- WSL
- WSL
Tower Day 2 The iconic Cloud 9 boardwalk will house some of the world's best women surfers this May. - WSL / Bennett

Siargao Island will be the host of the first ever World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) women's event in the Philippines, the Siargao International Women's Surfing Cup QS1,000, from May 2-6, 2017 at the Philippine's most iconic surfing destination of Cloud 9.

Boasting a generous $10,000 USD prize purse, not to mention the lure of getting deeply barreled in this perfectly pitching righthander, the Siargao International Women's Cup has already attracted the attention of the one of the best international female surfers, current QS number 8 ranked Philippa Anderson from Australia.

Tower Day 1 Cloud 9 with only a few other women competitors out, sounds pretty great. - WSL / Bennett

"It's great to see the WSL getting on board for a women's contest in the Philippines," Anderson said. "Everyone knows how good the waves are, so to finally have a women's QS event there is going to be great. I've been coming to the Philippines for a few years now and I love it. The vibe, the waves, the food, and of course the locals. It's one of my favorite places in the world. The local surfers are so cool and now the level of surfing with the girls there is incredible."

Currently sitting at No. 8 on the QS series, Anderson won the event last time it was held as an ASC (Asian Surfing Championship) event in 2015. She will be looking for victory again when she returns to paradise.

Philippa Anderson won her Round 1 heat at the Komunity Project Great Lakes Pro at Bommerang Beach Philippa Anderson will come into the event as a favourite after taking out an ASC event at Cloud 9 in 2015. - WSL / Tom Bennett

"Coming back as champion from the last time I was there is really cool, but it would never be easy, it never is. With the standard getting better and better each year I'm excited to watch the local girls put on a great show like they always do. Massive thanks to everyone involved with getting this event on the schedule. I can't wait for warm water and pumping waves." she added.

Often referred to as the Godfather of Surfing in Siargao Island, General Luna's Mayor Rusillion has been a strong supporter of both men's and women's surfing at Cloud 9 for over 20 years, and this event will be the 9th women's event under his patronage.

Judge View The judges view at Cloud 9 isn't bad either. - WSL / Bennett

"Everything is being prepared and the waves will be ready," said Mayor Rusillion. "We are happy that our women's event will now be sanctioned by the WSL and we can't wait for the first Cloud 9 waves to be conquered by these brave women."

The WSL has had a great relationship with the Siargao surfing community for two decades and are pleased to see this relationship build and flourish in 2017 with the inclusion of a women's QS event.

Cloud 9 Cloud 9 perfection. - WSL / Ed Sloane

"WSL is thrilled to be taking the Women's QS tour to the Philippines" said WSL Asia Regional Manager Steve Roberson. "I know how much work it takes to make these events happen so I'd like to thank the people of Siargao and everyone else who has supported the event"

It will be interesting to see whether the locals, who know the fine intricacies of the wave or the more experienced international surfers will take the win and the prize money. Tune in to worldsurfleague.com to catch all the action.

Nilbie Local Charger Nilbie will be one to watch at Cloud 9. - WSL / Tim Hain
World Surf League
Download it for free on the App store. Download it for free on Google Play.