This sembreak, rather, surf break, the party is not in Boracay, it’s not in Cebu, not in Davao, but in San Juan, La Union, one of the country’s surfing hotspots. Aside from the much awaited sembreak, October is also the start of surfing season in the country. And with this water sport continuously gaining popularity locally, it’s just apt that international lifestyle shoe brand, Sanuk, holds a 2-day surfing event on October 22 to 23, 2011 to celebrate the occasion.

Known for its ultra comfortable and light footwear, Sanuk shoes (not sandals) have become a favorite among Pinoys who like comfortable footwear that they can wear wherever. After gaining popularity with its classic Sidewalk Surfer, the brand has branched out to offering more types of footwear for men, women, and even kids, which of course, all bears Sanuk’s unique brand of innovative design and quality craftsmanship.

But more than just great footwear, Sanuk is a lifestyle brand that embraces all things fun. That said, Sanuk Philippines is proud to come out with the biggest surfing event that the country has ever seen. The Sanuk Opening Act aims to bring together top surfing personalities from here and abroad such as Donavon Frankenreiter, Luke Landrigan and Sanuk founder Jeff Kelley together with surfing fans and the press in the surfing event of the year.

With an event so cool, of course it’s only fitting that the guest of honor be a surfing icon like Donavon Frankenreiter. After riding his board at the tender age of 10, Donavon was already a pro at 15 and bringing in the big bucks. He’s definitely one of the world’s brightest stars in surfing and Sanuk Philippines is proud to have him on board for this groundbreaking event.

The first of its kind, the Sanuk Opening Act aims to bring together two of life’s greatest inventions – surfing and music in a 2-day event that is filled to the brim with activities to excite any surfing fanatic as well as those who are always up for an awesome party.

Filled with an exciting roundup of activities, the first day of Sanuk’s biggest surfing event in the country will feature a Surf Costume Exhibition, which is open to all surfers (beginners and groms are both welcome!) as long as they’re willing to don costumes based on their favorite cartoon characters from their childhood—while surfing the waves. Not to add any pressure but, Donavon will be serving as the host and judge for this activity so better put your best game face on, and of course, have fun!

There will also be a lot of outdoor activities, and for the night’s special event, a mini concert featuring Donavon himself! Aside from being a well-known figure in the international surfing community, Donavon is also recognized for his music, something that the guests will all have the privilege to witness live at the Sanuk Opening Act. Day two of the event starts early, really early, as surfing pro and first Philippine Sanuk Rider Luke Landrigan gets everyone to hop on a board with Surfing 101.

With so many exciting activities and festivities, Sanuk Opening Act is set to be THE surfing event in this season!

Sanuk is exclusively distributed by the Primer Group of Companies. For store listings, visit www.primergrp.com

Salomon XR Crossmax Neutral

Salomon, the global leader in trail running, introduces XR Crossmax Neutral trail running shoes. Designed to provide unmatched fit, grip and response for athletes who incorporate all surfaces into their training regimen, the XR Crossmax Neutral benefits from the best of Salomon’s technical expertise.

Developed in collaboration with Jonathan Wyatt, 6 time World Champion in mountain running and 2 time Olympian in Marathon, XR Crossmax Neutral provides a combination of comfort and durability, grip, and ride that performs well both on fast, firm paths and more technical trails. Salomon breaks the technical advantages of XR down to three essential components. Read the rest of this entry »

By Caloy Libosada

I clearly remember this story of a former colleague in the Department of Tourism when they represented the Philippines in an international travel fair in another country. They were so happy that their marketing collaterals (like brochures) came in two big boxes. But then a truck carrying Malaysian stuff arrived and my friends became really depressed.

How can we effectively market the Philippines as a tourist destination when our own government could not understand the value of investing for marketing? It’s hard arguing with the COA (Commission on Audit) why we had to print 10,000 copies of brochures every three months.

I’ve left the DOT for quite some time now and went to the academe and now as a freelance tourism consultant.

But I never stopped trying to do things to help the tourism industry from my own little corner, even if I don’t have any money to bring my ideas into fruition.

What I had was time to write, passion, and an unshakable belief that whatever I’m doing could be significant enough for the industry. And of course, I stay stuck to my own personal principle that in this life, I must “act like a sperm. If I stopped moving, I die.” I talked to anybody who would listen to me. Sometimes, I get lucky and others bankroll some ideas I float around.
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By: Bim Legisniana

Kawayan Tech’s bamboo bikes showing off its impeccable make up and distinctive flair.

Calls for patronizing eco-friendly products, reducing carbon footprint, and stewardship on the planet and all its resources have been ongoing for the past years. The rapid deterioration of our natural resources and the disturbing global warming has brought a lot of people in a bandwagon of advocates passionately pushing and promoting for a greener means of anything and everything. Kawayan Tech is not one to decline.

In 2009, Hecky Villanueva, John Climaco, Eng Chan, Eric Cadiz and Boy Siojo, alumni members of the University of the Philippines Mountaineers (UPM) came together. And what was merely a passion for the outdoors and advocacy on the preservation of the environment–an idée fixe for the members of UPM–with training from Craig Calfee (a frame designer and founder of Bamboosero, a group that conducts trainings on bamboo bike making), turned out as a company creating bamboo bikes to further prop up their environmental programs.
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