Is the SIARGAO Curse Real? Foreigners OPEN UP 🇵🇭

Summary

The video explores the allure of Siargao and the so-called 'Siargao Curse,' where visitors fall in love with the island's relaxed lifestyle and vibrant community, often staying far longer than planned. Locals and newcomers alike share their stories, highlighting how Siargao's natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere captivate people from all walks of life. Whether through surfing, community connections, or the freedom of island life, Siargao creates an irresistible draw, turning casual visitors into long-term residents. Despite its increasing popularity, the island's charm remains its people and the slower, more meaningful pace of life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Siargao curse' refers to how visitors, despite initial doubts, often fall in love with the island's culture and vibe.
• 😀 The interviewee initially didn’t want to visit Siargao, believing it was just a hype, but quickly became enchanted by it after experiencing it.
• 😀 One of the key factors in falling in love with Siargao is the diversity of its people and the welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere.
• 😀 The interviewee’s life in Siargao involves balancing work at Harana Surf Resort, freelancing for U.S. clients, and running their art studio.
• 😀 Surfing, sports, trivia nights, and socializing with the community are a central part of the interviewee’s lifestyle on the island.
• 😀 Despite Siargao’s allure, the interviewee doesn’t plan to stay forever but wants to create a base to return to when needed.
• 😀 The island experience inspired a shift in mindset, focusing more on pursuing passions and community-oriented work rather than just earning money.
• 😀 The island’s laid-back vibe contrasts with city life, where the focus tends to be more on working for money and career advancement.
• 😀 The interviewee misses certain comforts from city life, like good Japanese food and McDonald's, showing that even paradise has its trade-offs.
• 😀 Siargao offers a balance of work and play, where one can focus on personal passions, while also engaging with a lively, supportive community.
• 😀 The interviewee expresses a realistic perspective on Siargao—acknowledging that while the island is special, it's not their permanent home, but a place to revisit in the future.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial impression of Siargao before visiting?

The speaker initially thought Siargao was just a hype and wasn’t interested in visiting. They expected it to be nothing special.

How did the speaker feel after their first visit to Siargao?

After their first visit, the speaker admitted that they fell under the 'Siargao curse,' meaning they developed a deep attachment to the island, despite their initial reservations.

What specific aspect of Siargao made the speaker fall in love with the island?

The speaker was drawn to the diversity of people and the acceptance they felt. They appreciated that everyone was friendly, wanted to have a good time, and there was no judgment.

How did the speaker end up working in Siargao?

The speaker was offered a job as the manager of a hostel by a friend whose uncles were opening it. This opportunity made them choose Siargao over Cologne, Germany.

Does the speaker regret their decision to move to Siargao?

No, the speaker does not regret their decision. They are happy with their choice to stay in Siargao.

What does the speaker miss most about city life?

The speaker misses good Japanese food and even mentions missing McDonald's, despite their love for Siargao.

What is the speaker's perspective on work and lifestyle in Siargao compared to Manila?

In Siargao, the speaker feels more inspired to work for things they love and enjoy a community-oriented lifestyle. In Manila, they felt more focused on working for money.

What are the speaker's daily activities in Siargao?

The speaker works for Harana Surf Resort, surfs as much as possible, freelances for US clients, manages an art studio, participates in sports, attends trivia nights, and enjoys socializing on Saturdays.

Does the speaker see themselves staying in Siargao long-term?

No, the speaker doesn’t see themselves staying in Siargao forever. However, they want to have a base there to return to in the future.

What is the speaker's view on the 'Siargao curse'?

The speaker believes the 'Siargao curse' is real, as they unexpectedly became deeply attached to the island, even though they initially had no intention of staying.