Be Siargao Special

2019

BESIARGAO

THE SIARGAO LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

surf / community / environment / tourism

#SPECIAL EDITION

# Be Special BE SIARGAO FIRST ANNIVERSARY! The following interviews are all about our amazing sponsors! Mostly surfers who fell in love with this paradise we call home and decided to contribute to the community by opening their businesses.

We are deeply grateful with your support towards our magazine. Thank you for not only considering it as a channel to boost your business but also as a way to support local projects that aims to give voice and empower the local community.

Your stories have inspired us.

Thanks to each and single one of you for this beautiful first year.

Cheers!

2#

Be Siargao Team

LUNARES CAFÉ

L’OSTERIA

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? August 15, 2015.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? Gabriele and Sheila met in Milan and started dating. After a surf trip to Bali, Gabriele wanted to surf somewhere else and heard about Siargao in the Philippines. He came to the island and loved it. He told Sheila to visit the island and take a look at a land he was hoping to get. Sheila went to the island with her mother and loved the place as well.

They bought the land and thought of putting up some rooms to rent out, but the idea of a cafe suddenly came as the budget for the rooms was not enough, so it was more suitable for them to open a cafe as they both have experience in pastry making. Since then their cafe has been known to have the best focaccia sandwiches and brioche on the island.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? Sheila thought of mixing their family names together: di Luna plus Tabares, thus creating the name “Lunares” and the rest is history.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? First, we provide jobs for the local people.

Second we bring our plastic garbage to the Siargao recycling art studio.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? We opened in January 5, 2018.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? The concept behind L’Osteria is to setup a place where we put our talents and experience together, Anna (architect), Gaetano (restaurateur), and Hicham (chef), to create a place we can all take pride in. The owners are a Filipina and Italian couple, Bolognese to be exact.

L’Osteria is a typical kind of restaurant you find in Bologna, it can be casual or elegant but always a place to go in good company to drink wine, eat some good food and spend a great time WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? “Oste, portace n’altro litro!” Says a famous Italian popular song: “host, bring us another liter (of wine)” The word says a lot: every “Osteria” has a host, normally the owner himself, Osteria means hospitality, courtesy and a unique experience: I consider my Osteria like my house and the guest coming like friend visiting my home.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We offer an option for good quality food and experience.

Be Special # BRAVO

WHITE BANANA PLEASURE POINT CAFE

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED?

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED?

Year 2015.

White Banana was born the 18th of May 2018.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT?

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT?

Alex, a Spanish Filipino who was born in the Philippines but raised in Barcelona, decided to revisit his roots after studying hotel management. During a trip around the Philippines he fell in love with the island of Siargao. He decided to set up a small, full-service resort that has grown in the past three and a half years to become what BRAVO is today.

Gayle and Jimi wanted to live on the beach so they decided to move to Siargao and found an opportunity to buy a land. After spending time on the island, they realize what Siargao was missing, from their point of view, and decided to open a high-end beach cocktail bar where people could spend their time, on the beach, admiring the sunsets, listening to good house music and sipping high-end crafted cocktails.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? BRAVO is a word that means “well done” in various languages and is generally quite easy to pronounce regardless of where you come from.

It is a friendly word that is recognized throughout the world. BRAVO is also a nod to the Mediterranean themes in the resort, such as the restaurant which serves Mediterranean cuisine.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? BRAVO gives back to the community every year. First and foremost, they start by taking care of their own workers by providing them with good working conditions. The next priority is to support local NGOs that help out in various causes, like providing kids with opportunities for a good education. Recently, they added a skate bowl to the resort in the hopes of fostering talent in young local skateboarders. They hope to nourish the skateboarding community on the island so that It can grow and improve as much as the surfing has in past decades.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? The reason of the name is by far the most common question asked by our customers.

We have been asked this question, more or less, everyday since we opened.

The place should have been called Bianco Beach Bar, as it is partially inspired with the white beach bars you can find in the Mediterranean Sea (Bianco means White in Italian). But in the course of construction we found it too cliche and not too original.

We were very attracted by a painting of a Banana made by Andy Warhol, in the 60’s that became a cover of a famous rock and roll album from Lou Reed and Velvet underground. After brainstorming with a few friends, the name White Banana came out!

