Ana Mae Alipayo was born into a legacy, but she chose to carve her own path, one wave at a time in Siargao. As part of the pioneering Alipayo family that helped popularize surfing in the Philippines’ surfing capital, she could have coasted on heritage alone. Instead, she paddled out with purpose to write her own story.

Now 27, Alipayo is ranked No. 3 among female surfers in the Philippines and consistently finishes in the national top five. Her journey recently took her to the World Surf League Siargao International Surfing Cup Qualifying Series 6000 at Cloud 9, where she advanced to the second round before bowing out with a 3.17 in the R/48.

A national team member in 2018 and 2019, Alipayo placed inside the world’s top 21 at the World Surfing Games, the Olympic qualifier for Tokyo 2021. She is a regular podium presence in local events, with wins in Baler and Cloud 9, and she now hopes to earn a spot in the Asian Games.

Homegrown star fuels Siargao surf pride

“The waves of Siargao are world-class and unlike anywhere else, but it’s the people who make it truly special,” said Presidential son and Sports Ambassador Vincent Marcos, who praised the WSL QS 6000 event and its impact on sports tourism. “With the right support, Filipino surfers can shine even brighter globally.”

For Alipayo, the sport is as much about meaning as medals. “Sometimes I get pressured, but I really keep on trying until the end of the time,” she said. “I keep on surfing because of the love for the sport, the people, the community, and the lifestyle.”

She believes surfing feeds the soul and lifts others. “When you’re happy within, it radiates to the people around you,” she added.

Culture, community, and competition

This year’s United Philippine Surfing Association national circuit included stops in Pacifico, Tuason, Cloud 9, Calicoan, and Cabugao, where the top two surfers will qualify for the Thailand Southeast Asian Games. Alipayo is still chasing that spot.

“I started really bad in the first two tournaments. If I win the last one in Cabugao, I might still make it,” she said. “But I hope next year I’ll be more prepared. I’m hoping to get No. 1, not No. 2.”

Beyond competing, she champions sportsmanship, environmental care, and culture. “Sometimes they forget to say hi or hello. That’s the saddest part of competition,” she said, emphasizing unity and purpose in surfing. “You have to be disciplined as a surfer. But you also have to be an entrepreneur, environmentalist, mental health advocate. I’m doing all of these things.”

As she continues representing Siargao and the Philippines, Alipayo rides with pride and purpose, helping define the future of Filipino surfing while honoring its roots.