Local Surfer Jomarie Tanael setting up the bottom turn. Picture by Bidge Villaroya

My local friends from Gubat took me on a surfing trip to the island of Catanduanes, part of the Bicol Region in Luzon. Catanduanes features one of the best breaks of the Philippines, the infamous surfspot called “Majestic”. Since it was flat on the mainland, we wanted to hit Majestic and try our luck. Unfortunately even that swell magnet was not working when we made it there. What to do? Thanks to a hint of some local surfers, we chartered a boat to a hidden spot not too far away. With rather low expectations we were greeted by clean, shoulder high sets rolling in over a stone / coral reef. It was unbelievable. I think the whole country was flat during that time but this spot was working flawlessly. We surfed there for the next three days and had so much fun. It was just us and some local surfers who tagged along. No crowds, just friendship, great waves and great rides. In the picture you can see local surfer Jomarie Tanael setting up one of his aggressive bottom turns. The guys there are so good. An article about the trip will follow soon.