Who is Mark Guevara?

For our next "Who is" post, we give you the man behind Contach longboards.

Love him or hate him, he surely has a personality which makes people take notice.

For those who don't know him personally, let us all ask the question in unison, Who is Mark Guevara?


How were you introduced to the world of skateboarding?

I started skating when I was in 5th grade, everyone else was into BMX and I wanted to do something different.

Was it an instant fascination, or did someone influence you? What is it about skateboarding that made this infatuation last all these years?

I’ve always been into hazardous shit, and making my mom worry, so skateboarding was the obvious thing to do…I dropped it for awhile then in 2003 I started surfing, then eventually longboarding.

You’re now recognized not just as a skater but as the individual behind one of the best longboard company here in the Philippines. What pushed you to create Contach, and why the name?

Me and my friend Owens Larraya started Contach Longboards in our heads, I was into longboarding and I love making designs and Owens was good with woodworks and has won competitions for his badass audio setups.

At first it was just a challenge for ourselves…if we could think of ways how to make car audio setups…how hard would it be to make these planks of wood on wheels. So we started brainstorming, looking for materials to use and researched how to make boards that would be affordable yet never sacrificing quality.

As for the name, it’s somewhat of an anagram…if you read the logo sideways you’ll know what it means. I came up with the logo first and it looked like it spelled out “CONTACH”. We were into drag racing then and we wanted a name for our group, it then evolved into car audios, then eventually into our longboards…we kept the name coz’ it was so damn cool…hahaha.

Any plans of bringing Contach outside of our shores? If yes, which international rider would you want stepping on your creation and why?

If the opportunity comes, why not! As for international riders, I would prefer to have a local rider repping us internationally instead of an international rider repping a local company.

As you are based in Manila, what do you think can you and your company contribute to the scene there?

We just want to give the riders here more options and not be a slave to the brand

Since the conception of Contach, was there anything you regretted doing? Why?

I live without regrets, regretting things are a waste of energy…hahaha. Like Buddha said “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

Rumor has it that you are somewhat of a purist. If that is correct, what’s your take on the commercialization of the Philippine longboarding scene?

All I have to say is SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SKATER OWNED SKATESHOP!

From your point of view, how would you describe the Manila scene today and why?

It’s growing, and growing fast. A lot of good skaters, especially the groms, the groms will eat the OGs! I’m sure of it.

From one purist to another, since you’ve been part of the longboarding scene from its infancy, is there anything you would want to change.

I would like to see more skateboarders again, rather than “keyboarders”. Earn people’s respect with your skating, not with the number of post you’ve made on facebook or the fish! More post does not equal badass skating!

Anyway going back to Contach, you have several riders riding for you. Not to put you on the spot, but which of them do you think represents your company and why?

ANTON CONCEPTION! He’s been riding Contach for the longest time, I think his beat up Qualia was his first longboard ever. I like how he’s been repping us, making videos with a phone cam, and he’s never asked for anything in return for what he’s doing, he’s doing it coz’ he’s just fucking stoked to do it!

If there is a local rider that you would want to add to your roster, who would it be and why?

Kiko Meily! He’s not only a badass skHATER but also a good friend and he has been very supportive.

Before we end, anyone you want to give shoutouts to?

Big ups to our riders Matt Sudario, Nelvin Obach, Dayday Abad, Anton Conception & Josh Yap. KSK (you know who the fuck you are), Society Longboards (ASTROSLIDE PUCKS FUCKIN ROCKS!!!) & their riders, Pirata, Sindicato, Bongkee “the original HATER” Dela Torre, Brendan Goco (thanks sa mga profile pics sa fb ko!), all the HATERS!!! and my wife for letting me have my skating time!

Last words

KILL YER IDOLS!!!