@christinaevangelista

I attended Awake Surf Retreats last January, and it was honestly one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve had in Siargao.

I’ve been living on the island for three years, but this was the first time I experienced it as a guest. For once, I wasn’t organizing anything, planning logistics, or thinking ahead. Everything was taken care of. All I had to do was show up. That alone felt like such a gift.

I found myself in awe of my own island home all over again. We visited restaurants and spots I had never tried before, and it reminded me that no matter how long you live here, there’s still so much to explore. It made me fall in love with Siargao even deeper.

Surf-wise, this retreat was transformational for me. I almost drowned in 2024, and since then, I’ve carried quiet fear in the water. My coach, Jason, knew about it and handled it with so much skill and care. By the end of the week, my anxiety was gone. I was enjoying the waves again. Being surrounded by such solid surfers in the lineup, and learning from one of the best longboarders on the island, helped me rebuild not just my skills, but my confidence. I genuinely improved, but more importantly, I healed something.

Rem is an incredible host. I’ve known her since our CrossFit days back in 2023, but getting to know her more deeply during this retreat was such a blessing. She creates a space that feels intentional, warm, and beautifully curated.

And the girls I met, Vicky, Charlotte, and Jossica, I’ll cherish those friendships forever. There’s something special about bonding through waves, shared meals, and island adventures.

Incredibly grateful for this experience. If you want to experience Siargao in a deeper, more intentional way, this is it. 💙