Be Siargao #19

DECEMBER 2019

BESIARGAO

THE SIARGAO LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FREE COPY

surf / community / environment / tourism

#19

# Editorial

THE STORY BEHIND THE COVER Photographer: Camille Robiou Du Pont

TOGETHER AS ONE As another year draws to a close, so does another decade…

This past decade, Siargao has gone from being a relatively unknown, remote island, deep in the Pacific Ocean, to a worldwide destination for surfers and travelling enthusiasts alike. In order to remember the events we have experienced as a community we are bringing you a full recap of the events that have shaped us during 2019.

Moreover, this month’s cover is very special to us. Grom Nation recently launched a project that provides financial support to children who are in urgent need of medical care, but whom, without the help of Grom Nation, would not be able to receive the care they so desperately need as the medical costs are simply too high for their families to afford! Grom Nation are truly making a difference by helping to save lives. We would like to encourage people to help continue this fantastic initiative by donating as little as PHP150 per month - which is the equivalent of just one coffee, but it could help to save more children’s lives. Help make a change.

On an internal level, the Be Siargao Team is extremely grateful for the

continuous support we are receiving from private people and businesses.

Thank you for believing in what we do and in our mission of informing the local community and tourists alike. Be Siargao Magazine has continuously grown because of all of you. So thank you. This is your magazine; this is your platform. We do what we do for the love of the island and it is our mission to protect it and empower its people.

We are thrilled for the future as there are many different exciting projects in the pipeline. May 2020 be a greener, more responsible and more sustainable year than the previous ones.

Be Siargao wishes you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Imi Garcia

Photographer Camille Robiou Du Pont

This month’s cover features the children of Grom Nation, a local NGO that helps educating the young generation and is now saving lives through their life support health project. Our biggest admiration goes to them for making a real change. Happy Holidays to all our readers!

Instagram: @camillerdp

SPECIAL THANKS Thanks to everyone who help in making this issue a reality: Main Contributor Imi Garcia Graphic Designer Ŏlavenn Editorial Assistant Cybille Gayle Albano Iona Therese Mendoza Translator Hernan Palang Proofreader Chris Yates Photographers Abes Abian, Austyn Sprouse, Matias Olivieri Contributors Iris Aroa, Peter Ian Capocao Web Master: Your Web Ninja TO EVERY PERSON WHO PROVIDED US INFORMATION AND DATA AND TO ALL OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS WHO MAKE THIS PROJECT REAL!

ONLINE EDITION AVAILABLE AT

W W W. B E S I A R G AO.C O M CONTACT BE SIARGAO @BE SIARGAO

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Advertisement contacts: +63 (0) 947 261 2501 besiargao@gmail.com

LEGAL MENTION Publisher: Be Magazine Publishing Certificate N° 05333514

Printer: DMC Busa Printers Director Editor-in-Chief: Christophe BARIOU

Photographer: Matias Olivieri

# Be an explorer

Written by: Imi Garcia

ENGLISH

HAS TRAVEL CHANGED FOREVER? It is a fact, Instagram is changing the way we plan our holidays. While travel agencies and books have been the main source of travel information for the last few decades, social media is slowly taking over the industry - especially Instagram.

This transition is the result of different factors. Studies have shown that millennials prefer experiences over material things and as a result, they are travelling much more than previous generations. This is a direct effect of globalization combined with safer aviation conditions, the rise of budget airlines, a new mindset and more. While the world saw 500 million international travellers in 1995, 23 years later, the world experienced 1.4 billion tourists in 2018, according to UNWTO, which has significantly changed the global economy.

STUNNING AND CAPTIVATING INSTAGRAM SHOTS HAVE BOOSTED TOURISM IN MANY REGIONS DURING THE LAST DECADE

The tools of travelling have also changed as we have replaced travel guides for our lifetime companion, our smartphone. Through this tiny device we can explore the other side of the world from our couch and plan our dream getaway in just a few quick clicks.

It certainly isn’t a bad thing that people travel more, as travel is said to enrich our lives by broadening our horizons, improving our tolerance of people and different cultures, providing us with real life education, while also making us more creative.

Stunning and captivating Instagram shots have boosted tourism in many regions during the last decade, which helps to boost local economies through the creation of new jobs and additional income.

However, in some places, the sudden arrival of visitors can cause serious effects such as overcrowding and degrading the environment. Some tourists have even lost their lives attempting to shoot a selfie by ignoring the safety signs.

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According to a Norwegian newspaper, until 2010, fewer than 800 people hiked to Trolltunga each year, a viewpoint known as the “Troll’s Tongue”. In 2016 alone, more than 80,000 people undertook the 10 hour hike to reach the

# Be an explorer rock, but many were unsuccessful as they were totally underprepared for the demands of the hike, which led to Norway’s Search & Rescue Teams having to undertake several rescue missions to save the stranded tourists.

Trolltunga has always been there, so how did it suddenly gain such a meteoric rise in popularity? Well, social media was the fuel for it and geotagging on Instagram was the fire as geotagging allows viewers to instantly identify the location without any effort and they can then conduct further searches. With the addition of geotagging the world has effectively become a smaller and less secret place.

In early 2018, in a small barangay of Siargao, there was a palm tree that bent perfectly over a river, which the locals and visitors alike used to jump into the water for a refreshing dip. Over time a rope swing was added, which only enhanced the fun, but up until that point, this small slice of paradise remained relatively unknown with no name being assigned.

THE WORLD BECOMING MORE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE TO EVERYONE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING, BUT ONLY IF IT IS DONE RESPONSIBLY

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However, that soon all changed when an ‘influencer’ posted a picture about this secret paradise, which had huge knock-on effects and soon this serene spot would be overrun by hundreds, and then thousands of tourists.

A year later the same ‘influencer’ returned and she was shocked to not only see how much the place had changed, but also the tremendous effect that her post had had. What was once a place of natural beauty had been changed forever - the jungle walk to the palm tree had been replaced with a pavement and bright colourful flags and souvenir shops now marked its location. The ‘influencer’ was shocked by her discovery adding on her YouTube channel that “It is not raw and wild anymore”. Now the place that used to have no name - Massin River is known as ‘The Famous Palm Tree’ or ‘The Famous Instagram River’ This is Siargao’s closest example of global and Instagram tourism.

“I HAVE BEEN THERE” Thomas Hobbes, a philosopher from the 16th century, affirmed that human beings at their core are selfish by nature. Instagram has provided the perfect platform for humans to share with the world our narcissistic side. Before social media existed, we would take pictures of our holidays, print them, place them in a photo album and show them to our friends and loved ones. Travel photos are now public, rather than private, they are no longer hidden in a wardrobe and so our narcissistic side can be encouraged to grow by Instagram.

The mentality of having a bucket list of things to see and do is also damaging the way we travel as people now have a genuine fear of missing out (FOMO) on one place. I have witnessed people arriving at a tourist spot, taking a picture and immediately moving on to the next thing, without even taking a moment to admire the place that they came to see. Or maybe they just came to take a picture of that Instagram worthy place to gain the ‘likes’ that so many now desperately crave? Aren’t we trying too hard to impress everyone, rather than enjoying the moment for ourselves?

# Be an explorer THE INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SHOT When doing some research about this topic, I bumped into an Instagram account with the handle @insta_repeat. This page collects exactly the same shots users have taken in one ‘famous’ location. The result is concerning and it really is food for thought.

The world becoming more accessible and affordable to everyone is a beautiful thing, but only if it is done responsibly. If it is not, we will end up destroying every corner of this planet.

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# Be involved

Written by: Imi Garcia

ENGLISH

MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS Have you thought about giving a non-material present this Christmas and instead donating to a social project? Well, in Siargao, we are lucky to have several angels that take care of the island all year round - spanning many aspects.

Once more, we bring you a full list of the different and non-profit projects that need your help in order to be able to continue to bring key changes to Siargao’s society.

NATURE KIDS OF SIARGAO Nature kids of siargao focuses on fighting the battle on plastic and educating about sustainability. In 2019, they saved around 4.5 Tonnes of soft plastics from entering our oceans and landfills. One of their ways of achieving this is by shredding plastic at their recycling art studio to transform it into pillow fillings.

One of the reasons why households are motivated to segregate is because of the ‘pay-by-plastic’, which is a shop where people bring their clean trash and swap it for goods such as toys, household items, cleaning products, school supplies and more. The project has been an incredible success thus far.

What can i do?

They are in need of people to help stock their shop - mainly with food items - rice, food, cans, pasta, etc… if you would like to donate funds so that they can purchase those items needed, you can send them a paypal donation via hi@naturekidsofsiargao.com.

