by Robert E. Roperos

General Luna, Siargao Island (September 21) -- "This town, particularly Cloud 9 is a perfect venue for surfers", said Wade Goodall, 2007 Siargao International Surfing Cup champion.

In a press conference called by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte on Saturday (Sept. 20) at Cabuntog Resort here, Goodall gave a perfect 10 when asked to rate Siargao island, compared to other surfing areas in the world. "In as far as the quality of waves is concerned, Siargao has the best waves in the world", he said.

He also added that he came back to Siargao not only because he is the defending champion of this annual international surfing event in the country but also because of the hospitality of the Filipino people particularly the Surigaonons and Siargaonons. "The people here are amazing. The hospitality which the Filipinos have shown to foreigners like me is extraordinary", Goodall said.

The 14th Siargao International Surfing Cup is presented by Billabong International Southeast Asia. From a local surfing event in 1995, the surfing cup has evolved into an internationally-competed event known as the "Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational".