SIARGAO ROCKS

(A story by Stiff – Proprietor at Loudhouse Music Enterprise, lead vocalist of Rizal Underground and a musical voyager to some of the most beautiful destinations of the World)

Tried my hand at surfing a few decades ago in Huntington Beach. It wasn’t exactly a thrilling experience then – ice cold water, borrowed wet suit and huge board. So, with the invitation of Boracay mate, TRUDY ALLEN - to surf in the tropical waters of Siargao Island meant the accomplishment of an unfinished business. After months of planning we booked our flights for September (unbeknownst to be the start of the surf season). This island reminded so much of PUERTO GALERA in the earlier days, with its tranquil atmosphere and vast natural resources – I was in love the moment I arrived.

With Gary Perez at the Roadhouse Manila Bay

The timing of this trip was due to coincide with the tail end of a planned week-long birthday celebration that started at ROADHOUSE MANILA BAY, SKIPPY’S BAR & GRILL and supposedly ended with a bang last Sunday, August 31, in a newly-opened venue in Boracay called CHARLIE’S STEAKHOUSE & DINER. (That’s another story). All spontaneous and meant a change of scheduling actually, had to stay overnight in Cebu (Another story there), on the eve of the flight to the island

In the weeks leading to the trip I sought out musician/surfer/good guy INKY DE DIOS to inquire about island music. Find WILMAR MELINDO in Cloud 9, it shouldn’t be hard he says.. And so goes, Trudy and I convene at the Cebu airport and head out to Siargao Island, it was Wednesday. Picked up by our hotel transfer and asked the driver if he knew anyone named Wilmar? Sure enough I heard bells ringing. Arrived at KERMIT SURF & DIVE ECO CAMP & was welcomed by the truly energetic manager, NAPPA. 

After the arrival orientation we ordered lunch. I then heard the driver shout “Sir, you looking for Wilmar right? That’s him right there!” An awkward moment indeed but I went on to introduce myself to him and the rest of the guys hangin’ out - PAOLO, EARL & INIGO. Somehow, the conversation veered away from surfing to music; from music into alcohol then Earl got a guitar and another one; Inigo took off for his bongos and soon we made our hearts sing - 4 hours upon arrival. After that brief stint, NAPPA sent out an invite for a casual jam that evening which I excitedly obliged.

Right after dinner, the mind came crashing after that Cebu all-nighter. Took forty winks and woke up to find a cool bunch of people hangin’. Jack Daniel’s on the rocks please! One song led to another and we all sang along. Come as you are, sing as loud as you like. MAGICAL! Also met more of the cats – MIDRAS, MARLO, GRINGO, KARLO, VALERIE, GIANNI and the rest of the gang. First night pa lang!!!

Thursday was surfing day, oh yeah, I did that too but got no photos to prove it. Met up with the legend MANUEL “WILMAR” MELINDO for lessons. I don’t speak surfing but I believe the operative word is STOKED or WIPED OUT, depending on your skill level, don't ask. But fear not, there’s Thursday nights acoustic show at BUDDHA SURF RESORT. Chance to regain composure.

As day turned into night, we broke on through to the other venue. It was packed and rockin with the local boys on stage, Jack Daniels on the rocks please. Next up came Siargao based singer/songwriter KITYA FERRER, whose performance raised the level one notch higher and then I got called up. Exchanging guitar chores were Midras and Marlo with the constant drumming of Wilmar and Inigo, the energy was contagious and the house was a rockin'. Pretty soon the ladies were up on their feet dancin'. Then I met another legend, the adrenalin junkie KYRON RATHBONE and got introduced to the art of paddle surfing

Friday - a knock on Kyron’s door was met with his contagious energy. In our brief conversation I saw him on the cover of SURFER, only the biggest surfing magazine in the world and his surfing photos from his hometown of Tasmania; that blew me away and a bro-love fest ensued, but let’s not get into that, let’s go paddle surf! He took us to this little cove right across the street - a small beachfront and had that section all to ourselves, with smaller waves to accommodate us beginners. Friday night was a good time to visit the boulevard for grilled food at LALAY’S. Great value for money, lovely place and good music, that’s if you fancy side by side karaoke. And Friday is disco night in Siargao, heard this to be a marvelous experience but had passed up to save the liver.

Saturday came and it’s my last day to rock and surf. After a brief stint in the water, I asked WILMAR if we could do a Sabado Nights jam and was directed to NINE BAR. I met up with the owner, ANDREW BICKELL who happily obliged. That short trip to NINE BAR showed me a bit more SIARGAO, how truly amazing the folks are and such a wonderful, musical haven as well. It was a great night to rock out to a different set of people, who all came to party. With the addition of numbers by TRUDY & KITYA, I didn’t realize it will my man KYRON the troubadour who brought the house down. A truly magnificent evening to close out the entire Siargao experience.

So, if it's surfing that you seek, come visit this Island because SIARGAO ROCKS! 

P.S. Please have some sympathy if I forgot to mention you. Where’s my drink?

For more photos check out these albums on Facebook!
SIARGAO ROCKS (Photo Album 1)
SIARGAO ROCKS (Photo Album 2)
SIARGAO ROCKS (Photo Album 3)