Surf City Borongan

15/01/2024

12/12/2023

𝐃𝐎𝐓, 𝐏𝐀𝐋 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐚𝐭'𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭

Assistant Secretary Christopher Morales graced the 2nd National Surf Summit in Borongan City as he shared the Department of Tourism's (DOT) support and vision for surf tourism in the country.

Morales represented Secretary Christina Garcia Franco in the two-day event that gathered some of the agency's regional officials, surfing stakeholders and athletes, and environmental advocates at the Surf City Big Tent in Baybay Beach last Dec. 2.

"It is my honor to stand before you to speak on behalf of tourism secretary Christina Garcia Franco to show her and the department's support and spread love towards the promotion of surfing tourism in the country," said Morales.

"This is a milestone event co-hosted by the Department of Tourism Region 8 and the local government of Borongan. We are here united in the shared vision of enhancing services and sustainability within the narrative of Philippine surfing," he added.

Morales said that surf tourism is a new program of the department that aims to promote the sport in the country which will also aid the economy.

"We are pushing infrastructure enhancements, training, safety measures and community development to enrich the overall surfing experience. Surf tourism is a new program of the DOT aiming to champion and promote local and international surfing events. Showcasing the Philippines as a premiere surfing destination does not only amplify tourism but fosters economic growth and cultural exchange in guests," said Morales.

Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines (PAL) vice president for sales Salvador Britanico likewise shared the company's support for surfing in the country and pointed out ways on how it could contribute to the sport's growth which would entail understanding the market's needs, building the right infrastructure to support its development and understanding its needs and requirements.

"In the case of PAL, it is important for us to understand the requirements for transport of surfboards of surfers as well as other requirements that surfers may have when it comes to traveling and connecting to get to surf spots," said Britanico in a video message for his talk on global trends and opportunities in surfing tourism in the first conference block.

"We are proud to support the city of Borongan, the province of Eastern Samar, the surfing community, UPSA (United Philippine Surfing Association), and all the other stakeholders. You can count on PAL's support for your sport and for our surf spots," he added.

As the summit will be held next year in Bicol, DOT Region 8 director Karina Tiopes turned over the hosting duties to DOT Region 5 director Herbie Aguas onstage.

Tiopes, together with Morales, also handed out the Academy of Surfing Instructors surf instructor Level 2 certificates to Borongan's Jeric Alconaba and Leyte's Jamaica Salceda.

Also present in the event was City Councilor Victor Franco who represented Vice Mayor Emmanuel Tiu Sonco and delivered the welcome message.

(Photos by Brian Busa of the Borongan City Information Office)

07/12/2023

𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐨. 𝟏 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧

When Remar Magaluna headed into his finals match against Neil Sanchez in the Surf City Borongan Masters men's open shortboard division, he knew a lot was at stake.

He had to protect his top ranking in men's shortboard in the country against No. 2 Sanchez who happens to be his recent conqueror in the championship match in Baler just two weeks prior.

The nerves started creeping in but instead of folding up, the 25-year-old Magaluna steeled himself in a nip-and-tuck battle against Sanchez to prevail and lift the trophy this time around at the Baybay Beach in Borongan City last Friday, Dec. 1.

"Yung final namin ulit ni Neil sa Surf City Borongan, medyo na-pressure rin ako nang kaunti pero mas pinili kong ikalma 'yung sarili ko at mag-relax para 'yung plan ko, hindi masira at para rin maka-perform ako nang maayos sa final namin at makakuha ng malaking score," said Magaluna.

Clinging to a 10.50 to 8.75 advantage over Sanchez in crunch time, Magaluna watched as the Baler stalwart made a last-ditch attempt in the final 20 seconds, and endured the wait before he was finally announced as the winner.

After hearing his name, Magaluna raised both arms in the air, balled his fists and punched the water in celebration before paddling back to the shore.

His feat, which also gave him his maiden title in Borongan City, brought him to tears.

"Medyo kinabahan ako sa last wave niya. Alam ko na short lang 'yun pero hinintay ko muna 'yung announcement kung nakuha ba niya yung 5.51 (points that Sanchez needed to steal the win) at kung sino ang panalo. Pero na-feel ko na agad, umiiyak na ako. Noong in-announce na ako 'yung panalo, grabe, sobrang saya ko at umiyak ako. Nakita ko 'yung team ko, sobrang saya rin nila," shared Magaluna.

Magaluna is a member of the Siargao-based Happy Islanders Surf Club. He is coached by fellow competitor Philmar Alipayo whose advise he heeded as he figured in a tight contest against Sanchez.

"Siya (Alipayo) 'yung main coach namin sa team. Mayroon siyang binigay na tips sa akin sa final namin ni Neil. Sabi niya sa akin, sa kaliwa daw ako pumuwesto kasi may ramp, good for air. Tapos nakita niya ako na may something sa akin na mali kaya lumapit siya sa akin at nag-signal na, 'Bilisan mo mag-speed tapos air.' Sabi ko sa sarili ko, 'OK, coach!' Kaya ako naka-air at nakakuha ng 5.50 at 5.00. Mga five minutes na lang, nag-signal si coach sa akin na dikitan ko na si Neil para ma-pressure siya," said Magaluna, who was met with a hug from Alipayo on his way to the shore.

