00:00 Well, it was an action packed day one here in the 2024 WSL La Union International Pro.
00:06 Earlier, the sun was out, waves were pumping and surfers showed what they've got
00:11 in the return of this much awaited competition.
00:13 100 surfers from around the world gathered in the Philippines surfing capital of the north.
00:20 This marks the second straight year the province of La Union is hosting the prestigious competition
00:24 where surfers from Asia can rack up points to qualify for the coveted world championship tour.
00:29 This is a regional event but it's also open for surfers from anywhere in the world. So I know we
00:34 have surfers from Russia, we have surfers from France, we have surfers from Italy. We have the
00:39 best surfers in the region here trying to qualify for the world tour. So it's going to be tough but
00:46 this is the local spot and the locals will always have the advantage.
00:51 50 Pinoy surfers make up half of this year's field,
00:54 bannered by reigning men's longboard champion J.R. Esquivel, the first and only Filipino to
00:59 qualify for the world tour last June where he went on to earn an impressive eighth place finish,
01:04 allowing him to secure another spot in this year's WSL longboard tour.
01:08 Esquivel says he aims to see more Filipino surfers representing the flag and to ultimately inspire
01:13 the next generation such as this 11-year-old surfer from Ilocos, Pongpong, Arihbuabo,
01:18 who fearlessly took on the waves during day one.
01:21 It's really exciting because it's our second year here in La Union, our hometown.
01:25 And it gives us a chance to show the locals how good they are.
01:31 It really pushes us, especially the next generations because they see that everyone here is good.
01:37 I hope one of the Filipinos wins here again so that he can qualify for the world tour.
01:44 There are new Filipinos who can qualify for the world tour.
01:49 Well, earlier today, the Philippine delegation gave strong performances throughout the
01:53 elimination round with more than a dozen local longboarders already advancing to the next round.
01:59 And right now, the opening ceremony is taking place here in San Juan with officials
02:03 from the tourism department as well as Region 1 in attendance.
02:06 And they are inviting more people to come out here and to witness all the action
02:11 live as this competition will be running until this Sunday, January 28.
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