JAPANESE FOTOG SETS UP IST RP SURFING SCHOOL
San Juan, La Union, April 11, 1998 - An award-winning Japanese photo-journalist has set up shop in San Juan town to house the Philippines' first school for surfing.
Hiroshi Yokohama, married to former beauty queen and actress Maria Isabel Lopez, calls his venture the Yokohama Surfing School, which now teaches Filipinos how to appreciate and take advantage of the "world-class waves" found in Virac, Catanduanes, Siargao town in Surigao del Norte, Baler in Aurora Province and San Juan in La Union.
The school is open for water enthusiasts six years old and above, and offers courses for beginners, intermediate, advance and kiddie surfers. The courses teach theoretical and actual wave lessons as well as body building and skate boarding.
Seventy graduates of the school, including the couple's six-year-old daughter Maria Isabella, proudly show off the skills they learned in school.
The Philippines has started to be recognized by international travel and surfing magazines as one of the best spots for the sport.
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