Issuu

DECEMBER 2018

BESIARGAO

THE SIARGAO LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FREE COPY

surf / community / environment / tourism

# Editorial

THE STORY BEHIND THE COVER Photographer: Matias Olivieri

BE THE CHANGE THAT YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD As the year comes to an end, the iconic words of Mahatma Gandhi ring truer now than they ever have before. It is inevitable to become a bit nostalgic when we look back at everything we have been through in 2018. From an island perspective, Siargao has experienced the fastest growth in years. As sometimes it is necessary to look back to be able to predict what can come next, we have prepared for our dear readers a timeline article for this past year’s events. On an internal level, Be Siargao Team could not be happier for what our project has turned into. The community’s support has been a crucial factor to the success of this project as we could have not accomplished it without all of you. We express our deepest gratitude to every single person who believed and supported this magazine: friends, sponsors, writers, translators, photographers… To all of you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

It is Christmas Times! Here in Siargao Island, there is no snow, no pine trees. Instead? A 30° tropical weather, clear turquoise water and coconut trees. Life is simple and people don’t always get what they secretly wished for. However some local kids can be sure the ocean will give them what they want: constant and good swell the whole season!! Thanks to Matias Olivieri for this fun pre-surf shot of these all-year round smiling local surfer kids!! Instagram: @mati.olivieri.surfph @mati.olivieri

Our wishes for 2019 are to keep giving voice to those in need, to enable grassroots sustainable projects, to continue informing the public on the latest happenings in Siargao and to preserve the bridge between locals and tourists. Let us all remember in 2019 that Siargao is our home today but we are all mere visitors, responsible for future generations, we must protect and respect it. Be Siargao wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s continue to work together for a more sustainable, green and happier 2019! Olga Garcia

SPECIAL THANKS

Photographer Matias Olivieri

Thanks to everyone who help in making this issue a reality: Main Contributor: Olga Garcia Graphic Designer: Vincent Le Compagnon

ONLINE EDITION AVAILABLE AT

W W W. B E S I A R G AO.C O M CONTACT Advertisement contacts: +63 916 685 2945 +63 956 967 9055 besiargao@gmail.com BE SIARGAO @BE SIARGAO

LEGAL MENTION Publisher: Be Magazine Publishing Certificate n°05333514 Director Editor-in-Chief: Christophe BARIOU Printer: DMC Busa Printers

Editorial Assistant: Julla González Translator: Hernan Palang Photographers: Matias Olivieri, Satya Sullivan Intership: Faye Olivan

TO EVERY PERSON WHO PROVIDED US INFORMATION AND DATA AND TO ALL OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS WHO MAKE THIS PROJECT REAL!

# Be local

Written by: Julla González

ENGLISH

PASKONG PINOY Or Filipino Christmas is definitely one of the annual traditions that resonates the cheerful and resilient spirit of the Filipinos. As early as September, Christmas songs are played on the radios and parols, the homemade lanterns usually in the form of stars, are sold on the streets. There are many customs and traditions during the Yuletide season that have been passed on from one generation to the next. With 83% of the country’s population professing the Catholic faith, a lot of Christmas traditions in the Filipinos have deep religious backgrounds. One of these is the Misa de Gallo, or the Simbang Gabi. What started as the colonizing Spaniards´ way of getting the early-rising Filipino farmers (who start working in the farms shortly after sunrise to avoid the harmful sun at noon) to go to mass, is now a long-standing tradition for the entire family and a must-do for every devout churchgoer. Simbang Gabi or the dawn mass is a nine-day ritual that starts from the 16th of December until the 24th. It is believed by many that a wish will be granted upon the completion of the nine early masses, which usually starts as early as three in the morning. Another thing that makes a Filipino Christmas unique is the presence of parols and colourful lights outside just about every household. A parol is a traditional filipino lantern that is usually made from bamboo sticks and colourful plastic sheets (which locals call cellophane), and is commonly in star shapes. Back in the 20´s, these lanterns were initially used to help light the path to church for the villagers attending Misa de Gallo. At present, these colourful lanterns now come in

all shapes and sizes, and adorn many Filipino homes, schools and offices.

ANOTHER THING THAT MAKES A FILIPINO CHRISTMAS UNIQUE IS THE PRESENCE OF PAROLS AND COLOURFUL LIGHTS OUTSIDE At the end of Christmas Eve marks a special dinner for every family: the Noche Buena. Usually celebrated right after the clock strikes twelve, a massive feast is laid out on the dinner table full of hearty Filipino food such as the roasted pig (lechon), queso de bola, fried noodles, rice cakes, fruit salad, sweet ham and many more.

Shortly after the Noche Buena, the family would usually gather around the sala for the Manito-Manita (where they anonymously give gifts to someone) or exchange gifts with everyone. Whether it’s the Jose Marie Chan songs on repeat on every barrio, sari-sari store, or home sound systems, or the flashing, colourful lights on the streets and every building, or the groups of local children singing Christmas carols for money around the village, Christmas is the special time of year for every Filipino. And even if it’s still 30 degrees outside and the only snow we get is a snowcone made of shaved ice and syrup, nobody can deny that the filipino Christmas spirit is unbeatable.

