The Siargao Curse is Real! Surfer Girl Shares Her Dream Island Life Experience.

FEB.28,2025

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Philippines – The enchanting island of Siargao has long captivated surfers, travelers, and adventure seekers from around the world. Celebrities like Andi Eigenmann and Nadine Lustre have embraced the so-called “Siargao curse”—falling in love with the island’s pristine beaches, world-class waves, and laid-back lifestyle—only to call it home. But they’re not alone.

Meet Elaine Abonal, a dedicated surf coach, entrepreneur, and mother who turned her passion for surfing into a way of life through her own surf school, Surfista. Living the ultimate “island life,” she now thrives in Siargao with her family, riding waves and embracing the beauty of the ocean every day.

From Manila to Siargao: A Passion for Surfing

“I’ve been surfing for about 20 years,” Elaine shared in an exclusive interview with Philstar.com. “I started as a student in Manila, traveling to popular surf spots like La Union, Baler, and eventually, Siargao.”

When asked what she loves about surfing, she simply exclaimed, “Ah! Everything!”

“Surfing isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. It’s about being connected with nature, the ocean, and the simplicity of island life. It has become an integral part of who I am.”

Siargao: The Ultimate Surfing Paradise

While Baler and La Union are among the most well-known surfing destinations in the Philippines, Elaine pointed out that the country is home to many hidden surf gems, including Lanao del Sur, Davao, and Zambales. Internationally, she has surfed in top destinations like California, Bali, Sri Lanka, Australia, Thailand, Spain, and France.

Still, no place compares to Siargao.

“The waves here are amazing, the weather is warm, and the people are incredibly friendly. I don’t even need to wear a wetsuit most of the time—except now, because it’s a little chilly,” she laughed. “But really, there’s no place like home.”

Building a Life in Siargao

Elaine first set foot in Siargao when it was still a quiet, small community. “It was empty back then, and it was hard to get students,” she recalled. “I’ve been living here full-time for 10 years. At first, we were renting, but now, we finally have our own house! I’m here with my husband and daughter, and we’ve built a life around surfing.”

But living in paradise comes with its challenges. Typhoons, power outages, and limited access to necessities are part of daily life.

“Siargao is still developing. If you want to live here, you have to embrace the inconveniences—**brownouts, flooding, shortages of supplies—**and love it for what it is. Just because more people are visiting doesn’t mean we’re like Manila.”

Rising After the Storm: Siargao’s Resilient Community

Despite facing Super Typhoon Odette in 2021, which devastated the island, Siargao’s community bounced back stronger.

“Right after the storm, people were already out surfing,” Elaine said. “Surfing is more than a livelihood here—it’s a way of healing and reconnecting with the ocean. It reminded us why we’re here and why we love this life.”

Advice for Those Dreaming of the Siargao Lifestyle

For those considering leaving the city behind and settling in Siargao, Elaine shared some heartfelt advice:

“If you love something, just keep doing it. When I started surfing, nobody was doing it. My dad wanted me to become a lawyer because that was the expected path. But I was passionate about surfing, and I used what I had—my education from Ateneo, my personality, and my skills—to make it happen.”

“Even if you make mistakes, even if people don’t understand what you’re doing, if you believe in yourself and stay dedicated, it will all work out in the end. In the beginning, it might be tough, and you might not make a lot of money, but in the long run, you’ll find happiness and fulfillment.”

The Endless Adventure of Island Living

For Elaine, life in Siargao is never boring. It’s filled with adventure, waves, and a strong sense of community.

📷: @mati.olivieri.surfph MATI. OLIVIERI. SURFPH.

“You really have to love the ocean, the people, and the lifestyle to stay. But if you do, you’ll find a sense of peace and belonging that you won’t find anywhere else.”

The Siargao curse? It’s not really a curse at all—it’s just the magic of the island, pulling in those who are meant to stay. And for Elaine, there’s no turning back.

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