In photos: RHCP’s Anthony Kiedis surfing in Siargao post-7107

MANILA, Philippines – After performing at the 7107 International Music Festival on February 23 in Pampanga, Red Hot Chili Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis was spotted surfing in Siargao, Surigao del Norte. The following is an account by Kage Gozun of Surf To Live Surf, published with her permission by Rappler. 

So this happened today at Stimpy’s, a left-hander off the mainland in Siargao’s General Luna. I asked local charger Nildie Blancada Rietenbach about it and she said that Anthony Kiedis was “Super bait. Parang normal lang na tao.” (Really nice. Like a normal person.) She also said that in the line-up, he showed respect for the locals. When asked about his surf skills, Nildie replied “Charger siya. Advance maglaro.” (He’s a charger and he surfs at an advanced level.) 

Photos taken by Ariel Becena, courtesy of Manuel Melindo

Anthony Kiedis arrived on the island at the invitation of a friend of his who was already there. He traveled via Cebu after playing at the 7107 International Music Festival with his band Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Local surfer Manuel “Wilmar” Melindo also noted that Kiedis seemed surprised when he was recognized yesterday while doing a wave check at the 3-story tower that fronts Siargao’s famous right-hander, Cloud 9. 

With respect for Kiedis’ privacy, we did not ask if the locals knew where he is staying while on the island. 

Personally, I think it is so cool that he got to not only play at a major music festival, but also discovered the awesome place that is one of my favorite islands in the country. – Rappler.com

Note: An earlier version of this article first appeared on Surf To Live Surf.

Kage Gozun is a Manila-based surfer/writer/photographer who lives for her weekends wherever the waves are. She runs Surf To Live Surf, where she hopes to elevate awareness on surfing in the Philippines and encourage would-be surfers to take that first paddle. Between weekend trips, she is a Social Community Manager.

(Photo care of Michael Eijansantos of My Life On Board)