Siargao’s easy-going vibe proves to be a draw, but unchecked growth threatens its soul

Old-timers speak of a Siargao that once felt raw and unvarnished, similar to what I would imagine what Itbayat, Batanes is today, a far cry from the island visitors encounter today. One of the earliest batch of surfers to ride the waves at Cloud 9 recalls the stretch now called Tourism Road as ‘puro talahiban’, nothing but tall grass swaying in the wind. Where there were once grassy fields now stand cafés, fusion restaurants, yoga studios and boutique resorts, symbols of the island’s transformation.

Naked Island

Kalinga’s Awichon Cultural Village is an accommodation that defines the very meaning of a homestay stripped of resort amenities yet filled with the comforts of home, and enriched with a heritage character, as it was built by the cultural bearers of Kalinga.

Awichon Cultural Village

From my experiences traveling the Philippines, I’ve gone on to observe a wide range of tourism practices, with several reaching exemplary levels, while others unfortunately less so. What stands out in memory, however, are those that are done right, particularly those that prioritize the well-being of local communities. After all, it’s the people who live closest to these destinations who should, above all, have a say in how they are managed. 

Members of the Marang-Marang Association that manages the Marang-Marang mangrove forest

GameZone, the largest tablegame provider in the Philippines popularly known for tongits, pusoy, and other card games, proudly joins forces with the International Series Philippines as an official entertainment partner of LIV Golf Philippines 2025—the largest sporting and music charity event ever hosted in the country.

Social media has transformed how we see animals, showcasing curated moments of cuteness, dogs in costumes, cats in funny poses, horses in perfect sunsets. While these moments are real and joyful, they represent only a tiny fraction of actual animal care, which is far more complex, demanding, and sometimes heartbreaking.