What I Learned in Siargao

   Where in the world is Siargao? Well, for starters, the Siargao Islands is part of a province called Surigao del Norte in the southern part of the Philippines. There are two major islands in the province, one of them is Bucas Grande and then Siargao.

   The region is actually underrated to Filipinos. It is more known to foreigners, most especially to those who are surfing junkies, because of the Cloud 9 surf resort, which is an open shore facing the Pacific Ocean. The only time it got hyped was recently, after a Filipino movie aptly titled "Siargao" was shown in local theaters and showcased how truly magnificent the place is.

   I myself haven't watched the movie because it only got a short run in the cinemas but I've seen and heard how beautiful the scenery was through trailers and testimonies from those who have watched it. Well, I don't really know Siargao that much apart from how it has beaches and islands, caves, and stuff.

   My cousin and her fiance were already very eager to go to Siargao even before the movie so they have booked us a stay on its resort municipality, General Luna, in one of the resorts called Harana, for their pre-nup and our family time with her soon to be husband.

   My world took a 360 after I reached the place and experienced a culture that's quite unexpected of a typical Filipino community. Even the most wonderful places that I have been to in the country couldn't compare to my experience in a place I would call "heaven on earth".

   So, in a few days of "The Island Life^TM" experience, here are a few things that I learned in Siargao:

1. It is possible for a whole community of humans to love dogs as much as me and my sister does

   Only in Siargao have I experienced a community where dogs are treated like they truly belong and have a place in it. Mutts walk abound in the whole General Luna strip and they get inside houses, resorts, anywhere! It's a normal thing in Siargao to own a dog and let them roam around town without fear of being hit on the road (drivers blow their horns when a dog blocks the street and pass by them, making sure they don't get hit), or being abducted and making them into a pulutan, which is a very disgusting practice among some Filipinos that really angers me. Locals even know them by name and they are well loved by everyone they meet. As famous as they are among locals and tourists alike, restaurants and souvenir shops have special nods on their menu or products that acknowledge how legit the #DogsOfSiargao are.

2. When leaving your footwear outside the doorstep in public establishments is frowned upon (because people think its corny and thieves are everywhere) in the city, in Siargao, everybody does it

   Some of my relatives who grew up in the city usually make fun of those who were used to living in rural areas in the province. They even have a running joke about how they ridiculed a certain relative for leaving her slippers outside the cinema because she got used to it in their home. What they don't realize is that it's actually a very humble and nice gesture because it entails that the person doesn't want to bring the filth from their footwear inside. I know it's impractical but if they can do it in Siargao, then why not here? I mean, it just proves how a lot of people in the city couldn't keep their hands off the stuff that are not their property while people in the province know better about respect.

3. Even without the aggressive (sometimes obnoxious), campaign on environmental awareness and proper solid waste management, Siargaonons do their part in maintaining the island's pristine status

  

   It is a common thing in Siargao to see placards that say "no littering" or the recycle symbol and the like. They have a sense of responsibility in taking care of their place maybe because they know how their natural resources provide for their livelihood and basic needs. Even restaurants use less disposable stuff and are enforcing a sustainable lifestyle. They use bamboo or metal straws for their drinks, reusable cutlery and plates or food packaging, and of course, they do cleanup activities often. These establishment are small and are not like the companies and brands that we see in the city but compared to them, these local stores don't let a mentality of "cheap but environmentally harmful supplies for more profit" get in the way of maintaining a sustainable lifestyle.

4. Darkness can be safe and not a source of fear and uncertainty

  

   The whole General Luna strip relies on flashlights, vehicle lights and lights from the houses and establishments to see the road. There are no street lights on the area and when it gets dark, it gets really really dark. In your typical city, darkness would mean that people are gonna do crimes and stuff that you could never imagine, but in Siargao, you can safely walk outside in the dark even when it's very late. Some establishments don't even have gates and fences so you can come and go as you please. There are also no security guards in their doorsteps but there hasn't been any news of wrongdoings happening in the area. Also, since it's really dark at night, there's no light pollution, so the stars are visible in all its sparkly glory. It's very romantic at night with the view of the milky way as your ceiling, the cool breeze and the sound of the waves competing with the rustle of leaves and branches.

5. There are countless ways to earn a living for locals and investors alike

  

  

   Aside from the resorts (which is already a given), Siargao is also rich in the local scene, with plenty of work opportunities for artists, laborers, drivers, cooks, instructors, hobbyists and many more. Anywhere you go, you see locals putting up businesses and providing their services to make the local economy run. Tricycle drivers earn a lot fetching and driving tourists around GL, yet it's still very affordable than getting a travel and tours company to do it. There are also lots of novelty stores that are "must-buy-off-froms" when you go there.

   The whole community sustain themselves with local produce and talent, and they give back to where all these came from by taking care of the island and its inhabitants.

   Truly, Siargao is "Heaven on Earth". I hope that this doesn't change for ages to come, so that our future generations may experience the paradise that Siargao has to offer.