Newest Skate Park In The Metro

By: Moujeck Cabales/Photos by: Moujeck Cabales/Article 4 of 7

When the skateboard subculture became a hit among the youngsters during the 90s, makeshift skate parks were the norm and standard. Basketball courts and government-owned recreation areas held numerous events and competitions then, as there were no professionally-designed ones during that time. In those days, skateboarding tricks were all done on the streets.

But skaters now need not fret the lack of half-pipes and quarter-pipes in Manila, because a real skate park had just been launched. Last April 17, the all-Filipino skateboarding and lifestyle brand Republ1c just unveiled the XVIB Skate Park in Makati City. Sponsored by international skateboarding names, the company also held a skate competition entitled 'Summer Grind'. Thanks to these guys, Filipino skaters now have their own true playground.

“XVIB Skate Park and all the events we hold aims to bring out the best Filipino skateboard talents”, said Rica Santos, Marketing Manager of the Republ1c. The XVIB (pronounced as ‘x-vibe’) is made by a California-based skate park design company. Filled with obstacles such as hip banks, fun box, quarter pipes, elbow pipe, ledge and rail, skaters would absolutely love this place. Players can enjoy skateboarding safely because it is located indoors, protected from the sun's heat and pouring rain.

The Summer Grind event began with the Skate Jam. Skateboarders from all over Manila ran the place wild ,nailing their tricks on the quarter pipes and fun box. The place was ram-packed with people--both skaters and spectators alike. Participants awed the viewers and guests with their muscle-ripping and vertigo-inducing stunts, and the on-lookers cheered and shouted on every trick that was perfected. The C1rca International Skate Team did a demo which stunned the audience all the more. These American skaters were also the judges of the event.

Marvin Basinal bagged the Skate Jam championship award, and received P10,000 cash and P10,000 worth of Republ1c goodies. Rasheed Al Rasheed on the other hand got the second place and won P7,000 plus freebies. The third place winner, Eunice Quillantang, brought home P5,000 cash and P5,000 worth of Republ1c treats. Jack Nonato of Hampaslupa Skateboarding meanwhile grabbed the Best Trick award.

“Wala lang, hindi naman ako naman ako sumali para sa premyo eh. Gusto ko lang mag-skate (No big deal, I didn’t join for the prize. I just wanted to skate)”, said Nonato, a skateboarder for 20 years now, when asked how he felt about his trophy.

“No, Republ1c is an all-Filipino company.”, said Santos when asked if the said brand is a foreign franchise. Established in 2008, Republi1c is a niche shop for markets of various subcultures, selling mostly skating and surfing apparels, skateboards and surfboards. Basically it is a store for those who live out the unconventional lifestyles.

They promote the best Filipino skateboarding talents by holding regular skate jams and competitions every year. The guys from Republ1c live out the skateboard subculture they embody, and they’re passionate about it.

“Skateboarding is not a profitable venture however, and there are a few people who invest on it.”, stated Santos when questioned why the extreme sport is still considered a subculture here in the Philippines. It is also the reason why there were no real skate parks here until the XVIB came out. But when asked about the current state of the skate scene in Manila, the petite marketing manager shared: “It is growing, and I’m happy that it is growing as it is”.