08/06/2026
🐟 a day by the ocean with chef and surfer , who graciously let me shadow him from surf to kitchen as part of a documentary project series I’ve been developing. Between waves, laughs, brownouts, and truly excellent food, Sean’s daily life made clear what it means to be in community as an islander, and what it means to be Filipino.
All Sean’s relationships on the island begin in the water. Hearing him articulate the way water governs the island’s entire ecosystem – from relationships to food to the weather – was affirming and inspiring, and reminded me why protecting the ocean is inseparable from protecting its coastal communities. Everything begins and ends with the ocean.
We woke up at 4am and made our way to the reef with his partner Rona and sister Maddie. After a surf session we went to the local market, picked up fish and veggies, and Sean did his thing in the kitchen at - which, if you’re in Siargao, is an absolute must for incredible cocktails and dishes made with local fare.
I’ve been sleeping on these rushes for way too long - time to get them into edit! But in honour of World Ocean Day, a little preview. Thank you for the introductions, and to Sean and Rona for letting me tag along with my lens and ask a million and one questions. It means everything.
, , siargao island, filipino chef, community, surfing, filmmaking, filipino diaspora, the ocean, tortang talong recipe, food in siargao, oceans day, storytelling