Photographer Matias Olivieri

# Be local BISAYA

PASKONG PINOY Ang Paskong Pinoy usa gayod sa mga tinuig nga tradisyon nga nagpakita sa malipayon ug madasigon nga espiritu sa mga Pilipino. Sa Septembre pa lamang, ang mga daygon sa Pasko ipatokar na sa mga radyo ug ang mga parol, hinimo sa balay sa porma nga bituon, gibaligya sa mga kadalanan. Adunay daghang mga kostumbre ug tradisyon sa Kapaskohan nga gipasa-pasa sa usa ka henerasyon ngadto sa sunod. Uban sa 83% sa populasyon sa nasod nga nagsunod sa Katoliko nga pagtuo, daghan sa mga tradisyon sa Pasko sa mga Pilipino adunay lalom nga relihiyoso nga kagikan. Usa niini mao ang Misa de Gallo, o Simbang Gabi. Nagsugod isip pamaagi sa mga ming-kolonisar nga mga Katsila nga mapasimba ang mga sayo mangmata nga mga mag-uumang Pilipino (kinsa magsugod og trabaho sa umahan human sa pagsubang sa adlaw aron malikayan ang init nga adlaw inig ka udto) karon usa na kini ka karaan nga tradisyon para sa tibuok pamilya ug

kinahanglan buhaton sa mga deboto nga manimbahay. Ang Simbang Gabi o misa sa kaadlawon usa ka siyam ka adlaw nga ritwal nga magsugod gikan inig ka 16 sa Disyembre hangtod inig 24. Gituohan sa kadaghanan nga adunay â€œwishâ€? nga matuman inig makompleto ang siyam ka mga misa, nga sagad magsugod sa alas tres sa kaadlawon. Laing butang nga nakapalahi sa Pasko sa Pilipino mao ang presensya sa mga parol ug ang mga suga nga daghan og kolor sa gawas sa matag balay. Ang parol usa ka tradisyonal nga suga nga sagad hinimo sa kawayan ug plastic nga adunay mga kolor (gitawag usab nga cellophane), nga pormahon sama sa bituon. Kaniadtong dekada 20, kini nga mga suga gigamit aron moiwag sa agianan padulong sa simbahan para sa mga lumulupyo nga motambong og Misa de Gallo. Sa pagka-karon, kini nga mga parol anaa sa tanan nga porma ug gidak-on, ug nag-adorno sa daghan nga Pilipino nga mga balay, eskwelahan, ug opisina. Ang kahumanan sa Bisperas sa Pasko

mao ang espesyal nga panihapon sa tibuok pamilya: ang Noche Buena. Kasagaran gisaulog kini inig ka tunong sa orasan sa alas dose, usa ka dako nga salo-salo ang giandam sa lamesa puno sa mga lami nga pagkaong Pilipino sama sa lechon, queso de bola, pansit, puto, fruit salad, tam-is ham ug uban pa. Inig ka human sa Noche Buena, ang pamilya magtapok sa sala para sa Manito-Manita (diin sila maghatagay og regalo) o mag-ilis-ilis og regalo sa tanan.

LAING BUTANG NGA NAKAPALAHI SA PASKO SA PILIPINO MAO ANG PRESENSYA SA MGA PAROL UG ANG MGA SUGA NGA DAGHAN OG KOLOR SA GAWAS SA MATAGÂ BALAY Bisan ang mga kanta man ni Jose Marie Chan nga gibalik-balik sa kada baryo, sari-sari store, o ang mga sound system sa balay, o ang mga makasinag nga hayag nga adunay kolor sa mga dalan ug kada edipisyo, o mga grupo sa lokal nga kabataan nga manaygon sa Pasko sa barangay, ang Pasko usa ka espesyal nga panahon sa tuig sa kada Pilipino. Ug bisan pa 30 grados ang ka init sa gawas ug ang yelo nga atong makuha mao ang snowcone nga hinimo sa kinagis nga yelo ug syrup, walay makadumili nga espiritu sa Pasko sa mga Pilipino, dili malupig.

uilbert Yann G inay rapher: ah Photog JanX2 M Rider:

We you ac h

! e d i r o t ow

WA K E B OA R D I N G S I A R G AO B A R A N G AY C O N S U E L O Only 5km from General Luna

info @siargaowakepark .co m +63 (0) 906 048 6186

Easy to learn & exciting! Open to everyone groups/families @siargao wakepark

Siargao Wakepark

W W W . S I A R G A O WA K E P A R K . C O M

(Possible for private events)

# Be kids

Written by: Julla González

ENGLISH

CHRISTMAS WISHES This season of joy and giving, we have fully dedicated this edition to the wonderful holiday that is Christmas. It would come as a surprise for many tourists who visit the Philippines at this time of year how borderline-obsessed Filipinos are about Christmas. Even in tiny villages where there is barely any cellular connection, you can still see Christmas lights on the nipa roofs and remixed Christmas songs on repeat in their large karaoke systems.

forget what the essence of Christmas truly is. We ask kids in General Luna what the holiday is for them, and what gifts they wanted for Christmas.