More info: www.naturekidsofsiargao.com

THE SUN CREW The sun crew are located in the northern town of pacifico. They work together to build brighter futures for the whole community and the planet through education, sustainable development and skills training programs.

What can i do?

Purchase one of their “waves of change” shirts. All proceeds go directly to their projects in siargao. You can find their shirts at the gwapitos shop in general luna and also at pacifico surf bay resort.

More info: www.thesuncrew.com

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SAVE THE DATE Nature Kids of Siargao

On december 20th, the recycling art studio will have a “super swapping day” where participants will receive ‘presents’ in exchange for their trash. The ‘super swapping day’ will take place between 2pm-5pm at their studio next to the municipality gym in general luna.

Project Juan

By mid-december project juan will bring another donation box to the residents of anajawan. They are in need of volunteers, not only to bring the box, but also spend a day with the local community. If you would like to join them, send them a message or reach out to us at @besiargao

GROM NATION SIARGAO Grom nation is a surf charity which focuses on the education of the next generation. At the moment, they have an ongoing project which aims to offer financial support to families who have critically ill children, but whom, without the help of grom nation siargao would not be able to afford the medical expenses. Since the project started six months ago, they have already saved the lives of three children: saisai, who had major burns all over her body and faced pneumonia, emerald, who was in a critical state after contracting dengue and jamie, who had tuberculosis. All three children are now well on their way to making a full recovery thanks to the help of grom nation siargao.

What can i do?

Help grom nation siargao to raise funds and continue to save lives by visiting their website - www.Gromnationsiargao.

Com - and choosing your contribution.

Contributions start from as little $3 per month - the cost of a coffee.

More info: www.gromnationsiargao.com

Be involved #

PUPPY PUDDLE

SIARGAO MASAYA

SEA MOVEMENT

Puppy puddle is an organisation that rescues dogs from the streets of siargao. They provide the medial care needed until the dog is ready to find a new home. They have organised 10 free medical clinics where puppies are spayed and neutered for free with the support of surigao pets doctor and ppbcc.

Spaying is an effective way to stop the uncontrolled birth of puppies, many of whom would be without a roof over their heads and would likely go on to suffer from mange and other diseases.

Puppy puddle has provided a great contribution by bettering the lives of street dogs, while making siargao a place where puppies are taken care of.

Siargao masaya focuses on the education of the children of siargao as well as enabling even the poorest families to gain financial independence. So far, they have sponsored 280 kids, who are now able to attend school.

Siargao environmental awareness movement (sea movement) is an organisation that works towards preserving the environment of siargao, whilst also being a role model for the next generation. They are the major green agent on the island. In 2019, sea movement passed a municipal ordinance that banned single-use plastics from general luna, they launched a ‘bin your butt’ campaign which aimed to prevent cigarette butts from polluting our oceans and they have recently set up a campaign on segregation for the citizens of siargao.

What can i do?

• Help a puppy with php2,500 - with this package you boost the start of a puppy’s life with the inclusion of important vaccines, mange treatment, general health checkup, a collar and food.

• Help a female dog php4,500 - this package takes care of the spaying procedure for one female dog.

More info: Email: puppypuddlesiargao@gmail.com Facebook: puppypuddlesiargao Phone: +63 (0) 927 857 9979

What can i do?

You can sponsor a child’s education, and by choosing to do so, you are helping families in need while giving a young boy/girl the opportunity to go to school.

•O ne year at elementary school (from 7-12 years old) €44 (php2,500) • One year at high school (from 12-16 years old) €87 (php4,000) • One year at senior high (from 16-18 years old) €130 (php8,000) • One year at vocational school (18+ years old) €512 (php30,000) Alternatively, another option is to donate school materials and books to siargao masaya. You can drop your donations at emerald shop in cloud 9.

More info: www.siargao-masaya.org

What can i do?

A great way to support their projects is by buying their insulated water bottles - 100% of the funds generated are reinvested back into their projects. You can buy the sea movement reusable bottles at greenhouse, bravo, la santa, mamon, cafe loka, emerald and makulay resort. Why not buy one and make a greener start to 2020.

More info: www.seamovement.ph

PROJECT JUAN Project juan is a non-profit organisation that aims to help communities in need around the philippines. Project juan was originally founded by three filipinos, who had lived in australia since a young age, and they recently helped the local community of anajawan island, which is an isolated island located about an hour by boat from general luna.

What can i do?

If you wish to help and contribute to project juan’s efforts in helping anajawan residents either through donating clothing, toys, medical supplies, educational supplies, monetary donations or would like to volunteer in some way, shape or form, please send them a message via one of their platforms:

More info: Fb/insta: project juan Email: project_juan@zoho.com Phones: + 63 (0) 995 778 9145 (Ph)

+61 (0) 437 596 597 (Au) Gofundme: gofundme.com/project_juan

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OPEN 7AM TO 11P M

BO O KIN G S @LA M A RISI ARGAO.COM

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Photographer: Matias Olivieri

Be salty #

Written by: Imi Garcia

ENGLISH

SUPER MARAMA His name has been screamed countless times, his photos have been used on posters all over the country, his surfing skills have caught the eye of anyone watching and his humble way of being has conquered our hearts.

John Mark ‘Marama’ Tokong started surfing at the age of ​just 5-years-old. He used to patiently wait, sometimes for hours at a time, in the Cloud 9 Tower, just for his turn to borrow a board and jump into the water. He would skip meals just to stay in line. Born and raised in Siargao, ‘Marama’ has come along way from being a surf enthusiast to becoming a National Champion.

Over the years, and through hours of tireless practice, he has refined and honed his skills in the water and he is now starting to reap the rewards of his hard work with the 23-year-old recently enjoying his best year to date in terms of surfing - which included becoming the 2018 PSCT Champion.

We recently sat down with ‘Marama’ and his wife, Dannielle​Hughes, who together, along with their beautiful baby girl Olive, make a formidable team and are determined to conquer their future goals as a team.

“HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE THE SURF COMMUNITY OF MY COUNTRY IS AN HONOUR AND A DREAM COME TRUE”

Last January, you participated in a Qualifying Series 1000 event in Australia, how was that experience?

It was the first time I competed in Australia and I was very nervous being the first Filipino to compete in a QS there, but it was an incredible experience from which I got to learn a lot by sharing waves with other surfers.

What did you learn in Australia?

I learned to be more competitive, as I noticed surfers who were very nice on the land, changed their mood when they were in the water and became very competitive. I learned to be focused and to concentrate.

In September you traveled to Japan with the Philippine Surfing Team to represent the country at the ISA World Surfing Games.

How did that feel?

Japan was a crazy experience. I was next to t​he best surfers in the world, the ones I watch countless times online, world champions. Kelly Slater, Felipe Toledo, Italo Ferreira were right there with us. I observed them all the time: how they prepare, how they warm up...

The generation before you, your cousins and friends, who are now around their 40’s, were the first surfers in the country. You are now carving the Philippine surfing path to another level.

How are you facing this challenge?

I learned the technique from my cousin Osot Alcala, the power turns from Carlito Nogalo and the aerials tricks from Piso Alcala. They were my first teachers. Having the opportunity to shape the surf community of my country is an honour and a dream come true. ​Now that I have a daughter it makes me realise the importance of setting a good example for the kids to follow.

Last October you won the “25th International Siargao Surfing Cup” in Cloud 9, a WSL Qualifying Series 1500 Event. You were quite literally unstoppable. You set the highest heat score of the entire competition with a total of 19.05 points out of 20.

What did you do?

After last year’s competition where I finished second, I was determined to win and I trained non-stop. I scored those scores during my semifinal against Thomas King from Costa Rica.

The waves were pumping and I was just having fun!

What are your goals heading into 2020?

My goal for next year is to travel to other parts of the world to join more QS events and finish in the top 100 in the QS ranking. This year I only joined two QS events and I am between the top 200. If I am able to join more competitions and be in the Top 100, then I can compete in QS 6,000 up to 10,000 point events. Then if I compete in these higher point competitions, I can hopefully get enough points to join the World Championship Tour.

Is there any kind of specific training or preparation you are doing to help you reach this goal?

We are now preparing together with my m ​ anager and wife my profile to reach out and let companies know what help is needed to complete this goal. Without financial support, I will not be able to do it.

What would your biggest dream be?

My dream goal is to compete on the WSL Championship Tour.

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# Be salty With surfing still being such a relatively young sport in the country, all paths have had to be carved out for the first time. The previous generation opened the doorway to bring surfing to a national level, whilst raising the profile of surfing in the Philippines and helping to make it the hugely popular sport it is today, which propelled the industry into creating the first national tour the PSCT - which was established just three years ago in 2016.

