PH surfers upbeat as WSL La Union International Pro kicks off

MANILA — Filipino surfers, led by World No. 8 Rogelio Esquievel Jr., are bracing for stiff international competition as the World Surf League (WSL) La Union International Pro unfolds in San Juan.

Joining Esquievel in the five-day tournament are fellow local standouts Daisy Dela Torre, Roger Casogay, Mara Lopez, and rookie Jomarie Ebueza. The event offers two qualification slots per gender for the World Longboard Tour, raising the stakes for competitors.

“Local knowledge is a huge advantage, especially when the waves get bigger and trickier. We’re hoping for big waves this week,” Esquievel said in a news release Wednesday.

The Filipino contingent will test their skills against a formidable international field that includes Japan’s Natsumi Taoka, the 2025 runner-up; Brazil’s Phil Rajzman, a two-time winner; Portugal’s António Dantas; Italy’s Ginger Caimi; Japan’s Taka Inoue and his sister Kaede, the 2024 champion; New Zealand’s Jack Tyro; Great Britain’s Ben Skinner; and Americans Katlin Mikkelsen and Rachel Tilly.

Also entered in the competition are Mare Robroch of the Netherlands, Noah Hogle of the United States, Hawaii’s Alana Johnson, and France’s Raony Portilla.

Speaking at the tournament’s press conference, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairperson Patrick Gregorio highlighted the growing role of surfing in promoting the country as a global destination. The event was attended by Will Hayden-Smith, WSL director for Longboard; John Carby, SDMI sports technical director; and Marven Abat, president of the La Union Surf Club.

“The PSC hosted surf competitions in Siargao, Baler, and now La Union. These are truly fantastic surfing destinations. Every surfer I meet suggests a new island, each claiming to be better than the rest. That kind of competition promotes the Philippines as a premier surfing hub,” Gregorio said.

He added that the government aims to further elevate future editions of the event, citing broader benefits beyond sport.

“We are looking forward to making this hosting even bigger and better in the years ahead. Beyond the competition itself, this effort is about charging up the local economy and positioning our country as a global sports tourism driver, showcasing the Philippines on the world stage,” said Gregorio, who also heads the National Sports Tourism – Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC).

“If we really want to promote the Philippines as a sports tourism destination through surfing, this is the way to go. The PSC and NST-IAC are just so happy to support this initiative, especially if we see a lot of tourists visiting our country,’’ he added. (PNA)

Via: Cool Cherry Trees