“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
— Henry David Thoreau
Introduction: Beyond Surfboards and Swells
When most people think of Siargao, their minds drift to Cloud 9—that iconic, barreling right-hand wave that put this island on the global surfing map. But this isn’t a story about surfing. Not entirely.
In two visits, I never saw the famed Cloud 9 wave in action. And honestly, I may never ride one. But what I did catch—and cherish—was something just as exhilarating: the wave of personal clarity that crashes gently over you when you’re fully present in a place like Siargao.
This is a story about seeing—truly seeing—a place, its people, and yourself, through a different lens.
Inventure: The Journey Within
I didn’t come to Siargao this time to chase adrenaline or escape a routine. I came to catalog values, uncover aspirations, and realign parts of myself that had grown out of sync. This wasn’t a vacation. It was an inventure—an inward journey.
My mission was quiet but urgent: to experience the island in a way that could inspire meaningful change in my life and in the lives of those I love. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the noise of modern life. But here, surrounded by mangrove forests and open sky, I found the silence I needed to listen inward.
Siargao’s Mangrove Shield and Nature’s Classroom
The mangrove forests of Siargao are more than ecological wonders. They are guardians—natural shields that have protected the island and its people from typhoons for years. Walking among them feels like stepping into a sacred grove where time slows down and nature teaches through stillness.
In these forests, I began to feel grounded. My observations turned inward. I saw values reflected in the resilience of roots, the patience of tidal rhythms. I saw Siargao not just as a destination but as a classroom—one where I was both student and subject.
The Practice of Presence: Breathing, Seeing, Feeling
I learned to be patient—with myself, with the environment. I learned to be mindful—to savor the scent of the sea breeze, the warmth of the sunrise, the textures of sand underfoot. I wasn’t just looking—I was finally seeing.
And yes, I mean this both spiritually and literally. I had with me my 10-22mm UWA lens, my 50D body, and a tripod. But those tools would have been useless had I not allowed myself to connect with the soul of the island.
Each photo I took was not just an image, but a feeling frozen in time:
Unique. Different. Experiential. Sublime. Inspiring. Connected.
The Gift of Connection
As enriching as nature was, it was the people—both those I traveled with and the Siargaonons I met along the way—who added color and warmth to this journey. Even fleeting connections can leave lasting impressions. Their generosity, stories, and smiles grounded me in a shared human experience.
That’s the paradox of travel: you go far to find what’s been within you all along.
Full Circle: Returning Changed, Again
Last month, I returned to Siargao for another round of reflection. The fiery sunrises still took my breath away. The waves still whispered secrets I may never fully understand. But what struck me most was how familiar yet different it all felt.
For the most part, I still don’t know where this journey is taking me. I’m not sure all the choices I’ve made are the “right” ones. But I do know that each trip—each inventure—brings me closer to who I am becoming.
I return often to Thoreau’s words:
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
And I’ve come to believe that Siargao helps me see clearer—each time, a little more.
Thank you to my UFLJ, UFLJ-Bakhaw mentors and family. You brought me to Siargao, and in doing so, brought me back to myself.
Filed under: Inventures — A category for journeys that go inward, even when the destination is far.
