Friends, Im sharing my first article for a local magazine. Let me know what you think. Im taking it down in a little while. A Slice Of Pinoy Surf Culture When I recall my fondest childhood memories, it always involves the taste of salt water on my lips, the feeling of sand between my toes and being out in the ocean until the sun turns a deep tangerine as it sinks into the horizon. I developed this connection and deep respect for the ocean early on and it has taught me a lot about life. The sea holds no pretentions. It makes you reflect and ponder at how magnificent nature is and links you to the vastness of the universe. Looking back and seeing how I grew up in a small coastal town in La Union was such a privilege I will treasure and share with the world. I was about 9 years old when my mom and I rented out a Betamax copy of a film entitled North Shore which came highly recommended by my good friend, Paolo Soler. That film brought about so much stoke to try out surfing that I along with my brother and Paolo grabbed boogie boards and started catching waves in front of our house not realizing that two decades later, that stoke would spread throughout the archipelago transforming the Philippines into a true-blue surfing destination. Paolo Soler, who founded what is now known as the Philippine Surfing Academy (the first certified surf instructional institution in Manila), was mentored by a respected surf coach, Hiroshi Yokohama, who brought Quiksilver, a popular Australian surfwear and gear brand, into the local market which gave birth to surf fashion in the country. At first, there was this notion that surfing was just for the elite but time has shown that local kids from coastal barrios of Pagudpud to Siargao trained by foreigners who discovered the sport’s potential here decided to help these enthusiastic youngsters not only in the discipline and ethics of surfing but also in the art and skill of board shaping, which caught on quickly and proved that surfing is for everyone and anyone who holds the desire for it. At present, they’re the ones dominating the scene and have crossed over to the international realm winning the respect of veterans in this industry. Poks Esquivel, who passed away a few years ago, was truly a shining light of inspiration. He ripped waves effortlessly on a single leg. Yes, A SINGLE LEG. His lack of a limb made him bigger than all of us and was deeply admired. There was no excuse not to pick up a surfboard when you’d think of Poks. For those who knew him, Poks was just a quiet guy who loved to have a good time with a few drinks in hand hanging out on the shores of San Juan, La Union. His surf skills spoke for this modest fellow and eventually led him to endorsing a famous local brand called Stoked. One of his closest friends, Luke Landrigan, has found his own success, not only in surfing competitions, but also in establishing his Billabong Surf School in San Juan Surf Resort. With his beach bum good looks, he is probably the most sought-after local pro surfer for endorsing some very popular brands such as Billabong, Ginebra and Nisce skin products. Let’s not forget the female surfers or what we call “wahines” who have grown in numbers possibly overtaking the male surfing populace. Heck! I’m not complaining! I’d like to think I speak on behalf of all my bros out there. It is truly a sight to behold witnessing a woman’s grace as she glides across the water. In fact, I just realized that I encourage more girls than guys to try out surfing. If you happen to catch the Roxy or Stoked ladies in action, you will know exactly what I’m talking about! With the growth of surf culture, a small economy has thrived and continues to expand. There was a time that you could only get anything surfing related at a handful of shops. Now, they’re easier to find with stores all across the metropolis and provincial surfing destinations like my home province. It was just a matter of time before the stoked-out Pinoy would be creating his own brand further pushing it to the masses. Names such as Skwala surfboards will soon be up in the ranks of world-class shaped boards and I can’t wait for these guys to design my custom log. As a matter of fact, Skwala is determined to bring OPM music and local surf culture together by establishing partnerships with artists who make the soundtracks synonymous to stoke. That’s where I, Manskee, come in. With my roots and love for music, it’s inevitable for me to create tunes with my ukulele that match the surf/beach vibe scene. Seemingly, more and more artists such as Franco, Indio-i, and Kjwan, to name a few, are coming out of the woodwork or have been there for some time but gained a more significant following due to the growing love for this lifestyle. I did say lifestyle because surfing is not just your typical sport but a way of life all in itself. It is a pure form of physical and mental therapy with a huge dash of spirituality. Nowadays, when I frequently travel back to La Union from my studio sessions in Manila, I find it more evident on the faces of those who I bump into fresh from their weekend surf trip that they’re hooked or found something absolutely real. It is hard to erase the look of euphoria that can be seen through their exhausted eyes and sun-kissed skin. Once you’re in, it is almost impossible to get out regardless of what path of life you’ve taken. In my book, all roads lead to the beach. paolo manuel soler JM Quiblat Jako de Leon Hiroshi Yokohama Lorenzo Kiddo Cosio Mike Del Rosario Buji Libarnes Mara Isabella Lopez Yokohama Pat Tirano John Patrick Ong Megan Gochoco Nikki Arce Dela Paz
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 12:10:56 +0000
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