Boost for PH sports tourism as La Union hosts international longboarding event

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine sports tourism is at the forefront anew as the country hosts a qualifying event for the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour. 

The best longboarders in the world converge in the Surfing Capital of the North for the La Union International Pro to be staged from January 20 to 24 at the Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan. 

Four direct tickets to the WSL Longboard Tour are up for grabs in La Union, which boasts of a rich surfing culture and provides a scenic backdrop for the competition being held in the province for the fourth straight year. 

“It will be a real thrill to host an exciting new event,” said Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, who also heads the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee. 

“The event will bring together the world’s best longboarders, men and women alike, to compete on the flawless waves of Monalisa Point in San Juan.”

In 2025, hometown hero Rogelio Esquievel Jr. — who is currently ranked No. 8 in the world — won the event for the third year in a row following an all-Filipino final with Perry Ventura. 

“Our Filipino surfing athletes will surely be preparing to show off world-class skill and homegrown heart on home waters,” Gregorio said. “We are excited to deepen our partnership with WSL as the Philippines continues to grow its presence on the global surfing map.”

The field will be open to all WSL Longboard Qualifying Series surfers globally with a seeding formula based on the Challenger Series. 

“The event gives Filipino surfers that shot,” Gregorio said. “La Union is a town with such a strong connection to longboarding and a perfect wave for competition, so we look forward to this event at this location.” – Rappler.com