Truly, Christmas is the one event of the year that every Filipino family looks forward to. With retail shops and shopping malls holding Christmas Sales for last-minute shoppers, to online shops making gift-buying easier with every click, it’s easy to

Photographer Matias Olivieri

Be kids # BISAYA

MGA WISH SA PASKO Niining panahon sa kalipay ug paghatag, gigahin gayod namo kini nga edisyon para niining maanindot nga kasaulogan nga mao ang Pasko.

MICHELLE

Mahimong masorpresa ang daghang mga turista nga mobisita sa Pilipinas niining panahon sa tuig kon unsa ka hapit magpakaboang ang mga Pilipino sa Pasko. Bisan sa gagmay nga mga baryo diin walay koneksyon sa silpon, makakita gihapon ka og mga suga-suga sa Pasko sa atop sa mga payag ug mga gi-remix nga mga kanta sa Pasko nga gibalik-balik sa dagko nilang mga karaoke. Tinuod gayod nga ang Pasko usa sa mga panghitabo sa tibuok tuig nga

ALISHA

hinam-hinamon sa matag pamilya nga Pilipino. Gikan sa mga tindahan ug mga shopping mall nga adunay Christmas Sales sa mga ulahi nga mamalitay, ngadto sa mga online shops nga makapadali sa pagpalit og regalo pinaagi lamang sa pagclick-lick, dali na lamang makalimtan unsa ang tinuod nga kahulogan sa Pasko. Busa nangutana kami sa mga kabataan sa General Luna kon unsa kini nga kasaulogan para nila, ug unsa nga mga regalo ang ilang gusto para sa Pasko.

RACHEL

KRISHLEY

7 years old

12 years old

14 years old

9 years old

Christmas is

My favorite part about it

My Christmas wish

DAVID

MARTINEZ

Going to church with my family early in the morning Pagsimba uban sa akong pamilya sayo sa kabuntagon

My favorite part about it The fireworks Ang mga pabuto

My Christmas wish New sandals Bag-o nga sandals

The special day of the year where family gets together Ang espesyal nga adlaw sa tuig nga magtapok ang tibuok pamilya

My favorite part about it

Sharing a meal with my family who I don’t see very often Magsalo-salo sa akong kapamilya nga dili uban permi

Getting presents Pagdawat og mga regalo The presents! Ang mga regalo!

A new cellphone Bag-o nga cellphone

My Christmas wish

Going to church Pagsimba Bonding with my family Makig-uban sa akong pamilya Happiness for my family Kalipay para sa akong pamilya

New shoes Bag-o nga sapatos

JENNIFER

ARIANA

10 years old

9 years old

Christmas is

My favorite part about it

My Christmas wish

Having a big feast and singing karaoke Paghikay og dako ug manganta sa karaoke

My favorite part about it Receiving gifts Makadawat og mga regalo

My Chrvistmas wish A new dress Bag-o nga sinina

Celebrating the birth of Jesus Pagsaulog sa pagkatawo ni Hesus

My favorite part about it That were all happy Malipayon kitang tanan

My Christmas wish

Good health for my parents & siblings Maayong panglawas para sa akong mga ginikanan ug mga igsuon

Time to go to church Panahon para mosimba Receiving gifts Makadawat og mga regalo

No problems for my mother Walay problema si mama

Going to church Pagsimba Bonding with my family Makig-uban sa akong pamilya Storybooks and school supplies Mga storybooks ug mga gamit sa pag-eskwela

# Be refresh New regulations

ENGLISH

2018 A WALK TO REMEMBER 2018 has been a very busy year. From the new regulation of Cloud 9’s boardwalk in April to the singleuse plastic ban in November, we’ve prepared a timeline for you to take a step back and see how far the island has come this year. * This is an estimation and a summary done with the maximum accuracy possible on an island like Siargao. Nonetheless, for further information you may contact the local government offices.

The Cloud 9 Boardwalk At the end of March, Cloud 9 Tower and Boardwalk was closed as a reaction to the influx of tourists during Holy Week. On April 29th the Tower reopened with an new entrance fee of PHP50. From that moment, the Cloud 9 Tower entered a new era.

Bikini ban In September, there was a proposal pushed by the Governor’s office that will ban the wearing of bikinis (two-piece swimsuits) in the streets of General Luna. The ordinance is yet to be seen.

Cloud 9 area Right after the tower and boardwalk new regulation, the whole area of Cloud 9 experienced many changes. Vendors were forbidden and parking was no longer allowed on the road leading to the tower. Island hopping Since the beginning of the year, there is a new regulation for island hopping, tourists must register and pay a fee at the pier of PHP 50 before their departure.

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Be refresh # Social event

SC H

Kite competition In April, the first kite competition for the kids of Burgos.

