began. There are many different theories about the origin of this name for the surf spot. The most common is that it was named after the Filipino chocolate bar but we will probably never know for sure. In the next years, Siargao stayed under the radar. In 1992, John Callahan, a world famous surf photographer, attracted by rumors of a secret and per18# fect barrel wave rising from
clear turquoise water on a lost tropical island, travelled to Siargao with professional surfers, Taylor Knox and Evan Slater. His shots of Cloud 9 were published in the American surf magazine “Surfer” in March of 1993. The article was even awarded “Ten Best Surf Trips of All Time” two years later, creating a blast in the world surfing community.
THE ISLAND WAS FIRST DISCOVERED BY THE WESTERN WORLD IN 1543 BY THE SPANISH NAVIGATOR BERNARDO DE LA TORRE
This publication was the start of an exponential influx of tourists alongside the first Siargao Surfing Cup in 1996. All the competitions (local, national, and international) were since then held in Cloud 9, being the best and most exposed peak in the Philippines. Today, the wave of Cloud 9 is as great as before, but just more popular. From a secret surfing spot in the 1980’s, it has become a famous tourist attraction in the Philippines and in the world. The wave is getting more attention these days. Locals even have a new nickname for it: “Crowd 9”. Indeed, and especially when the waves are small, Cloud 9 is the surfing spot that captures the most swell in addition to being very accessible with the boardwalk, so it tends to be a bit crowded on these conditions. Still, Cloud 9 is the best wave in the Philippines and one of the best in the world, thanks to its perfect barreling right hand reef break. Although it is a short wave, the full barrel guarantees satisfaction. The pioneers that came with their surfboards and taught the locals to ride their ocean paved the way to a very unique generation of young passionate Filipino surfers, thus opening the island for worldwide tourism, job opportunities, fast growing economy, and development. The Cloud 9 wave has shaped Siargao since the beginning. Siargao is Cloud 9.
Be wise # BISAYA
ASA NAGSUGOD ANG TANAN Daghang tao mulalis nga ang Siargao dili ra ang General Luna, kung asa makita ang sikat nga Cloud 9. Tinuod, daghan pa kaayung lain-laing lugar nga milakop sa isla, apan kung makig-istorya ka’g lain taong di taga diri, usa gyud sa unang pagahisgutan ang surf spot. Ang wala mahibaw-i sa daghan, apil na ang mga lumad nga Siargaonon, kung kanus-a man nagsugod ang kasikat sa Siargao. Kung wala siguro ni masakmit sa mga langyawng surfer niadto, lahi gajud siguro kaayo ang Siargao karun. Unang na-diskobre ang isla sa mga langyaw niadtong 1543, sa usa ka Kastilang nabigador nga gipanganla’g Bernardo de la Torre. Iyahang gitawag ang isla ug Isla de las Palmas, tungod sa kadaghang palmang kahoy sa isla hangtud karung adlawa. Pila na ka dekada ang ni-agi ug nagpadayun ang isla nga layo ug arang kasuokan. Lisod kaayo ang pagbiyahe padung sa isla ug dili pa kaayo daghan ang mga namuyo diri niadto. Apan pag 1980, duha ka mga surfer nga gipanganla’g Tony Arruza ug Steve Jones ang nakakaplag sa isla sa ilang pag-pangita ug dagkong balod. Nakita nila kini sa General Luna ug didto nag sugod ang leyenda sa Cloud 9. Adunay daghang teyorya kung asa gikan ang pangalan nga Cloud 9, ang pinaka-komon niini mao ang gipanglan siya gikan sa sikat nga chocolate bar
UNANG NADISKOBRE ANG ISLA SA MGA LANGYAW NIADTONG 1543, SA USA KA KASTILANG NABIGADOR NGA GIPANGANLA’G BERNARDO DE LA TORRE
nga pang-merienda. Naghinay-hinay nang nailhan ang Siargao sukad ato, apan dili pa jud kaayo ka-sikat. Hangtod nga pag 1992, ang usa ka iladong maniniyot sa surfing nga giatawag ug John Callahan ang nadani sa iyang nadunggang mga estorya mahitungod sa sekreto apan perpekto nga mga balud nga makita sa usa ka tinagong isla. Dala ang iyang mga kailangang propesyonal surfers nga si Taylor Knox ug Evan Slater, iya silang gilitratohang ga duwa-duwa sa mga balud, ug ang iyang mga piktyur gi pakita sa sikat nga magazine pang surfing “Surfer” pag March 1993.
nay angga gihatag sa iyaha gikan sa mga tao: Crowd 9. Tungod kay bisag mag hunas, nindot gihapon kaayo i-surf diri, ug dali ra maabot ang bugabong tungod sa boardwalk. Bisag mubo ra ang balud, grabe gihapon kanindot i-surf tungod sa iyang perpektong barrel nga mag sugod sa tuong bahin sa pesangan.
