MSA’s Siege of Baler 2: Surfing to serve

BALER, Aurora – Combining leisure and charity work, the Manila Surfing Association (MSA) came through with another successful event in “Siege of Baler 2: Pangalawa na to Pake” at Baranggay Sabang here from Nov. 24-25.

It was a notable endeavor by nearly a hundred surfers from Manila who assembled in one of the best surf spots in the country in the event co-presented by Stoked Inc., the pioneer action sports store and brand in the country.

The two-day meet also featured a spirited competition held at the vast coastline of Sabang Beach.

Surfskwela

The MSA, a non-profit organization that aims to provide representation for Manila surfers, highlighted the event by reaching out to the students of the Ruperto Zubia Sr. Elementary School (RZES), while raising funds and donating school supplies.

“It’s not all about surfing for the members, we also try to help the community,” said Tonet Jose, president of the MSA, who was supported by Electric Visuals, Vans, Ripcurl, Magoo's Pizza, Costa Pacifica, Bahia de Baler, Aliya Surf Camp, Balai Isabel, Mojo Footwear, GoPro, JnS, Orale and Good Earth Roast, Zem Gear, and Joy Bus.

It wasn’t a new thing for the Manila surfers to give back to the community from which they mastered their craft.

MSA chose RZES for the reason that most local surfers attended their primary education there.

“Every time we have a competition, we always make sure that we have a sort of an outreach program,” said the 52-year-old Jose, referring to the medical mission they did at La Union earlier this year.

Perfect timing

It was a fluke that the program came through weeks before celebrating the school’s golden anniversary, an explanation why teachers and the students are so much thankful for the blessing that poured in from surfers whom they didn’t know personally.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa Manila Surfers Association na nagdala dito ng biyaya para sa aming mahirap na mag-aaral,” said the school principal Novelinda M. Trapago who told their visitors that most of their students lack pencils, papers and colors.

The school supplies donated by the surfers will help 830 students of RZES.

“Makakatulong po ‘yon dahil wala sila talagang pambili ng papel, notebook at colors,” the teary-eyed principal added. “Salamat at napili niyo na dito ibigay yung sobra-sobra niyong biyaya.”

All winners

The surfing event, which also aimed to raise funds for the Ruperto Zubia Sr. Elementary School, were participated by the Manila Surfers who didn’t hesitate to take part just to give help in whatever way they could.

The surfers were considered all winners in life by aiding the said school.

In the competition proper, Leo Maralit, Tereze Lumdang, Mark Go and Tamara Benitez shone brightest among the other rivals after two heats with 15 minutes each to showcase what they got.

Maralit copped the Men’s Shortboard Open title, besting Seth Tan, Jeremy Ramilo and Harol Crisostomo who finished first, second and third runners up, respectively.

In the Wahine Shorboard division, Lumdang braved the waves to impress the judges and bagged the crown, while Carla Sebastian, Tamara Benitez and Edeliza Virata settled for second, third and fourth place.

Go notched the first place in men’s Longboard open, outclassing Ely Cresencio who placed second. DK Pasallan and Paco Fernadez fell in the third and fourth spots.

Benitez capped off the Wahine Longboard Open with a win, while a bridesmaid finish was on hand for Mia Sebastian, Tin Terible and Becky McPeek.

Meanwhile, the winners of Men's and Wahine Longboard Invitational and Shortboard Invitational will be named and awarded tomorrow during the Siege of Baler 2 After-Party.