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We like to think that we can be an example as a green establishment as we do not sell anything in plastic, we recycle all metals and plastic and we are a vegetarian and vegan restaurant, meaning we are supplied by local farms and fishermen.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? September 2014.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? On my first trip to Siargao in 2013, I missed so much good espresso coffee and some pastries that I came back to the island with an idea of opening a little coffee shop trying to do proper espresso coffee using locally grown and roasted coffee beans.

I decided to offer wide selection of healthy all day breakfast options. For a while we were the only cafe of this kind around General Luna. Moreover, “Café” is not part of any chain and it has always been my heart project to sustain living on the island and be part of a wonderful surf community.

3#

# Be Special RIAD MASAYA HARANA

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED?

DELI STREET

Opened on November 1st 2017.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT?

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? Harana started 3 years ago in 2016.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? We wanted to make a resort in Siargao that was inclusive and celebrated the local culture of the island which was so welcoming, hospitable and warm to us when we visited.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? 2017 WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? We really just wanted to bring a good sandwich joint to Siargao.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? We definitely wanted people to know we were a deli and a destination, hence Deli Street.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We have our breads from local sources in General Luna and we also carry products made by island locals.

4#

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? The word Harana means to serenade. A Filipino tradition where in male suitors would sing to female counterparts in an effort to capture her heart. In this sense we would like to do the same with our clients so that they fall in love with our service and the natural beauty that Siargao landscapes and people have to offer.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? Contributing to the island was one of our main objectives. Besides the numerous jobs and training we give our staff, we are continuously supporting many grass roots and community programs that are around. Name a good community program and we are most probably supporting it.

Inspired by a good friend and her Moroccan background, we decided to build a Riad here in Siargao. A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house with a garden or courtyard in the center, where families, friends and travelers meet and socialize. We wanted to bring people together and at the same time give them space to relax and enjoy their vacation.

Since we are not beach front, it was important to focus on the interior and build a cozy space with a very homey atmosphere.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? Since we wanted to combine the 2 cultures together, we decided to call it Riad Masaya.

Riad being the name for the traditional Moroccan style of building and Masaya coming from the Tagalog word “joy” or “happiness”.

We want the guest to feel welcome just as much as we want our staff to be happy to work and be there for our guest.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We try to do our best to support the community and the environment the best way we can.

First of all, we separate all our trash and clean our soft plastic to bring it to Siargao Recycling Studio in General Luna. We also inform our guest about local volunteer projects they can join and we do our best to save electricity by turning off all generators from 5pm to 8pm, as suggested by Siarelco. Our staff is all local and we shoulder the fees of the benefits from their salaries ( SSS, Pagibig, Philhealth).

Be Special # SURFIT GYM

ENCHANTED COVE RESORT

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED?

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM?

SurFit Fitness Gym opened end of March 2016.

We wanted the name to be something that would be cool and kinda scream “Siargao/ Island Gym” that could easily be associated with surfing, fitness and match the Island.

And that’s how the name SurFit came up matching perfectly with the logo as a barreling wave in shape of a flexing arm.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? I first came to Siargao 6 years ago, as I was travelling around the Philippines and decided that I wanted to try surfing. I had no idea what to expect when I got here but I ended up falling in love with the Island.

I tried come back as often as I could, staying longer and longer every time. When I came back here two and half years ago it was a point in my life where I didn’t know what to do or where to go next, and after staying here for 3 months I started thinking I needed long-term plan that could sustain my life here.

Moreover, I’ve always had an interest for working out and thought a gym was something that was lacking on the Island.

Seeing how more people ended up coming and staying for long term I saw the opportunity to do something that I love in a place that I love.

It didn’t take long until I found a good location with an existing structure and equipment made by local manufacturers in Manila, and just about 3 months after I had the Idea of the Siargao’s first gym, SurFit was up and running.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? As a gym we try to show and educate people about the benefits of exercise and a healthy diet. We have a variety of different equipment that can be used in different ways to make sure that everyone whether you are a beginner or have experience could do a proper full body workout.

We try to have instructors present at the gym at all time to make sure everyone that comes in gets all the assistance they need for them to achieve their goals, safely and efficiently. People’s goals is our focus, if it’s weight-loss, muscle gain or just exercises to improve surf we want to be able to help and assist everyone.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? The resort was built in 2017.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? We fell in love with the place and it didn’t take long until we build it. We are now happy to be an eco-friendly resort in Socorro.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? During the night, the star’s shine, the plankton in the water shine; indeed, it is Enchanted.

