Once a quiet surfing haven in the Philippines, Siargao has become one of the world's most sought-after island destinations. But as visitor numbers soar, residents are grappling with rising living costs, environmental pressures and growing tensions with tourists.
SIARGAO, Philippines: For professional surfer John Mark Tokong, better known to his peers as Marama, the waters surrounding Siargao have always been more than a surfing paradise.
Growing up on the southeastern Philippine island, fishing was part of everyday life. When there was little food, the sea provided. Families relied on farming and selling what they could to make ends meet.
“Growing up here, a long time ago, (there was) not much business,” he recalled. “If we didn’t have food, we’d go fishing. We’d farm (for) rice.”
Today, the island he calls home is almost unrecognisable.
Once-quiet streets are now lined with trendy cafes, restaurants and resorts. Tourists flock to its beaches while surfers from around the world descend on its legendary waves.
For Marama, who has since become one of the nation’s leading professional surfers, the transformation has opened doors to…