SAN JUAN, La Union San Juan, La Union Philippine veteran surfer Rogelio “Jay-R” Esquivel Jr. won back-to-back titles during the World Surf League men’s longboard contest following a triumphant run in the La Union International Pro.

With the advantage of his home town, the La Union native showed great control and confidence when surfing Monaliza Point’s massive waves, and he edged his opponent Kai Hamase of Japan in the final, 18.00-16.55.

“Actually, lahat naman nang pumunta dito na sumali, sobrang galing talaga. Siguro that nagkaroon lang tayo homecourt advantage, which means the reason why lagi nga nagsu-surf is a must in Point,” Esquivel told reporters.

Esquivel became emotional when he recalled his brother’s passing, Ronnie, who, Esquivel said, encouraged him to try surfing.

“Para sa Kuya ko siguro [ito], inspirasyon ko. Para sa kanya siguro ‘yong mga nangyayari sa akin ngayon kasi siya ‘yong nagtuto sa akin simula noong bata pa lang ako,” he related.

Esquivel last year became a legend after she secured a prestigious position in the 2023 World Surf League Longboard Tour as one of the very few Filipinos to be able to take on the grand stage at the event for longboards.

Around 105 surfers from all over the world which included the 41 Filipinos of La Union, Siargao, Baler and Zambales were present to watch the competition at the northwestern Philippines” surf capital of the world.