It was a seesaw battle for Siargao standout Magaluna and Baler ace Sanchez as they exchanged leads in the first five minutes of their championship encounter.

But Magaluna made his move with an air reverse for a 5.50 that pushed him ahead, 8.50 to Sanchez's 6.00, at the 18:15 mark.

He consolidated his advantage with a 3.50 air but Sanchez fought back with an aerial of his own to collect 5.00 points and inch closer at 8.75 to 9.00 heading into the final 12 minutes.

With 4:59 left in the heat, Magaluna produced another air reverse to collect 5.00 and settle the final score.

Needing 5.51 points to upend Magaluna, Sanchez rode the wave one last time but fell short, allowing the General Luna native to avenge his runner-up finish to Sanchez in the third leg of the Pilipinas Surfing National Tour in Baler.

"Nakakaiyak sa sobrang saya ko. Kasi nakuha ko ulit ang panalo na very important sa ranking ko ngayon. Kasi sa Baler, Aurora, natalo ako ni Neil sa finals. Medyo masakit rin pero kailangang tanggapin at sabi ko, babawi ako sa susunod na laro at gagalingan ko pa. At 'yun, tagumpay, nakuha ko ulit ang panalo sa Surf City Borongan 2023," he said.

With his title-clinching win, Magaluna secured 1000 points to improve his tally to 2837 and solidify his hold of the top ranking in men's shortboard in the country. No. 1-seeking Sanchez remained at second after garnering 800 of his own for a 2600-point total.

Magaluna also upped his gold medal count to two this season after also reigning in the shortboard division in the first leg in Pagudpud.

"Kinalma ko lang 'yung pag-iisip ko at buo yung puso at isipan ko sa finals," said Magaluna.

"Tiwala talaga ako at buo 'yung puso ko at isipan ko."

Magaluna is eyeing a second consecutive crown in the same category in the La Union Pro which opens shop today, Dec. 8.

(Photos by Mika Cainto of the Borongan City Information Office)

07/12/2023

As we continue to look back on the success of the 2nd National Surf Summit, we would like to thank Jhun Manlapaz of BATO E-BAMBOO CRAFT, for providing the engineered bamboo furniture we used for our stage setup.

Damo nga salamat, Sir Jhun of Bato E-Bamboo Craft!

06/12/2023

𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚, 𝐉𝐫. 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞

Carlos Aga, Jr. used his homecourt advantage to the hilt as he turned back Philippine surfing team coach John Carby to capture his first title in the men's masters division of the Surf City Borongan Masters at Baybay Beach in Borongan City last Thursday, Nov. 30.

Aga, a resident of Brgy. C in Baybay 2, played catch-up against Carby most of the way but clawed ahead with the title-clinching barrel going into the last 3:36 of the heat to earn his victory ride on the shore.

"[My strategy was] to just stay focused and calm and always stay at the right spot. Tapos dapat always check the score situation para makalamang anytime," said the 48-year-old Aga.

"Homecourt advantage tayo. We know the spot.”

Aga, an International Surfing Association Level 2 judge and Academy of Surfing Instructors Level 1 surf instructor, first tried the sport at the Llorente Beach 23 years ago. He then honed his skills in Baybay and in other beaches around Borongan. Included in his usual playgrounds are Lalawigan, Locsoon and Sabang.

Silver medalist Carby lauded Aga's win, saying that he graciously accepts the loss against the hometown hero who secured the crown for his family and the "pride of Borongan."

"Coming second against local [bet] Kayot (Aga's nickname) is 200 percent OK with me. When I saw Kayot getting the score that he needed, because I was in first until the very last three minutes, seeing the reaction of Kayot when he got the score, for me, that's the win," said Carby.

"His passion for surfing is still strong. A lot of surfers might go drinking and partying and sort of forget about surfing. Having someone like Kayot, seeing Kayot with his passion, he is fit, he is strong. He is taking his prize money home to his boys and his family, so that's what it's about for me. I'll come second to that anytime and hold my head very high. Because I know who he is and I'm so proud of him and what he did for himself, his family and for the pride of Borongan," added the Australian coach who trains the Siargao selection of the national surfing team.

Carby went firing from the get-go, notching 2.50 in his first attempt to lead the four-men final.

Aga briefly seized the advantage as he went one-up on his second attempt but trailed behind thereafter as Carby picked up his pace to regain pole position with a 4.75 collection.

Carby comfortably hung on to his lead, notching 5.40 to Aga's 4.65 and Mors Gandawali's and Rudolfo Alcala's 1.10 each. But the Boronganon inched closer with a floater at the 12:28 mark for an equal 5.40 aggregate to threaten at second.