5#

# Be Special

GWAPITOS

KERMIT

KARAGATAN

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED?

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED?

Kermit Siargao was established in 2010, a time when there was not much going on the island and not many people wanted to come to Siargao, only surfers.

Karagatan Restaurant was established in September 2017 and is located inside Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? I always wanted to build a surf-camp with nice accommodation, good surf instructors and amazing food I came to Siargao first time in 2006, it was a mission. I fell in love with the Island and its people. I got back several times before I called the Philippines my home. I moved to the PH the beginning of 2009 when I got a job as marine biologist and a dive instructor.

In 2010, we started to build Kermit. Back then, it was all about lifestyle, passion and surf.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM?

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? Gwapitos was established on 2016.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? The brand Gwapitos came out after Kermit, when I was sponsoring more and more surfers every time and the budget was getting bigger.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? The name Gwapitos came up because everybody called, even now, Marama and me “Gwapito”, in the Philippine surf industry. I chose to make a few t-shirts and sell them to see how it was going and well the rest is history.

6#

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? No Siargao island experience is complete without fresh and flavorful seafood. At Karagatan Siargao, it is our goal to deliver a truly memorable seafood dining experience for every guest. Whether it be a romantic dinner for two, or a private function for a hundred, we invite you to satisfy your seafood cravings and escape to Karagatan.

Karagatan is a Modern Asian Seafood Restaurant with the widest variety of seafood in Siargao – from Mud Crabs, Prawns, Scallops, Mahi-Mahi, and even Octopus. We are also the only restaurant in where you can find full and flavorful Asian Fusion dishes featuring signature flavors from different Asian countries.

So it happened that I did a research before in Hawaii as a marine biologist and we called a specimen of monk seal “kermit”. We used it to monitor the migration patterns of these animals around the Hawaii islands. That was back in 2008. When I bought the land in the Philippines in 2009, the first that came into my mind was to call the corporation Kermit… Kermit grew so fast and the name remained. The rest is history!

Knowing that great food tastes even better when shared with good company, we are proud to offer romantic beachfront dinners, monthly Sunday Brunch Buffets, Packaged Group Menus, and Private Event Catering.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO?

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO?

Kermit at the beginning was born as Expcamp. I am a biologist and I wanted to have the smallest environment impact in Siargao as possible. I also wanted to support the community. With Gwapitos this dream came true.We are currently supporting 15-17 surfers/instructors, we organize and participate in clean ups, and everything of Gwapitos is made 100% in the Philippines.

We patronize the community fishermen through prioritizing locally sourced seafood whenever possible. We are also an active member of STOA and are in full support of the islands environmental efforts to reduce single use plastics, and segregate, upcycle, and dispose of waste responsibly.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? Karagatan is the Filipino word for ocean.

Be Special # SOS GYM

KITYA’S PLACE

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? SOS (Sons of Siargao) Gym was established on May 5th, 2018.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT?

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED?

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM?

Ian and I (Mike) have been practicing boxing and martial arts for many many years now, even before surfing. We teamed up with our friends Pao and Ziggy Roces of Elorde Top Team. They are one of the most well known boxing gyms in the whole country. Then we heard about Matt Glendinning. He was also planning on opening up a Muay Thai (Kickboxing) gym here on the island. He has over 12 years’ pro-experience in Thailand so it just made sense to partner up.

2014

My concept has always been around a more particular level of income and no more. I like to keep it small, manageable and personalized- enough to support my lifestyle. That explains why I was willing to be the face, building the brand around my name since everything I do is based on my philosophy and my style of running the business. There was no formula. I had to follow the natural flow.

Momon Fortich is also a key factor to our team! He brought Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the table. He is one of the main coaches of Origins BJJ, a well-known school here in the Philippines with multiple locations. Abe Tolentino also joined in! A lot of people don’t know this, but Abe is a high level Krav Maga instructor.

And together we planned out our classes and brought Martial Arts to Siargao Island.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? SOS GYM provides a facility where both locals and residents can learn self-defense and discipline through martial arts. We conduct kids classes every week in a safe atmosphere, and we work actively with the Siargao GL Police Department and have provided their officers training through Krav Maga.

We have also provided self-defense seminars for the local community, and we provide a facility for SISA ID Surfers that can come in anytime for strength and conditioning training.