Glass shredding In August, Kermit Siargao and Eagle Monkey Brewery, with the help of the community, successfully fundraised money for a crystal shredding machine that will turn glass into sand to be used as building material. It will be delivered in 2019.

Puppy Puddle, The Siargao Movie, the movie was originally launched in December 2017. This event was the predecessor of most happenings in 2018. After the movie was released, it opened the doors of the then-mysterious and hard-to-reach Siargao to the world.

a non-profit organization, was born to help the streets dogs of Siargao. They organized four free neuter clinics in different barangays, where they helped over 300 dogs.

Long dry season From August until October, we experienced the effects of a very long dry season. A high percentage of deep wells were completely dry, leaving many people without water in their houses for months.

On a medical level, the first pharmacy, the first optical clinic and the first medical clinic “Metropolitan Doctors Medical Clinic” opened in General Luna, making access to medical care more convenient for locals and expats.

Be Siargao,

The Best

was born in April 2018 and first edition was published a month after.

Best island award In October, Siargao was awarded by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, as the “best island to visit in Asia”. Siargao Pet Doctors In January, the first ever veterinary in General Luna opened its doors in Purok 3.

Recycling Art Studio In April, the first ever Recycling Art Studio was opened. It was a big step for the island. The major aim was to reduce and recycle the plastic consumed on the island. Thanks to their plastic shredding machine, they can convert big pieces of plastic into small ones, to fill up pillows and bean bags.

Dumpsite In June, the dumpsite located on the back road was covered with soil and the trash moved to Malinao.

Road widenings, a project was launched mid-year to widen the roads started from the outside and inside roads that goes from Dapa to General Luna. It is said that one of the goals of the road-widening is to increase the protection of roadside homes by giving them more space.

Community market The first permanent community “Tabo” market was opened in Burgos. This project gave farmers better opportunities.

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Be refresh # Environment Plastic ban in Pilar In April, the Municipality of Pilar banned single-use plastic, being the first municipality in Siargao to take the lead on the plastic battle. Plastic ban in General Luna

A truck for Catangnan Barangay Catangnan was able to buy a truck, thanks to donations, used for collecting and bringing the trash to the dumpsite, as well as for other purposes.

Malinao

In November, the ordinance to ban single-use plastic in General Luna was finally completed. It will be fully implemented on January 1st. This event has been on of the highlight of 2018.

In October, the online campaign â€œPreserve The Nature In Malinaoâ€? was launched to collect signatures against the project of paving the beach road in Barangay Malinao.

Seawall in Catagnan

First free plastic surf competition The 20th Siargao Surfing Cup, was the first free plastic competition in Siargao. It was promoted by SEA Movement and the PNP. They all patrolled the area banning plastic bottles to enter the area. Refiling station were provided to the visitors.

Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources In June, Gina Lopez, an environmentalist who served as Secretary of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), visited the island looking to understand what was happening and what were the next steps to be done to protect Siargao.

End of July, SEA Movement and other representatives of Catangnan, stopped, with an oral petition, the sea wall that was projected to be build in the area. This sea wall would have probably destroyed parts of the ecosystem of the area. Seawall in Burgos In Burgos, the last and longest stage of the seawall was finalized. Seawalls destroy ecosystems, as they harm the connection between the ocean and the land which many crustaceous, turtles and other animals need.

# Be refresh Price increases

The increase of the land

Nationwide, In May, the inflation edged up to 4.6 percent from 4.5 percent, reaching the highest since November 2011. Consumer prices in the Philippines rose by 5.2 percent year-on-year in June of 2018, after a 4.6 percent gain in the previous month and above market estimates of 4.8 percent. It is the highest inflation rate since October 2011.

An average increase of 183% Beginning of the year: PHP 500 / 12 000 per sq.m. depending on location. Now: PHP 2 000 / 20 000 per sq.m. depending on location.

The increase of the number of Airbnb An average increase of 580% Beginning of the year: 50 properties on Airbnb Now: 340 properties on Airbnb

Currency rate 1st of January 1$ =PHP 49,787 1st of February 1$ = PHP 51,680 22nd of March 1$ = PHP 52,402 15th of May 1$ = PHP 52,263 11th of June 1$ = PHP 53,132 14th of June 1$ = PHP 53,340 18th of June 1$ = PHP 53,500 6th of September 1$ = PHP 53,970 12th of September 1$ =PHP 54,052 2nd of October 1$ = PHP 54,329 22nd of October 1$ = PHP 53,800 20th of November 1$ = PHP 52,448

The increase of the beer in bars An average increase of 20% Beginning of the year: PHP 50 Now: PHP 60

The increase of cost common house rentals

Department of Tourism According to the provincial tourism office of Siargao, there were 129,730 visitors in 2017; 35,000 were foreign tourists (being Australia, Germany and Spain the top 3 countries). From January to July 2018, there were 88,859 visitors; 28,026 foreign tourists. Increase of the livelihood in General Luna, Siargao in 2018: 74% In Siargao We have based the prices according to the ones in the Municipality of General Luna, as it is the town with major influx of tourists.

