“The point is not to pay back kindness, but to pass it on.” – Julia Alvarez, poet and novelist

As part of their social responsibility and in partnership with DOT Region V, LGU Gubat, Sorsogon  and  ABS CBN LINGKOD KAPAMILYA FOUNDATION INC., the Gubatnons for Adventourism Inc. celebrated and hosted their 4^th October Swellfest with the theme “Tampisaw sa Gubat”. It was held on October 1-3, 2016 at the Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp. The event was a pass-it-forward project to spark hope among the children who have braved grave challenges and misfortune. It was participated by surf enthusiasts, locals, Lola Sayong Surf Camp’s Eco Youth Club, and even tourists. People have flocked to the site not just to enjoy the said event but to support the advocacy. It was a journey of becoming stewards of hope and love, not just for the environment but for the people. This year’s Swellfest was dedicated to beneficiaries from different orphanages, homes of the abused and neglected. 

Gubatnon for AdvenTourism Inc.  is a People’s Organization registered under SEC, BIR, and DOLE.  The members are united by their passion – surfing and caring for the environment, all possible through promoting ecotourism. They are privileged to be deemed the sole surf camp in Gubat with DOT accredited instructors. They have an average of 2000 visitors a month in which 50%  stay overnight. In their delight, the tourists’ length of stay sometimes extends up to two months. They have also come together to uplift the lives of the locals, especially the out of school youth by our “No School, No Surf” program and the job opportunities they offer. To date, the De La Salle College of St. Benilde is partnering with them for their educational immersions wherein their surf camp serves as an avenue for learning and creativity.

This year’s Swellfest had a long line-up of activities which included SURF CLINIC, SKIMBOARDING, MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE, MANGROVE PLANTING, TAKBONG TAMPISAW, LANTERN PARADE, BOAT RACE, BEACH RUN, SKY LANTERN PARADE, FUN SURF COMPETITIONS and MUSIC PERFORMANCES. The guests and beneficiaries delightfully experienced summer in October and definitely got stoked!

The Surf Camp was also chosen as a venue for the Beach Volleyball Tournament of the Beach . Volleyball Republic headed by the renowned player, Cha Soriano. The BVR whose vision is to bring forth a community of aspiring athletes, working together towards making Philippines Asia’s hub for Beach Volleyball. Furthermore, Lola Sayong EcoSurf Camp was also ranked number 2 among all the Sorsogon specialty accommodations in Tripadvisor! This shows that the potential of the people’s organization is becoming widely recognized and appreciated. Their efforts in conserving both the environment and the culture continue.  

Two things that make a great destination – the place and the people. They’ve got it all!