Our doors are always open, and our rates are both tourist and local friendly.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? I was around Siargao for quite a while before I decided to build something. I had to slowly quit everything back home but there was never a second thought to finally move in the island for good. All I wanted was to surf, write songs and walk barefoot.

I had a café business brewing in my mind but I was never serious about it. I was preoccupied with other fun things than being responsible. But at some point, I had to do something especially I was on the verge of rebuilding my life. I had nothing but the love for cooking, mostly guts, helpful friends and the will to survive. I was motivated to be self-sufficient as possible; to work on something that doesn’t consume my life by doing something I really love.

I started everything from scratch. I only had two local staff and myself doing the shift. I was cooking, washing the dishes, doing my accounts and maintenance. I remembered taking water from an oldfashioned hand water pump, using a skateboard to bring drinking water from a store, dealing with a shitty toilet, blackouts, robbery and getting scammed by random people. I couldn’t count how many times I changed the menu. It was chaos, a war zone. I also had to move to three different places too since I was just renting land.

My humble beginnings…

2014 - My first café was along the dusty road. There was not so much back then, the road was not concrete yet. There was just a vulcanizing shop, some rental houses and a couple of small sari-sari stores.

I want a slow-paced island surf culture, to let go of the rush and be present. Inspired by the tropical and local vibe, people get to enjoy the view of the outdoors, flames, steam and clatter in my open-air kitchen. I want them to see errors because our point of connection lies in imperfection -it’s what makes it authentic.

Our food is a mix of different flavors and influences from re-imagined classics to dishes you’ve probably never heard before, meat serving yet vegan friendly, attuned to the diversity of the fast changing Siargao. This kind of freedom and control in my own kitchen is nearly ridiculous.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? I work with locals who, like myself, didn’t take culinary nor business school. But the first-hand experience we all had taken from it brought food on the table. I’m proud of it. I always make them feel that they own the place, not just work here. It wasn’t just an establishment… it became an eye-opener, an institution for self-growth and empowerment for women in the island to be independent and strong.

2015 – I moved the café to a better spot but still it was short time rent. So I kept in mind not to make so much investment. Most of it was recycled stuff from my previous restaurant.

2017- The third one is overlooking the beach! Made with upcycled materials. Ive seen better days

7#

# Be Special LAMPARA SIARGAO

FAT LIPS

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? We started the concept since June 2018, but we opened our doors January 31, 2019.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? We are a group of surfers who would camp every time we go on surf trips - either sleep in tents or hammocks just by the surf spot.

We loved being one with nature and surrounded by friends. We instantly fell in love with the vibe and the waves of Siargao that we had this idea of eventually escaping the concrete jungle to live and being able to surf every time the waves are good. And so Lampara was born.

We built our own space where we can also share it to fellow surfers and travellers alike. But we are more than just a place to stay, we are a place where people can treat it as a home while they’re on the island, experience all the fun that a hostel offers without compromising comfort and quality.

Everything in Lampara is well thought out - from the location, design, shared spaces, furniture, and even our staff. We want our guests to feel like they’re home and that they’ll always have a family here.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? The Lampara is a Filipino term which translates to lamp or light. It’s related to the idea of camping - which we love to do.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? After two years of saving and planning, Fat Lips was officially opened in April of 2015, we’ve just passed our four-year anniversary. Our shop has already gone through a location change and two expansions since opening, many people still fondly remember the little Fat Lips shop tucked away on a back road.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? In 2015, the island was much quieter but we could already see that more and more surfers would be coming to Siargao and there wasn’t a place to buy all the necessary surf products.

The idea was more than simply making money, we believed that if we could bring high quality surf and beach gear from around the Philippines and the World that would be something that everybody would appreciate and would in fact ‘add value’ to the local community. And it worked!

We opened with many products that had previously been totally unavailable in Siargao and tourists and locals alike started flocking to Fat Lips for all their needs. Four years later and people still know that if you can’t find it at Fat Lips you probably can’t find it anywhere.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM?

8#

When it came to choosing a name, a friend and I got some poster paper and markers and wrote ‘surf’ ‘siargao’ and ‘surfshop’ on the paper. We then started throwing up any words related to these topics that we thought of.. Under ‘surfing’ I wrote ‘wave’, then I wrote ‘barrel’ ‘face’ ‘lip’... and suddenly Fat Lips came out!

My friend laughed and said, nobody says that wave had a fat lip, I don’t think ‘Fat Lips’ is a surfing term... I was like, well now it is!