Ang artikolo nakadaug sab isip usa sa “Napulong Kinamaayohang Biyaheng Surf sa Tanang Panahon”, ug didto na nailhan ang Siargao sa komunidad sa mga surfer sa tibuok kalibutan. Sukad niadto, nagdoble-doble ang mga turistang mubisita sa isla, pun-an sa pagsugod sa Siargao Surfing Cup niadtong 1996. Ang tanang kompetisyon, ma local man o international, anaa sa Cloud 9 mahitabo, isip ang pinakanindot ug sikat nga surf spot. Hangtod karun, pareho lang gihapon ang ka-grande ug kanindot sa mga balud sa Cloud 9, mas ni sikat lang siya ug maayo kontra sa una. Sa iyang pagsugod nga usa ka sekretong surf spot sa dekada ‘80, karun usa na sa pinakasikat nga tourist spot sa Pilipinas, ug sa tibuok kalibutan. Tungod sa kadaghang turista mu dagsa diri, aduna
19#
Photographer: Matias Olivieri
# Be conscious
Written by: Olga Garcia
ENGLISH
TOGETHER FOR A PLASTIC-FREE EVENT The National and International Surfing Competitions have become the most highlighted events in Siargao. The number of tourists gets higher day by day as the opening ceremony of the competition approaches. Consequently, it will produce an increase in trash that the island might not be able to absorb properly. Siargao does not have yet a proper sanitary landfill and great majority of trash is thrown away in hidden dump sites, far away from the tourist’s eyes. The joint efforts of Barangay Catangnan, Siargao Environmental Awareness Movement (SEA Movement), and Kudo Surf have created a plastic-free event. During the event there will be water-refilling stations, designated smoking areas to prevent throwing stubs into the ocean, and more bins to accommodate the trash. The event will be eco-friendly, with the food committee using only eco-friendly packaging. Moreover, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the fee collectors will be en-
suring that no plastic gets inside. There will also be a checkpoint at the entrance by the road. If after all these efforts there is still trash, the local non-government organizations (SEA Movement, Grom Nation, Nature Kids of Siargao, and The Sun Crew) will be doing clean ups every afternoon. Councilor Jolan Saavedra of Brgy. Catangnan has been the main active local official pushing for this initiative. With this new project, the organizers aim to set an example for future events in the island. It is crucial that visitors understand the problem of waste management the island is facing. It is difficult to see it in the usual threeday holiday but once the tourists leave, the people living in the island are the ones who suffer. Conservation of the environment is everyone’s responsibility. Help preserve the beauty of Siargao Island.
