Philmar Alipayo wins first title in 19th Siargao National Surfing Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Siargao native Philmar Alipayo emerges as the champion of the 19th Siargao National Surfing Cup on Thursday, September 21 at Cloud 9 in General Luna, Siargao City. 

Alipayo bested his hometown’s bemedalled surfer Piso Alcala in the 25-minute man-on-man finals duel despite suffering from a lower back injury. 

Alcala took the silver medal while defending champion John Mark Tokong and Jay-R Esquivel from La Union shared the third place finish. 

Alipayo claimed that his win was a stroke of luck, as he was able to catch a good wave early in the heat. 

“Maliit yung alon saka maliit yung swell kaya pag may dumating na set kailangan mo talagang kunin. Swerte din talaga na nakuha ko yun alon kasi habang nag a-announce pa si Luke ng sponsors, binabantayan ko na yun. Sakto nung nag start na, nakuha ko yung alon. Advantage talaga yung makakuha ka kaagad ng magandang alon,” said Philmar

(The waves were small so when a set comes, you really need to get it. I was really lucky I got that wave. I was already eyeing that one even while Luke was still announcing the sponsors so right when the heat started, I was able to get it. It’s a big advantage when you catch a good wave like that at the start of the heat.)

Not long after his victory, Alipayo will be participating in the 23rd International Siargao Surfing Cup, which will run from September 24 to 30, 2017 at Cloud 9 in General Luna, Siargao City. – Rappler.com