Later when a friend heard I wanted to call my shop ‘Fat Lips’ he made the logo for me... without my asking and free of charge. When I saw that sick logo, it was a done deal. So that’s how we called it Fat Lips Surfshop.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? Fat Lips has made many contributions to the local community though we don’t always highlight or brag about it. We sponsor riders, events, help out when someone in the community is in need of a donation.

But my favorite story was when one of the guests at Kermit’s asked the owner, ‘how come all these local (poor) kids are wearing better board shorts than all the tourists in Siargao? He replied that Fat Lips has recently opened and are bringing these awesome shorts to Siargao and giving them to locals at a cheap ‘local price’. It might not sound like ‘doing’ much to you, but in a lot of ways we evened the playing field between locals and foreigners and for that we’re very proud.

Be Special # SIRENA SPA GREENHOUSE

DAYO

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? Sirena Spa opened in July 2018 after 6 months of sleepless nights planning and renovating.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? We travelled to Siargao a couple of years ago and struggled to find a spa to relax in after our long days exploring the island. We fell in love with Siargao so much we decided to pack up our life in Manila and create a space for locals and tourists to relax in and pamper themselves!

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? Sirena is the Filipino word for Mermaid.

Mermaids have been a big part of Filipino folklore, they have always created a connection between humans and the ocean and they represent grace, peace, and beauty.

We wanted our brand to reflect our affinity for the ocean and also the association of beauty and serenity with the mermaids.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? On top of creating jobs for our 15 amazing team members, we contribute to local charity programs. We also sponsor young surfers and help support them with competition costs as well as making sure they are always feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Our business is a space for self love and care. In the midst of all the beauty and activity on the island, we wanted to create a place for people to come and give themselves a little TLC.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? 2009 WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? Greenhouse’s name came from the desire to build an eco friendly concept for Siargao. It’s a jungle with only a few houses. Built with local Siargaonan workers, we wanted to keep the same vibe as when we first arrived. It’s like staying in a greenhouse and all the plants help keep the place cooler from the hot sun! Ask to have your breakfast in the resort’s common space to see for yourself.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We have a Siargaonon team that never worked before, now they have learnt skills such as customer service and cooking at an international level. We are proud to have supported their family and the community around us when in need.

We use filtered well water and solar power instead of generators. Our resort uses eco soaps and detergents. Greenhouse Siargao with Kudo Surf are proud partners in establishing Sea Movement to help preserve Siargao’s future. We hope to work with new places coming to Siargao reduce their footprint and create a more sustainable Siargao.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? Started in 2013.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? Started from a mini hut selling cocoon hammocks and crocheted bags and purse made by my wife, then slowly acquired local hand crafted products for travelers souvenirs...

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? It was my brother who came up with the name DAYO because he said ‘’we are travelers and we serve travelers. “Dayo” is a local term for Travelers.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? By introducing to all travelers the products made by the locals of Siargao and not just Siargao but also products around the Philippines.

9#

# Be Special SIARGAO WAKEPARK GOOD KARMA NATURALS

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? 2016 WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? I shifted to natural skin care products in 2014 but the brand I was using was packed in plastic. I became friends with the owners and I convinced them to pack in paper but they didn’t want to. So in 2016 I made my own products packaged in paper, tin, and glass.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? I’m a big believer of karma and I intended to make this all good so I named it Good Karma Naturals.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? The ideals and methods behind this business have inspired the local community to follow suit. I hire people to help me and they also benefit in so many ways.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? The Wakepark was constructed during the years 2017 and 2018, with it’s official opening on the 22nd of July 2018.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? Siargao has it’s roots in surfing, which is the mother of all board sports. Wakeboarding combines surfing and skateboarding on water. Because of new cable installations and Wakeparks in the Philippines, the sport got famous with many international events and professional riders visiting the Manila area.

Adding wakeboarding to the surfing capital made total sense and the idea slowly became reality. Several locations and business models were considered until the open farmland in Brgy. Consuelo was discovered.

Mids the palm trees was an open area, big enough to make a pool gap shaped lake.

Only a few trees had to be removed and construction was ongoing.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM?

10#

The name is very straightforward. Location and service combined, we wanted Siargao Wakepark to be as easy as possible in every way. It’s easy to learn, easy to find, easy to share and easy to be stoked about our little piece of riding paradise.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We believe to attribute a unique and exciting activity to the island in a very sustainable way. The lake is made with a plastic liner that collects rainfall water only. There is no concrete or cement involved. There is no usage of other water sources, which makes us independent of the groundwater supply of the barangay. Future investments include biological filtration of the lake and solar powered flood lights to make riding at night a possibility.

