A sport is born in Laoag

LAOAG, Philippines – Forty-nine fun and fearless participants went up against each other in the Philippines’ first ever Laoag La Paz Sandboarding Competition last Saturday, February 11.

Organized by the LEAD (Laoag Eco-Adventure Development) Movement, the innovators of sandboarding in Ilocos, in cooperation with the City Government of Laoag, headed by Mayor Michael V. Fariñas, and Havaianas, the sandboarding competition aims to develop a new breed of sportsmen and highlight the treasured sand dunes of the city as a playing field for the new sport. (Photo above shows Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas and kids on their way to the competition.)

The board of judges for the Freestyle Category (wherein the contestants showed off their  tricks and jumps) consisted of triathlon athlete/businessman Rey Carlos Fariñas, the chairman; Anthology Shoes Creative Director Karrots Nazareno; extreme mountain biker/chef/restaurateur Jackie de La Cruz; Red Dot Data and Operations Manager Bernard Macaraeg; and fashion stylist/illustrator/multimedia artist/travel junkie Julie Villaseca.

Sandboard trophies and cash prizes were awarded to the champions. Besting competitors ranging from 6 to 51 year olds are: Freestyle Category: 1st – Lou Dave M. Sanquina,  2nd – Jay Clavel. 3rd – Emma Manuel; Time Trial Race 1st – Marky Miranda,  2nd – Eugene Tan,  3rd- Harry Yumul.