The thought of Metro Manila does not in any way inspire images of surfers and huge waves. If you want to surf, you go to Siargao, La Union, Baler or Pagudpud, but never Metro Manila.
But the metro as a surfing destination is not far-fetched as it may sound once you speak with surfers Gino Victorino, actor Rafael Rosell and friend Fritz Legaspi.
The three have taken the first step to realizing their big project — Surftownmnl — an artificial surfing site in Metro Manila.
A man-made surfing site is nothing new as countries like the United States, Australia, Spain, and Malaysia have their own already. Victorino and friends want to be the pioneers in the Philippines.
According to the Surftownmnl website, the wave technology the artificial surfing site will use can release 300 to 800 waves per hour and accommodate 88 surfers in that stretch.
“While the ocean waves could get really big, it’s very unpredictable,” Victorino told The Manila Times.
“Surftownmnl, all year round with the touch of your computer or Ipad, you can set the waves based on the skill level.”
But Surftownmnl — which will also have a skate park, a beach bar, a restaurant, pocket gardens, swimming pools, and more — is going to be an expensive project.
Victorino, a business director for a real estate company, shared it could cost a billion pesos or more.
The surf buddies are raising money through crowdfunding and hoping to partner with big investors as they look to finish the project in 2023.
Victorino said they are in negotiations with a wave company, and in talks with people who can deal them a 5-hectare land in Taguig City, where Surftownmnl will be built.
The surfer assured that the undertaking is more than a pet project to satisfy a personal craving.
Victorino said they want to build the project so they can promote the sport of surfing in the Philippines, not to mention the tourism and employment boom it could give once it’s done.
“We believe that this is the future of surfing not just in the Philippines but globally. We want to promote the sport, we’re bringing it to the capital,” he said.
“We want to promote this as a leisure park, where they (tourists) can spend days learning the sport, and then we promote our local destinations. They will fall in love with the sport then they will personally visit the real thing. When you’re surfing, there’s this stoke feeling and that’s what we want to promote.”
Victorino said Surftownmnl can also serve as a practice facility for national athletes.
“We can copy any wave in the world — Hawaii, Bali or Siargao. We can copy that exact same wave and our athletes can train all year round, so we’ll be more equipped.
“The beauty of surfing is that you don’t need to be 6-foot or 7-foot tall to play the sport. We’re in a tropical country and this could be our top three sports within the next five to 10 years once this is up.”
Rosell also outlined how beneficial Surftownmnl can be for all walks of life
“From a training ground for our surf athletes, to therapy for children with special needs, also giving opportunities for underserved children, being part of many school’s curriculum, rescue team training and movie shoots; To the recovery from this pandemic by giving hundreds of jobs to Filipinos.”
Legaspi, the project’s chief financial officer, added: “I see Surftownmnl as a totally new experience not only for surfers but to all those as well who love to travel! The place will not only be limited to surfing activities, but it’s also a place that could bring family and friends together.”