2nd Tago Skimboarding Competition

As prayed for, God gave the 2nd Tago Skimboarding Competition fine weather and great waves!

With sand art as backdrop, this year’s skimboarding competition was set off by a beach fashion show that featured six pairs of models carrying bright-colored skimboards and sashaying to David Guetta’s Sexy Chick. Wearing a matching outfit of bra-top and boy leg shorts donated by First Lady Tata Dolon-Pimentel, the girl models made hearts race with their flawless skin and svelte frame. On their part, the male models wowed the crowd with their ripped bods and washboard abs.

Graceful, multi-colored wind cones and flaglets made by First Lady Tata Dolon-Pimentel created the mood for the competition as they danced to the rhythm of the wind as though entreating the gods and goddesses of the sea for their support and mercy. When the first skimboarder met an onrushing wave, rode it, and performed tricks, the crowd roared with approval.

And thus began the 2nd Tago Skimboarding Competition!

This year’s board of judges was headed by a 34-year old professional skimboarder from Switzerland, Cedric Perreman. He was joined by two comebacking judges, Veni Vidi Vici Suarez and McFel Tutor. Attendance sheets showed that there were 35 adult and 14 grommet participants, some coming from as far as Cantilan and Surigao City.

Low tide being early that morning, the waves were well-formed, the better for skimboarders to impress the judges with their power moves, thus earn brownie points.

In between heats, the spectators had their pictures taken either at the sand art or on the photo booth that allowed them to appropriate the body of a well-built skimmer.

Lunch, as usual, was served at the residence of Engr. and Mrs. Nicolas C. Laurente with lechon as the main course. The judges and the skimboarders, like last year, had their fill of sumptuous food.



God being always good, He continued blessing the competition with an even better waves down to the last heat in the afternoon. This made one of the riders who had joined a lot of skimboarding competitions say, "Your waves here are great; they're worthy of national skimboarding competition!"

Before the awarding ceremonies, the skimboarders did some clean-up of the area, putting trash into a plastic bin. Some wind cones and flaglets were repositioned while boards were placed upright for added effect.

When dusk set in, lanterns were unleashed. As they reached for the sky, everybody said a little prayer of thanksgiving to God for being so merciful and kind.

This year’s winner in the adult category were: Jaygo Missiona, 1st Prize (10,000.00); Aldon Pamugas, 2nd Prize (7,000.00), and Jasor Ortiz, 3rd Prize (5,000.00). Special awards: Most Promising Skimboarder, Martin Vallescas (1,000.00); Best in Wipe-Out, Ronald Ancla (1,000.00); Best in Long-Ride, Aldon Pamugas (1,000.00).

This year’s winner in the grommet category were: Kenneth Castillo, 1st Prize (2,000.00); Rejohn Nahial, 2nd Prize (1,500.00), and Jevan Jimene, 3rd Prize (1,000.00).

Winners also received handpainted skimboard-inspired trophies made of narra that First Lady Tata Dolon-Pimentel designed and adopted herself. As consolation prizes for the adult category, a pair of boardshorts and drifit shirts were given to 21 skimboarders courtesy of First Lady Tata Dolon-Pimentel. Head judge Cedric Perreman offered to provide the same boardshorts and drifit shirts to non-winning grommet skimmers. (The category being an afterthought, no provision for non-winning grommet skimmers was made.) He also asked to be allowed to print the 2nd Tago Skimboarding Competition official shirt so he could give some to selected skimboarders.



The 2nd Tago Skimboarding Competition owed its success to the following donors, sponsors, and supporters: Hon. Johnny T. Pimentel (P20,000.00), Hon. Henrich M. Pimentel (P55,000.00), Hon. Nneka Marie P. Laurente (P3,000.00), Ms. Gracey Elizalde (P2,000.00), David Y. Patrimonio for the kilometric electrical wire, Ms. Maria Isabel Dolon-Insame, Ms. Maria Elena Dolon-Pimentel, Sr. Fidelisa J. Portillo, SPC, and the men and women of I-LOVE-TAGO Movement.