TACLOBAN CITY — Borongan City surfer Edgar “Taybo” Calvo Jr. brought honor to the Philippines after winning the Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS 1000) title at the World Surf League (WSL) Siheung Korea Open in South Korea, capping an all-Filipino podium finish in the men’s longboard division.
Calvo emerged victorious in the championship round held from July 3 to 5 at Wave Park on Turtle Island in Siheung, South Korea, posting a winning heat total of 17.40 points to outclass a field of seasoned international competitors.
His victory underscored the growing prominence of Philippine surfing on the world stage as all four finalists in the men’s longboard event were Filipinos.
Joining Calvo in the finals were Jay-r Esquivel, Jomarie Ebueza, and King Villanueva, guaranteeing the Philippines the championship even before the final heat began.
“I’m so thankful and grateful. I’m thankful and happy that we are all Filipinos in the finals,” Calvo said after claiming the title.
Around 250 surfers from 16 countries competed in the World Surf League event, which featured the Men’s and Women’s Shortboard Qualifying Series (QS 6000) and the Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS 1000).
Hosted at Wave Park on Turtle Island, the competition offered a total prize purse of 130 million Korean won (about US$85,000) and attracted many of Asia’s top surfing talents.
Calvo’s latest international triumph adds to the growing list of achievements by Filipino surfers and further cements Borongan City’s reputation as one of the country’s premier surfing destinations.
Known as the “Surf City” of Eastern Visayas, Borongan has gained national and international recognition for its consistent waves and easily accessible surfing spots located within the city proper. The city has produced several nationally ranked surfers and has become a regular venue for major surfing competitions.
Calvo’s championship is expected to further inspire young surfers in Eastern Samar and strengthen the province’s reputation as one of the country’s emerging surfing capitals.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