BISAYA
ANG PANAGHI-USA LABAN SA PLASTIC Daghang tao mulalis nga ang Siargao dili ra ang General Luna, kung asa makita ang sikat nga Cloud 9. Ang mga kompetisyong international ug national surfing mao ang mga pinaka-sikat nga kalihokan sa Siargao. Magkaduol ang mga kompetisyon, magkadaghan pud ang mga turistang mudagsa sa isla. Apan, sa pagdaghan sa turista, nagkadaghan sab ang basura nga dili ma ato sa mga Siargaonon. Wala’y sanitary landfill ang Siargao hangtud karun, mao nga ang tanan basura ginalabay lang sa tinagong dump site arun dili makit-an sa mga turista. Tungod niini, nagtinabangay ang SEA 20# Movement (Siargao Environ-
mental Awareness Movement), Kudo Surf ug ang Barangay Catangnan para makahimo ug mga kalihokang libre sa plastic. Sa adlaw sa kalihokan, adunay lain-laing mga gigahin nga lugar para maka-refill ug tubig mainom, lugar para makapanigarilyo ug tarung labayanan sa pupos sa sigarilyo, ug daghang basurahang dali makita sa tao. Eco-friendly ang tema sa kalihokan, mao nga ang mga manininda mag-gamit ug eco-friendly packaging. Tabangan pud ang mga tig-pasiugda sa
PNP (Philippine National Police) ug mga kolektor sa fee nga mapatuman ang no-plastik nga polisa, sama sa pagbutang ug checkpoint sa tungod sa entrada. Kung aduna gihapo’y basura inig liwas sa kalihokan, matinabangay ang mga NGO (SEA Movement, Grom Nation, Nature Kids of Siargao ug ang Sun Crew) sa paglimpyu sa palibot matag hapon. Si Konsehal Jolan Saavedra sa Barangay Catangnan mao ang kina-abtik nga tig-pasiugda aning kalihokan. Ang tumong sab nila ani mao nga mahimong maayung ehemplo sa mga musunod nga kalihokan sa isla. Dako kaayo ang importansya nga masabtan sa mga bisita sa Siargao ang atung problema sa basura. Tuod, lisod kini makit-an kung ikaw nagbakasyon lang diri ug tulo ka adlaw, apan inig biya sa mga turista, ang mga lokal nga mahabilin mao ang mag antos. Responsibilidad natong tanan ang pagpangga sa atong kalikopan. Hinaut magpabilin ang kaanyag sa Siargao.
Be safe # ENGLISH
HAPPY HELMETS Grom Nation Siargao, a grass-roots surf and education charity for kids, has begun a new road safety initiative called Happy Helmets. The fun and exciting project aims to protect both kids and adults by providing helmets for rent. Local kids will have free access to the helmets. This campaign will also educate local children on tips to stay safe on the road and inform drivers how they can drive with the safety of others in mind. While protecting your head, you are ultimately contributing to a bigger goal as all profits are directed back to our community through Grom Nation’s education and health programs. And
as an added bonus, four local teenage Groms will learn each month about running a business as we involve them in this project, equipping them with important skills for employment. Would you like to help Grom Nation buy more helmets and protect more precious heads? You can do this by making a donation or by renting a helmet. Contact ”Josh”: +63 (0) 909 641 2994 gromnationsiargao@gmail.com
F I L I P I NO I TA L I A N C OM F O R T F O O D
@lacarinderia
La carinderia
Dayo Waffle House Open from Monday to Saturday from 7am to 9pm Tourism road - Brgy Catangnan surfer: @apingagudo
Be tuned #
BE A VOLUNTEER Grom Nation: Empowering kids Saturday and Sunday: Join the groms on their weekly beach clean up and afterwards give them tips on how to surf. Meeting point: Burgos and General Luna. Contact them for the exact location.
USEFUL INFO WHILE IN SIARGAO
Contact: +63 909 641 2994 (Josh) Instagram: @gromnationsiargao Gwapitos, Kermit and The Sun Crew takes you to Island hopping while beach cleaning-up Sunday: Join Gwapitos crew and Kermit’s on a beach clean-up, every once a month, while Island hopping in Daku and Naked Island. Get free BBQ, boat ride and lots of fun. Contact The Sun Crew: +63 912 059 8781 Instagram: @TheSunCrew Facebook: TheSunCrew Nature Kids of Siargao: turn your trash into treasure Wednesday: Help Siargao Recycling Art Studio to turn the island trash into pieces of art, like bean bags. Located on the right side of the public gym near Miguel’s Tacos from 3pm to 5pm. SEA Movement: Environmental awaerness Saturday: Join their Beach Clean-Up and have fun with the SEA patrol crew. Starting 3:40 pm at Greenhouse. Cleaning begins at 4pm. Contact: +63 995 877 2389 seamovementph@gmail.com Facebook: SEAmovement. Siargao Masaya: Access to Education Saturday: Go around the island with their mobile library and have a charming time story-reading to the kids. You can also donate to the organization or sponsor a child school year. Meet the crew at 8am at the market. Contact: +63 939 431 8886 Facebook: SiargaoMasaya
BOATS From Dapa to Surigao City • Dapa Express - 6:30am • LQP Express - 12pm • Angel 1 (Fast Ferry) - 5am • Montenegro (RORO) - 5am • MV Yohan - 11:30am From Surigao City to Dapa • Dapa Express - 11am • LQP Express - 5:30am • Angel 1 - 11am • Montenegro - 11am • MV Yohan 6am From Cebu to Surigao City • Cokaliong Shipping Daily (except Sunday) - 7 pm • Medallion Transport - Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 8 pm From Surigao City to Cebu • Medallion Transport (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) - 8 pm Note: due to weather conditions, national festivities and other events the time schedules may change. You can now buy tickets of Yohan in front of Deli Street.
