Having grown up in a small village of 150 people in the U.S. with only one tiny store and a post office which were combined. I hated that I would have to travel at least 6 miles to get groceries or other simple supplies. Even going to school was a long bus ride. People will learn to appreciate the new stores.

a book store is always needed anywhere especially with kids. Stores will generate jobs, income, taxes.

I think if the province know how to balance things then a little upgrade isn’t that bad. National Bookstore is also one of my favorite place here in the city.

@MH-hr9wp

3 ай бұрын

The wealth has to be spread properly. The economy is growing in ph but the spread of wealth is not changing. The money stays with the same people

Coming from another rural area in the Philippines, this isn't really that big of a deal. These are the basics we take for granted in the more developed islands (which incidentally, tend to NOT be tourist islands). Just because they exist doesn't make it any less rural for us. We have small "cities" (they'd be considered "towns" in the western world really) with all these amenities (we even have malls), but we're still surrounded by vast farmlands and nature. It's good to see Siargao having access to really basic things like school supplies or a national pharmacy chain with a much wider selection of medicines. It also brings employment. What I really hope for Siargao in the future is a proper hospital.

@emmalee9747

3 ай бұрын

Great points. I agree completely.

@LarryfromPH

3 ай бұрын

There is never a balance in preserving nature and development!

@AngryKittens

3 ай бұрын

@@LarryfromPHSo what? Keep Siargao poor so you can have an occasional nature vacation? Development is inevitable and necessary. There ARE ways to minimize or offset its impact on local ecosystems. In a lot of cases, development actually helps local ecosystems by removing the pressure of subsistence hunting/foraging and poaching, which is one of the main drivers of extinction of species in developing countries. A bird that would have been hunted for food in a struggling village, would be ignored or even appreciated just for its presence in a more developed one. And that's already been happening all over the Philippines as the tourism industry grows, turning fishermen and hunters into guides. Sea turtles that might have been hunted for tortoiseshell in the past are now treasured as a tourist draw. Forests that might have been logged before are now preserved as hiking spots. And so on. In fact, the more developed a country is, the higher the chances are of it being more capable of protecting its natural spaces and limiting ecological impact. Almost all of the most developed countries today also have the most rigorously protected ecosystems, often setting aside significant amounts of territory as protected areas. Luddistic simplifications of "only this" or "only that" has always been absurd.

So happy about this development 🙏🏻🙏🏻I cannot wait to enjoy all those news places ! April for sure ! Just a dream for Story !Thank you for so good news ! ❤❤❤❤

Story is growing up so beautiful. She looks like one of the Islander. Thank you for showing one part of the Philippines otherwise we never see that part of the Island. Beautiful and God bless you and your family 🙏💖

Siargao compared to Boracay is kore bigger actually its more of a province but definitely all must come to a sustainable development vis a vis nature. Boracay before was just a private island with just palm trees but now u felt is sinking. i hope Siargao authorities do not abuse it as well

@LarryfromPH

3 ай бұрын

Filipinos don't have that mindset. Better visit Siargao soon as it will loose it's natural beauty in just a decade!

Hey, Story….. I loved your six-year-old jokes , now I love your 7-year-old jokes, too! Keep them comimg… you‘re such a delight!!!🤗🥰❤️❤️❤️

I hope the new establishments will follow the aesthetic vibe of siargao not just a building of cement.

@estelletalamera2169

3 ай бұрын

That is what's in my mind as well. Like making it made of bamboo and palm leaves but there's a touch of modern vibe.

@Draigmeistr

3 ай бұрын

The local government can actually pass an ordinance or law to require business fo follow a certain design. I hope Siargao LGU will do it.

@DonMaggie

3 ай бұрын

@@DraigmeistrI think they can certainly do that if people got together and worked towards it. Great idea.

@v.harder

3 ай бұрын

Yes, and not another Boracay in the making.

@DonMaggie

3 ай бұрын

@@v.harderthe big difference is the community in Siargao, which is unlike any other in the country. It’s a unique combination of locals and foreigners all on the same page as far as what they envision for the island. A community centered around surf, wellness and alternative ways of living that didn’t and doesn’t exist on Boracay.

It's nott like the eyesore of a resort someone built in the middle of the chocolate hills

I understand that the occasional tourists would not be happy with the commercialization of Siargao but residents do need to have easy access to essentials. Very glad you are getting some.