SURIGAONON

SUPER MARAMA An ija pangayan tagsinggitsinggit na nan kahamok, an ija mga photos naggamit na sa mga posters sa tibuok nasod, an ija abilidad sa surfing nakakuha sa mata sa manan-away sanan an ija mapaubsanon na pamaagi sa pagkasija nakalupig sa ato mga kasingkasing.

Now is the time for Marama’s generation to open the door to the international stage. In order to continue to progress, it is essential that Filipino surfers are given the opportunity to travel abroad and compete at different surf breaks around the world.

In other countries such as Australia, Morocco, Indonesia and Hawaii, promising young surfers are often scouted by brands at competitions. The brands then help to nurture the talent that originally caught their eye by providing them with the necessary tools and platform to chase their dreams. Unfortunately, at the moment, there is very little opportunity for aspiring young Filipino surfers to receive the same opportunity as the industry is still very much in its infancy and therefore there aren’t really any scouts in place with the same above networks at their disposal.

Si John Mark ‘Marama’ Tokong nagsugod nan surfing sa edad na 5 anyos.

Sa una maghuyat sija, usahay pila pa ka oras, sa Cloud 9 Tower, para laman makabuyos nan board sanan molukso sa tubig. Molaktaw sija nan kaon para laman magpabilin sa linya. Natao sanan tagpadako sa Siargao, si ‘Marama’ lajo na an naabtan gikan sa surf enthusiast nahimo na na National Champion.

Human sa katuigan, sanan human sa pila ka oras na way undang na praktis, napino sanan nabaid na nija an ija abilidad sa tubig sanan sija kuman nagsugod na pag-ani sa mga bunga sa ija malisod na trabaho, gani an 23 anyos bag-o lang nagtagamtam sa ija pinaka marajaw na tuig sa surfing - na apil na an pagkahimo nija na 2018 PSCT Champion.

Marama’s surfing talent speaks for itself and deserves to be shared with the world. At the tender age of just 23-years-old, this young Siargaonon has already accomplished so much, but he wants to achieve so much more, he is committed and determined to make his dreams come true by competing on the WSL Championship Tour​ and representing the Philippines.

Nakig-ingkod kami iban si ‘Marama’ sanan ija asawa, si Dannielle Hughes, sila duha, iban sa ila gwapa na bata na babae si Olive, isa sila ka bagtik na team sanan determinado sila mabuntog na ila mga umaabot na mga tumong isip team.

Marama and his team are currently looking for sponsors who can support his promising career, both nationally and internationally. If you would like to join the journey of this young champion you can email him: maramatokong@gmail.com.

You can also follow Marama’s journey via his Instagram: @maramatokong

Photographer Tim Hain

AN OPORTUNIDAD NA MAPORMA AN KOMUNIDAD NAN SURF SA AKO NASOD ISA KA DUNGOG SANAN DAMGO NA NATUMAN

Be salty # Sa noagi na Enero, niapil kaw sa Qualifiying series 1000 event sa Australia, kumusta jadto na kasinatian?

Una ko adto na higajon na nakigtigi sa Australia sanan tagkuybaan karajaw ako isip una na Pilipino na makigtigi sa QS didto, pero dili gajod katuohan an kasinatian kay hamok ako nakat-onan pinaagi sa pakig-ambit nan bayud sa iban surfers.

Uman imo nakat-onan sa Australia?

Nakat-on ako na mahimo na mas kompetitibo, sa ako nabantajan sa mga surfers na buotan karajaw sa lupa, nautro ila gawi sa kon jaon na sila sa tubig sanan nahimo na kompetitibo. Nakat-on ako na magpokus sanan magkonsentrar.

Sa Septembre sa imo byahe sa Japan iban an Philippine Surfing Team para mo representar sa nasod sa ISA World Surfing Games. Uman imo pamati jadto?

Grabe gajod na kasinatian an sa Japan.

Ako tupad an mga pinaka marajaw na surfers sa kalibotan, an ako mga tanawon nan dili maihap online, na mga world champions. Sila Kelly Slater, Felipe Toledo, Italo Ferreira jadto didto iban sa amo. Nag-obserbar ako sa ila tibuok higajon: unohon nila pagpreparar, unohon nila pag warm up...

An henerasyon adeser sa imo, imo mga ig-agaw sanan amigo, na kuman nag-edad na nan 40 kapin, sila an una na mga surfers sa nasod. Kuman nagkulit kaw sa agianan nan Philippine surfing sa lain na lebel. Tag-uno mo pag-atubang ini na hagit?

Nakat-on ko sa technique gikan sa ako ig-agaw si Osot Alcala, an mga power turns gikan ni Carlito Nogalo sanan an aerials tricks gikan ni Piso Alcala. Sila an ako una na mga maestro. An oportunidad na maporma an komunidad nan surf sa ako nasod isa ka dungog sanan damgo na natuman. Kuman na jaon nay ako anak babaje nakapaamgo ini sa ako sa importansya nan pagpakita nan marajaw na pananglitan na sundon sa mga kabataan.

Sa noagi na Oktobre nidaog kaw sa “25th International Siargao Surfing Cup� sa Cloud 9, isa ka WSL Qualifying Series 1500 Event. Bagan dili raba gajod kaw mahunong. Na-set nimo na pinaka taas na heat score sa tibuok kompetisyon na may total 19.05 ka puntos gikan sa 20. Uman imo tagbuhat?

Human sa noagi na tuig na kompe-

tisyon na ika duha ako, determinado ako modaog sanan nag-train ako na wayay hunong. Tag-score ko adto na mga score sa ako semifinal kontra ni Thomas King taga Costa Rica. Nagbomba gajod an mga bayud sanan ako nalingaw ra man ako!

Uman imo mga tinguha pasingod sa 2020?

An ako tinguha sa sunod tuig makabyahe sa lain bahin nan kalibotan para moapil pa sa dugang QS events sanan mahuman sa top 100 sa QS ranking. Ini na tuig nakaapil ra ko sa duha ka QS events sanan dapit na sa ako top 200. Kon makaapil pa ako nan dugang kompetisyon jaon na ako sa top 100, hampan maka-compete na ako sa QS 6,000 hangtod 10,000 point events. Dajon kon maka-compete ako sa ini na mga mas taas nan puntos na mga kompetisyon, makakuha tana ako nan igo na puntos para moapil sa World Championship Tour.

Jaon bay klase sa espesipiko na training o preparasyon na imo tagbuhat para makatabang sa imo maabot ini na tinguha?

Nag-andam kami kuman iban sa ako manager sanan asawa sa ako profile para makab-ot sanan pahibay-on an mga kompanya uno na tabang an kinahanglanon para makompleto ini na tinguha. Kon wayay pinansyal na suporta, dili ko gajod ini mahimo.

Uman kaha an imo pinaka dako na damgo?

An ako damgo na tinguha an maka compete sa WSL Championship Tour.

Si Marama sanan an ija team naghanap kuman nan sponsors na makasuporta sa ija masaaron na karera, singod sa nasyonal sanan internasyonal. Kon gusto kaw moapil sa panaw nan ini na batan-on na kampeyon pwede kaw mo-email sa ija: maramatokong@gmail.com

An surfing na bag-o gihapon karajaw na sport sa nasod, an tanan agianan kinahanglan kuliton sa una na higajon.

An noagi na henerasyon niabre sa puertahan para madaya an surfing sa nasyonal na lebel, samtang tagpasaka an profile nan surfing sa Pilipinas sanan nagtabangay na mahimo ini na sikat karajaw na sport singod kuman, na amoy nakapatukmod sa industriya sa paghinang nan una na national tour - an PSCT - na tagtukod ra tuyo ka tuig na nolabay sa 2016.

Kuman panahon na sa henerasyon ni Marama na moabre sa puertahan sa internasyonal na entablado. Para mapadajon an asenso, gikinahanglan na an mga Pilipino na surfers mahatagan sa oportunidad na mobyahe gawas sa nasod sanan makigtigi sa lain-lain na surf breaks sa tibuok kalibotan.

Sa iban nasod pareho sa Australia, Morocco, Indonesia sanan Hawaii, an mga may talento na batan-on na mga surfers sagad hanapon sa mga brands diha sa kompetisyon. An mga brands an motabang sa pag-amoma sa talento na nakakuha sa ila panan-aw pinaagi sa paghatag kanila nan kinahanglanon na mga gamit sanan plataporma para gukdon an ila mga pangandoy. Pero makabiro, sa pagkakuman, jaoy gamay karajaw na oportunidad sa may pangandoy na batan-on mga Pilipino na surfers na makakuha sa pareho na oportunidad kay an industriya jaon gihapon sa sinugdanan ugsa wayay gajoy mga scouts nakalugar na may singod mga networks sa ila.

An talento sa surfing ni Marama mobarog sa ija kaugalingon sanan takos na ipaambit sa kalibotan. Sa mahutok na edad na 23 anyos, ini na batan-on Siargaonon lajo na karajaw an naabot, pero gusto pa sija mokab-ot nan dugang, dedikado sija sanan determinado na mahimo an ija mga damgo na tinuod pinaagi sa pagpakigtigi sa WSL Championship Tour sanan pag-representar sa Pilipinas.

Pwede sab kaw mo-follow sa panaw ni Marama pinaagi sa ija Instagram: @maramatokong

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Photographer: Grom Nation

# Be community

Written by: Imi Garcia

ENGLISH

LIFE SUPPORT: GET ON BOARD AND HELP SAVE A CHILD’S LIFE By some kind of miracle, the local charity Grom Nation bumped into Saisai, a one-year-old girl with severely infected burns all over her body. Due to the severity of her burns, she developed life-threatening pneumonia and sepsis. Grom Nation quickly transferred her to Davao’s Burns Unit for the urgent treatment she needed and she recovered.

for urgent treatment. His recovery has been long, and it is still ongoing, but he has improved tremendously and is back with his family in Union.

Two nurses specialising in paediatrics, Kate and Meghan from Australia, have joined the team to volunteer for three months to reach out to more and more children. “Our hope in our time here with Grom Nation is to establish a strong community nurse role working with the local families of Siargao to not only assist in the medical care if required, but to be an advocate, a voice and a support figure to provide quality health care education. We believe preventive health should be one of our main focuses.”

Saisai, Emerald and Jamil are alive because of the intervention of Grom Nation and all the anonymous people that selflessly donated both their time and money for this cause. A total of PHP220,000 (almost $4,500USD) was needed to save the lives of these children.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Grom Nation and to everyone who continues to donate - you are saving lives.

Grom Nation’s Social Media Channels proved pivotal as they were able to raise funds to pay for the hospital bills, whilst more crucially saving Saisai’s life. Saisai has now completely recovered and she lives happily with barely any scars.

This accident rooted deep to both founders of Grom Nation, Joshua Goña and Emily O’Shea, who decided to act and created the “Life Support” project - a project with the goal to not allow another Siargaonon family to lose a child.

In Siargao, there are two private clinics, several rural health centres and a bigger central hospital in Dapa, but these establishments are limited by restricted resources and cannot assist with anything other than basic diagnostics and treatments. For bigger interventions, patients must travel to the mainland to seek healthcare. Healthcare is a private sector in the Philippines and as a result so many families simply can not afford to travel for the necessary treatment.

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“It is a devastating reality that when accidents happen

here, most local families simply cannot afford the necessary healthcare. Our main goal now is to work with local healthcare staff as a support network for instances like Saiisai. Half of all our regular donations and t-shirt sales go towards funding life-saving treatment for children on the Island”, expresses the co-founder and nurse Emily O’Shea.

In August, they helped Emerald, a 9-year-old boy, who was suffering from a severe case of Dengue that had developed into a hemorrhagic fever. He was transferred to Surigao City in urgent need of blood transfusions due to dangerously low platelets and if not attended his organs would have failed.

Grom Nation raised the necessary funds and Emerald was thankfully able to be treated. We are pleased to say that Emerald is now back living in San Isidro.

In September, Jamil a young and energetic grom from Union was diagnosed with severe malnutrition secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis and was subsequently transferred to Davao (SPMC)

Choose to sponsor this initiative. Access to healthcare is a basic human right.

You can donate through their website: www.gromnationsiargao.com - even just 150php ($3USD) a month will make a huge difference and could help save a child’s life.

If you hear of a local child requiring life-saving medical help, please contact Grom Nation on +63 (0) 912 701 8560.

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# Be community SURIGAONON

SUPORTA SA KINABUHI: APIL NA SANAN TABANG PAGLUWAS NAN KINABUHI NAN BATA Pinaagi sa milagro, an lokal na charity Grom Nation nagkaabot kan Saisai, isa ka bata na may isa ka tuig na panuigon na may grabe na impeksyon sa ija mga paslot sa tibuok lawas. Tungod sa ka grabe sa ija mga paslot, may ija delikado sa kinabuhi na pulmonya sanan sepsis. An Grom Nation dali na nibalhin kanija sa Burns Unit nan Davao para sa hinanali na pagtambay na ija tagkinahanglan sanan sija naulian isab. tado sa nagkuyang na pundo sanan dili makatabang gawas sa basiko na hiling sanan panambay. Para sa mas dagko na mga interbensyon, an pasyente kinahanglan mobyahe sa mainland para makahanap nan pag-amping sa panlawas. An pag-amping sa panlawas pribado na sektor sa Pilipinas ugsa hamok na mga pamilya an dili laman gajod makaabot para mobyahe kon nagkinahanglan nan pagtambay.

An mga Social Media Channels nan Grom Nation nagpamatuod na importante kay nakatigom sila nan kwarta pambayad sa bayranan sa hospital, samtang an pinaka importante naluwas an kinabuhi ni Saisai. Si Saisai kuman nadajaw na gajod sanan naghuya nan malipajon na hapit wayay mga uyat.

An aksidente nakagamot nan layum sa duha ka mga nagtukod nan Grom Nation, sila Joshua Goña sanan Emily O’Shea, na midesidir na molihok sanan naghinang nan proyekto na “Life Support” - isa ka proyekto na an tujo dili tugtan na may lain Siargaonon na pamilya an maway-an nan bata. Sa Siargao, jaoy duha ka mga pribado na klinika, pipila ka mga rural health centres sanan isa ka dako na central hospital sa Dapa, pero ini na mga establisemento limi18#

“Makabiro gajod na kamatuoran na kon may aksidente diri, an kasagaran lokal na mga pamilya dili gajod makaabot sa tagkinahanglan na pag-amping sa panlawas. An ato una na tumong kuman an makigtrabaho sa lokal na mga staff nan mga klinika isip support network para sa mga panhitabo haod ni Saisai. Katunga sa ato regular na mga donasyon sanan mga halin nan t-shirt pasingod sa pagpundo sa makaluwas nan kinabuhi na panambay para mga kabataan sa isla”, pahayag sa isig ka tigtukod sanan nurse na si Emily O’Shea.

Sa Agusto, tagtabangan nila si Emerald, isa ka 9 anyos na bata na nag-angot nan grabe na kaso nan dengue na nahimo na hemorrhagic fever. Tagbalhin sija sa Surigao City na dali-dali na nagkinahanglan nan dugo tungod sa delikado na kaubos na platelets sanan kon dili pa gajod tambayan an ija mga organo mayaot na. An Grom Nation nakatigom sa kinahanglan na pundo sanan si Emerald natambayan ra intawn gajod. Malipajon kami molaong na si Emerald kuman nakabalik na naghuya sa San Isidro.

Sa Septembre, si Jamil isa ka batan-on sanan maabtik na grom gikan sa Union

na-diagnose nan grabe na malnutrisyon segundo sa pulmonary tuberculosis sanan tagbalhin dajon sa Davao (SPMC) para sa dali na pagtambay. An ija pagdajaw dugay, sanna nagpadajon pa gihapon, pero dako na an ija pag-uswag sanan nakabalik na sija sa ija pamilya sa Union.

An duha ka mga nurses na nag-espesyalisar sa pediatriya, sila Kate sanan Meghan gikan Australia, niapil na sa team para mo boluntaryo nan tuyo ka buyan para tabangan an hamok pa na mga kabataan. “An amo gilaoman na sa amo panahon diri sa Grom Nation an makahimo nan lig-on na papel nan nurse nan komunidad na nagtrabaho iban an lokal na mga pamilya sa Siargao dili laman kon pagtabang sa medikal na pag-atiman, kon dili mahimo na manlalaban, isa ka tingog sanan suporta na mohatag nan de kalidad na edukasyon sa pag-amping nan panlawas. Nagtuo kami na an pagpanagana sa panlawas dapat isa sa amo una na tutokan.”

Sila Saisai, Emerald sanan Jamil nabuhi tungod sa interbensyon sa Grom Nation sanan tanan dili makilayhan na mga tao na kasingkasing nidonar sa ila panahon sanan kwarta para nan ini na kawsa. May total na PHP220,000 (hapit $4,500USD) an tagkinahanglan para maluwas an kinabuhi nan ini na mga bata.

Gusto namo ipaabot an amo pasalamat sa Grom Nation sanan sa tanan na padajon na nag-donar - nagluwas kamo nan kinabuhi.

