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!

04/12/2023

The success of the City Government’s undertakings would not be possible without the unity and cooperation of its departments. With Borongan’s recent triumph as host of the Surf City Borongan Masters and the 2nd National Surf Summit, we would like to thank:

The City General Services Office, for providing the tables and chairs used at the Surf City and Summit venue; the City Engineering Office, for facilitating the construction of our trade fair booths and stage setup, as well as the preparation of our electrical needs; the City Solid Waste Management Team for maintaining cleanliness at Baybay Boulevard throughout our events; the City Traffic Management Office, for ensuring that the traffic flow at Baybay Boulevard remained orderly amidst the influx of visitors; the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the City Health Office, for being on standby in case any of our participants required their assistance; and the City Finance Team composed of the Accounting, Budget, and Treasurer’s Office, for their guidance and professionalism in ensuring that event funds are properly allocated.

Damo nga salamat!

04/12/2023

The plane is off the runway! Our delegates and participants to the Surf City Borongan Masters and the 2nd National Surf Summit are now on their way home.

We would like to thank Philippine Airlines, the City of Borongan’s partner carrier, for providing the transportation of key speakers from the international surfing community. Your cooperation has been instrumental in bringing our surfing stakeholders to Borongan.

Thank you, Philippine Airlines!

04/12/2023

Did you know? Surf City Borongan holds the record for being the only surfing competition in the country with the most number of published articles. With the addition of the 2nd National Surf Summit to this year’s Surf City Borongan Masters Competition, our prominence in the media landscape has just gotten stronger. We owe this recognition to our media partners, both in the local and national scene, as they have been an integral presence ever since the inception of Surf City Borongan in 2019.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Ronald Reyes of Sun Star Philippines, Marie Antoinette Marticio of Manila Bulletin, Justine Traya of RMN Tacloban, and Roel Amazona of the Philippine News Agency for rendering their expertise as journalists at the Surf City Borongan Masters and 2nd National Surf Summit.

We would also like to thank the Borongan City Press Club and our budding journalists from the student publications ESSU Catalyst, ESNCHS The Courier, and ESNCHS Ang Sinag, for helping us with the week-long coverage of our two surfing events.

Your talent was indispensable in letting the world know about Surf City Borongan.

Thank you, journalists!

04/12/2023

𝐋𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐳 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Mara Lopez scored a double victory on the Borongan shores as the La Union young ace copped the title in the Surf City Borongan Masters girls' shortboard division last Friday, Dec. 1.

Lopez, champion in the inaugural girls' longboard category four days prior, sustained her fine form to register 8.30 points in the final and complete her sweep of the girls crowns in the fourth leg of the NextGen Pilipinas Surfing National Tour.

The 12-year-old Lopez thus added to her medal haul for the year after also winning in Calicoan and securing runner-up finishes in Pagudpud and Baler.

Cathleya Casals, winner in Baler earlier this month, slipped to second place with her 7.55-point showing.

Sorsogon's Nathalie Espiel chalked up 5.25 points while La Union's Kaila Jane dela Torre, runner-up to Lopez in the girls' longboard, produced 4.90 to settle for equal thirds.




𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐵𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑎𝑛 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑙𝑒𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑒𝑥𝑡𝐺𝑒𝑛 𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑠 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑑𝑙𝑦 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐼𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑂𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝐴𝑛𝑔 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑟 𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑆𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸𝑆𝑆𝑈 𝐶𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑦𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑟 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦.

04/12/2023

"Surfers from Siargao, La Union, Vigan, and Borongan City clinched top spots in the 2023 Surf City Borongan Masters, marking the 4th leg of the Next Gen Pilipinas Surfing Tour."

Read more: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=830673672400572&id=100063738406402&mibextid=Nif5oz

04/12/2023

Borongan, as evidenced by its successful hosting of the Surf City Borongan Masters and the 2nd National Summit, is gaining traction as a premiere sports tourism hub in the country. Of course, an accomplishment as big as this would not be possible without the hard work of our prime movers in the Local Government Unit.

We would like to send our love to the Borongan City Tourism Office, headed by OIC-Tourism Officer Marissa Josephine Acorin, for handling the registration of our athletes and guests, and for giving all our visitors the warmest welcome.

