![JOURNALISTS are taken to a tour of the Tianya Haijiao Ring Theater which will be the venue of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 6th Sanya Asian Beach Games [POC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ring-Theater--400x200.jpg)
The Asian Beach Games make a long-awaited comeback this summer in Sanya, China, aligning with the Philippines’ growing push for sports tourism and global hosting ambitions.
Nearly 120 longboarders from 24 nations are competing at Urbiztondo Beach in the World Surf League La Union International Pro, a key qualifier for the 2026 Longboard Tour.
![DANE HENRY (left) and Isla Huppatz. [photo credit: WSL/Cait Miers]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Isla-Huppatz-AUS-and-Dane-Henry-AUS_WSL-_-Cait-Miers-400x200.png)
Australians Isla Huppatz and Dane Henry conquered tricky conditions at Urbiztondo Beach to win the 2025 WSL World Junior Championships Philippines in La Union.
![Junior surfers take on powerful waves at Urbiztondo Beach in La Union. [photo credit: Cait Miers/WSL]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/wsl-world-junior-la-union-400x200.png)
The world’s top junior surfers descended on La Union as the 2026 WSL World Junior Championships opened with high energy, elite talent, and title dreams crashing into Urbiztondo’s demanding waves.
![Filipino surfers gear up to compete against elite international longboarders on home waves. [WSL photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/la-union_WSL-Photo-400x200.png)
The Philippines starts the year by hosting a first-of-its-kind World Surf League Longboard International Qualifying event in La Union, offering surfers a direct route to the 2026 WSL Longboard Tour.
![Joanie Delgaco and Kristine Paraon celebrate after winning gold in the women’s 2,000-meter rowing event at the SEA Games in Rayong. [POC Media Pool]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rowing-womens-double-sculls-Joanie-Delgaco-and-Kristine-Paraon-5-400x200.jpg)
Joanie Delgaco and Kristine Paraon captured the Philippines’ 26th gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games, defying expectations in a thrilling 2,000-meter rowing final in Rayong, Thailand.
![Cathleya Casals rides a wave at Sabang Beach ahead of the Baler International Pro QS 4000. [photo credit: WSL]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cathleya-Casals-WSL-_-Abdel-Elecho-400x200.png)
Thirteen-year-old Cathleya Casals headlines the Baler International Pro QS 4000 and LQS 1000 from November 17 to 23, putting Sabang Beach back on the world surfing map.
![Ana Mae Alipayo carves her path as one of Siargao’s top surfers. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/f783e372-6b75-41d6-97c6-39b0f70dada2-400x200.jpg)
Siargao’s Ana Mae Alipayo is carving her own path in Philippine surfing, combining world-class skill with a mission to uplift community, culture, and the sport’s future.
Noah Arkfeld, a rising Filipino surfer shaped by Siargao’s world-class waves, is pushing toward the World Surf League Challenger Series and future Olympic glory after starring in the 2025 Siargao International Surfing Cup.
The Siargao International 6000 Surfing Cup will bring top surfers worldwide from Oct. 23 to 31, marking the highest-ranking WSL event in the Philippines.