A community striving against scrutiny

The skateboarding community in Cebu has been around for a long time, but it never really became active until the beginning of the 21st century. Cebu's skating community only celebrate the "Go Skateboarding Day" event in 2013.

Go Skateboarding Day is is an official annual holiday conceived by the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) to promote skateboarding. The holiday was started in California by Don Brown and is held on June 21 due to the fact that the day is the longest day of summer. (Wikipedia)

I started skateboarding at 14, when I was gifted a longboard by my uncle. Since I can remember, skaters have been scrutinized for their lifestyle. Rebellious, smokers, alcoholics, drug addicts, etc. you name it, they've all have to face those prejudices. There is no denying that that may be the case of most, but of course not everyone, but even so, they are still humans living their passion.

It is hard to fight against stereotypes. That most of them smoke weed, are thieves, do bad in school, etc. But none of my friends in the skating scene did drugs, not one of them has stolen anything, and they're doing pretty decent in school, some are even in university.

There is not a proper skate park in Cebu. Not. A. Single. One. So skaters have no choice but to take it to the streets, or any area that is riddled with well-paved concrete and little vehicles that pass. Even so, the government issued a ban against street-skating, or the use of skateboards, longboards, etc. to travel down the highway. It is reasonable, I admit, but accidents wouldn't be an issue if we had bicycle lanes or what not in the first place.

In 2015, they closed a skate park constantly visited by my friends and I. According to the mayor at that time, it was because of the lack of safety gear by participating skaters. I do understand the concern, I really do, but it's what the mayor said that really got to many people:

When reporters asked Rama if he wants to push for such legislation, he only said "regulating skateboarders would mean legalizing it." (Philstar)

As if Skateboarding was an illegal activity. It is a sport, brands produce for this sport, people earn from this sport. To liken it the likes of illegal activities was something an ignorant person would do. Amidst that turmoil and constant nonacceptance from society, the community is very much striving.

Despite all that seems to hinder them, skaters never stop. The community continues to grow and we are producing more skillful skateboarders that are excelling in the sport. In this particular spot near Plaza Independcia in Cebu, skaters from all over come to practice, they help each other, give each other tips, and look out for each other.

Regardless of what people say about skaters, they have been the kindest and most supportive to me. I've learned so much through their experiences in life. Skateboarding is a sport that makes no room for prejudices and creates the most diverse community of people I've known so far. There is no rich or poor, we'll all have dinner in that Siomai stall beside the road, no Iphones (They are a pain to bring and if they break, you will cry), no room for snobs.

How far are we in Skateboarding?

Believe or not, the best skateboarder in the Philippines is in Cebu. She's CEBUANA. You heard that right! She's Margielyn Didal and she started in the most humble way possible. She didn't have a board. She borrowed from skaters that skate near her area and she started practicing even with just slippers on. Now she is the country's representative to compete in a Southeast Asian Skateboarding competition to be held in Thailand.

She maybe younger, but do I look up to her. She managed to bring up her family from poverty through the sport. She persevered and she's succeeded. When I asked her what her secret weapon was, she answered:

Akong tiil, ug akong pagka gahi og ulo
My feet and my hardheadedness.

I learned from her how this is a sport you can't succeed on overnight and in order to succeed, it's a lifestyle you need to live. Skate as much as you can, be open to more improvements, and to not care about what others say about you, they don't know your story.

Marge killing it on the box

The duet of Marge and Jenrey

"Pose Marge, we'll get you a boyfriend"

Next time you see skateboarders on the streets near you, put in mind first that the sport is their passion. Let go of your prejudices and think how despite all the challenges, skateboarding in Cebu is still striving and succeeding. Sit down and engage in conversation, take photos, they don't mind. Get to know them, know their story, you will be surprised how wrong the stereotypes are. Show your love to the Skateboarding community, wherever you may be from. Learn a thing or two.

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I hope you guys learned something from this article and enjoyed reading it. Steemit and Skateboarding are alike, we're a community of people helping each other grow and rise up. Tell me what you think of the article, comment down below! Upvote and resteem! All the love! Salamat! xx