I was delighted to hear news from my sister that surfers are coming in by the droves on a daily basis for the end-of-the-year surfing events at San Juan, La Union. This means more business for our family’s restaurant, Halo Halo de Iloko. Maybe it’s the changing of the tides at this time of the year, or the national holidays that are coming that are making people wave-hungry. Nonetheless, people are flocking to my hometown to experience the sun, the surf and the Ilocano culture.

How does it feel to ride a wave? It’s just like riding the world and you’re in complete control. Only a surfer can understand, and to a surfer, the water is a friend.

Two events that are coming up sooner than the others are the 2 waves (pardon the pun) of Travel Factor’s Surfvivor 2007. This is like a surfing boot camp for amateur, pro and newbie surfers alike. A bunch of beach lovers that will flood the beach with their enthusiasm and energy.

Some of the country’s top celebrities are mainstays in the surfing capital of the north. Read on to find out who among the local celebrities are surfing in San Juan on a regular basis…

Jericho and his girlfriend, Heart, have been going regularly to San Juan, La Union on surfing trips and barkada outings. Even before they got together, people have reportedly been seeing the matinee idol in the surf spots with other friends (*cough* girls). It goes without saying that the locals in the area knew exactly who Echo’s new belle is before anyone else did. It is rumored that the famous model/award-winning actor has already bought a property near the beaches of San Juan, La Union.

Here are some photos of the celebrity love birds that I borrowed from sexy nomad

1. Heart and Echo surfing. Heart is wearing a shirt that says “My Boyfriend is Cuter Than Yours”. LOL.

2. Heart Evangelista in action

3. Sweet Echo carrying his GF’s surf board for her.

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Not just celebrities, but also politicians are riding the waves. Can you guess who got caught in a photo as she was surfing at San Juan, La Union during 2005? (photo courtesy of Reuters)