Alipayo Rides the Wave of Purpose from Siargao to the World Stage

Ana Mae Alipayo was born into a legacy, but she chose to carve her own path, one wave at a time.

As a member of the pioneering Alipayo family that helped popularize surfing in Siargao, the Philippines’ surfing capital, she could have coasted on heritage alone. Instead, she paddled out with purpose, determined to define her own story.

Now 27, Alipayo is ranked No. 3 among female surfers in the Philippines and consistently lands in the national top five.

Her journey has taken her to the international stage of the World Surf League Siargao International Surfing Cup Qualifying Series 6000 recently at the iconic breaks of Cloud 9 right in her hometown.

There, Alipayo advanced to the second round but ended her campaign with a 3.17 mark in the R/48.

“Sometimes I get pressured,” she admits, “but I really keep on trying until the end of the time.”

Alipayo’s resilience is matched by her credentials. A national team member in 2018 and 2019, she placed in the top 21 globally during the World Surfing Games, the Olympic qualifier for the Tokyo 2021 Summer Games.

She’s a regular podium finisher in local competitions, with standout victories in Baler and Cloud 9. Now, she’s eyeing the Asian Games, hoping the stars and schedules align.

“The waves of Siargao are world-class and unlike anywhere else, but it’s the people who make it truly special. I knew the World Surf League Siargao International Surfing Cup would thrive here in Cloud 9,” said Presidential son and Sports Ambassador Vincent Marcos.

“The impact of hosting this event on home waves has been incredible for Siargao and for surfing itself as a sport where Filipinos can shine. With the right support, Filipino surfers can shine even brighter globally,” added Marcos, himself an avid surfer.

He said the recently concluded WSL QS 6000 held in the nation’s surfing capital was a perfect opportunity for the Philippines to promote sports tourism and showcase how truly incomparable its surfing destinations are.

For Alipayo, surfing is more than rankings and medals. “I keep on surfing because of the love for the sport, the people, the community, and the lifestyle,” said Alipayo. “It’s good for your soul. When you’re happy within, it radiates to the people around you.”

That philosophy fuels her advocacy. In a sport increasingly driven by competition, Alipayo is a vocal proponent of sportsmanship and connection.

“Sometimes they forget to say hi or hello. That’s the saddest part of competition,” she said. Alipayo’s dream? To remind surfers of the deeper purpose of unity, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation.

This year, the national championships sanctioned by the United Philippine Surfing Association featured five major stops—Pacifico, Tuason, Cloud 9, Calicoan, and lastly Cabugao where the top two surfers qualify to the forthcoming Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December.

“I started really bad in the first two tournaments. If I win the last one in Cabugao, I might still make it (to the SEA Games),” Alipayo reflects. “But I hope next year I’ll be more prepared, with a dedicated coach. I’m hoping to get No. 1, not No. 2.”

Aside from being an athlete, Alipayo’s advocacy resonates beyond the shoreline. “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,” said Alipayo.

As she continues to represent Siargao and the Philippines on the international stage, Alipayo rides each wave with purpose, shaping the culture, strengthening the community, and helping define the future of the sport.

Ana Mae Alipayo