“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always our self we find in the sea.” —E. E. Cummings

It is a true privilege to be able to return to yourself and rediscover parts of your inner world that you might have forgotten about in the busyness of every day. When I ride a wave, I find that all distractions and pesky thoughts vanish from my mind. Surfing teaches valuable life lessons that keep the body and soul in perfect alignment. It’s like yoga, but with a lot more adrenaline and a greater challenge to find peaceful meditation between the roaring of the waves. As in life, you fall, you get back up, and you catch the next perfect ride.

Surfing has often been described as a feeling of freedom, of being in the moment and at one with nature. The similar feeling it shares with life is the sensation of being in flow, where everything falls into place effortlessly and one feels truly alive.

Whenever I visit my daughter Jordan Prieto, who has made her home in Siargao, I find time to join her in her daily morning surf. Grateful to still be able to balance on a surfboard at my age, I find that surfing with Jordan has created a special bond with my incredible girl. I feel that by including surfing into her daily routine, she has not only been able to find that beautiful flow in the water, but also in her everyday life. She has blossomed not only into a more peaceful person, but also a savvy business owner and entrepreneur.

 

This visit is extra special because it is the first time I dined at Nãga, her new restaurant and bar in General Luna. Together with partners Jai Paul, Mark Brettell and Paolo Gironella, she envisioned a gathering space for people to come for hearty Filipino-Mediterranean fusion dishes, to work online in comfort and style, and to enjoy curated music selections and artistic workshops. Their restaurant concept shifts throughout the day, able to cater to the many different tastes and needs of those who travel to Siargao.

Food and swimwear

We had dinner there on my first night in town, where we enjoyed many seafood dishes made with freshly caught produce, as well as some of their flavorful vegetarian offerings. While I don’t eat meat, I heard that they also have delicious plates of beef brisket, crispy pata and ribs. There truly is something for everyone here!

Nãga also boasts a vast menu of cocktails, and even offers happy hour every single day from 3 to 7 p.m. I no doubt enjoyed tasting some of their refreshing drinks while jamming out to live music from the wonderful local band Cat Basket. You can connect with Nãga on Instagram and Facebook at @naga.siargao, and be sure to make reservations for this new hottest spot in town at +63966-4115969.

Aside from Nãga opening up last year, Jordan also released her surf brand Junior Varsity, which provides surf-proof swimwear, made specifically for women and out of recycled ocean waste. Her brand vision is to empower female surfers, both by encouraging women to get out into nature, and by sponsoring local surfers from Siargao so they can compete all over the Philippines. You can browse their colorful collection online and support their mission at @juniorvarsitysurf on IG and on juniorvarsitysurf.com.

Ever the Capricorn businesswoman, next month she will also be launching a new homestay for surfers and travelers in Siargao, located right in the heart of General Luna’s restaurant and bar scene, and very close to the best spot for longboard surfing on the island. Tapping into my roots as an interior designer, I found it was wonderful being able to collaborate with Jordan on the vibe of this soon-to-open beach B&B. Stay tuned!

Unforgettable stay

For now, I spent the weekend in the beautiful Muni Muni Villas, my favorite resort on the island. Nestled in the heart of Siargao Island’s enchanting Catangnan lies this hidden gem. A mere five-minute drive from the bustling Cloud 9, Muni Muni Villas opened its doors in 2020, providing a tranquil escape with an unwavering commitment to detail.

Offering a harmonious blend of comfort and privacy, Muni Muni Villas features eight standard rooms and two two-bedroom villas, as well as a stunning private pool. Muni Muni Villas is a peaceful haven from the lively atmosphere of General Luna. Elevating the guest experience, Muni Muni Villas prides itself in a delightful breakfast menu. Their chia pudding won the heart of even the youngest of patrons, like my 11-month-old granddaughter, Naiara. Immerse yourself in lush surroundings, unwind by the poolside with a shake (or a shot) and experience a stay that goes beyond the norm of island hospitality.

Adding to the allure, Muni Muni Villas’ dedicated staff ensures an unforgettable stay. While their café and culinary offerings currently cater exclusively to in-house guests, the overwhelming demand has led to the decision to open a public café in April, welcoming locals and visitors alike.

Muni Muni Villas invites you to reimagine Siargao, where every detail is meticulously curated for a truly memorable stay. Book your escape today and let Muni Muni Villas be your oasis in paradise. For inquiries and reservations, contact tel. +63965-4791054, via email at [email protected] or connect on Instagram (@munimunisiargao) and Facebook (Muni Muni Villas Siargao).

The dragon in all of us

Right before my girls bonding trip with Jordan, I was so happy to get back into the groove of hosting social events with a special New Year’s party. Before the festivities got too wild, we presented Red Charity Gala’s generous donation to Makati Red Cross. Marivic Rufino of Makati Red Cross was there to receive the donation from Assumption HS ’81 foundation. It was one of many blessings to celebrate!

Thanks to Swatch grand dame Virgie Sian-Ramos, we raffled off the Swatch Year of the Dragon collection at the party. Five fiery watches bring a unique Swatch flavor to the celebrations. Swatch is proud to present a vibrant new range of watches to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Drawing inspiration from the iconic neon colors of Asian city street lights and signs, the collection symbolizes the power, strength and good luck of the dragon in the signature models.

Those born under the sign of the dragon are characterized by their charisma, intelligence and confidence. Swatch believes that there is a dragon in all of us, and that’s what’s behind this new collection. With five models to choose from, you might be tempted to collect them all!

 

Dragon in Cloud is the Big Bold collection with a definite triumph of style and substance. Dragon in Wind is the New Gent collection that is slim and classic in style. Dragon in Waves has bright blue, red and green graphics that form a mesmerizing dragon with a golden ball cradled in its claw. Dragon in Motion is vibrant red and symbolizes property and good fortunate. And finally, Dragon in Gold is a sleek Skin Irony that shines in gold. Even the kids get to celebrate, too! Say hello to Flik Flak Year of the Dragon, the educational and fun Swiss kids watch that will help your little loved ones make every moment of the new year count.

The Year of the Dragon Collection is now available at the Swatch Shops in SM Megamall, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 5, Rockwell Power Plant Mall, TriNoma, Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, SM City North Edsa, SM Southmall, Shangri-La Plaza, Robinsons Place Manila and SM City Cebu. Like SwatchPH on Facebook and follow @swatch_ph on Instagram.

Just as in surfing, taking risks is all part of the human experience—navigating the uncertainty and trusting our abilities to ride the waves, both literal and metaphorical. All in all, the feeling of surfing encapsulates the essence of living life to the fullest—embracing challenges, experiencing moments of pure joy and finding one’s balance in an ever-changing environment. Always remember that you are in control of your story, and that how you spend your days is how you spend your life. So make it a marvelous one filled with love and joy!

Follow @seaprincess888 on Instagram.