Yeah, it's a pretty sweet deal, in my estimation. Entry fee of $2,200 covers breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks for the week, lodging Fri. and Sat. night (at the finish) at a resort which is famed for having the best surfing in the Philippines, airfare/busfare from Manila to the start and finish, plus all the usual stuff -- t-shirts, trophies, chase boats, etc. There may be other lodging included but I'm not sure.

The charter boat fee is expensive -- $1,000 for the week. In N. America the going rate is $100/day for a H-16, or $700 for the week. The boat is 1 year old, so it should be in good shape.

Since we shot our wad in Fiji doing the worlds, I am trying to do it on the cheap. It came on too late to sign a title sponsor. (I had a couple interested, but couldn't pull the trigger in time.) I cashed in airline miles and hotel nights. Sponsors helped with the rest.

Pics, video and story when we get back!!!