Philippine Scene Report
– War in the Far East –
Whiskey Hill 1 Photo Finish - Dexter Daquigan and Bjorn Pabon
There isn't much news that comes out from our neck of the woods. There's the occasional Youtube video featuring Filipino skaters, but nothing that gives justice to how massive the scene has become in less than 18 months.
I for one have been lucky enough to be part of the community since it began to take shape about a year and a half ago. It all started with the freestyle craze that took the world over. Most people here hopped on a board hoping to capture the grace and fluidity that was the Adam Squared phenomenon-- and a few of them did. Whatever board they were on, whether it was a mini, popsicle, or longboard, they were trying cross steps and walk the planks while a handful of riders explored a different persuasion. A few including our crew, looked to the hills first for our share of the excitement.
For the longest time very few people noticed downhill skateboarding. To them, we seemed like crazed adrenaline junkies looking for ways to get hurt. Dancing and cruising on its own stoked the most of the people so much that they didn't feel like they needed any more. Us however cruised only when we didn't have a hill to bomb. Otherwise, we were watching downhill videos online and reading gear reviews on Silverfish, just trying to learn how to hit hills harder and faster than the last time out.
Whiskey Hill Riders - Colinas Practice Runs
Things began to change when we threw the first DH competition in the country. Talks of racing down a busy city street began in a local forum, and one skater offered to put up a 50 dollar purse for whoever won. Interest grew and we decided to take the race to an empty development we had bombed way back when we were starting to make at the very least safer. We called it the Whiskey Hill Invitational, and around 20 riders came out to compete without even knowing exactly what downhill skateboarding was like. To take it even further there were very few people who knew what a downhill board was supposed to be, so they just rode anything they had. From Dervishes, to Vanguards, to Mini's. Very few people knew what a tuck was but they still came out for some fun and laid the foundation for what was to be a great DH scene.
Subic Session
Carlos bombs Nasugbu
The fuse was lit, and suddenly there was a solid core of downhill skaters. There were still very few DH boards around but people began to look beyond what was available locally and pushed the progression of the sport. The first race hadn't even finished when people started asking when the next one would be. Everybody had so much fun that we decided to throw another one not long after the first.
Luis and Carlos of Whiskey Hill - Whiskey Hill 1
The second race would be a whole new ballgame given that the first 20 who joined learned so much from each other. It was only logical to expect higher top speeds and faster times, but mother nature decided to throw us a curve ball-- it was pouring on race day. It rained so hard that a pool had formed at the very bottom of the hill slowing the racers down. The track was slower, had very little grip, and again we were found ill-equipped to handle the wet roads. Still the 25 racers who joined bombed it as hard as they could. Even Connor aka Jam from Earthwing was at the race giving tips to the racers while showing us how its done east coast style. Overall, everyone of us had a blast and it was an amazing day of soaked skating.
Alfredo Roa Soaking Wet in Whiskey Hill 2
Bonkee, Jay Mitra and Martin Lozano - Whiskey Hill 2
[Editors note, holy crap, now that is some freaking dedication. Much respect!!!!]
In less than 18 months we've had five downhill races and a 20km push race-- the last downhill race having over 50 competitors. Brands like Rayne, Ladera, Earthwing, Landyatchz, Loaded and Gravity have been introduced to the Philippine market, and the count keeps rising. Skate expeditions with only a board and a hammock similar to “Push for the Cure” are being planned for the summer and a lot of people are just starting to find out how powerful a skateboard is. Each day more and more people get hooked and from the looks of it there's no telling how big the scene could eventually be. Speeds are perpetually being pushed, hills are getting bigger, and racers hungrier. There is an abundance of courage, but the lack of viable safety equipment is still an issue we are addressing.
JayBomb, Denise and JayMitra
Part of the pleasure of being here since it began is being surprised at how big longboarding has become. Plans for a Philippine downhill racing circuit are underway with an overwhelming show of support from people all around. Its amazing to see skaters of all ages, and different backgrounds, come together and pitch in what they can to work towards building a great future for longboarding here in our country. There is really no limit to what longboarding can be here in the Philippines.
Whiskey Hill 3 Finals - Short Shorts vs. Skinny Jeans.jpg
That's the short of it from this side of world. Hope some of you can come over and see what's really like.
Keep Skatin!
Fun on the hill in Subic
Carlos Domingo