VISA SERVICES Surigao City, (086) 826-8263 Open from 8:30 am to 17:30 pm Close on Saturday and Sunday
HOSPITAL • General Luna Emergency Clinic 24/7, located in Purok 4 close to Palawan Shop Hotline: 0918-926-3112 • Dapa District Hospital (Not visiting on Saturday and Sunday) • Pilar District Hospital
PHARMACY • General Luna, Purok 1, 100 m away from the municipal hall • In Dapa, near the terminal.
EMERGENCY NUMBER • Police Chief Inspector - 0998-967-4823 • Municipal Police - 0998-549-4147 • Ambulance - 0949-960-6643
The Sun Crew: Surf and sustanibility programs They clean the beach in Pacifico every saturday, followed by surf lessons with the local children. Meeting point: Wemar’s Surf Shop at 9am.
POST OFFICE
Contact: +63 912 059 8781
Every municipality on the island has one
ATM • DBP in GL across the Roman Catholic church • DBP in Dapa town • East West Bank, in Dapa town • PNB Bank, in Dapa town • Western Union Service, National Highway in GL
MONEY EXCHANGE • Palawan shop
23#
f r u S s a l l Vi PHP 2800 / night good for 3 peoples +63 (0) 917 963 95 66 Tourism road Brgy Catangnan
# Be low & high
Be a player #
SEPTEMBER LT▼
HT▲
LT▼
HT▲
1
3:13
9:21
15:20
21:32
COEFF. 62
2
4:00
10:13
16:03
22:17
53
3
5:01
11:23
17:01
23:18
48
4
6:20
12:58
18:27
-
51
5
7:50
14:35
20:06
0:41
60
6
9:07
15:44
21:23
2:10
74
7
10:07
16:36
22:22
3:23
88
8
10:56
17:19
23:11
4:23
100
9
11:40
17:58
23:56
5:14
107
10
12:21
18:35
-
6:01
109
11
12:59
19:11
0:38
6:45
104
12
13:37
19:47
1:19
7:28
95 82
13
14:13
20:22
2:00
8:09
14
14:49
20:58
2:40
8:51
67
15
15:27
21:36
3:23
9:37
53
16
16:10
22:20
4:11
10:29
41
17
17:09
23:21
5:10
11:39
34
18
18:46
-
6:30
13:21
35
19
20:30
0:51
8:03
14:55
42
20
21:35
2:23
9:13
15:51
53 63
21
22:19
3:28
10:02
16:29
22
22:55
4:15
10:40
17:01
73
23
23:28
4:54
11:13
17:29
82
24
23:58
5:29
11:44
17:56
88
25
-
6:02
12:14
18:24
92
26
0:29
6:35
12:43
18:51
93
27
1:00
7:09
13:13
19:19
90
28
1:33
7:44
13:44
19:49
84
29
2:09
8:23
14:17
20:21
74
30
2:48
9:06
14:54
20:59
63
THE CALCULATOR
Ouch! More and more brain’s hassles -
x
x
+
x
+ +
/
+ -
x
-
+
-
-
+
x
-14 -
-
28
29
-
+ +
-60
x
-
1
57
32 27
OCTOBER LT▼
HT▲
LT▼
HT▲
COEFF.
