PHILIPPINES. ASI instructor and CEO of ASI Philippines Michi Calica Sotto is a woman of many talents. From being one of the top fashion and bridal wear designers in the Philippines, to GRID magazine's SUP Queen, we caught up with Michi and asked her all about her career and SUP life in the Philippines.
What is your background?
My background is that of a couture bridal gown and women's wear designer. I designed one-of-a-kind dresses for brides for 30 years, before retiring in June 2018. (Though I have recently returned to the bridal business, this time as the premier Bridal Specialist for Vera Wang Manila). Since retiring I’ve been operating my SUP touring company, SUP Central tours and SUP school.
What got you involved in the sport?
It was about 6 years ago. My 3 daughters and I were at Lake Caliraya with nothing to do. Erin, Iana, Ada and I were waiting for my husband Jose to come back from bass fishing. So, we decided to rent paddle boards and we really enjoyed it! My kids liked the part that I fell down a few times.
We had a place in Anilao Beach for a year and over time I paddled with other Manila paddlers. It was great fun while it lasted, but after awhile I was looking for something more exciting. I decided to get internationally SUP certified as an instructor, and I found ASI online! I was set do SUP certification in Bali, but found out there was ASI in Philippines. Through ASI, I later met Fred Soupart of SUP Tours Philippines. Fred mentioned to me that the next SUP Certification was to be held in their resort in Bohol! The rest is history.
(Photo Credit: Anton Sheker)
Why did you become an ASI instructor?
It was about 6 years ago. My 3 daughters and I were at Lake Caliraya with nothing to do. Erin, Iana, Ada and I were waiting for my husband Jose to come back from bass fishing. So, we decided to rent paddle boards and we really enjoyed it! My kids liked the part that I fell down a few times.
We had a place in Anilao Beach for a year and over time I paddled with other Manila paddlers. It was great fun while it lasted, but after awhile I was looking for something more exciting. I decided to get internationally SUP certified as an instructor, and I found ASI online! I was set to do SUP certification in Bali, but found out there was ASI in Philippines. Through ASI, I later met Fred Soupart of SUP Tours Philippines. Fred mentioned to me that the next SUP Certification was to be held in their resort in Bohol! The rest is history.
What are you doing now?
• I’m CEO of ASI Philippines. The Department of Tourism funds programmes to have surf instructors all over the country to get internationally certified as L1 surf instructors. I also organize the ASI SUP certifications twice a year. We had one in Bohol last June 2019, and the next in Siargao 16-19 November 2019.
• My sister Pinky Vierra and I own and run SUP Central Tours in Coron.
• Occasionally join SUP Races. Most recently the Second Philippine Deep Paddle Games in Siargao in June 2019. This was a 7km race on the Philippine Deep. It was amazing.
• Exclusive distributor of Surftech paddle boards and hardware launching November 2019
• Am with Remax Prestige. Brokering Palawan and Siargo ultra high end properties like island ,beach, commercial and residential properties.
I’m also developing awareness in the Philippines of SUP and getting people to come into the sport. My role in ASI in the Philippines is someone who connects movers and shakers in the SUP scene, where we can train SUP instructors and grow the sport to becoming a mainstream water sport.
I believe the best way to see our beautiful Philippine Islands is through stand up paddle.
And finally, I’m turning 51 soon, I’m loving life and SUP is the icing on the cake!
What do you like about being an ASI Instructor?
Being able to teach how to SUP the correct, safest and most fun way. ASI offers a systematic way of teaching SUP which is the best and most comprehensive. It also led me to meeting new paddlers and making new friends from the Philippines and from around the world.
Tell us about funny or interesting or nice situation that has happened to you whilst instructing?
I really enjoy taking people paddling in the Philippines. We have so many scenic locations that are simply breathtaking People are always happy and amazed at what they see when out paddling.
BANNER (Photo Credit: Anton Sheker)
About ASI
ASI is a professional membership organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
We set the standards for education, accreditation, professional development and ongoing support for our members, offering pathways from entry level to elite level.
International Instructor and Coach Accreditation. You can travel the world with ASI.
ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.
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