Damo nga salamat, Borongan City Tourism Office!

04/12/2023

03/12/2023

As the sport of surfing continues to reach new heights in the city, we would like to thank the Department of Tourism - Eastern Visayas, headed by Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes, for supporting the fourth run of the Surf City Borongan competition and for being our partner in mounting the 2nd National Surf Summit. Your presence and efforts have made all the difference in our collective journey towards the development of our surf tourism industry.

Damo nga salamat, DOT!

03/12/2023

We are so ready to end the Surf City Borongan season on a high note. Don’t miss the exciting lineup of performances at the Surf City Music Festival tonight!

As always, invite your loved ones to share this exhilarating moment with you.

Let’s get the party started!

03/12/2023

It’s the last day of the 2nd National Surf Summit! As we prepare to draw our two major surfing events to a close, we would like to express our gratitude to 4Ps Party List, under the leadership of House Minority Leader Cong. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, for serving as one of our major event sponsors. Your help has made a great contribution to the success of our endeavors.

Thank you, 4Ps! Damo nga salamat, Cong. Nonoy Libanan!

02/12/2023

“Tucked on the eastern shores of the Visayas, you'll find Borongan, a thriving coastal city known as one of the country's best places to surf. Its wave breaks crash and glide onto the sandy Baybay Boulevard, and its sunrises are legendary.”

Read more:

Tucked on the eastern shores of the Visayas, you'll find Borongan, a thriving coastal city known as one of the country's best places to surf. Its wave breaks crash and glide onto the sandy Baybay Boulevard, and its sunrises are legendary. But the waves that draw crowds of surfers each year not only....

02/12/2023

“Last year, Surf in the City handed the biggest total prize money of P1.1 million in Philippine surfing history and the first to award equal prize money to men and women, as well as boys and girls in the juniors division. It also initiated a gender-neutral comfort room in its efforts to promote equality.”

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The Pilipinas Surfing National Tour in Borongan City hopes to inspire more young athletes to follow the footsteps of Jay-R Esquivel, the first Filipino to qualify in the World Surf League Longboard Tour

01/12/2023

𝐄𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝

Jay-R Esquivel dominated against Roger Casugay to clinch his third crown in the Surf City Borongan Masters longboard division finals at the Baybay Beach in Borongan City yesterday, Nov. 30.

Esquivel posted a 12.50-point total that put him 3.85 points clear of Casugay in the final heat to score a repeat of his 2019 and 2021 victories in the fourth leg of the NextGen Pilipinas Surfing National Tour.

The World No. 8 longboard surfer thus prevailed in the battle between Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) medalists.

Esquivel, who bagged the silver medal in the 2019 SEAG, added another crown for La Union after Ashlee Lopez earlier seized the women's open longboard title.

SEAG gold medalist Casugay settled for runner-up honors anew after also finishing second to Esquivel in 2021.




𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐵𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑎𝑛 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑙𝑒𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑒𝑥𝑡𝐺𝑒𝑛 𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑠 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑑𝑙𝑦 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐼𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑂𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝐴𝑛𝑔 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑟 𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑆𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸𝑆𝑆𝑈 𝐶𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑦𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑟 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦.

30/11/2023

𝐋𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧'𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐳 𝐛𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧

Ashlee Lopez carved out a 10.05 victory to capture her first title in the Surf City Borongan Masters women's open longboard category at Baybay Beach in Borongan City today, Nov. 30.

La Union's Lopez bested 2019 Southeast Asian Games two-time bronze medalist Daisy Valdez, former champion Vea Estrellado and Donna Estrellado to finally break through in the fourth leg of the NextGen Pilipinas Surfing National Tour after finishing at equal fifths in 2021.

This is also Lopez's second title of the season after ruling the same division in Pagudpud last September.

Meanwhile, La Union ace Valdez chalked up 8.50 points to secure her third straight runner-up finish.

Sorsogon's Estrellado, winner two years ago, slid to the third spot at 6.60 while Donna Estrellado wound up last at 3.35.

Lopez will try to seize a double crown as she figures in a shortboard final battle against back-to-back champion Vea Estrellado, Pagudpud titleholder Susan Escanilla and Baler runner-up Lolit Edusma tomorrow, Dec. 1.




𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐵𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑎𝑛 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑙𝑒𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑒𝑥𝑡𝐺𝑒𝑛 𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑠 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑑𝑙𝑦 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐼𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑂𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝐴𝑛𝑔 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑟 𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑆𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸𝑆𝑆𝑈 𝐶𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑦𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑟 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦.

30/11/2023

Heads up, Surf City Athletes!

We would like to inform you that the distribution of the Surf City Borongan Masters t-shirts will take place tomorrow morning at the Surf City jersey area. For those who have already departed from Borongan, your shirts will be delivered to you via courier.

Thank you.

30/11/2023

At Surf City Borongan, it’s not just the surfing enthusiasts who get their share of entertainment. Spectators are also in for a treat as the 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗳 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 begins tomorrow, December 1st!

It’s time to get your fill of fun as we anticipate a surf music festival that will stretch across three nights.

Invite your loved ones as we get into the beach + music vibe at the Surf City big tent. For your guidance, here’s the initial list of bands that will be performing from Dec 1-3.

Please standby, because we will be adding more to this amazing lineup! 🌊🎶

30/11/2023

It’s almost time to award the athletes who have emerged (and will emerge) victorious at Surf City Borongan Masters 2023!

As we await the results of the shortboard category finals tomorrow, we would like to invite everyone to witness the awarding ceremony of this year’s Surf City Borongan Masters this coming Saturday, December 2nd, 7:30 PM.

It’s not just that, we are in for a treat as the awarding ceremony will be followed by a series of performances from our local artists.

Let’s get to know our champs as they receive the recognition they deserve on Saturday. See you!

30/11/2023

𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐳, 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧

Southeast Asian Games double bronze medalist Daisy Valdez stamped her class with a 6.15 best showing to advance to the finals of the women's open longboard division in the Surf City Borongan Masters at Baybay Beach in Borongan City yesterday, Nov. 29.

La Union standout Valdez thus forged a fierce battle for the crown against former champion Vea Estrellado, who earlier secured her own chance to reclaim the title with a 5.50 top perfomance in Heat 1.

Valdez produced the highest score in Heat 2 and in the semifinals to get a shot at avenging her two runner-up finishes in 2021 and 2022.

But out to make their case are Sorsogon's Donna Estrellado (5.05) and La Union's Ashlee Lopez (5.70) who wound up second best in each of their heats to book their own seats in the finals.

Surigao del Norte's Shiela Mae Convicto (5.00) and Susan Escanillo (4.80), Surigao del Sur's Junnelyn Badiang (4.75) and Edlyn Ermino of Sorsogon (3.90) fell short in each of their groups to bow out of contention.

29/11/2023

𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐳, 𝐄𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐝

Formers champions Neil Sanchez and Jay-R Esquivel scored a 1-2 finish in Heat 8 to reach the Round of 16 in the Surf City Borongan Masters men's open shortboard division yesterday, Nov. 29.

Aurora's Sanchez, winner in the 2021 edition and last year's runner-up, showed his best form to earn 9.05 points while 2019 titlist Esquivel collected 7.90 as they both stayed in the hunt for another crown.

Fellow Aurora surfers Allen Magos and Cliford Lumasac also stood out, registering heat-best outputs of 8.25 and 7.65 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte's Eduardo Alciso, Philmar Alipayo (6.90), Robert Magaluna (6.90), Noah Arkfeld (6.15) and Lemar Delamide (6.00) likewise led to boost their own bids.

Securing the second spots in their respective heats are Justin Ebueza (5.45) and Jomarie Ebueza (5.65) of La Union, Jhandel Ramos (5.25) of Aurora, Zambales' Yxernyl Mc Racil (4.80), Davao Oriental's Rodel Patawi (5.75), Emerton Legaspi (6.55) of Catanduanes and Sorsogon's Yron Estrellado (5.40) who also advanced.

Eastern Samar bets Jhon Alfred Cesista, Kevin Cesar Balansay, Arnold Boco, Mark Paul Orocay and Junder Bazar were eliminated.

Marven Abat, who was dethroned in the longboard division in the Round of 24 last Tuesday, Nov. 28, wound up last with 2.70 in Heat 5 to bow out of the competition.