@DonMaggie

3 ай бұрын

This

@gee7436

3 ай бұрын

Yup.

@Shattered65

3 ай бұрын

Wrong the lack of commercialization is what brings the tourists. This so called progress will cause the traditional tourists that like Siargao to look elsewhere and those tourists are the ones that bring money to the community not expats.

@LarryfromPH

3 ай бұрын

Wrong! Siargao should be maintained as a tourist area! Developments for residences would just trigger for more people to make it their residence! I guess I need to go to Siargao soon as it would loose it's beauty in just a decade!

@LarryfromPH

3 ай бұрын

​@@Shattered65Correct!

Nice video, as always, very informative. This family has been living the island life for quite a long time now. They're the original Robin Crusoe family, in my opinion (the OG of island adventurers). I love the way they're raising Story, really down to earth. Their way of living really resonates well with the locals (and pinoys in general, I guess).

I agree with your observations and opinion, Jay. Siargao is indeed developing

a welcome development for the island. good thing to have a city center full of modern things and anything that will help you get by your day and be assured that it's there when you need it. plus 5-minute drive will get you to those touristy places like beaches and mountains. A balanced place is a great place for long-term living.

I think this is great progress. Now that more people can work remote, they can move to Siargao and have access to office supplies and paper, etc. it’s a balancing act of big companies opening up stores that facilitate people being able to live their dream life on an island like Siargao and shunning any development or infrastructure improvements.

Your family are true survivors. I remember the videos a few years ago when Typhoon Rai hit the island and destroyed your waterfront property.

Its nice that they have a new bookstore, this is good for kids, hospital and pharmacy is the most needed too to this growing town with lots of expats.

like Story, my eyes light up at the sight of a National Bookstore. it's my happy place! 📚📖🔖

I very much agree with you about these small steps towards development are ultimately beneficial to RESIDENTS in the long term. As Sasha pointed out, there’s plenty of space between Tourism Road and this growing commercial area. As long as they keep that buffer intact I don’t see any problem with it either. It’s possible for boho/indie businesses to coexist with more practical, day to day businesses. As someone preparing to semi-retire there in less than a year I think it’s great 🤷🏻‍♀️

Lets hope Siargao does not get uglified by development.

I think hospital also is necessary in the island.

@usrIO30581l

3 ай бұрын

Philippines Government is slacking.

I agree with you, Jay. Maybe the people who frown s on developments were city dwellers where everything is available

❤❤❤ Enjoy our favorite girl, Story.... be safe lovely family 🙏❤️

I agree w/ you guys. To improve is to CHANGE. It’s convenient and more practical to have those specialty stores in the island. Coz mailing/ delivery fees are expensive & can be time consuming.

She has grown fast and Siargao has arrived! Wow!

Story is such a lovely, smart girl.

Enjoying your cool Siargao vibes ❤

A supermarket would be nice ☺️🙂. Sasha and Story look so cute in their outfits ❤🎉.

Wow looks amazing

National bookstore brought me back to my childhood memories..all those school supplies bring back happy memories.. I guess development like that should be welcomed.. it betters the life in the island more.. but I agree to disagree to big malls though.. after all Siargao claimed to be one of the best island before these new developments came.. people want to escape from the chaos of living in urban areas that is why thry escape to provincial Siargao as it is a beautiful escape from the chaotic modern city life..

For 30 years plus I used to visit a quaint town in the US that was absolutely wonderful. Then the bigger stores and global type businesses came and destroyed the unique vibe that drew people in the first place.

The local government of Siargao should build a good hospital on the island.

I am happy for the residents of Siargao because of these commercial establishments being built in Siargao. If I myself were living there, I would definitely welcome this development because I will already have access to those things that I need in order to make my life there more comfortable.

Nice development in the island.

I'miss mga idol jay sha2x n'super Beautiful story🥰🥰🥰👍👍👍♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🙂🙂🙂🌟🌟🌟

It makes things available to people over there local or foreign. It is challenging for a country such as the Philippines being an archipelago for distribution and deliveries of goods so I say this is very welcome indeed. It does not only benefit Siargao but also neighbouring islands and provinces can access this.🏝️😎📚

This is a welcome development to the island's appeal for everybody's convenience local and tourists alike. Progress is inevitable for Siargao as one of the tourist spots in the Philippines. 👍

Thats a wonderful variety store 🎉🎉🎉

Wow i love National bookstores..my place to stay at long hours..read lots of books and bought lots of books..i do wish that NB built small sections for reading specially those kids wants to read but cannot afford to buy a book. 💟💟💟

Wow Ganda na po Jan 😊

Robinsons is an especially good mall to have in rural areas because they source produce locally.

