Surf & Music Festival 2012

 

 The Surf & Music Festival 2012, happening from October 31 to November 3, 2012, is the only festival in the Philippines that puts together the advocacies for an active lifestyle, local tourism, and the practice of environmentally-aware travel front and center, and creatively combining them all using the ever-reliable tandem of music and action sports.

The Surf & Music Festival has always been very conscious about tapping into local surfing hotspots in support of the Department of Tourism’s mission to encourage Filipinos, not only to travel to local destinations more, but more pertinently, to practice responsible tourism. In the past, the festival has been held in various surf towns in the country, both established and up and coming. For this year, and in the spirit of continuing that mission, the 2012 iteration of Surf & Music heads way up north to Brgy. Balaoi in Pagudpud.

Taking the event here, of course, is an obvious choice. Local and tourist surfers alike already take pride in the surf it brings. This festival, however, should be able to further highlight the locale’s potential to be a world-class tourist destination, with their tourism officers also getting the chance to show off and promote the region’s other highlights, in the backdrop of an intense boardriding experience.

“Pagudpud being recognized as a haven for surfing enthusiasts in the country has made it the easy pick for this year’s festival,” said Freddy Gonzalez, President of Freesurf, Inc., exclusive distributor of core action sports brands through concept stores like Aloha Boardsports. “We are, of course, simply excited to be working hand in hand with the local government to solidify the region’s foothold in being one of the country’s top tourist destinations. Ilocos Norte has always been home to a rich history and deep appreciation for the arts, after all, so obviously, they’ll have more than just their beaches to offer to visitors.”

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos shares the same excitement for the event, saying, “The surf spots the North has to offer, like Dos Hermanos, Vista, Heartbreak, Private, The Blue Lagoon, Level Up, and Bantay Abot in Pagudpud, as well as those in Saud Beach and Bangui Bay, make it an irresistible destination. We are very eager for Pagudpud and Ilocos Norte as a whole to host this festival, especially for those who can enjoy the most our natural resources have to offer. That, plus the fact that it would help with the growth of business and tourism opportunities for our region, particularly the surf communities, convinced us that this is a project worth diving into.”

At the heart of it all are the boardriding activities that should encourage attendees to get off their bums and get active. There will be surf classes for curious beginners - Luke Landrigan, the first Filipino to be signed and sponsored by Billabong Asia, and one of Aloha Boardsports team’s very own, will be bringing his surf-teaching skills to the event - surf competitions with serious prize money and top-of-the-line products at stake, and mountain bike and location tours that should be a great way to take in the sights of the province.

The Surf and Music Festival has always brought together the most diverse local music acts in one show, and of course this year, they’re sticking to that M.O. Top local acts like Wolfgang, Pedicab, Imago, Tropical Depression, Up Dharma Down, Franco, Urbandub, Kalayo, Razorback, Indio I, and so much more will be lending their beats to the festival.

It’s definitely going to be a weekend like no other, so gear up, dress down, and get ready for the surf and party that the Surf & Music Festival 2012 will bring.

The Surf & Music Festival 2012 is presented by Aloha Boardsports in partnership with the Department of Tourism, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, and the Municipal Government of Pagudpud. It is supported by Billabong, RVCA, Global Surf Industries, Von Zipper, Nixon, FCS, Dakine, Sticky Bumps, Roots Ginger Brew, Manila Beer, Tanduay Ice, Jamba Juice, Nestle Fitnesse, Manila Surfers Association, Beyond Outdoor Adventures, Fox International Channels, Travel Magazine, Lonely Planet, OneSport, Jam 88.3, and Interaksyon.com. For more information about the festival, please visit www.alohaboardsports.com/surfmusicfest