Hey Lewis, I spent a few months mooching around the Phillos when I was unattached.
Typhoon season (March-November) is the main surfing season and it is spectacularly inconsistent.
Sometimes the North-West Pacific spits typhoons out one after the other and other times it can be as flat as a lake for weeks…and I mean flat.
February is the ameehan season (north east monsoon). There is a lot of swell generated by cold fronts sweeping off Japan…obviously most of the spots that are surfed in the Typhoon season will be onshore.
Where in the Phillos are you going?
it’s a fascinating country re: history, geography and culture.
As one poster pointed out the southern areas of Mindanao are home to muslim extremists who love kidnapping white folk.
I cruised around there with no probs but I think my dirtbag appearance was a good deterrent to kidnappers.
The southern islands are the most commonly surfed because they are usually below the main strike zone for typhoons.
Hollow reefs and rivermouths are the staple fare…I would not consider a fish as a main board there…more a classic shorty or step-up/semi-gun thingy.
I highly doubt whether those breaks will be working when you are there.
We found insane surf in the Northern islands but there is zero tourist infrastructure.
Long , hollow reebreaks and rock reef style points like Angourie.
Some of these waves are offshore in the ameehan and would be suitable for a fish however I highly doubt whether you would want to take your new bride there.
The people are some of the nicest I have ever encountered…they have nothing and will give you everything…try and learn a few phrases of tagalog before you go.
Because of Macarthur and the liberation of the Phillipines in WW2 Americans are highly regarded.
Be prepared to sing alot of karaoke.
Steve