Tags: Surfing, Water Sports and Activities
By Alexander Villafania
BALER, AURORA PROVINCE – Rommel “Okoy” Rojo is one of the country’s most renowned surfers. He has placed at the top of at least ten surfing competitions across the Philippines, earning him fans and sponsorship deals.
He also recently competed against international surfers in Bali, Indonesia where he wound up the quarter-finals and won against Australian, European and local surfers.
Okoy, who owns a shop called Mahdox Surf School, also trained celebrities Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis, both of whom were in Baler to shoot a film about the town’s historic Baler Siege in 1898.
He is friends with majority of surfing instructors in different parts of the country, which is not a surprise since he helped found the United Pinoy Surfers.
Okoy has spent much of his life living along the coast of Baler where he finds relaxation riding the waves almost every day. Coming from a poor family, he had to work his way to school as a tricycle driver. Baler is quite difficult to reach and tourism is not yet as bustling despite its popularity as a surfing destination.
His earnings from his competitions also helped him through college. After graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering, he is now working for a company in Manila.
Despite his busy schedule, he still finds time to come home to Baler on weekends to watch over his surf shop while giving lessons on the side. A true-blue surfer like him can never be away from the ocean for a long time.
He has been to almost all known surf spots in the country, from La Union to Siargao to Samar. “My goal is to make Philippines become more known as a surfing destination. We can show others that the waves here are as good as other popular surf spots abroad,” Okoy says.
For those visiting Baler, you can get in touch with Mahdox Surf School via mobile at +639103075253 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +639103075253 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. The shop is located on Sabang Beach near Bay’s Inn and Bahia de Baler. Also, check out this video by Batangbaler.
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