The Skate escape

Cebu is known for many things. It is the birthplace of the Philippines’ first National Hero, Lapu-Lapu, who repelled the Spanish forces of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Other things The Queen City of the South is known for are its lechon (which doesn’t need any accompanying sauce), its expertly crafted handmade guitars, sun-dried crispy danggit, the yearly Sinulog Festival which is a fiesta in honor of the Infant Jesus, pristine beaches, island hopping, an exciting nightlife, and even more exciting people to be with.

Soon enough Cebu is going to be known for its skateboarders, too, with a burgeoning community of skilled riders. Skateboarding has remained a popular sport among Cebuanos since it first came to their shores in the late ‘80s and there is quite a bit of talent down there. But knowledge of this usually only stays among the locals. The exposure that these riders have received is, at best, minimal.

A step to change this was taken recently by the DC Shoe Company as they premiered First Flow, a film about riders in Cebu who skate at their favorite spots around the Visayas. Launched recently at The Penthouse in Cebu City, First Flow serves a new take on the standard skate video. Rather than the typical two-minute quick-edit parts seen in the majority of skate films, First Flow shows sessions start to finish — not just the banger clips — it offers a more realistic look at what happens during a day on a skateboard.

The Penthouse in Cebu City was packed for the video launch of DC’s First Flow. Members of both the skateboarding and non-skateboarding community made it out for this event.

Featured in First Flow are Cebu’s finest riders, representing DC: Barney Landingin, Botch Pajaganas, Gene Tulabing, Ian Bacalla, Larry Torrefil, and Eugene “Doc Neri” Neri. The group was assembled by Doc Neri, a long-time skateboard aficionado who saw the undeniable talent that this group possessed. “It’s a dream come true for us skateboarders, to be sponsored and to be a part of the industry also,” says Doc Neri.

Doc Neri is also the owner of the Visioneri Landskate Skate Park, located in Talisay, Cebu City. That’s how much this guy loves the sport: he built his own skate park. Visioneri Landskate also helps in promoting the sport as it is open to the public and it is also a venue for local and international skate demos and competitions. It is the first of its kind in the country, a real skate park, designed for riders, by riders. It keeps the kids from skating on the streets and aids in keeping them away from illegal drugs and other vices.

The role Doc Neri plays in the release of First Flow is significant as the film is also a project done by his group, Visioneri Skate Park Productions. Because he is the one who assembled the team of riders, Neri is aware of each of their styles when it comes to skating. And because of this, First Flow is able to highlight the different riding styles that each team member possesses.

Providing the tunes for the night was DJ Ronnie Poe, also a well-known tattoo artist from P&P Tatttos

It may be a long shot, but this is one way Cebu can make waves in the tourism scene. Since skateboarding is also big everywhere else in the world, Cebu can make itself into a destination for international riders when they come and visit the Philippines. The first step is already done, with the completion of the Visioneri Landskate Skate Park. With the release of First Flow, hopefully more people will be aware of the big love the Queen City of the South has for skateboarding.

Watch out for First Flow in DC stores around the country this month. Visit DC Shoes Philippines online on their official Facebook page.

If you want to get in touch with Doc Neri about riding in Cebu, Visioneri Landskate Skate Park, or anything for that matter, drop him an e-mail at docneri@yahoo.com.

* * *

E-mail me at enricomiguelsubido@gmail.com.