SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The 2025 La Union International Pro Longboard competition has once again placed the Philippines in the global spotlight, showcasing world-class surfing talent and cementing the province’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination.
Held from January 20-22 at Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan town, the competition is part of the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS), where Asia’s top surfers vie for a spot in the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour.
A platform for local talent
Local surfing legend Rogelio Jr. Esquievel, currently ranked No. 4 in the WSL Longboard World Rankings, delivered an exemplary performance on Day 1. He achieved the event’s highest score so far, a two-wave total of 17.17.
His performance not only highlighted his skill but also underscored the growing potential of Filipino surfers on the global stage.
Esquivel said that the event gives locals a chance to compete in the region and qualify for the World Longboard Tour.
“It’s great to have the WSL back here in La Union and to be competing again at this level on home soil,” he said.
Esquievel, along with Filipino surfers like Roger Casogay, Kaila Jane Dela Torre, and Ashlee Lopez, displayed their skill and inspired the local community’s young surfers.
Women’s division shines
Japan’s Natsumi Taoka, the top seed in the women’s division, scored 14.16 in the Round of 16. Filipino surfers Kaila Jane Dela Torre and Ashlee Lopez also advanced to the Quarterfinals, demonstrating the Philippines’ growing presence in competitive surfing.
Economic and tourism impact
The event has provided a significant economic boost to La Union.
Lopemae Hana Bautista, an entrepreneur behind Per-res Lemon Concentrate in San Juan, highlighted a noticeable surge in customer patronage during the competition.
“This is not only a free marketing opportunity for us MSMEs in La Union, but it also opened doors to new markets, allowing us to reach tourists and foreign visitors who became loyal customers,” Bautista said.
Bautista underscored the significance of the WSL event as a platform to showcase local products on a global stage.
“This event not only boosts our sales but also helps us introduce the richness of La Union’s homegrown products to international visitors, fostering growth for small businesses like ours,” she added.
La Union Governor Raphael Ortega-David expressed her support for the event, emphasizing its role in promoting La Union’s rich culture and natural beauty.
“This competition not only brings attention to our talented surfers but also strengthens La Union’s identity as a top surfing and tourism destination in the Philippines,” Ortega-David stated.
A sustainable future for surfing
The event also aligns with La Union’s commitment to sustainability, with organizers ensuring eco-friendly practices such as waste segregation, plastic-free zones, and community involvement in environmental conservation.
As the 2025 La Union International Pro Longboard event progresses, it continues to build momentum, providing a platform for athletic excellence, fostering local pride, and solidifying La Union’s position on the global surfing map.
The competition runs until January 22.
As it builds momentum, the event leaves a lasting impact, inspiring both visitors and locals to preserve the natural beauty of La Union and uphold its reputation as a global surfing destination. (CCMT/KJCR, PIA La Union)