Pilia na mo-sponsor sa ini na inisyatiba.

An pagkab-ot sa pag-amping sa panlawas isa ka basiko na katungod nan tao.

Pwede kaw mo-donate pinaagi sa ila website @ www.gromnationsiargao.com - biskan gani 150php ($3USD) an buyan dako na an kalahian sanan mahimo na makaluwas nan kinabuhi nan bata.

Kon makabati kaw nan lokal na bata na nagkinahanglan nan makaluwas nan kinabuhi na tabang medikal, palihog kontaka an Grom Nation sa 0912 701 8560.

# Be community

Written by: Iris Aroa

ENGLISH

COMMUNE ARTISTS Tucked within the quiet streets of Burgos is a collection of various works of art created by a collective of some of the Philippines’ most prominent street artists, visual artists, and art practitioners. The Commune Artists, in collaboration with Lokal, organized an art initiative/ cultural immersion week last October. What transpired during those days is a true testament to how much art, that is rooted in genuine local experiences, can revive, inspire, and touch an entire community.

For most people, the mention of Siargao instantly evokes images of glassy waves, picture-perfect beaches, and scenic islands all waiting to be explored by the throngs of tourists making their way to the island each year.

Every popular tourist spot can be seen teeming with people wanting to capture the perfect photo that they can later show off to their friends. And while the natural scenery and atmosphere of this island are truly awe-inspiring, there is definitely more to this island than what we often see. Sadly, the real local culture and traditions of the island do not get the same level of attention. There are very few platforms and avenues for locals to showcase their culture and for tourists to actually immerse themselves in it.

This is what LOKAL, an organization and social enterprise based in Burgos, wants to change. LOKAL believes in the importance of preserving the real local lifestyle and promoting Filipino arts, culture, and tradition amidst the overwhelming influence of tourism. Its aim is to support and empower the local community of Siargao through impactful and sustainable projects that promote the local culture. With this goal in mind, LOKAL partnered up with the Commune Artists, a group of creatives from Manila, to host an immersive art initiative in the town of Burgos.

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For the artists, the Commune Art Initiative is a platform for them, as creative practitioners, to collaborate with local communities and “explore artistic production outside the confines of the usual art spaces.” The focus of their initiative is on making “community art practice a form of cultural participation in different locations in the Philippines.”

For Lokal, this activity is part of its program of injecting true Filipino culture on the island and exposing locals to artworks that resonate with them using images that they can identify with and relate to. The larger aim is to position Burgos and the north of Siargao as a unique destination, making it the center of local cultural immersion on the island.

Those who want to see and appreciate the artworks will have to drive into the heart of the town. Instead of just being mere passers-by, visitors are encouraged to look closer and get to know the town better. Each piece is a visual representation of the artist’s time in Burgos, a product of the exchange and inspiration gleaned after a week-long immersion in the area and its people.

Needless to say, this whole experience has been inspiring for both the community and the artists.

And it is only the beginning. Lokal envisions this becoming a yearly event where artists curated by Commune Artists draw inspiration from the community and in turn give the local community a voice through art.

MAGANDANG ARAW

By Soleil Ignacios Is “a bright reminder to appreciate and respect the sun’s nurturing warmth and destructive power”. It urges the community and the rest of the island to protect the environment so that it will protect us in return.

“Isa ka suga na padumdom na importansyahan sanan respetohon nato an nag-amuma na kapaso nan adlaw sanan makaguba na gahom”. Nag-awhag ini sa komunidad sanan sa hurot isla na protektahan an kalikopan para protektahan sab kita nan ini.

Be community # ISDA DREAM

AHON

By Kris Abrigo

By Ralph Eya, Tox Fresco, the kids of Burgos, and James

Is inspired by the ocean near the Isda Market.

For this piece, the artist pictures the community becoming inspired by their own ocean and finding similar images in their dreams.

Is about “how children are integral in the ‘flow’ and movement of a community, with each of their journeys contributing as ripples towards a communal win“.

Na-inspirar sa kadagatan suod sa Isda Market. Para sa ini na piyesa, an artista naghulagway sa komunidad na na-inspirar sa ila kaugalingon na kadagatan sanan nakabagat nan pareho na mga imahe sa ila mga damgo.

Na “uno ka tibuok an kabataan sa ila ‘flow’ (awas) sanan kalihokan sa komunidad, kada isa sa ila mga panaw nagdugang isip tagdo pasingod sa pankatilingban na kadaogan.”

A SENSE OF PLACE

By Rany Takes inspiration from the main livelihood of the people of Burgos.

Through his murals, Rany has given us his “take on the simple yet colourful personalities of the locals.”

Nagkuha nan inspirasyon gikan sa panginabuhi nan katawhan nan Burgos. Pinaagi sa ija mga murals, si Rany naghatag sa ato nan ija “panlantaw sa simple pero mabulokon na personalidad nan mga lokal.”

21#

# Be community SURIGAONON

AN COMMUNE ARTISTS Nakatago sa mahilom na kadayanan nan Burgos an isa ka koleksyon nan lain-lain na obra nan arte na hinimo sa isa ka kolektibo sa mga pinakabantogan na street artists, visual artists, sanan mga tighinang nan mga arte sa Pilipinas. An Commune Artists, sa kolaborasyon iban an Lokal, nagorganisar nan semana nan inisyatibo sa arte sanan pakigbabad sa kultura sa noagi sa Oktubre. An panghitabo adto na mga adlaw tinuod na testamento kon tag-uno sa arte, na nakagamot sa mga matuod na lokal na kasinatian, na makabuhi, makadasig, sanan makatandog sa tibuok komunidad.

Para sa kasagaran, an paghisgot nan Siargao makapadumdom sa imahen nan bagan bildo na mga bayud, perpekto na hulagway nan mga baybay, sanan gwapo na mga isla na naghuyat bisitahon sa hamok na mga turista na makaabot sa isla kada tuig. An kada sikat na tourist spot makita na may hamok na mga tao na gusto mokuha sa perpekto na hulagway na pwede nila ipanhambog sa ila mga higala. Samtang an natural na talan-awon sanan an palibot nan ini na isla makatingaya gajod, jaon pay labaw sa ini na isla kaysa ato ra makita. Pero makabiro, an tinuod na kultura sanan mga tradisyon nan ini na isla dili makakuha nan sama na atensyon.

May pipila laman gajod na mga entablado sanan lugar para sa mga lokal na magpakita sa ila kultura sanan para sa mga turista na masinati nila ini.

Amo ini an gusto nan LOKAL, isa ka organisasyon sanan sosyal na patigayon na nakabase sa Burgos, na otrohon.

An LOKAL nagtuo sa an importansya nan pagpreserbar sa tinuod na lokal na kinabuhi sanan pagdasig sa Pilipino na arte, kultura, sanan tradisyon taliwala sa makalupig na impluwensya nan turismo. An tujo nan ini an pagsuportar sanan pagpagahom sa lokal na komunidad nan Siargao pinaagi sa may igo sanan mapadajonon na proyekto na magpataas sa lokal na kultura. Iban ini na tumong, an LOKAL nakigsangga sa Commune Artists, isa ka grupo nan mga creatives na gikan Manila, para maghimo nan inisyatiba sa masinati na arte sa lungsod nan Burgos.

22#

Para sa mga artista, an Commue Art Initiative isa ka plataporma para sa ila, isip mga creative practitioners, para makigtabangay sa mga lokal na komunidad sanan “mausisa an artistiko na produksyon gawas sa sagad na mga lugar sa arte.” An tutok sa ila inisyatiba an paghimo sa “pagbansay-bansay nan arte nan komunidad isa ka porma nan kultural na pagpanhinlabot sa lainlain na mga lugar sa Pilipinas.” Para sa Lokal, ini na aktibidad kabahin sa ila programa na magpasuyod nan tinuod na Pilipino na kultura sa isla sanan ipakita sa mga lokal an mga obra nan arte na makalambigit sa ila gamit an mga hulagway na ila makilay-an sanan ila masabtan. An mas dako na tujo an pagposisyon sa Burgos sanan an norte nan Siargao isip linahi na destinasyon, na makahinang nan ini na sentro nan lokal na kultural na kasinatian sa isla.

An mga gusto mangita sanan motamod sa mga obra nan arte kinahangan mosuyod sa kasingkasing nan lungsod. Imbis moagi lang, an mga bisita taghangjo na tmotan-aw na mas suod sanan kilayhon an lungsod pagdajaw. An kada piyesa makita na representasyon sa panahon nan artista sa Burgos, isa ka produkto nan pagbaylo sanan inspirasyon na nakuha human sa isa ka semana na pagsinati sa lugar sanan mga tao nan ini.

