The Philippines has long been a global surfing destination. With roughly 7,641 islands to date, there has to be at least one of its beaches on your travel bucket list. But beyond the La Union, Siargao, and Zambales tourist favorites, is a lesser known but equally stunning surfing haven that is unquestionably worth the journey. Located on the edge of the Bicol peninsula, boasting pristine waters and unspoiled sands, is Gubat, Sorsogon. While this quaint town is well on its way to becoming a coveted surf spot for its beginner-friendly waves, the stoke isn’t the only reason to make the 12-hour drive. Lunad sa Balod, a yearly competition organized by the Gubat Sorsogon Surf-riders Association, is not only putting Sorsogon on the surfing map, but also fostering its amicable community of surfers.
Now on its fourth consecutive year this 2018, the contest aims to promote camaraderie among the local surf communities around the country. As the biggest surf and music festival in the region, it attracts people from all walks of life – surfers, non-surfers, locals, tourists, and basically anyone just looking to have a great time. For the people of Gubat, surfing isn’t just a sport, it’s their way of life, which they’re ecstatic to share with anyone who finds themselves on their shores. According to GSSA president Bidge Villarroya, surfing, above all, is their source of happiness. “90 percent of our surfers are below the age of twenty,” he shares. “Our kids view surfing for what it truly is: fun! We don’t see it as a business or source of funds. It’s simply a way to enjoy the ocean, travel, and meet new friends.” Below, Villarroya details the importance of surfing in their community, their inspiration behind putting together Lunad sa Balod, and the future of Philippine surfing.
What is Sorsogon’s history with surfing? When did it start to become so popular both for locals and tourists alike?
Gubat has been surfed and visited by surfers since way back in the 70’s, but it was very seldom and usually in secret. I started surfing in February 2008, while the local community started in 2009 when the availability of Japan Surplus boards became cheaper. Sometime in the year 2011, more visitors started to flock to Gubat.
What role does surfing play in your community? And with the increasing recognition that surfing in Sorsogon has been getting, has this role changed in the past years?
Surfing has been a world changer for the children of Gubat. It keeps the kids active and in the ocean. It’s also easier for the parents, knowing that their children are closely guarded, surrounded by athletes and away from any “bad influence.” The older kids are also able to financially provide for their families by offering surfboard repair services, manufacturing surf fins, or as surf instructors. Every year, we welcome more and more surf students.
What inspired you to organize Lunad sa Balod? How did it start?
We wanted to host all our friends in Gubat. We travel and compete in so many surf spots of the country and simply wanted to share our waves to people who shared theirs with us! Lunad sa Balod was our dream to get the whole national surf community together here in Gubat, which geographically is the center of Philippine surfing.
How has holding this annual event contributed to the local surfing community?
Lunad sa Balod has motivated the surfers of GSSA to study hard, work hard and travel. Having the best surfers of the country compete in Gubat has given the kids an opportunity to surf alongside their heroes and idols —to learn and improve from the best.
Have you encountered any challenges in making the event happen, or with uplifting the local surfing community?
Lunad sa Balod is usually held in front of the Provincial Surfers Pavilion and Buenavista Surf Camp which is located by the Bicol University. But since the event promotes athleticism, environmentalism, music, tourism while providing a source of income for the locals, accessibility isn’t as much of an issue. On the other hand, there are always people who only view surfing as a cash cow and sees surfers as tourist attractions —almost like animals in a zoo. We want people to see us as athletes, adventurers, and one family under our ocean mother. Surfers are the painters on the canvas of the waves. There is no greater feeling of achievement for a surfer than landing a move you devoted so much time and practice to. And this is what Lunad sa Balod celebrates –the sport of surfing and love for the ocean. We want to especially thank Purveyr Magazine for joining in this celebration as you helped sponsor our Best Maneuver Photography Contest for Lunad sa Balod 2017.
With the increasing popularity of surfing across various places in the Philippines, where do you think the future of Filipino surfing is headed?
We have already seen a successful first year for the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour, so I guess Philippine surfing will be more professional, more athletic, and definitely more positive for the communities it affects.
Lunad sa Balod is happening this October 2018 at Buenavista Surf Camp in Gubat, Sorsogon. Keep posted on their Facebook page for more details.
