Tina, one of my best friends from back home, was visiting the Bay Area and told me that surfing in the Philippines have gained momentum in the past 4-5 years. It is reportedly more of a current trend amongst
artistas and high-profile Filipinos who have the time and luxury to venture out to a handful of surf breaks within our islands. After reading recent articles on this, I found out that locals of the identified surfing communities in
Siargao and
La Union have been embracing this sport as well. Not surprisingliy so - it was a hard feat to overcome the frustrations of trying to surf for the first time, but the
feeling of finally catching that wave is unmatched.
I recall a conversation with a friend after picking up surfing:
Friend: (amazed) Hawaii was your first time, really? You never surfed before?
CM: Never - I wish I got into this earlier in life, though.
Friend: But, you're from the Philippines..!
CM: (with conviction) There's no surfing in the Philippines. I would imagine the breaks would be inconsistent through the storm season.
Friend: Philippines, though!? Tropical country, monsoons, and yet no surfing?!
CM: (indignant) Believe me - I would have done it if I knew of places over there!
One of the many times in life where I eventually found myself in Camp Wrong.
Identified top surf breaks within the Philippine Islands (From the Philippines Travel Guide):
1. Badoc Island, Ilocos Norte Province. North west coast of Luzon. (Irony: My parents are from The Ilocos Norte Province, where we drive up 1-2x a year. )
2. Baler, Aurora Province. East coast of Luzon
3. Catanduanes. Island province off east coast of Luzon.
4. Daet, Camarines Norte Province. East coast of Luzon
5. La Union Province. West coast of Luzon.
6. Samar. The east coast of Samar Island
7. Siargao Island. North east of Mindanao
8. Vigan, Ilocos Sur Province. West coast of Northern Luzon.
9. Zambales Province. West coast of Luzon.
I stand proud having the Philippines being recognized as a surfing destination. Locals and tourists alike are bound to, not only enjoy the waves, but the food and the hospitality that is inherent in the people of the friendly islands.
However, things are never without a catch. The reality is that hazards are abound, and they are not necessarily contained in the water. From Globalsurfers.com is a word to surfing enthusiasts who may be lured to this part of the world:
Safety: Safety and security should be of paramount concern to any visitor to the Philippines. It is vital to be fully informed of threats and developments regarding crime, terrorism and kidnapping before and during a visit to the islands. Vigilance is vital throughout the islands, particularly in Manila, as opportunistic crimes are motivated by circumstances of poverty. Extremist groups have a history of kidnapping foreign tourists, and terrorist bombings have occurred frequently in Manila and Mindanao, targeting transport and public places. Terrorist groups have also threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao. The threat of terrorism and kidnapping is greatest in central, southern and western Mindanao, Basilan, Tawi Tawi, Jolo and the Sulu archipelago; the FCO, US Department of State and other governments advise against all travel to these areas, and care should also be taken in Palawan and at coastal resorts and tourist centres throughout.
At least we don't have reported shark attacks familiar to the coasts of Australia and South Africa. Then again, I have been mistaken before.
Photo Credits: Thingsasian.com
From its roots in the ancient Roman calendar, the phrase is currently used in the context of a mid-month period. "Ides of March" is also a metaphor to describe a disaster forthcoming.