@merryjoy5188

3 ай бұрын

Exactly true

I dont think national bookstore is bad to have in siargao, it benifit the children specially those who are studying there. Maybe they just need to maintained the natural view , unique aesthetic & the beauty of siargao.

Stay safe everyone. 🙏

Thumbs up 😁😍❤ nice place 😅

@6:09: shakey's has vegan (plant-based) burger (the "goood burger"), nuggets (the "goood nuggets") with vegan-friendly sauces, & even pizza (the "goood taco pizza") & even vegan milk teas (R&B milk tea).

Wow Very Nice in Siargao❤

Puregold is there, hopefully S&R will be coming soon since both are owned by the same family. Lawson a convenience store is also owned by the same people- the Co family.

I always love your videos, i love siargao! ❤

Yummy food

Good day to all in the family. Keep safe always fellas and more energy to you all. Hope one day your daughter will be speaking the native toungue of siargao as well as you and your wife.

What can you say about the new BE resort development on Siargao Island?

Progress catches up even in Island life. Great to see you all doing well!

Good idea for national bookstore to open in small cities.. I noticed that national bookstore is dying in big cities.

I remember when you kids used to go to that bridge to get good cell service!!! Change is good. 🎉🎉🎉

God bless to the family of Story

I see Story trying to peep behind mommy.❤😂

Agree you mate...its makes the island better...

Nice hair Sacha! You look good with bangs😊

Honestly, those people who are against the development that is happening in Siargao are small-minded people. Having a commercial center for the island will boost the economy of the island itself and the peopl. National bookstore is a huge help specially for the students and teachers. The opportunities for the people to have a job and more doors that will going to open for the islanders. As long as there is a balance and the nature are being keep and protected properly, i support the development of Siargao.

@judgmentday221

3 ай бұрын

Just like the Malagasi people from Madagascar.... They didn't want establishments built in their country, they are very much satisfied with their life without a booming economy!

@MH-hr9wp

3 ай бұрын

True more opportunities for work but the wages are very small and inflation is increasing. Every day Filipinos don’t really have a chance with the politicians like this at the helm. Unfortunately, for many, the route to success is actually leaving the Philippines for a better life to support their family. Ironic when you have so many w foreigners coming from rich countries with a lot of opportunity to make videos and pinoybait, a nice easy/lazy life for them.

@emiliec1236

3 ай бұрын

Wow there's national bookstore out there. Its nice they have new commercial establishment being build out there. They are improving n developing...Congrats Siarganon.. thank you 8 miles family for showing this..God bless everyone...

@truthhurtsalways4u

3 ай бұрын

People who are against it are possibly greedy traders who are now significantly affected by it,who knows?

@Lcster

3 ай бұрын

The thing is that development has its ups and downs. It will boost the economy but also means the tax and the prices will see a significant rise. take sagada for example when we went there.. theres no fastfood chains or malls. Their reason being they dont want their people to suffer for the luxury/comfort of the tourist Note: last time i went to sagada was 2019... and the one who answered is a local that says its the main objective of the mayor hence why he is always voted by its people

Wait for SM department store,grocery1a,people will spend time more at the mall

Developments are good in a place such as Siargao as long as it is not close to its natural protected beauty. Good for the locals as per ease of commerce and earnings thru jobs for the locals. The bureau of immigration built closer to a place where most expats wanted to live and stay was a good move, saves everyone a lot of hassles and time. Save the natural beauty and mangroves in the Island. I would say this was a good move.

salamat for this video. You are awesome!!

Now just finish that medical center and Siargao will be good to go! Imo this is the main thing preventing it from being fully livable for some folks who need access to consistent and quality healthcare

Hi poppy

very informative

True and the municipality of Siargao will have more money to improve the roads, airport, etc. More work will be offered to the very poor people so they can improve their houses instead of living in falling and dilapidated houses.

Nature first

are these establishments all in General Luna?

Thanks for showing tourism road will finally get back there this May after 7 years. Probably unlikely but I would be glad to run into you guys on my vacay.

@8milesfromhome

3 ай бұрын

We might be in Luzon in May but it’s not confirmed yet

❤❤❤

It’s so good to see your videos I’m a huge fan

What an incredible stationary store!