Aga then made his championship-winning move in the clutch while Carby never recovered to surrender the title. Gandawali of La Union netted 4.35 while Surigao del Norte's Alcala registered 2.50 for equal thirds.

"I was in the lead so my role then is to try to stop Kayot from getting the good waves or improving my score. Kayot had priority which means he got to choose any wave he wanted and one of the better waves of the heat came in. I know his ability. I know he is a great surfer, and he got the wave that he needed – he got a barrel. The announcer read out the score, that was the three [points] that he needed. I saw him put his hands up and he cheered out there. I had two minutes left but I couldn't find a wave. I am amazingly happy for him," said Carby, who hugged champion Aga on their way to the shore.

Aga shared that he was happy to get the crown at home soil.

"Masaya," said Aga, also the city's surf instructor, guide and lifeguard.

Aga, who serves as judge of the United Philippine Surfing Association's Pilipinas Surfing National Tour since last year, tries to shoot for his second straight masters title in the La Union Pro which kicks off on Friday, Dec. 8, at San Juan, La Union.

Photos by Brian Busa of the Borongan City Information Office and Gail Alde of Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School's student publication The Courier

05/12/2023

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐆𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧: 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐥 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞-𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Vea Estrellado utilized her familiarity with the wave conditions in Baybay Beach to capture her third straight title in the Surf City Borongan Masters women's open shortboard division last Friday, Dec. 1.

Estrellado surfs in the same conditions in her hometown in Brgy. Buenavista in Gubat, Sorsogon and she used it to her advantage to rack up an 8.25 tally in the finals and complete the three-peat.

"Siguro kasi mas sanay ako sa wave na magulo. Mas kilala ko 'yung wave sa Borongan kasi same ng alon sa amin," said the 20-year-old national team member.

Estrellado first saw action in the tournament during its first installment in 2019 where she wound up second in both women's shortboard and longboard divisions. There, she was able to study the conditions of Baybay Beach which translated to her yearly success in the fourth leg of the NextGen Pilipinas Surfing National Tour from then on.

"Ang alon kasi sa Borongan, kapag mahangin, mahirap sakyan. Kaya kailangan mong pag-aralan kung alin ang mas magandang makapagbibigay sa'yo nang mataas na puntos. Kaya noong first time kong mag-surf sa Borongan, pinag-aralan ko talaga nang mabuti ang wave kagaya kung saan ito magbi-break at kung alin ang gapang or mahaba," she said.

Estrellado shared that the conditions in Borongan help surfers adjust to different situations in other competitions.

"Ang advantage ng sanay sa maliit at magulong alon ay maski kahit saan mo sila dalhin, kahit sa maganda o hindi magandang alon ay marunong," said Estrellado.

During the finals, Estrellado bucked strong winds and overcame the small waves to outwit Surigao del Norte's Susan Escanilla, Camarines Norte's Lolit Edusma and women's longboard champ Ashlee Lopez of La Union.

"Ang condition noon ay mahangin saka maliit [ang alon] pero nag-antay lang talaga ako ng magandang alon na alam kong makapagbibigay ng magandang score sa akin," she said.

Estrellado opened the final heat with a 3.25 showing to set the pace from there.

Escanilla played second fiddle to Estrellado from the get-go but lost grip of her position as Edusma found her groove to sn**ch the second spot with her 5.70 total halfway in the match.

Escanilla, however, retaliated with a 3.45 to improve her total to 6.30 and seal the silver with 4:58 to go.

Edusma settled for equal third together with Lopez who had a 4.10 aggregate.

Estrellado's win in the Grade 3 event shoved her to the no. 1 spot in the women's shortboard ranking in the country as she moved three places up with her 1000-point collection for a leading 2350 tally.

Erstwhile top-ranked Escanilla dropped to second after her runner-up finish earned her 800 points for 2299.

Edusma grabbed 650 points for a 1250 total at seventh.

"Maraming salamat at sana ay ituluy-tuloy lang ng Borongan ang pagpapa-event ng [Pilipinas Surfing National Tour] sa inyo," said Estrellado.

04/12/2023

As host of two major surfing events this year, the City of Borongan was also charged with the safety and security of its guests. We would like to thank our uniformed personnel for serving as vanguards of peace and order and for securing the general welfare of our participants at the recently concluded Surf City Borongan Masters and 2nd National Surf Summit:

The Borongan City Police Station headed by PCOL Dexter Astacaan; the Bureau of Fire Protection headed by Acting City Fire Marshal FINSP Benito Gundelino Elona; the 78th Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Commanding Officer Lt. Allan Tria; and the Eastern Samar Coastguard headed by Station Commander Rhian Kean Gaco.

Thank you very much!

04/12/2023

We would like to thank Tingog Party List, under the leadership of Cong. Jude Acidre, for serving as one of the major event sponsors at the recently concluded Surf City Borongan Masters and 2nd National Surf Summit. As with our other partners, through their generosity, our hosting of two major surfing events became a resounding success.

Damo nga salamat, Tingog Party List! Thank you, Cong. Acidre!