Biskan pa man, ini na tanan na kasinatian nahimo na makadasig sa komunidad sanan sa mga artista. Sinugdan pa laman ini. An Lokal naglantaw na hinangon ini na tinuig na kalihokan diin an mga aritsta na tudloan nan Commune Artists magkuha nan inspirasyon sa komunidad sanan sa pag-uli isab, hatagan nan tingog an lokal na komunidad pinaagi sa arte.

TIRAHAN

By Epi Is a distinct work in itself.

The artist, upon spending some time with the family living in this house learned how they see their home not just as a shelter, but a source of income as well. As they shared their hopes for the reopening of their store, the artist drew inspiration for this piece, which serves “as a daily reminder to the community that this house will open again soon.”

Isa mismo ka linahi na obra.

An artista, human sa panahon na iban an pamilya na naghuya sa ini na bayay, nakat-on tag-uno nila pagtan-aw an ila panimayay na dili laman huy-anan, pero tinubdan isab nan kita. Sa ila pakig-ambit sa ila paglaom na maabrehan pag-utro an ila tindahan, an artista nikuha nan inspirasyon sa ini na piyesa, na magserbe “isip adlaw-adlaw padumdom sa komunidad na ini na bayay moabre ra pag-utro puhon.”

HOME IS WHERE HAPPINESS IS

By Egg Fiasco “Is an ode to the tiny creatures that carry their happiness with them for every strange encounter”. It is inspired by the artist’s time with the children of Burgos, as they made him realize that “that home and the sense of security we all hunger for does not lie in superficial success, but in the happiness of the community that surrounds us.”

Photographer Austyn Sprouse

Be community #

“Isa ka balak sa mga gagmay na linalang na nagdaya sa ila kalipay iban nila sa kada kahibuyongan na panag-abot”. Nainspirar ini sa panahon sa panahon nan artista iban an mga bata sa Burgos, sa pagpaamgo nila sa ija na an “an bayay sanan an pagbati nan seguridad na ato taghanap waya sa taphaw na kalamposan, kondili sa kalipay nan komunidad na nagpalibot sa ato.”

FARMERS OF BURGOS

By Abes Acknowledges the plight of local Burgosanon farmers after they expressed concerns about falling copra prices and climate change and how these factors are affecting their main livelihood.

Nagkilaya sa kaagi nan lokal na Burgosanon na mga mag-uuma human sila nipahayag nan kabayaka sa nagkaubos na presyo nan kopras sanan pagkautro nan klima sanan kon tag-uno nan ini na mga hinungdan na makaapekto sa ila panginabuhi.

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# Be refresh ENGLISH

2019: A WALK TO REMEMBER As another year passes by, another decade draws to a close and what better way to remember it than by taking a look back at what we have experienced together as a community over the last 12 months.

After being announced by Conde Nast Traveller as the best island in Asia in October 2018, Siargao has continued to grow exponentially.

Last year, 2018, was the year when Siargao reached its highest growth of tourism and so on in infrastructure. With development and bigger societies, rules and regulations must be applied in order to continue progressing and as a consequence this year, 2019, has seen a record number of regulations, implemented by different governmental institutions Relive this year’s most relevant happenings as we enter a new decade‌ * This is an estimation and a summary executed with the maximum accuracy possible on an island like Siargao.

Nonetheless, for further information you may contact the local government offices.

Marine life

Bad news: In April, a dead turtle was found ashore in Purok 1, General Luna and a dead shark without a fin in Magpupungko.

In May, a turtle got trapped and died on a fish cage in Daku Island and in July a turtle shell was found in Magpupungko area.

Good news: In August, coral surveys and underwater mapping took place in Secret Garden.

This will be used to setup the mooring buoy to protect the corals from the damage of anchors. There is now more people getting involved with the protection of the vitality important corals.

In October, an adult white tip shark was spotted in Santa Monica. Later, a black tip reef shark was found in Alegria and a blue shark spotted in Pilar.

Be refresh # Social events

PL

AN

NI

NG

SC H

ED

New regulations

UL

E

No Closure

Mayor Jaime Rusillon In April, the honourable Mayor of General Luna Jaime P. Rusillon passed away. Close family, friends and citizens gathered together and made a paddle out as a tribute to the Godfather of Surfing in the Philippines.

Shredding Glass In August, Barna Food Suppliers bought a glass shredding machine that turns glass into sand, for construction, in five minutes. The business is now able to upcycle all their imported glass bottles and leave no trace or pollution.

After a few months of disconcertion and doubts, the DENR announced during their visit in the island that there will be no closure for Siargao. “We don’t want Siargao to become like Boracay.

We are not here to close Siargao but to make it sustainable”, said Eduardo Año, Secretary of DILG. Road widening In August, the LGU with the help of the Municipal Engineering Office implemented the 2 meter sidewalk along the Tourism Road. All establishments that had their building between these two meters had to move their property back behind the boundary.

No parking

Shop for Siargao In June, “Shop for Siargao”, a second hand market where all proceeds go towards the local charities was born. A total of PHP160,000 was funded and donated to six different NGO’s. The market had two editions, and will resume when the rainy season ends.

New bridge The bridge that connects Barangay Catangnan with Barangay Cabitoonan is finally connected, although only motorbikes can pass by now as the bridge it is still under construction. This bridge has been under construction for 3 years now, and will connect the Tourism Road with other Barangays such as Libertad, Santa Fe, Santa Ines the coming year.

In October, the LGU with the help of the National Police implemented a “No Parking” ordinance in the two meter sidewalk along Tourism Road. Fines will be applied, PHP200 on the first offence, PHP500 on the second offence and PHP1,000 on the third offence.

Helmet Wear From mid November, the use of helmets for motorbike drivers was fully implemented.

No more parties till late Since October, a new regulation that enforces early closure of parties and loud music in bars or clubs have been implemented and now establishments have to finish their parties by 12am.

New ATM’s and Banks In August, a total of seven ATM’s opened in General Luna and a BDO branch as well.

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# Be refresh Environment

Plastic bag ban From the 1 January, the ordinance to ban single-use plastic in General Luna was implemented. It turned out to be a success as progressively all shops stopped supplying plastic bags. Although, plastic bottles are still being sold. st

Health

Closure of Malinao’s Dumpsite In June, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) closed the dumpsite in Malinao due to the overload of trash and non-properly disposed waste.

Circa 65,523kg of solid waste is produced each day in Siargao.

New Clinic In April, the second private health clinic - Island Doctors Philippines - opened a clinic in General Luna.

Reopening of Malinao’s Dumpsite

Environcare Environcare project, the first industrial upcycling plant in Siargao opened its doors and started accepting almost all kind of segregated trash, except organic.

In August, with the official visit of the DENR officials including Secretary Cimatu, the new Residual Containment Area (RCA) was officially opened. Although, it is not yet fully opened. Mayor Rusillon has indeed instructed all Barangays to first comply with all the segregation laws.

CPR Machine In October, Island Medical Foundation donated a CPR tester to Island Doctors for everyone who wants to practice.

You can claim it at Island Doctors Clinic.

Dengue A dengue outbreak was declared nationwide.

Refilling Stations Three shops brought the plastic battle to another level by completely eliminating it. Paraiso Siargao, Reefel and Eco Libri Market are changing the way we consume by offering to option to buy in bulk.

26#

We SEAgregate Campaign With SEA Movement’s newest project they aim to set an example of how to properly segregate waste, while educating and encouraging households to actively do so. They facilitated 3 Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) located in Barangay Catangnan.

New dental clinic A new dental clinic “Smile” opened in Dapa.

Be refresh # 2018

Overall statistics

A total of 162,923 tourists visited Siargao

Department of tourism

Domestic

96,965 = 59%

International

66,958 = 41%

Busiest Months of 2018: September - 20,236 visits; May - 19,960 visits; August - 16,579 visits

2019 From January to October 2019 a total of 230,959 tourists visited Siargao

Lowest months of 2018: January - 7,326 visits February - 7,727 visits December - 8,910 visits

2017 Domestic

162,533 = 70.4 %

International

68,426 = 29.6 %

Busiest Months of 2019: May - 32,949 visits October - 31,602 visits April - 30,816 visits Lowest months of 2019: January - 11,066 visits February - 15,001 visits August - 17,290 visits * The results of November and December were not closed when this article was written. If we stipulate that an average of 23,095 tourists visited per month, in November and December it is expected to arrive 46,191 more visits with a possible total of 277,150 tourists arrivals in 2019.

A total of 83,245 tourists visited Siargao

Increase of Tourism in Percentage: From 2017 to 2018 = 95% increase From 2018 to 2019 = 72% increase From 2017 to 2019 = 177% increase Overall 2019 has been the busiest month on record, thus far, for international visits with 9,876 tourists.

