Your height & weight would matter in picking the right size board.  If you're starting out and want to try a shortboard, plan on getting a board that's around a foot taller than you.  You need to look a the thickness to help you in paddling.  You don't want a thin board when you're just starting out.  

If you plan on going longboarding, plan on a board approx. 9'.  I'm about 160-lbs and I ride boards from 8' to 9'-6".

Sorry, don't know where to get boards in Manila.

I've been reading posts in this board for a while.  I wish I was out there for your party.  I don't plan to be in Manila until December.  Maybe I'll get to meet some of you.

Folks who think longboarders can't surf just don't know what it means to surf.  I guess if they want to just surf a short board, let them... No need to convince them the benefits of riding a longer board.

I know someone who thinks that you are wasting a wave when you ride a longboard.  He thinks that longboarding is just about getting up and riding straight to the beach.  I guess he just doesn't know how great it feels to ride get up a board, do a bottom turn, cross step up to the nose and back, and just ride with style.  

And when you are just starting, the benefits of riding a bigger board outweight the struggles of trying to ride a short board.

I agree with you.  I say, ride what you want to ride... as long as you are having fun.

3 of us are going to LU on the 15th.  Can anyone let me know the best place to stay for the money?

I will also need a place to rent some longboards.  Any suggestions?