Savoring Siargao’s healing powers
“Medicine heals the body, the ocean heals the soul.” —Anonymous
They say time heals all wounds, and I believe that the ocean expedites this process. This week, my daughter Athena and I took a trip to Siargao to visit her older sister Jordan. This past vacation together was my longest stay in Siargao so far, and I got to fully soak in the healing powers of the island.
Athena and I flew into Siargao on a sunny morning and were instantly greeted by the iconic coconut trees and the sweet summer heat. Despite the busy tourist area of General Luna, we were able to find a true oasis in our stay at Katig Beachfront Boutique Hotel (@katigsiargao), a new island getaway complete with stunning views of the ocean.
Athena and I spent the first half of our trip in Katig, and we found that Katig truly reflects a blend of Siargao’s natural beauty with upscale hospitality, making it the perfect choice for those seeking an exclusive island retreat. Katig offers modern amenities, personalized service and a deep connection to local culture. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation or a blend of both, Katig promises an unforgettable island escape.
Guests can choose from various room options to suit their preferences. We stayed in the Ocean View Room, which offers breathtaking vistas from a private balcony. It was so special to wake up to a direct view of the ocean and the beautiful waves Siargao offers.
Whenever I am in Siargao, I always try to surf at least once. Jordan took us out to surf with Botiti Surf Co. (@botitisurfco), a surf school founded by the Philippines’ first ever pro-surfer Carlito Nogalo. On this trip, surfing finally “clicked” for me, and I was able to enjoy some long rides. Jordan’s boyfriend Darud instructed me, and by the end of my trip I was even able to catch my own wave!
Peace of mind
Being in the water brings much peace of mind, although it is no doubt very tiring for the body! Thankfully, Siargao has many opportunities for healing both in and out of the water. I was able to try out BeyondMyo (@beyondmyoph), a forward-thinking physical therapy practice. BeyondMyo’s Body Work revitalizes tired muscles utilizing dry needling, blading and cupping techniques to provide targeted relief and promote overall well-being.
Jordan also booked us a private yoga session at Little Shell Yoga Shala (@littleshellshala). I was able to try yoga nidra, a completely guided meditation that allows us to deeply rest in a state between sleep and wakefulness.
After all that exercise and body work, my stomach needed its own kind of healing through food. Whenever I am in town, I always try to visit Nāga (@naga.siargao), not just because it is owned by my daughter Jordan, but also because the food and atmosphere are top of the line.
Nāga prides itself on fusing the bold flavors of the international scene with the warmth of Filipino cuisine. Its commitment to culinary excellence is reflected in its practice of making all dishes from scratch, in-house, using fresh, locally sourced produce and seafood whenever possible.
Midway through our trip, Athena and I moved to Jordan’s newest venture, a boutique beach house called Copacabana Siargao (@copacabana.iao). Copa has the vibrancy and excitement of a youth hostel, while still providing the comfort you would find in a traditional hotel. It has six private bedrooms with their own en-suite bathroom. The vacation house even has a shared kitchen and living room where guests can cook, dine and meet other travelers.
Scholars
With all of my healing in Siargao, it only makes sense that I should share those blessings with others. Together with my Assumption High School batch 1981, we recently launched The Sapphire Project, a scholarship program for the best and the brightest underprivileged students of Passi, Iloilo.
It is the continuance of our highly successful Ruby Project where 20 academic and athletic scholars were chosen to complete their Senior High School at the Assumption School Passi, one of the mission schools supported by Assumption Alumnae.
Together with Maripi Jalandoni and Popsie Gamboa, the cochairs of this project, I flew to Iloilo to meet our new scholars: Dale Adorable, Christian Contreras, Vengie Devecais, Daniella Marie Estoconing, Kim Lyka Matibag, J-Ron Lloyd Martinez, Mikel Palencia, Ma. Alexandria Palmares, John Aldrin Sabasa and Danica Faye Singson, all handpicked by school principal Stella Grace Tagnong and guidance counselor Jennifer Vasquez from neighboring public schools.
Our scholars presented us with something priceless: the realization of how blessed and fortunate we are to be able to share our blessings with others. As my mom, Marixi Prieto, always reminded us, “to those who much is given, much is expected.”
