The excitement and charm of Philippine surfing will take centerstage when the Siargao International 6000 Surfing Cup unwraps from 23 to 31 October in beautiful Siargao.

Open to global participants, the Surfing Cup is the highest-ranking WSL (World Surf League) qualifying series ever in the Philippines, which is fast becoming a premier destination for professional surf events.

Top surfers (128 male and 64 female) from China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and the host country will vie in the “highly-sought-after event” that offers $50,000 to the champions.

Earlier this year, the WSL staged the World Junior Championships in La Union, and this time, an even bigger event aimed at further promoting sports tourism in the country is set to take place.

“It’s not just for the athletes but for the local communities as well,” said President’s Son and Sports Ambassador Vincent Marcos during Tuesday’s special Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Wild Flour restaurant in Makati.

“I love all sports but surfing has a very special place in my heart,” added the young Marcos, who’s into surfing himself.

He said it’s a perfect chance for the Philippines to promote sports tourism and show how “world class” its surfing destinations are.

Also gracing the forum were Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio, Isabela 5th District and House Committee on Youth and Sports chairman Rep. Mike Dy, Aurora Quezon Lone District Rep. Rommel Angara, United Philippine Surfing Association president Dr. Raul Canlas, tournament technical director John Carby, world No. 3 and longboard champion Jay-R Esquivel and Nildie Blancada of the Siargao Surf Association.

“This hosting is part of the sports tourism program that we are pursuing. We believe that sports tourism is an economic driver. And why surfing? It’s because it’s a beautiful sport,” the PSC chairman said.

“And with 7,100 islands, how can we go wrong? As long as we see the leaders really pushing, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t support it,” added Gregorio in the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app Arena Plus.