An average increase of a 112,5% Beginning of the year: PHP 8 000 / 15 000 for a one to two-bedroom house. Now: PHP 18 000 / 30 000 for a one to two-bedroom house.

The increase of the number of airport vans An average increase of 30% Beginning of the year: 100 vans operating Now: 130 vans operating In 2016 there were only 37 vans (an increase of 251% in two years).

The increase of the petrol An average increase of 22-25% Beginning of the year: PHP 45 / 48 Now: PHP 55 / 60

The increase of electric bill An average increase of 193% since October. A business bill that was around PHP 4 000 per month has increased to PHP 14 000 bill (300%). A house bill that cost around PHP 1 500 per month has increased to PHP 2 800 (86%).

The increase of the tricycle rates from General Luna to Dapa An average increase of 20% Beginning of the year: PHP 200 (one way) Now: PHP 240 (one way)

# Be refresh Sport

Siargao Champs! In December, three locals born and raised in Siargao were crowned as the best surfers 2018 in the Philippines. John Mark Tokong (Men’s Open Shortboard), Nilbie Blancada (Women’s Open Shortboard) and Gabriel Lerog (Juniors Division). SURF INSTRUCTOR

Surf instructors regulation

Feeling Single A community competition, was held this year and was in of Mike Escoltura who passed away last year. The competition was less about skill and was more on fun tricks, and who had the most creative costumes.

Siargao Island Surfing Association (SISA) was finally established, with its aim of regulating and improving the quality of surf lessons. Sixty Siargaonon surfers were certified surf instructors.

Unexpected waves In July when there are usually no waves, we were gifted with 6 to 8 foot waves. Everyone was out surfing and enjoying this gift from nature.

Pacifico surfing competition In October, the first surfing competition in Pacifico took place, organized by The Sun Crew.

World Surfing Games In early September, the Philippine Surfers Team travelled to Japan and debuted at the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games (WSG). A snapshot of what could be the Summer Olympics in Tokyo 2020.

2019 PREDICTIONS, ARE YOU READY? Road project By January, the new “Road Right of Way” will be implemented. As said on the notification given to owners of front road properties it is requested to remove any obstruction at least 5,35 meters from the center line. This will affect all the business on the tourism road from Dapa, Union, General Luna and Catangnan. Private hospital A project for a private hospital is scheduled for the first quarter of the year. The location will be in the intersection between Dapa and Pilar road. International airport The rumors about the international airport in Burgos municipality are always in the air. Will 2019 be the year that construction starts? Siargao under the DENR After the Boracay closure and Palawan partial-closure, in 2019 Siargao could also experience some crackdowns from government departments like DENR on non-complying business establishments. Franchises 2019 could also be the year of the first franchises landing in Siargao.

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# Be involve

Written by: Olga Garcia

ENGLISH

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS Christmas is a time to come together and share valuable moments. Despite of our origins and beliefs, Christmas is a once-a-year opportunity to give, receive and help the less fortunate. According to The World Bank, 22 million Filipinos still live under the poverty line. “The poorest households are those dependent on agriculture as their main source of income and most of them live in the countryside, in areas prone to disasters or in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.” WB reported earlier this year. This season of giving, make your Siargao adventure one for the books an help out these local non-profit organizations make a difference to the local people of Siargao and its environment.

NATURE KIDS OF SIARGAO Starting this Christmas, Nature Kids of Siargao will open the very first “Pay with Plastic Shop”. People who will bring dry and clean soft plastic & Styrofoam to their Recycling Art Studio will be awarded for their effort with donated gifts from the shop. Each gram of trash counts. What can I do? They are in need of green hearted businesses & individuals to help fill up their shop with useful and sustainable things! Especially food (with long time expiration), like rice, cans, pasta & household products, like soap, laundry detergent etc. Locally produced products are a plus. If you want to donate funding’s so they can purchase items needed, you can send them a Paypal donation through hi@ naturekidsofsiargao.com” More info at: www.naturekidsofsiargao.com

GROM NATION SIARGAO Grom Nation focuses on the education of the new generation. They encourage kids to go to school in exchange for surf lessons. As school attendance is very low in the region (only 42%), it is a highly effective method of motivating children. At the moment, they are fundraising money to build a toilet for Burgos Elementary School. The absence of the lavatory facilities means that every time the kids have to go, they have to run home, which usually ends up with them no longer returning to school. What may be a basic human right turns out to be a luxury in these rural areas. But you can help change that. What can I do? Help them raise funds through two projects: you can either rent their “Happy Helmets”, available at Harana and at Loose keys, for only PHP 100 per day (it might also help you live another day), or purchase their Grom Nation t-shirts at Fat Lips Shop, Harana and Loose Keys. All proceeds go towards their projects. More info at: www.gromnationsiargao.com

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Italian coffee and pastries

Open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm

09157248801 Lunares cafe siargao

@lunarescafe

# Be involve

SEA MOVEMENT

THE SUN CREW The Sun Crew is located in the north town of Pacifico. They work 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 â€œWaves of Changeâ€? shirts, all proceeds go directly to their projects in Siargao. You can find the shirts at Gwapitos shop in General Luna and at Wemars store in Pacifico. More info at: www.thesuncrew.com

