Making Waves: New Faces in Philippine Surfing

There’s something exciting brewing on the shores of the Philippines—and it’s not just perfect waves. A fresh crew of surfers is catching attention across the islands, bringing good vibes, serious skills, and a whole lot of heart to the local surf scene. Let's get to know two of these new surfers who recently competed in the BSL Surf Competition at Baler, Aurora.

SARAH REYNO (@sarahreyno)

LA UNION

I’m a Cebuana, and my favorite word has always been “padayon”— which means ‘carry on’; ‘to continue’. Basically saying “life goes on”, and I try to live by it everyday, especially when things don't go my way. The first time I set foot in La Union back in 2018, I felt the spark and I remember telling myself “ah, titira ako at matututo magsusurf dito” (I'm going to live and learn how to surf here) -  5yrs later I got here, and love surfing more than ever! For the literal first time surfers, just enjoy your moment with the waves. As for the aspiring ones, water time— even if it’s flat or huge, just be in the water. Also, just commit— don’t second guess your rides. Aside from surfing, I’m passionate about my business— @chelubai.ph 🤭 Altho on my free time, I bike, skate, or golf. If not, I make time for music at home, or spending time with my dog. 

SUN BUM PICKS:  Sunscreen Spray for the lazy girl in me, Sunscreen Face Stick for my 'sunugin' face, and the Conditioner for my dead bleached hair! Hahaha

CHRISTIAN GABRIEL MARZO (@_undersiege__)

BALER

“Fall. Paddle. Repeat.” Whether it’s in the water or life, wipeouts are just warm-ups for your next big ride. I believe progress isn’t about never falling—it’s about how many times you get back up with a grin (and maybe a little sand in your hair). I’ve always loved the ocean—there’s just something magical about saltwater therapy. I never imagined surfing could be such a fun (and sneaky) way of getting a full-body workout while literally riding waves of joy.  Don't be afraid to wipe out—it’s part of the charm. Wear sunscreen like your life depends on it (because it kind of does), and always respect the ocean. Start small, celebrate every pop-up, and never compare your journey to someone else’s. Oh, and smile—a lot. It helps with balance (or so I tell myself). Before I caught the surf bug, I was—and still am—deeply involved in HIV advocacy. I focus on de-stigmatizing HIV and raising awareness, especially among the youth. It’s a cause close to my heart, and I’ve seen how conversations can truly save lives. Surfing and advocacy might seem worlds apart, but both remind me of the power of community and courage.

SUN BUM PICKS: the sunscreen lip balm (my lips say thanks), the sunscreen spray (for quick re-ups between sets), and the face cream (because sun-kissed shouldn’t mean sun-damaged).

From sun-soaked beaches in Baler to the laid-back swells of La Union, these new faces aren’t just riding waves—they’re inspiring communities and showing the world what Filipino surf culture is all about. The future of surfing in the Philippines is looking bright (and totally stoked).

XOXO,

Team Parasol Y Mar