GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island - Filipino surfer Carlito Nogalo now belongs among the world's top four surfers listed by Billabong International-Southeast Asia.

The General Luna native, who is set to compete in the September 19-26,2008 14th Siargao International Surfing Competition at Cloud 9, shoots for the US$20,000 top prize.

Also included in the top four are defending champs Wade Goodall and Dylan Longbottom (both of Australia) and Hawaiian Jayson Shibata. Goodal is the Siargao International defending champ.

Nogalo said being considered and recognized as among the top tube riders in the world is a "great feeling".

Aside from undergoing physical and mental preparation, Nogalo said being the best surfer requires proper discipline and perseverance.

The Filipino surfer said he started surfing early in his life to develop his skills.

'Perfect 10'

Meanwhile, Goodall rated Siargao a perfect "10" compared to other surfing sites in the world.

The Australian said Siargao has the best waves in the world which are more suitable for surfing.

Goodall said he returned to Siargao not only because he is the defending champion of the event but also because of the hospitality of the Filipinos particularly the Siargaonons and Surigaonons.

The 14th International Surfing Cup, which was inaugurated back in 1995, is presented by Billabong International Southeast Asia. It has evolved into an internationally competed event dubbed as the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational.  Richmond Hinayon,