1
3:36
9:59
15:39
21:45
53
2
4:36
11:10
16:43
22:50
47
3
5:56
12:47
18:20
-
50
4
7:30
14:21
20:05
00:23
61
5
8:49
15:26
21:20
2:02
75
6
9:49
16:13
22:14
3:18
89
7
10:37
16:54
23:00
4:17
100
8
11:19
17:31
23:41
5:06
105
9
11:57
18:06
-
5:50
106
10
12:34
18:39
0:20
6:32
101
11
13:09
19:12
0:57
7:11
91
12
13:43
19:45
1:34
7:50
79
13
14:17
20:18
2:11
8:29
66
14
14:52
20:52
2:49
9:10
52
15
15:33
21:32
3:30
9:57
40
16
16:29
22:26
4:21
10:59
33
17
18:03
23:54
5:31
12:29
33
18
19:57
-
7:03
14:06
40
19
21:06
1:41
8:24
15:07
50
20
21:52
2:56
9:20
15:47
62
21
22:27
3:48
10:02
16:20
73
22
23:00
4:29
10:37
16:50
83
23
23:32
5:06
11:10
17:18
91
24
-
5:42
11:42
17:47
95
25
0:04
6:17
12:14
18:16
97
26
0:37
6:53
12:46
18:47
94 87
27
1:12
7:31
13:20
19:20
28
1:50
8:12
13:57
19:56
76
29
2:32
8:58
14:39
20:37
65
30
3:21
9:53
15:29
21:28
54
31
4:21
11:03
16:40
22:37
49
LT▼: low tide
HT▲: high tide
COEFF.: coefficient
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25#
# Be classified ACCOMODATION Siargao Island Villas, the perfect holiday destination. Front beach Villas inspired in Bali. Contact: +63 (0) 921 488 6765 siargaoislandvillas.com INTERNET SERVICES Looking for a better internet connection? We offer for personal use and for business and unlimited data allocation no capping. Contact: +63 (0) 910 295 6638 (Nestor Lascuña) bajallanestor@gmail.com MOTORBIKE RENTAL Angelina’s motorbike daily (350 php), weekly and monthly (6k php). More than one week, 300php per day. We also have an Honda xr 150 cc with surfrack for 700 per day. Contact: +63 (0) 928 795 860 Located close to Boulevard, before Taco Migs. EMBASSY & CONSULATES - Argentina Embassy +63 (0)2 845 32 18
- Germany Embassy +63 (0)2 702 30 00
- Australia Embassy +63 (0)2 757 81 00
- Iceland Consulate +63 (0)2 818 48 45
- Austria Consulate +63 (0)2 817 91 91
- Israel Embassy +63 (0)2 892 53 30
- Belgium Embassy +63 (0)2 845 18 69
- Italy Embassy +63 (0)2 892 45 31
- Brazil Embassy +63 (0)2 845 36 51
- Japan Embassy +63 (0)2 551 57 10
- Canada Embassy +63 (0)2 857 90 00
- Netherlands Embassy +63 (0)2 786 66 66
- Chile Consulate +63 (0)2 843 34 63
- New Zealand Embassy +63 (0)2 891 53 58
- China Embassy +63 (0)2 844 31 48
- Norway Embassy +63 (0)2 317 27 00
- Colombian Embassy +63 (0)2 911 31 01
- Russia Embassy +63 (0)2 893 01 90
- Czech Republic Embassy +63 (0)2 811 11 55
- Spain Embassy +63 (0)2 817 66 76
- Denmark Embassy +63 (0)2 865 88 00
- Sweden Embassy +63 (0)2 896 11 60
- Finland Embassy +63 (0)2 891 50 11
- Switzerland Embassy +63 (0)2 845 45 45
- France Embassy +63 (0)2 857 69 00
- United Kingdom Embassy +63 (0)2 858 22 00 - United States Embassy +63 (0)2 301 20 00
26#
MATI OLIVIERI PHOTOGRAPHY
“Capturing and leaving memories
Surf Lifestyle & travel photography service
for all those
FOLLOW ME @mati.olivieri_surf @mati.olivieri
who cross in front of my camera” *SIARGAO BASED*
For more info, feel free to write or call me: 00639287281319
(don't)
MAP
SIARGAO ISLAND
Be lost #
ALEGRIA BEACH
TAKTAK FALLS
SANTA MONICA BURGOS
SAN BENITO SAN ISIDRO PACIFICO TAYANGBAN CAVE POOL
SUGBA LAGOON PILAR
MAGPUPUNGKO
ROCKPOOLS ROCKPOOLS
CLOUD 9 TOWER
DEL CARMEN Sayak Airport
GENERAL LUNA
DAPA
GUAM ISLAND DAKU ISLAND NAKED ISLAND
SOHOTON SOHOTON CAVE
s i t s e r the
a secre&t
explore urself ! o y t i d fin
27#