Siargao Environmental Awareness Movement (SEA Movement) is an organization that works towards preserving the nature of Siargao as well as being a role model for the new generation. They are the major agent when talking about environment in the island. What can I do? A beautiful way to support their projects is by buying their insulated water bottles. 100% of the funds go straight to their projects. You can buy this reusable bottle at Greenhouse and at Harana and start a greener 2019! More info at: www.seamovement.ph

NISSI ACADEMY Nissi Academy is a non-profit elementary school located in General Luna. Nissi was founded in 2015 with the goal of offering the children of Siargao the opportunity to achieve excellence in a supportive and nurturing environment. The school has 140 students at the moment and it aims to expand by 25 every year as it adds extra grades, with the construction of new classrooms. What can I do? In order to offer this standard of education they are seeking to expand their building and facilities. Their expansion project has to phases; by April 2019, build a new ground level classroom and one comfort room. By March 2020, build two second story classrooms and one comfort room. They are accepting donations to help with their expansion program. Donations can be made via bank transfer within the Philippines or via Paypal to: nissiacademygl@yahoo.com Philippine National Bank (PNB) A/C Name: Nissi Academy INC A/C#: 403610003157 Branch#: 4036 Dapa, Surigao Norte.

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More info at: www.nissiacademygl.org

del

Be involve #

SIARGAO MASAYA Siargao Masaya focuses on the education of the children of Siargao as well as enabling the poorest families to gain financial independence. They have sponsored around 200 kids to school. On Saturday they drive around the island on their yellow “Mobile Library”, reading storybooks to the kids from the local barangays. What can I do? You can sponsor a child’s education. By choosing to sponsor a child you are helping families in need and giving a young boy/ girl the opportunity to go to school. • One year at elementary school (from 7 to 12 years old): 44€ (PHP 2,500) • One year in High School (from 12 to 16 years old): 87€ (PHP 4,000) • One year in Senior High (from 16 to 18 years old): 130€ (PHP 8,000) • One year at vocational school (from 18 years old): 513 € (PHP 30,000) Another option is to donate school materials and books. You can drop your donations at Emerald Shop in Cloud 9. More info at: www.siargao-masaya.org

PUPPY PUDDLE Puppy puddle is an organization that rescues dogs from the streets of Siargao. They provide the medical care needed, until the dog is ready to find a new home/family. This year, for the first time they have organized free spay and neuter clinics with the support of Surigao Pets Doctor and PPBCC. Spaying it is an effective way to stop the uncontrolled birth of puppies, most of them will suffer mange and other diseases, and will not even have a roof. What can I do? • H elp a puppy with PHP 2,500: with this package you give a good star for a puppy’s life. It includes important vaccines, mange treatment, health check-up, collar and food. • Help a female dog PHP 4,500: This package takes care of spaying procedure for one female dog. To donate to their cause and help the puppies of Siargao, email at: puppypuddlesiargao@gmail.comor More info at: Facebook: Puppy Puddle Siargao Call: 092-7857-9979

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Photographer: PSCT

# Be salty

Written by: Camille Pilar

ENGLISH

SIARGANON SURFERS CLAIM THE NATIONAL TITLE FOR SHORTBOARD DIVISIONS John Mark “Marama” Tokong, Nilbie Blancada, and Gabriel Lerog were proclaimed champions of the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, and Juniors Shortboard divisions. The last leg of the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour took place in Cabugao (Ilocos Sur) at Kido’s surf point. This is how the shortboard Final went:

A sweeping current was visible from the surface and the surfers had to work harder to get to the peak to claim priority. What was once an outstretched wall of perfection had become a puzzle of bumpy ramps and gaping barrel sections that tricked many surfers into believing that there was a way out. It was in these conditions that Marama, Nilbie, and Gab Lerog proved just how skilled they were at navigating near-closeout waves and negotiating split-second situations. Lerog showed the true power of Catangnan, General Luna as his singlewave scores increased as he advanced further into the competition. In the Finals, he bested La Union’s young guns (Jomarie Ebueza, Perry Ventura, and Rj Chico Lopez) no matter how much they tried to snatch the lead from him. Nilbie was a league of her own as she showed complete confidence and control each time she took off on a wave. She posted a total heat score of 12.75 20# in the Finals, easily finishing

with wave scores in the 6.00 range while her opponents struggled to post anything above a 4.00. The Men’s Shortboard Open Finals was a classic match-up between Marama and Piso Alcala. The two have been surfing neck and neck since the start of the Championship Tour but today, in a small fishing village in Ilocos Sur, Marama edged over his long-time surf brother by consistently delivering scores in the 7.00 range, amounting to a record-high 14.75 total heat score in the Finals. Not only did Marama, Nilbie, and Gabriel earn the winning titles for the Cabugao leg of the competition, they were officially named the #1 ranked shortboarders in the entire Philippine Surfing Championship Tour. The Ilocos Sur National Surfing Championships was the last stop of the 2018 Philippine Surfing Championship Tour. After tallying all the points from the Siargao, Lanuza, and Cabugao legs of the tour, this year’s Grand Champions are John

Mark Tokong for Men’s Shortboard, Nilbie Blancada for Women’s Shortboard, Gabriel Lerog for Juniors Shortboard, Jay-r Esquivel for Men’s Longboard, and Daisy Valdez for Women’s Longboard. These Grand Champions will have the highest chances of representing the Philippines in the upcoming SEA Games as well as the 2020 Olympics where surfing will be celebrated as a medal sport for the first time.