May 2019 has been the busiest month on record, thus far, for domestic visits with 25,934 tourists.

September 2019 has been the lowest September compared to 2017 and 2018, being the fifth lowest month of the year, when it was normally No.1.

Busiest month 2017-2019 = May Least busy month 2017-2019 = January

Flights There are now 14 flights a day landing in Siargao Airport (IAO) shared between Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air (Skyjet no longer flies to Siargao, for now).

Domestic

44,797 = 54%

International

33,448 = 46%

Busiest Months of 2017: September - 10,529 visits May - 9284 visits April - 8,744 visits Lowest months of 2017: January - 4,198 visits June - 4,240 visits July - 4,639 visits

Cebu

Manila

7 flights

3 flights

Angeles City

Davao City

3 flights

1 flight

CEB

CRK

MNL

DVO

# Be refresh 2020

Price increases

PREDICTIONS, ARE YOU READY? Franchises: In 2020 we may see the first big hotel franchises arriving in Siargao.

Catangnan Bridge: Moreover, the bridge of Catangnan could be officially opened and the Barangays after the bridge will experience a bigger flux of tourists for the first time.

Sport:

A decrease in the number of Airbnb rentals The increase of the beer cost An average increase of 41% At the end of 2018: PHP 60 Now: PHP 80 / 90

An average decrease of 10% At the end of 2018: 340 properties on Airbnb Now: 306 properties on Airbnb

As mentioned by WSL, the International Women Competition could be back in Cloud 9 in 2020.

STOA: This year, Siargao Tourism Operators Association (STOA) increased their officers from five to ten to be able to reach all of their work goals.

STOA’s set goal for 2020 is to implement a “Barangay Tanon” and so each Barangay has a STOA group where they discuss by barrio the problems and happenings.

The increase of food or beverage establishments A total of 60 restaurants, cafes, cocktail bars or ice cream places have opened in Siargao over the last year.

Regarding regulations, the 15 meter widening road could be implemented this year and the 2 meter ocean front.

28#

An average increase of 54,5% At the end of 2018: 211 properties on Booking.com Now: 326 properties on Booking. com * In contrast with Airbnb, an accommodation on Booking.com can have more than one room. If we stipulate that an accommodation has an average of five rooms and there are 115 new establishments registered on booking.com then there are 575 more rooms.

Regulations:

Will the rumours of the seaport continue?

The increase in the number on Booking.com

The increase of the land Land has increased at an average of 2,5 times more At the end of 2018: PHP 2 000 / 12 000 per sq.m, depending on location Now: PHP 5 000 / 50 000 per sq.m. depending on location.

The increase of the petrol An average increase of 22,7% At the end of 2018: PHP 55 Now: PHP 65 / 70

# Be alive

Photographer: Matias Olivieri Written by: Peter Ian

ENGLISH

ASPIRE, BE ALIVE We all have a story to tell. Only by the simple fact of existing we are already leaving a story in this world and every movement we live aligns us to many possible things and situations.

All of us have dreams, and if not, we all should have. Some of us are living the life of our dreams, and some – still dreaming. Dreaming is a strong state of mind that touches a strong part of our childhood. To dream is to know what we want to achieve and what goals to set in order to reach that dream in life.

Dreaming about something gives us a feeling or an adrenaline that empowers us to move forward.

ALL OF US HAVE DREAMS, AND IF NOT, WE ALL SHOULD HAVE But we can’t deny the experiences that make us struggle as well. We forget that the resilience of time gives us a lot of space for us to understand that we shouldn’t be scared of it. Every day is an opportunity to keep on and move forward even if sometimes is not easy.

Life has its own set of setbacks, but it is always waiting for the right time to be released. Then when it’s time to release the string, you will fly high – higher than the clouds, higher than you can imagine.

30#

It is important that we don’t lose the limitless feeling of dreaming and we continue to do so - even when we grow older. Living and being present is already a good kick to start somewhere to see ourselves moving, moving towards our dreams. It is important that we are able to look at ourselves and bring out that inner energy. We can never lose the idea of dreaming, neither can someone take that away from us.

Be alive # SURIGAONON

PANGANDOY, PAGPAKABUHI Kita tanan jaoy istorya na malaong. Sa simple na kamatuoran sa ato pagkajaon pa laman nagbilin na kita nan istorya sa ini na kalibotan sanan sa kada higajon na nabuhi kita magdaya ini nato sa hamok na mga posible na butang sanan mga sitwasyon.

Kita tanan jaoy mga damgo, sanan kon waya, kinahanglan jaon gajod. An iban sa ato naghuya na sa kinabuhi na ato tagdamgo, sanan an iban - nagdamgo gihapon. An pagdamgo amo an pagkahibayo na kon uno an ato gusto maabot sanan uno na mga tumong an ato tagbutang para makab-ot iton na damgo sa ato kinabuhi. An pagdamgo maghatag sa ato nan pagbati o adrenalina na amoy makapakusog sa ato para moabante.

If we look at tomorrow’s with all these wonders and colours, we will be able to find our dreams. Then, we will get more and more connected to the “self”.

In a small growing community like Siargao where there are a lot of children playing and smiling around, that energy is contagious to adults. These children hold a very fragile truth: the innocence and the fun of being a kid.

Part of us, adults, dreaming is empowering our inner child.

It is important that we don’t lose the context of how we can actually empower the idea of dreaming small or big because it’s where we can see the progression of one community. Let’s make a movement involving peopleto-people, place-to-place and action-to-action to live life as one.

To move forward in life is to be one together and see what this coming year will show us with our eyes wide open.

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Be alive # MAS KITA TANAN JAOY MGA DAMGO, SANAN KON WAYA, KINAHANGLAN JAON GAJOD Pero dili nato malimod na an mga kasinatian makapalisod sa ato. Malimot kita na an kalig-on nan panahon maghatag sa ato nan damo na espasyo para makasabot kita na dili kita angay mahadlok nan ini. An kada adlaw oportunidad para magpadajon sanan moabante biskan usahay dili sajon. Hampan kon panahon na na buhian an hikot, molupad kaw pataas - mas taas pa kaysa mga panganod, mas taas pa sa imo mahunahunaan.

Importante na dili nato mawaya an wayay kutob na pagbati sa pagdamgo sanan magpadajon gihapon kita - biskan motiguyang na. An paghuya sanan pagkajaon marajaw na na sinugdanan para molihok kita, molihok pasingod sa ato mga damgo. Importante na makatan-aw kita sa ato kaugalingon sanan mapagawas an ato enerhiya na luon. Dili gajod nato mawaya an ideya sa pagdamgo, dili isab ini makuha gikan sa ato.

Sa gamay na komunidad haod sa Siargao diin hamok na mga bata an magduwa sanan nagngisi, iton na enerhiya makatakod sa mga tiguyang. Ini na mga bata nagkupot nan kamatuoran na mabuak: an pagkainosente sanan kalipay nan pagkabata. Parte sa ato, mga tiguyang, an pagdamgo nagpakusog sa ato bata sa suyod.

Importante na dili kita mawaya sa konteksto kon unohon ta pa paghatag nan kusog an ideya nan pagdamgo nan gamay o dako tungod dinhi ta makita an progresyon sa isa ka komunidad.

Himoon ta ini na kalihokan labot an tao sa tao, lugar sa lugar sanan aksyon sa aksyon para mabuhi sa kinabuhi isip isa.

Kon tan-awon nato an silom iban ini tanan na mga kagana sanan mga kolor, makabagat kita sa ato mga damgo.

Hampan, mas mahimo kita na konektado sa ato “kaugalingon�

An pag-abante sa kinabuhi an pagka-isa sa tanan sanan tan-awon ta ini na moabot na tuig unoy ipakita sa ato iban sa ato buka na mga mata.

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Be tuned #

BE A VOLUNTEER Grom Nation: Empowering kids Help challenge social issues by sharing life skills and life knowledge to the youth of siargao.

Contact: Instagram: @gromnationsiargao Nature Kids of Siargao: Wednesday: Spend an afternoon helping at the Recycling Studio, a place where trash is up-cycled into beautiful pillows and bean bags. From 3pm to 5pm, next to the Municipal Gym. hi@naturekidsofsiargao.com Instagram: @naturekidsofisargao Puppy Puddle Siargao: Be a long term volunteer!

Are you staying for a month or longer? Puppy Puddle is looking for long term volunteers who han stay at their volunteer house in exchange of taking care of their rescued puppies. +63 (0) 927 8579 979 hello@puppypuddlesiargao.com Instagram: @puppypuddlesiargao SEA Movement: Environmental awaerness Saturday and Sunday: Join their Beach Clean-Up and have fun with the SEA patrol crew.

