SURFERS FROM BALER, LA UNION, SIARGAO AND SORSOGON DOMINITAES LUNAD SA

Surfers from Gubat Sorsogon, Daet, Catanduanes, Zambales, La Union, Baler, Calicoan, Borongan Samar, Leyte, Lanuza and Siargao showed their support during the Lunad sa Balod 2016. We’re happy to see a unified Philippine surfing scene! Photo by Alwyn Uytingco

Gubat, a second-class Municipality in Sorsogon is located in the south-eastern part of Luzon. Considered to be, strategically in the center of surfing spots in the Philippines. Bidge Villaroya, a local surfer from Gubat spearheaded the Lunad sa Balod event last year with a goal of promoting the local surfing scene and culture of his hometown and its local surfing talents.

Buenavista Surf Camp in Gubat Sorsogon

“We want to uplift the talent of the local surfers of Gubat Sorsogon by exposing them to different surf athletes in the country as well as to give them the opportunity to travel the Philippines and represent our province, Gubat Sorsogon wholeheartedly.” Says Bidge Villaroya.

Local wahine surfer Vea Estrellado

Gubat Sorsogon’s pride Vea Estrellado dominating the women’s shortboard and longboard category.

Surf judges from Baler, Sorsogon, Siargao, Zambales and Samar making sure that the integrity of decision will be carried out accordingly.

As Typhoon Lawin swept the northern part of Luzon, in generated good swell in Gubat region. But it drastically weaken as the typhoon exits our country. Waves were small, waist to shoulder high but it gave a fair proving ground for surfers during the competition.

Neil Sanchez from Baler dominated the men;s shortboard category.

After 2 days surfing contest, tourists and locals were given a treat with the 1st music festival in gubat. Kokoi Baldo, a popular musician, environmentalist and a surfer gave an excellent performance through out the night. Local bands from Bicol region were highlighted as well.