We provide riding packages for locals and residents, to make the sport possible and affordable for everyone on the island. Schools, environmental organisations and community projects are always welcome and invited to bring their kids and participants to experience and enjoy, just send us a message!

Be Special # LA CARINDERIA

KUDO SURF

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? We arrived in Siargao in the summer of 2016 and started La Carinderia a little bit afterwards.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? We went to Siargao on a holiday because a lot of our friends in Bali (where we both used to live and had a food business as well) were telling us about the island, we met people who became our friends on the island who also encouraged us to set up our business here.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? In the first few months of living in Siargao, Stefano, (the chef and Italian half of La Carinderia) was always mentioning how much he wanted to put up his own «Karinderia» (a term for Filipino roadside eateries) where he would cook home cooked meals from his family recipes in a chill, non-pretentious, island style setting. A few weeks after, we met people and found our location (roadside of course) and opened La Carinderia («La» is an Italian article for «The») being a «Karinderia» of course we had to make a fusion of Filipino cuisine revisited and given an Italian twist while using the abundant fresh sea foods in the island.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We not only employ locals but also give them invaluable training from professional Italian chefs (most of them are our friends visiting us in the island). We are proud to teach skills that most Filipinos have to study in the city or abroad to acquire. We also share with them the common ground of Italians and Filipinos, which is the value of food and family.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? 2014 WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? We love life with the Siargaonan people. We love sharing waves and good vibes. Marja and I wanted to build a brand that can help us support locals to show case their surfing talent abroad. We also wanted to be able to help support community groups like Sea Movement and SISA to preserve the island through its growth.

Kudo Surf helps us give back to the community. The locals teach us to be sharing and to love every day through laugher. Years ago Siargao was a small place and it was hard to learn skills for the locals to travel abroad. Brands only offered free gear, but no financial support to train, travel and compete. Surfing has always been a way for the locals to get out and showcase the Philippines best talent. Kudo Surf and the support from others has helped spread the culture of giving back to the community.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? Kudo Surf’s name came from the word Kudo and Kudos. Kudo means to give praise or thanks to another. We want to give back our thanks to the community that we all get to “Live the Dream” with.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We feel that our efforts have been done collectively with the community, other sponsors and supporters to achieve the following: Sending Philippines best surfers overseas to compete at WSL events.

• N ilbie Blancada won the first Philippines international championship.

• Philmar Alipayo first Men’s to win an overseas event.

We are proud to see SISA now formalize as the local Surfers group. Surfing will be in the SEA games this year in 2019 in the Philippines. Surfing in the Philippines is now recognized as an important sport and the government is now supporting athletes along with the introduction of surfing to the SEA Games 2019.

The Philippines now runs a Championship Tour that Kudo Surf sponsors and sponsors surfers to attend.

Moreover, Sea Movement as a voice for Siargao waste problem and is seen as one of the top NGOs in Siargao.

None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for all of you who have supported our direction and passion for Siargao.

11#

# Be Special

TROPICAL WAVE LAUNDRY TRES ISLAS HOSTEL

AVOCADO TREE HOSTEL

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? Tres Islas Hostel started opening its doors last October 12, 2018. Since then, we have welcomed local and foreign tourists who wanted to experience the beauty of Siargao.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? At the heart of Siargao are its three famous islands: Guyam, Daku, and Naked Islands. We took inspiration from these islands in coming up with our brand — Tres Islas Hostel. Just like how these three islands welcome its visitors, we also want to be a place where tourists can feel the hospitality of Siargao.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM?

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? September 2018.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? There were still not many hostels and we wanted to create a valued hostel for a good price.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? Before there was a restaurant there called Avocado Tree restaurant and we wanted to keep the name as its really beautiful ! (There is an old Avocado Tree in the front).

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We are using plastic shredded pillow fillers, donating all the plastic collected to nature kids of Siargao, having a water refill station, supporting local events and initiatives.

12#

We are proud to consider ourselves a homegrown brand. From the idea behind Tres Islas Hostel, down to its very structure, everything was conceived and made in Siargao. The owners came to Siargao in 2018 and saw for themselves why the island is a tourist’s paradise.

