No Juan Is An Island

The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun. – Phil Edwards

Looking back at 2013, the world felt a little slower, and Siargao felt like a well-kept secret shared only between the ocean and the souls brave enough to find it. Before the era of viral TikTok videos and the sprouting if expensive boutique resorts on every corner, this tear-drop shaped island in Mindanao was a raw, rugged paradise defined by salt, palms, and the rhythmic pulse of the Pacific.

The Magic of the Reefs
Stepping onto the island back then, the first thing that hit you wasn’t the heat—it was the untouched beauty of the coastline. Siargao’s shore is a breathtaking succession of jagged reefs, hidden points, and beaches with sand that shifts from creamy white to a fine, powdery texture underfoot.

While most islands boast about their beaches, Siargao’s heart lies in its mangrove forest reserves. Navigating through the largest mangrove expanse in Mindanao felt like entering a different world—a silent, emerald labyrinth that acts as the island’s lungs, protecting the very ecosystem that makes the surf so legendary.

Chasing the Legend: Cloud 9
Of course, you can’t talk about 2013 Siargao without mentioning Cloud 9. Back then, the iconic wooden boardwalk felt a bit more weathered, and the crowd was a tight-knit community of locals and “surf pilgrims.”

I remember watching the waves with a mix of awe and intimidation. Cloud 9 is famous for its thick, hollow tubes—powerful right-breaking reef waves that don’t just break; they roar. It’s no wonder this spot hosts the Siargao Cup. Seeing the domestic and international pros take on those barrels was a masterclass in courage and connection with nature.

A State of Mind
The 2013 trip wasn’t just about the sights; it was about the vibe. Life was simple. You’d spend your mornings in the water, your afternoons under a coconut tree, and your evenings sharing stories with strangers who felt like old friends.

The island teaches you a specific kind of rhythm. It’s a reminder to slow down and appreciate the “now.” As the saying goes: Don’t be a wasted soul, be ‘juan’derlust. Siargao in 2013 was a whisper of what it has become today, but that raw, “take it easy ebri’juan’” spirit is something I’ve carried with me ever since. If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t just take photos—take the time to listen to the island. Life moves fast, but in Siargao, the only thing you need to chase is the next wave and your own sense of peace.

Don’t be a wasted soul, be ‘juan’derlust. Take it easy ebri’juan’…