Rock, roll and do the 'ollie'
MANILA, Philippines - “Ollie,” “grind,” “half-pipes,” “trashers.” If you don’t know any of those words, it might be time for you to enhance your skateboarding vocabulary. Skateboarding has become one of the most popular extreme sports in the country. And with support from distributors like Aloha Boardsports and brands like DVS, skateboarding’s popularity is set to skyrocket.
The event “Grip It and Phlip It” proved how Pinoys are getting hooked on the skateboarding craze. Sponsored by both Aloha Boardsports and DVS which was supported by Megaworld Corporation, the event showcased international and local skateboarding talents including Torey Pudwill, Zered Bassett, Jeron Wilson, Kenny Hoyle, Nicaragua’s Chico Brenes and Fil-Am Daniel Castillo. The skateboarders were able to fascinate the crowd with a series of complex moves executing twists and turns in top speed using their skateboards.
“With ‘Grip It and Phlip It,’ we wanted to showcase that our Filipino skateboarders are just as talented as their foreign contemporaries from the DVS team,” shares Freddy Gonzalez, president of Aloha Boardsports — one of the leading proponents of extreme sports such as skateboarding in the country. “More Filipinos are evidently learning and appreciating skateboarding which is why we aim to organize events and exhibitions that will further engage present enthusiasts and encourage kids to try the sport.”
Held at Megaworld’s first mega-community Eastwood City and priority project McKinley Hill, the event was a display of skill among the DVS team and our very own Jeff Gonzales, widely considered as one of the Philippines’ best skateboarders.
“Skateboarding has come a long way in the country. We hope the sport will earn more respect and patronage as we work with supporters such as the Megaworld Incorporation in bringing together the best in the skateboarding arena in one place.” Gonzalez ends.
Aloha Boardsports is the exclusive distributor of surf and skate brands such as Volcom, Channel Islands Surfboards, Sector 9, Dakine, DVS, Sticky Bumps, and FCS. Aloha Boardsports has branches in Power Plant Mall, Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia and TriNoma.