They decided to open Tres Islas Hostel to offer a place where people can live and feel like a local. The entire establishment is locally made.

Construction materials, furniture, and interior pieces were mainly sourced within Siargao.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We are a child-friendly and environmentally-friendly hostel. We promote a plastic-free lifestyle among our guests and staff at Tres Islas Hostel. We also personally engage in local events and movements that help cultivate awareness among people on the advocacy against single-use plastic products that do so much harm to our environment and its inhabitants.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? 2018 WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? The 2018 was the year when I realized that I was in a place in my life where I was ready for a new challenge and to finally become an entrepreneur. Everything started when I heard that one of the laundry shops is closing and they are selling their machines. Without thinking twice, I decided to buy all the machines and start my own operation. I started by hiring a professional consultant from Manila who came here and basically told me about all the important things I need to do in order to run a successful operation, which was mainly about how to properly filter the water on the island and how to handle the fabrics in order to make them last longer. On the beginning of the operation we were focus on one resort only. Later on we opened our doors to other establishments and individuals for their personal laundries. Everyday we are growing stronger and I want to say it’s all thanks to our team, but mainly thanks to our laundry manager, Jenny Horca, who is not only one of the most hard working people I know on this island, but a person who can tell her boss to «shut it» when he is wrong or just too makulit! I am grateful to have Jenny on my team. We are a young company and we still make mistakes, but we learn from it and I can comfortably say that we are on the way to become a great laundry shop.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? As easy as it sounds, the brand name was taken from the location of the laundry. A tropical island or an island in the tropics.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? Our goal is to become a “WASTE FREE” operation. We started this initiative with the “Bring Your Own Bag” policy and we will continue by investing into a proper STP/Osmosis system that will turn our waste water into a drinking water that can be then used for something else or just returned into earth, CLEAN. We are also working on having all the needed supplies like powder and fabric softeners to be shipped to us in reusable containers from our suppliers.

Hopefully those goals will be accomplished within a year from now. I would like to take this chance to thank all the establishments and people of Siargao for their continuous trust and support since the beginning of our operation till now. Tropic Island Laundry Shop – “We Take the Salt & Grime Out, and Put the Fresh Back In”

Be Special # ESSE MASSAGE AND SPA

LOTUS SHORES

JOE’S BREW

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? September 2017.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? “I always love getting a massage. I have tried several places here on the island but I wasn’t satisfied and that made me think of putting up a spa. When we opened the establishment we only had two therapists until months later, we added three more. Now we have two branches in General Luna and it always warms our hearts to hear how satisfied the customers are with our services.”

- Kent Toledo (owner).

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? Esse is a short cut for “essential”. We believe that taking care of our bodies and making our bodies feel relaxed are essential in our lives.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We bring our plastic trash to the Siargao recycling art studio.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? Lotus Shores opened its doors in 2014 as a retreat for yogis, surfers, and adventurers to rest and manifest.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? Our story started with the search for surf, and continues with finding inspiration in the transformative power of the island itself.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED?

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM?

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT?

Our name comes from the lily flower, blossoming through and rooting in Siargao.

Read’s April Be Siargao edition to know everything about these beer lovers!

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO?

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM?

Through yoga and meditation classes, gatherings such as Conscious Cinema and chanting in Kirtan, monthly markets and our Purnima full moon festivals, as well as the vegan food we serve at the Kali Ma Café, we at Lotus Shores wish to contribute in raising the consciousness of our community: for us to come together and realise our true nature as happy, free, and beautiful beings living here now in Siargao.

Established 2012.

The name came from Joey Viray Hence Joe’s Brew.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? Aside from providing quality craft beer, the soon to open bed and brew will attract tourist, provide more jobs, and give siargao its very first craft beer brewery and hotel.

13#

# Be Special

VIVO INN SIARGAO

NOMAD BAR & GRILL

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? Established and fully operation in mid 2016.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? My husband visited Siargao in 2008 and immediately fell in love with the island. We decided that upon retirement we will put up a small resort in Siargao to keep us busy.

So we started building bungalows and with four rooms we opened a resort business. After couple of years, additional eleven rooms were built and a small cafe.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? We dreamt of having a retirement place surrounded with happy and «alive people», Truly «Living» people. thus vivo.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We need to do more on giving back to Siargao’s community and being part of Be Siargao is an opportunity to reach out and be known that Vivo Inn Siargao is prepared to support in areas of child education and environmental protection and preservation.