A SWEEPING CURRENT WAS VISIBLE FROM THE SURFACE AND THE SURFERS HAD TO WORK HARDER TO GET TO THE PEAK TO CLAIM PRIORITY

Since September, we have followed every heat and round the filipino surfers have ripped. It has been another epic Tour where we have seen highs and lows, countless barrels and aerial tricks. Congratulations to all! See you next year!

# Be salty

RESULTS FOR THE 2018 ILOCOS SURF NATIONAL SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS: Men’s Shortboard Open

Women’s Shortboard Open

Juniors Shortboard

Men’s Longboard Open

Women’s Longboard Open

1ST

John Mark Tokong (Siargao)

2ND

Piso Alcala (Siargao)

3RD

Nilbie Blancada (Siargao)

2ND

Ana Mae Alipayo (Siargao)

3RD

Gabriel Lerog (Siargao)

2ND

Jomarie Ebueza (La Union)

3RD

Jay-r Esquivel (La Union)

2ND

Roger Casugay (La Union)

3RD

Daisy Valdez (La Union)

2ND

Place: Jessah Agudo (Siargao)

3RD

EQUAL • Jay-r Esquivel (La Union)

EQUAL • Daisy Valdez (La Union)

EQUAL • Perry Ventura (La Union)

EQUAL • Marven Abat (La Union)

EQUAL • Jevy Mae Agudo (Siargao)

• Edwardo Alciso (Siargao)

• Pinky Alipayo (Siargao)

• Rj Chico Lopez (La Union)

• Crisanto Villanueva (La Union)

• Maricel Parajes (Siargao)

5TH EQUAL • Neil Sanchez (Baler)

5TH EQUAL • Jolina Longos (Siargao)

5TH EQUAL • John Joey Agasa (Zambales)

5TH EQUAL • Rico Dumaguin (La Union)

5TH EQUAL • Rhea Ventura (La Union)

• Jefferson Del Torre (Baler/La Union)

• Justin Escoltura (Siargao)

• Benjomar Canon (Siargao)

• Jomarie Ebueza (La Union)

• Ashlee Lopez (La Union)

• Marven Abat (La Union)

• Angel’Lea Aguilar (Pangasinan)

• Noah Arkfield (Siargao)

• Jefferson Dela Torre (Baler/La Union)

• Angel’ Lea Aguilar (Pangasinan)

• John Carlos Noguerra (Siargao)

• Jhenard Fernandez (La Union)

• Winnie Fuller (La Union)

• Mark Escoltura (Siargao)

Congratulations to our Team Rider

Marama tokong

on winning the 2018 Philippines Surfing Championship Tour Photographer: Oli Bayer

is now your authorized dealer of

Be salty # BISAYA

MGA SIARGANON NGA SURFER MINGKUHA SA NASODNONG TITULO SA SHORTBOARD DIVISIONS Silang John Mark “Marama” Tokong, Nilbie Blancada, ug Gabriel Lerog maoy giproklamar nga mga kampeyon sa Men’s Open, Women’s Open, ug Juniors Shortboard divisions. Ang kataposang bahin sa Philippine Surfing Championship Tour nahitabo sa Cabugao (Ilocos Sur) sa Kido’s surf point. Mao kini ang mga nahitabo sa Finals sa shortboard:

Ang Men’s Shortboard Open Finals usa ka klasiko nga panagsangka tali nilang Marama ug Piso Alcala. Nanag-atbang na silang duha nga gasurf sukad pa sa sinugdanan sa Championship Tour apan karong adlawa, sa usa ka gamay nga baryo sa mangisdaay sa Ilocos Sur, si Marama nakabentaha sa iyang dugay nang igsuon sa surf pinaagi sa mapadayonon nga pagpuntos og tag 7.00, nga mikabat sa hataas nga 14.75 nga total nga puntos sa heat sa Finals. Wala lamang madaog nilang Marama, Nilbie, ug Gabriel ang mga titulo sa Cabugao nga parte sa kompetisyon, kondili gihinganlan sila nga mga numero uno sa mga shortboarder sa tibuok Philippine Surfing Championship Tour.