Follow them on Instagram to find out the exact time and meeting point. +63 (0) 995 877 2389 seamovementph@gmail.com Instagram: @s.e.a.movement.

Siargao Masaya: Access to Education Saturday: Go around the island with their mobile library and have a charming time story-reading to the kids. You can also donate to the organization or sponsor a child school year. Meet the crew at 8am at the market. +63 (0) 939 431 8886 Facebook: SiargaoMasaya The Sun Crew: Surf and sustanibility programs They clean the beach in Pacifico every saturday, followed by surf lessons with the local children. Meeting point: Wemar’s Surf Shop at 8am. +63 (0) 912 059 8781

MOBILE NETWORK PREFIX FOR PHILIPPINES IS +63

USEFUL INFO WHILE IN SIARGAO BOATS

POST OFFICE

From Dapa to Surigao City • Fortune Angel 2 – 5:30am (Fast Ferry) • Evaristo and Sons – 6am • Evaristo and Sons – 10am • Fortune Angel 1 – 11am • MV Yohan - 11:30am • Evaristo and Sons – 1pm

Every municipality on the island has one.

From Surigao City to Dapa • Evaristo and Sons - 4am • Montenegro - 5am • Fortune Angel 1 - 5:30am • MV Yohan - 6am • Evaristo and Sons - 10am • MV Yohan - 10:30am • Montenegro - 11am • Fortune Angel 2 - 11:30am • Evaristo and Sons - 3:30pm From Cebu to Surigao City • Starlite Ferries - 10am (Everyday) • Cokaliong - 7pm (Everyday) • Medallion Transport - 8pm (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) From Surigao City to Cebu • Cokaliong - 7pm (Everyday) • Medallion Transport - 8pm (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday) • Starlite Ferries - 9pm (Everyday)

HOSPITAL •G L Metropolitan Clinic, open 24/7, located in Purok 4: 0918 926 3112 • GL Island Doctors Clinic, Tourism Road, Purok 4: 0917 848 4357 • D apa District Hospital: 0918 926 3112 • D el Carmen District Hospital: 0946 469 7574 / 0920 447 8679 • Del Carmen Ambulance: 0912 074 6125 • P ilar District Hospital: 0946 807 6640

PHARMACY •G eneral Luna, Purok 1, 100 m away from the municipal hall • I n Dapa, near the terminal • Del Carmen

Note: d ue to weather conditions, national festivities and other events the time schedules may change.

EMERGENCY NUMBER • • • • • •

Municipal Police (GL) 0998 549 4147 Ambulance (GL) 0907 940 4965 Coast Guard 0917 821 4072 Fire Protection 0998 590 4303 Veterinary (GL) 0935 676 8655 General Luna Rural Health Unit (RHU) *Public Medical Clinic 0938-448-5059

VISA SERVICES Surigao City, (086) 310 0800 Open from Monday to Friday 8:30am to 18:30 pm

ATM • BDO in GL, 50m from Palawan Shop • D BP in GL, across the Roman Catholic Church • D BP, PNB and East Bank in Dapa • DBP at Sayak Airport • Two ATM’s in Del Carmen

MONEY EXCHANGE •A t all Palawans Shop in the island: GL, Dapa, San Isidro and Del Carmen • At all Mulhier Shops in GL, Dapa and Del Carmen • I n GL, Ronaldo’s Restaurant 35#

# Be low & high DECEMBER

Be a player # Tides for Port Pilar

LT▼

HT▲

LT▼

HT▲

1

2:39

9:09

14:46

20:38

COEFF. 53

2

3:21

9:58

15:34

21:23

44

3

4:09

10:54

16:37

22:20

39

4

5:07

12:00

18:00

23:39

39

5

6:15

13:09

19:28

-

43

6

7:27

14:07

20:35

1:12

50

7

8:28

14:53

21:24

2:31

58

8

9:19

15:32

22:04

3:30

66

9

10:02

16:07

22:40

4:17

74

10

10:41

16:41

23:15

4:58

80

11

11:17

17:15

23:50

5:36

84

12

11:53

17:50

-

6:13

86

13

12:30

18:25

0:26

6:51

86

14

13:08

19:03

1:03

7:31

82

15

13:50

19:44

1:43

8:12

76

16

14:36

20:30

2:25

8:57

70

17

15:30

21:23

3:12

9:46

63

18

16:37

22:29

4:04

10:42

60

19

17:57

23:51

5:03

11:45

59

20

19:20

-

6:12

12:51

63 69

21

20:33

1:23

7:25

13:54

22

21:33

2:46

8:33

14:50

75

23

22:23

3:53

9:33

15:41

80

24

23:08

4:47

10:25

16:27

84

25

23:50

5:34

11:10

17:09

86 85

26

-

6:16

11:53

17:50

27

0:29

6:55

12:33

18:29

81

28

1:07

7:33

13:11

19:06

76 70

29

1:44

8:10

13:50

19:43

30

2:20

8:47

14:29

20:21

62

31

2:56

9:26

15:11

21:01

55

SUDOKU

Don't give up, you can solve it!

5

4

8 9

1

3 1

7

3

1

6

9

6

7

6

7

5

4

2

6

9

7

7

7

1

8

3

6

9 7

5 3

JANVIER LT▼

HT▲

LT▼

HT▲

COEFF.

1

3:35

10:09

16:01

21:48

48

2

4:18

10:55

16:59

22:45

34

3

5:06

11:46

18:09

23:59

27

4

6:04

12:43

19:24

-

20

5

7:12

13:41

20:30

1:27

27

6

8:20

14:34

21:25

2:47

27

7

9:20

15:23

22:11

3:50

41

8

10:10

16:08

22:54

4:40

48 62

9

10:55

16:50

23:34

5:23

10

11:37

17:32

-

6:03

76

11

12:19

18:14

0:14

6:43

83

12

13:01

18:56

0:54

7:22

90

13

13:44

19:41

1:35

8:02

97

14

14:31

20:27

2:16

8:43

90

15

15:22

21:18

2:59

9:26

83

16

16:19

22:17

3:44

10:12

76

17

17:25

23:27

4:33

11:02

62

18

18:42

-

5:29

12:00

48

19

20:02

0:54

6:37

13:05

41

20

21:13

2:27

7:55

14:12

41

21

22:11

3:46

9:10

15:15

48

22

23:00

4:45

10:12

16:10

62

23

23:43

5:31

11:02

16:58

69

24

-

6:11

11:45

17:41

76

25

0:20

6:46

12:24

18:20

83

26

0:55

7:19

13:01

18:56

83

27

1:28

7:51

13:36

19:31

83

28

2:00

8:22

14:11

20:06

76

29

2:31

8:53

14:46

20:42

69

30

3:02

9:24

15:24

21:20

55

31

3:35

9:57

16:07

22:03

48

LT▼: low tide HT▲: high tide COEFF.: coefficient full moon new moon

WORDS SEARCH Filipino Christmas A D W D P S G Z G P L M A A C

N T Q A K U L N W L S P C P A

D S I Q Y Q B I B I N G K A T

G A T N C L Q U M H R T P Y A

N X S P O Q I B N X X V Z N G

I E W I G M A M A L O B A C U

L E M G M N O F A T X Y K C I

O L P T G Y M T Q P U I G E N

R A J G D B O U I L J K H P A

A M A U U K E W U N J C J K L

C B H E S S W N S L O R A P D

I H N A O R U P K N L M O Q O

V A P E J N H E R N E L E B H

Z T H T A Z F P O B C L T A H

W C D P E J Q T F Y H M D J A

PASKO MISA BIBINGKA NOCHE BUENA AGUINALDO PANUNULUYAN SIMBANGGABI CAROLING MONITOMONITA BELEN QUESO BOLA PAROLS PAMILYA

37#

MAP

(don't)

SIARGAO ISLAND

Be lost #

ALEGRIA BEACH

TAKTAK FALLS

SANTA MONICA BURGOS

SAN BENITO SAN ISIDRO

KAWHAGAN SANDBAR

PACIFICO

PAMOMOAN BEACH

TAYANGBAN CAVE POOL MAGPUPUNGKO

PILAR

SUGBA LAGOON

ROCKPOOLS ROCKPOOLS

CLOUD 9 TOWER

DEL CARMEN Sayak Airport

GENERAL LUNA

GUYAM ISLAND

DAPA

DAKU ISLAND NAKED ISLAND

SOHOTON SOHOTON CAVE

s i t s e r the

a secre&t

explore urself ! o y t i d fin

39#