Jafe Surf and Sail Camp Resort in Pacifico, Siargao
January 04, 2014In order for your building to become interesting, it has to exude a certain kind of personality. If you collect and display what represents your experience, character, interests, and individuality, you create an ambiance that extends the depth and beauty of your soul.
The Design
This realization from the book, Creating a Beautiful Home by Alexandra Stoddard, is apparently portrayed by JaFe Surf and Sail Camp Resort, our abode for four days in Pacifico, Siargao Island in December 2013. Before getting to the place, our friends Jen and Shal assured us we will find the displays uniquely pleasant, but we couldn't exactly figure out what they meant until we got off the habal-habal and saw what most people would consider 'trash' all over the open pavilion.
Look up! |
Stones, photos, masks and surfboards |
Coconut mushrooms |
Art session! |
The Owners
"What made you pick a butterfly?" I asked Jack about his tattoo.
"I was going around Costa Rica when a blue morpho rested on me. Our guide said I must be a lucky guy because this type of insect is naturally shy," he recalled.
That was just one of the stories I heard from Jack, a New Yorker who decided to settle in the Philippines with Ferelyn. He used to be a fifth grade teacher, the most probable reason why his childlike, spontaneous, and worry-free disposition is so evident every time he entertains guests. His humor brought in the thrill in his tales on how he preserved a sea snake, dealt with a bully student, or shared any episode in his life. This open-minded man serves as the art director and uniform designer of the resort. In some instances, he works as the chef, too.
Ferelyn (behind the yellow table) packing goods for the Christmas party with the resort staff |
Ferelyn and Jack, the power couple |
The Rooms
There are four types of accommodations to choose from in the resort, namely:
1. Air conditioned rooms. These are located on the second floor of the pavilion. The elegant design combines modern elements with traditional Filipino materials.
2. Hotel California fan or budget rooms. This used to be the residence of the couple, and therefore has a sentimental value for both of them. It was named by Jack's friend, after the popular song of Eagles. Lyrics of the song are written in chunks and posted anywhere. Guests share the same sink and toilet.
3. Loft accommodation. This building is still under construction when we visited last December, but it can accommodate a family or group of 4 to 8 people. Please see the hut behind Hotel California in the picture below.
4. Tents. You can sleep in a tent on their wide yard or you can also bring your own.
Here are the room rates as of December 2013 (in Philippine peso currency):
Aircon rooms | * 2 pax = P650.00 per night * 1 pax = P500.00 per night |
Hotel California fan rooms | * 2 pax = P380.00 per night * 1 pax = P180.00 per night |
Loft | * 4 to 8 pax = P750 per night (not official yet) |
Tent | * (Jafe's Tent) 1 pax = P150.00 per night * (Own Tent) 1 pax = P50.00 per night |
What to Eat
JaFe burger |
JaFe rice |
What to Do
JaFe Resort is ideal for simply bumming around: the kind of break we need to be reconnected with nature and our own self. You can get up early and watch the sun rise from the line that separates the Pacific ocean and sky. You can dance, exercise, do yoga or shibashi on their well-trimmed, green yard. You can run along the beach. You can indulge yourself in art, limitless imagination, and random conversations. You can read your favorite book, write letters to friends, or just stay happily idle. At night, you can lie on the beach and gaze at the moon and stars. Another option is taking a walk along the road and watch fireflies amid coconut trees.
Huge waves during sunrise |
- Surfing spots in Pacifico, Baybay, Burgos, etc. (Red rectangles in the map)
- Sugba Lagoon in del Carmen (No. 2, light blue square)
- Magpupungko rock pool in Pilar (No. 3, orange square)
- Caves in Burgos (No. 4, green square)
- White beach in Algeria (No 5. purple square)
- Taktak falls in Sta. Monica (No. 6, pink square)
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Map source: Ocean 101 Beach Resort |
Other Things You Ought to Know
- Internet connection in the resort is unreliable as there are no network towers nearby. This may be advantageous for those who are taking a complete break from work, but not for those who work remotely.
- The resort doesn't accept credit cards, and the nearest ATM machine is in del Carmen. Unfortunately, at times, this machine is offline for days. Thus make sure you consider your budget accordingly.
- The peak season for this resort is in April and May, Philippine summer months. In September when the waves are glassy, a lot of surfers visit the resort, too. Book your room ahead of time when visiting in these months.
- Well is the source of water. Distilled drinking water is provided for guests.
The resort's well |
Contact Information
Contact person: Ferelyn
Mobile number: 09199912685 / 09173215622
Landline number (Cebu): +63 32 5117824
Email: jafesurfandsailcampresort@yahoo.com.ph
Facebook page: Jafe Surf and Sail Camp Resort
2 comments
Great post! Thanks for the useful info. This will surely help in our planning for our Siargao trip this year. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I'm sure adventurous people like you will LOVE Siargao.
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