Makita sa ibabaw ang usa ka makusog nga sulog ug ang mga surfer nagkinahanglan nga maningkamot og dugang aron maabot sa kinatumyan para makakuha og prayoridad. Ang kaniadto halapad nga paril sa perpeksyon, nahimo nang sulbaronong libaong nga rampa ug makanganga nga mga seksyon sa barrel nga makailad sa mga surfer nga adunay agianan pagawas. Sa niini nga mga kondisyon nga silang Marama, Nilbie, ug Gab Lerog mipamatuod kon unsa sila kahanas sa paglawig sa pasira na nga mga balud ug pagnegosyar sa kalit-kalit nga mga sitwasyon. Si Lerog mipakita sa tinuod nga gahom sa Catangnan, General Luna sa nagkadako niyang puntos sa tagsatagsa nga mga balud sa iyang pagabante pa sa kompetisyon. Sa Finals, nalupig niya ang mga bag-ong tubo sa La Union (silang Jomarie Ebueza, Perry Ventura, ug Rj Chico Lopez) bisan unsaon pa man nila pagsulay og ilog sa pangulohan gikan niya. Si Nilbie linahi usab sa tanan sa iyang pagpakita og bug-os nga kompiyansa

ug kontrol kada higayon nga makakuha siya og balud. Ang iyang total nga puntos sa heat sa Finals kay 12.75, sayon lamang siya nakakuha og mga 6.00 nga mga puntos sa balud samtang ang iyang mga kaatbang naglisod pagpuntos og ibabaw sa 4.00.

MAKITA SA IBABAW ANG USA KA MAKUSOG NGA SULOG UG ANG MGA SURFER NAGKINAHANGLAN NGA MANINGKAMOT OG DUGANG ARON MAABOT SA KINATUMYAN PARA MAKAKUHA OG PRAYORIDAD

Ang Ilocos Sur Surf National Surfing Championships mao ang kataposang bahin sa 2018 Philippine Surfing Championship Tour. Human sa paglista sa sa tanang mga puntos gikan sa Siargao, Lanuza, ug Cabugao nga parte sa tour, ang mga Grand Champion niining tuiga mao si John Mark Tokong sa Men’s Shortboard, si Nilbie Blancada sa Women’s Shortboard, si Gabriel Lerog sa Juniors Shortboard, si Jay-r Esquivel sa Men’s Longboard, ug si Daisy Valdez sa Women’s Longboard. Kini nga mga Grand Champion maoy adunay kinadak-ang kahigayonan nga morepresentar sa Pilipinas sa umaabot nga SEA Games ug usab sa 2020 Olympics diin ang surfing saulogon isip paugnat nga may medalya sa unang higayon. Sukad pa sa Septyembre, nagsunod na kita sa matag heat ug ronda nga gilangkat sa mga pilipino nga surfer. Usa na usab kadto ka hugyaw nga Tour diin nakakita kita og mga higayon sa taas ug ubos, dili maihap nga mga barrel ug mga aerial tricks. Pahalipay alang sa tanan! Hangtod sa 23# sunod tuig na usab!

# Be salty

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# Be low & high DECEMBER

Be tuned #

Tides for Port Pilar

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USEFUL INFO WHILE IN SIARGAO

BOATS From Dapa to Surigao City • Hasta la Visa- 5.30am • Fortune Angel 1 – 5.30am (Fast Ferry) • Evaristo and Sons – 6.30am • Fortune Angel 2 - 11am • MV Yohan Cruiser – 11.30am • LQP Express - 12pm • Evaristo and Sons – 1.30pm From Surigao City to Dapa • Fortune Angel 1 - 5am • LQP Express - 5:30am • MV Yohan Cruiser - 6am • Evaristo and Sons - 10am • Hasta la Vista - 11am • Fortune Angel 2 - 11am • Evaristo and Sons - 3.3opm From Cebu to Surigao City • Medallion Transport (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) - 8pm

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From Surigao City to Cebu • Medallion Transport (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) - 8pm Note: due to weather conditions, national festivities and other events the time schedules may change. You can now buy tickets of Yohan in front of Deli Street.

EMERGENCY NUMBER • Police Chief Inspector +63 998-967-4823 • Municipal Police +63 998-549-4147 • Ambulance +63 912-187-1239 • Coast Guard +63 917-821-4072 • Fire Protection +63 998-590-4303

POST OFFICE Every municipality on the island has one

VISA SERVICES Surigao City, (086) 310-0800 Open from Monday to Friday 8.30am to 18.30 pm

HOSPITAL •G eneral Luna Emergency Clinic 24/7, located in Purok 4 close to Palawan Shop +63 918-926-3112 • Dapa District Hospital +63 917 597 2050 (Not visiting on Saturday and Sunday) • Pilar District Hospital

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

ATM • D BP in GL across the Roman Catholic church • D BP in Dapa town • Western Union Service, National Highway in GL • E ast West Bank, in Dapa town

MONEY EXCHANGE • Palawan shop

25#

MATI OLIVIERI PHOTOGRAPHY

@mati.olivieri.surfph @mati.olivieri

SURF LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICE

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Feel free to write or call me: +63 (0)928 728 1319

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DEL CARMEN Sayak Airport

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SOHOTON SOHOTON CAVE

s i t s e r the

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*MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

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