IBA, ZAMBALES — Skateboarders, skimboarders, surfskaters, longboarders, fingerboarders, musicians, artists and other members of the creative community gathered in Iba, Zambales for ZambaAttack 16 on Saturday, August 22.

The community event was held as a celebration of the life and birthday of the person behind Zambales Attack Augie Uy Ayran, while also bringing together various action-sports and creative communities in the province.

The event featured skateboarding, skimboarding, surfskate, longboarding, fingerboarding, live music, art and other community activities.

According to Cristie Villanueva Ermita of Psycho Chromatic, one of the organizers of the event, the team had less than two months to prepare for ZambaAttack 16 after the group originally assigned to organize the event was unable to proceed.

One of the challenges faced by the organizers was the lack of proper skateboarding obstacles for the event, prompting them to build and prepare the necessary equipment from scratch.

Ermita said the experience also highlighted the need for a permanent skate park in Zambales where young people can practice, meet other enthusiasts and develop their skills.

The event also included a cake ceremony in honor of Augie and the distribution of cash prizes to competition winners.

The organizers acknowledged the contributions of individuals and groups who helped make the event possible, including Reg Rainer Cebu, Rebo Arcega, Allan Abastillas, Alvin Dumaguin, Mr. and Mrs. Ecko and Heart Dominado, Christopher Salvador, Allan Jay Quiambao, Chave Fisco, Ezra Earl Gatacelo, Jeffrey Flores, Jerwin Clavo and John Jeffrey Calonzo.

Hermanos De Ermita also personally distributed cash prizes to the winners.

Ermita said the event provided an opportunity for local musicians, artists, filmmakers, tattoo artists, photographers, skaters and other independent creatives to showcase their talents and connect with the community.

Organizers are also looking at holding more community-driven events in Zambales, including the possibility of a Zambales Rock Fest featuring local bands from different generations and independent musicians.

A ZambaAttack 16 after-party is also being planned for the second week of September as a gathering to thank those who helped organize and support the event.

ZambaAttack 16 was organized with Psycho Chromatic serving as the major event sponsor. | Marti Dumaguing/Ang Pahayagan