The waves at Monaliza Point are about to decide who earns a place on the world stage. From January 20 to 24, 2026, La Union steps onto the global stage as it hosts the La Union International Pro, a historic World Surf League Longboard Qualifying Event redefining the path to the world tour.
Fresh from a high-energy press conference in San Juan, La Union, one message rang clear: this is not just another competition. It is a global first and a turning point for world longboarding.
A New Chapter in World Longboarding
The La Union International Pro marks a bold shift in how surfers earn their place on the world stage. For the first time, longboarders from around the globe will battle it out in the Philippines for four wildcard spots to the elite 2026 WSL Longboard Tour.
With competitors flying in from 24 nations, the event places La Union firmly on the global surf map. World-class longboarding now has a home break in Southeast Asia.
Home Break Advantage
Leading the local charge are some of the Philippines’ most respected names in longboarding, all ready to turn hometown knowledge into competitive fire.
World No. 8 Rogelio “Jay-R” Esquivel Jr. headlines the local contingent, joined by Jomarie Ebueza, the 2025 Longboard Tour rookie determined to reclaim his spot on the world tour. Rising talents Daisy Dela Torre, Roger Casogay, and Mara Lopez round out a home team that knows Monaliza Point like a trusted old friend.
As Ebueza shared,
“It’s such an honor to have this event here in our hometown and to represent my country… I want to go back on the World Longboard Tour this year.”
International Heavy Hitters Arrive
Standing between the locals and the world tour are some of the sport’s brightest international stars.
Malia Ilagan (USA), the 19-year-old standout of Filipino descent and reigning “Queen of the Point” at this very venue, returns with both confidence and heart.
“Both my parents were born here and raised here, and so being back in the Philippines is so special to me… It’s extra special being in my homeland.”
From New Zealand comes Jack Tyro, another 19-year-old phenom making his first competitive appearance in Southeast Asia after nearly toppling a World Champion in 2025.
“To get on the world tour, you’ve got to beat the best. So, for the best to literally be in one spot is an awesome opportunity.”
Adding even more weight to the lineup is Rachael Tilly (USA), two-time and current WSL Longboard World Champion, alongside Japan’s Natsumi Taoka and a strong international field ready to test La Union’s iconic right-hand point break.
All Eyes on La Union
The press conference brought together key figures who underscored the event’s significance, including Will Hayden-Smith, WSL Longboard and Regional Tour Director, PSC Chairman John Patrick C. Gregorio, SDMI Sports Technical Director John Carby, and LUSC President Marven Abat. Their presence highlighted a shared vision: elevating Philippine surfing onto the world stage.
A Defining Moment for World Longboarding
With its world-class waves, passionate surf community, and global lineup, the La Union International Pro is a celebration of longboarding culture, international competition, and the Philippines’ growing role in professional surfing.
The event is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, with support from PAGCOR, Alima, LUSC, Kudosurf, the Province of La Union, DOT Region 1, the Municipality of San Juan, and San Miguel Corporation.
From January 20 to 24, the best longboarders in the world will paddle out at Monaliza Point. Four will earn their ticket to the world tour. And everyone watching will witness a defining moment in surf history.
The waves are ready.
La Union is ready.
The world is watching.