![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9gD0hyphenhyphenqBjPY-Kzn79OjX9MARDR0pWdCHobTIKe73yXgtLyGKAvnXhU3osm7obtuONUFCedlYTpW7CF4x1MGRrIXx7OS6JT2Ikrglbta_xoLrYC18t9xiLxWi7MHLc5wBIcvxu_NijZk/s1600/Siargao1.jpg)
(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.
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With Gary Perez at the Roadhouse Manila Bay |
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0IDEthnZ82Y9VOf_BHbl8ZF9Qt6EiYLkpyPd-NoJmGoPkkhBqnpTUah8toiKNH-lKuBX16crO2rF062SVb1fdIM-G2SLAEp7lnU413UEJqGY98tM0VL78GDCLjfGmGFcXNvU9FqHOuQ/s1600/siargao3.jpg)
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bvdvtG9sl7yAjcSVQ3DOtaZt7lKWN7is44cCLWYlKjjyyBAQa8ZU7g6LG0iU8J0n1_wrwNCr8IXECz1uLpIu0xA3f7odCmt4rtKj8Of8caU7yCFOfNpbG7w42jbY5CODZCkLEwW8gJI/s1600/siargao4.jpg)
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0Meu0eeBwBWWtd6kCfrZwXqMgI7_2IgM9fzvh2qpk9AJsW0MUcNQQ0gYGi_Hv6CyrDAIc0gSsXKucNRzL05SSEXpnK42kJsL5YWc0WS2j5IxANikhmCSBUvd02tzI4-yPiQL12GuXW8/s1600/siargao5.jpg)
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)
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