Ana Mae Alipayo was born into a legacy, but she chose to carve her own path, one wave at a time.

As a member of the pioneering Alipayo family that helped popularize surfing in Siargao, the country’s surfing capital, she could have coasted on heritage alone. Instead, she paddled out with purpose, determined to define her own story.

Now 27, Alipayo is ranked No. 3 among female surfers in the Philippines and consistently lands in the national top five.

Her journey has taken her to the international stage of the World Surf League Siargao International Surfing Cup Qualifying Series 6000 recently at the iconic breaks of Cloud 9 right in her hometown.

There, Alipayo advanced to the second round but ended her campaign with a 3.17 mark in the R/48.

“Sometimes I get pressured,” she admits, “but I really keep on trying until the end of the time.”

Alipayo’s resilience is matched by her credentials. A national team member in 2018 and 2019, she placed in the top 21 globally during the World Surfing Games, the Olympic qualifier for the Tokyo 2021 Summer Games.

She’s a regular podium finisher in local competitions, with standout victories in Baler and Cloud 9. Now, she’s eyeing the Asian Games, hoping the stars and schedules align.

“The waves of Siargao are world-class and unlike anywhere else, but it’s the people who make it truly special. I knew the World Surf League Siargao International Surfing Cup would thrive here in Cloud 9,” said Presidential Son and sports ambassador Vincent Marcos.

“The impact of hosting this event on home waves has been incredible for Siargao and for surfing itself as a sport where Filipinos can shine. With the right support, Filipino surfers can shine even brighter globally.” 

He said the recently concluded WSL QS 6000 held in the nation’s surfing capital was a perfect opportunity for the Philippines to promote sports tourism and showcase how truly incomparable its surfing destinations are.

For Alipayo, surfing is more than rankings and medals. 

“I keep on surfing because of the love for the sport, the people, the community, and the lifestyle,” Alipayo said. 

“It’s good for your soul. When you’re happy within, it radiates to the people around you.”

That philosophy fuels her advocacy. In a sport increasingly driven by competition, Alipayo is a vocal proponent of sportsmanship and connection.

“Sometimes they forget to say ‘hi’ or ‘hello.’ That’s the saddest part of competition,” she said.