Thank you Be Siargao.

14#

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED?

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM?

Nomad Bar & Grill was conceived in January 2019 and opened in March 2019.

For the last decade or so, Mike led a very nomadic lifestyle, travelling a lot with no single fixed address. On his travels, he met many other nomads, especially digital nomads who work remotely on their laptops as they explore the world, and came to appreciate the life of the nomad. Siargao is suitable to this lifestyle so once we came up with the name, it really stuck. Ironically, now that Nomad Bar & Grill is operational, Mike is far less nomadic.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? he co-owners Mike and Zel met in Manila last year and started dating. He had experience starting/running businesses and she had a degree and experience in hospitality and restaurant management, so it was a great match for a restaurant business too. Zel and her family are from nearby Surigao City, and given how quickly Siargao has captured the world’s attention and taken off as a tourism hotspot, it made sense to set up Nomad Bar & Grill right here on this fabulous island.

The restaurant offers a variety of international favourites like burgers, pasta, nachos, calamari, buffalo wings and Spanish paella, plus banana splits and cheesecake for dessert. The drinks list contains no fewer than 20 cocktails (and new house creations are added all the time) plus a good variety of wines and local and international beers, starting at just 50 pesos.

In addition to the bar and restaurant, we also offer outdoor cinema on Mondays and Thursdays, themed events on most Wednesdays, jetski rental, island hopping on a speedboat, photography services (Mavic Pro drone, GoPro camera, editing) and hopefully soon a daytime co-working space.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? As a new business, we are still finding our rhythm in terms of its core operations, but we very much feel the community spirit and have some ideas brewing about how we can contribute in the near future. As one very small contribution, we rescued a couple of very adorable island puppies named Harry and Daku. They love visitors so please come to meet them!

Be Special # LAMARI ISLAND LINES TRAVEL & TOURS

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? 2019 WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? My partner Emily & I feel a big connection to Philippines way of life & culture. We want to do a project in Siargao that can grow into a long term positive impact here. We are lucky to have a great team of local partners working together with the same goals in mind.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? Island Lines talks about connecting place to place, and also the style of riding lines along a wave. It is fun, carefree and easy which is how we want everyone to experience our service.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? Siargao is lacking affordable, safe & convenient transport to move around the island. We are in a step-by-step project to help address these issues. The first step is to service tourists with a fun and convenient way to experience Siargao.

WHEN DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT OPENED? LAMARI opened on February 19, 2019. We just invited our friends and told them to bring their friends too to try out our new place. This allowed us to collect comments directly from our friends/customers on the food, drinks , service and overall atmosphere of our place.

It also gave our staff the opportunity to practice table service and menu knowledge thus creating consistency among staff members.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? Mike and I have been going to Siargao as early was 2010 and we’ve always been fascinated with the beauty of this island. We knew back then we wanted to move and live here eventually, since then we’ve been looking for ways on how we could potentially sustain a life here. Mike came up with idea of opening a business in the island, our initial plan was to open a chicken sandwich shack but when Siargao boomed we realized that putting up a hotel with a restaurant is not actually a bad idea. Flights to the island were rapidly increasing, we knew we could hop on the growth of the island as well. Moving and starting a life has been the best decision we ever made.

IN WHICH WAY DOES YOUR ESTABLISHMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF SIARGAO? We believe that LAMARI contributes to the many lovely spots in Siargao to hang out in and relax.

We firmly believe that our establishment brings a fresh approach to design and architecture in the island. Another thing that we really wanted to work on and emphasize about the place is our garden. More importantly, we’re also trying our best to be an environmentally friendly establishment. We make sure we follow all the rules and regulations set forth by law and government agencies especially the DENR so that we can be a model establishment in Siargao. We have our own compost pit, we segregate our trash, collect plastic bottles for recycling, we also have our own waste water treatment facility. These are the few of the things we practice early on and instill to all our employees to preserve the beauty of the island. On top of that, LAMARI also serves great food and drinks at a very reasonable prices.

Come check it out and see what we have.

WHERE DID YOUR ESTABLISHMENT’S NAME COME FROM? LAMARI is a tribute our lovely mothers. LA stands for Lalaine, my mother and MARI for Maricita, the name of Mike’s mother.

15#

2019

BESIARGAO #SPECIAL EDITION

Photographer Choyakzchoy

THE SIARGAO LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNITY MAGAZINE