Few places rival the
Few places rival the natural beauty of this sunkissed Philippine isle, but it’s the warm-hearted, laidback mindset of international residents and visitors that make it someplace truly spectacular By Stephanie Zubiri Photography by Scott A Woodward See You in Siargao 50 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
T “This island has black magic!” mischievously declares Jenn Fernandez, founder and designer of ethical and sustainable jewellery brand Golden Monstera. “I’m not sure what it is, but I don’t want to leave.” The Colombian native has been living in Siargao for seven years with her partner Daniel Alfaro. “We started in a small hut; both of us coming from the corporate world, it was a big change. As soon as we moved here, we just understood what was important in life. I started creating and it was like, “This ... this is what I’m supposed to be doing. In Siargao, you can be whoever you want to be.” It’s a common story. Surfers come from all over the world, drawn to its famous Cloud 9 break, then just stay on, leaving their old lives behind. From financiers who become chefs and corporate executives who now run bed and breakfasts, Siargao is the island of reinvention. “The island reveals who you are,” says Jay Perez- Rubio. The DJ, along with two friends, Chris Alfaro and Pico Avanceña, are co-owners in the recently opened Barbosa, the hottest bar in the island’s main town of General Luna. “It’s almost like you can’t hide. The locals are so warm, welcoming and honest. They treat you like family. In order to respect that, you have to be real.” “There is a certain magic, and if you are trying to pretend or be something, you’ll get chewed out,” adds Avanceña. “It’s hard to explain, but that’s what makes it special. Everyone here is treated as equals.” The community is remarkably multicultural. A walk down the main street reveals Aussie-run craft coffee shops, little Spanish tapas joints and French boutique resorts. But it is also a uniquely democratic society, where social status is not measured by wealth or background but by kindness and camaraderie. CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM 51
