Paul John Alipayo exiting from a deep Cloud 9 barrel

Paul John of the Alipayo Dynasty of Siargao Island Surfers enters the gates to Cloud 9. -One of the best right hand barrels the world over.

Coast Thru Life’s Buji Libarnes cruising out on Mona Lisa Point, La Union Philippines.  Buji recently won the MSA Cup 2012 Invitational and has proven year after year as one of the most consistent competitive surfers from Manila.  Competition aside, Buji is a throwback from the “Logging” days of classic Malibu.  One of the most stylish longboarders in and out of the water.

Freddy Gonzalez Stand Up Paddles over Cemento Reef, Baler Philippines. By providing the much needed access to core surfboards and hardware at his Aloha Boardsports chain of surf shops, Fred singlehandedly ended the Surfboard drought and was instrumental in establishing the culture of Philippine Surfing.

Paul John Alipayo silhouetted on a Cloud 9 left. The light tower in the background hopes to provide for night surfing of this world class wave.

Japanese Surfers competing in the Billabong Cloud 9 Pro/Junior brave Siargao Island’s razor sharp reef, while walking out to surf “Quiksilver’s” before their heat.

I met Moro Gandwali back in 2004. He introduced himself to me with stern confidence and over the years his surfing has elevated to mythical heights. Especially after surviving a hit and run accidnet where he was run-over twice. Despite that the guy still knows how to bring his big board vertical. He is one of La Union’s Legends and is always willing to drink a beer and talk story about the surf.

Lemon “surfstar” Dines is the one man welcoming committe to La Union. -The Philippines most frequently traveled surf destination. Lemon, from his occasional blonde hair and hip style, is the crowd favorite among visiting european female surfers. Sip a cold San Miguel at his brew shop and unwind with the rest of the local boys from San Juan, La Union