3:07 I know the feeling

Yes it is an American product. Elmer is a very old brand name.

@8milesfromhome

3 ай бұрын

Ahh I thought we recognized that

True developments are not always bad especially if you know how hard to get resources in an island… one thing I really wanted Siargao to have is a bigger hospital coz locals there have to travel to Surigao town proper just to be hospitalize… Local needs a better healthcare facilities out there

Its just going stay like that. Preserve the Island no fast food. There is an Island here in the States Nantucket Island they don’t allow any establishment

Where we choose to live is a priviledge. Sometimes we are forced to make choices between nature or the amenities that come with living in the city. When you decided to stay in Siargao there must have been something that attracted you to it and that is why you have stayed there. You have a life there that many envies, and the little sacrifices that you make like waiting for things to come via courier is nothing compared to the beauty that surrounds you. Keep enjoying that life and go to the city if need be to get what the city can offer. I think it will even make it more worthwhile. We cannot have everything. There are plenty of bookstores but only one Siargao. Maybe you can request for libraries to be built around the island that would compliment the environment. A smaller structure but filled with books that would be free for all children to enjoy.

Thank you so much for your food vlogs, im getting information on where to experience great food in Siargao. Im planning to come this April. I hope go see you around. ❤

Hi story❤❤❤❤🥰

I honestly don't think having a town center which offers the amenities of the city a hindrance, nor will it affect the island vibes. But too much development will turn Siargao into Boracay. So there has to be a balance of both easy going island life and vibes with modern amenities and comfort. Hopefully tho i wish that Siargao would have a more modern hospital, so that anyone with a major injury or health issue would be treated on the island and not go to Surigao or Cebu.

This commercial development is good but hope it wont do much damage to the environmental landscape of the Island..., But whats more important to build is a proper Hospital hope govt will give importance to it

I think you're living a beautiful life. I regret not moving my young children to a place like this and raising them in a more beautiful environment.

Time 3:38 Yes that is the school recommended glue for most kids' artworks. I helped my kid build a volcano once, using Elmer's Glue All and newspaper. v:)

It's still better that in every island, these commodities are available. There is a central market/mall in every island. Like at least it'seasier for everyone to live and get all their necessities. Island life will be more livable. Imagine, not knowing about Elmer's glue, that's reallt something. A very well known brand, they're confused about it. And it would tell u alot how hard for people in this area to get the very basic stuff. And instead ot always relying on online shopping, getting them in person is now an option and is better esp when u need something right away. Better job opportunities, too. Better living condition, better in everything. It's not like they're going to build something on every street in siargao.

If you’re looking for something still pristine in the Philippines go back in Luzon Quezon province and Isabela province facing a lot of beautiful places in pacific ocean 😊

As citizens from other countries retire and can't afford the high cost to live in their country anymore, the Philippines will be the beneficiary of these expats. They will be drawn to these islands but need to offer some amenities that make them desirable.

Since you have NBS there, Story might be interested to read my friend's book Luningning Sinagtala. It will teach her a lot about local culture :)

I love national bookstore. It's a big help for the locals in terms of generating jobs and for the students❤❤❤

@8milesfromhome

3 ай бұрын

That’s what we think too, I’m happy it’s that store. We really enjoy going there, we discovered it on our travels to Bohol previously. Now we have one here too ☺️

🥰🥰🥰

The company that owns Shakeys also owns Quorn, one of the biggest meat alternative brands in the world. So a vegan friendly pizza might not be that far away and maybe you could reach out to corporate to request for vegan friendly options.:)

😊❤

❤

I’m not vegan, but would love to see some recipes if you guys could share. I want to incorporate more vegetables, but am not great with spices. 😊

I hope dat I can visit Siargao before leaving to Europe.

I can't believe there's a pure gold in Siargao😮 I thought it's smaller than Dumaguete🤔

We don't want concretes we want more nature!!!! We want the old back now!

I like Puregold. It’s a shop for the masses. I guess it doesn’t cater for everyone but it is more affordable for the families with lower income.

Hello Poppy

In reverse, i would rather choose that they build state of -the art - hospital, international standard, and superfast enternet instead of commercial businesses. Yes, they ruin the island, got preserve the prestine nature of Siargao. Instead build , state of the art -Waste Management desposal system, international standard. Thats all, too much commercializations ruined the Island.

❤❤❤❤