How Diwa in Siargao Is Reshaping the Island

 In the heart of the Philippines’ surf mecca, Angela Lopez—a dedicated advocate for eco-conscious living—has launched Diwa Siargao, an eco‑house and retreat that merges modern sustainability with Filipino tradition .

A New Vision for Island Life

Nestled in Siargao’s vibrant landscape, Diwa blends eco‑architecture with the warmth of local design. Named after the Filipino word for “spirit” or “essence,” the retreat is a sanctuary where guests reconnect with nature, tap into mindfulness, and immerse in responsible tourism .

From City Hustle to Island Harmony

Lopez is no stranger to ambition—after eight years in the corporate world, she yearned for a change. In 2019, following life‑changing trips to Siargao with co‑founder Chrissie Torres‑Jamlang, the duo embraced a mission: to build a space defined by simplicity, sustainability, and community manilastandard.net.

Empowering Women, Strengthening Community

Proudly women‑led, Diwa is more than a retreat—it’s a movement. By employing and empowering local women, the retreat uplifts families and cultivates a community grounded in respect and growth. It champions a leadership style rooted not in profit alone, but in kindness and integrity manilastandard.net.

Sustainability in Every Detail

True to its ethos, Diwa bans single‑use plastics, composts organic waste, uses solar lighting, and sources artisanal products and seasonal breakfast items locally. These efforts not only protect Siargao but also inject energy into its local economy  

Lessons in Resilience

Building Diwa wasn’t easy. The remote location meant facing logistical hurdles, supply limitations, pandemic delays, and even typhoon damage. Yet each setback sharpened their vision. “Stripped to the essentials, we rebuilt with intention,” Lopez reflects  

A Promise to the Island

From sunrise yoga on the deck to solar‑powered spaces and compost‑fed gardens, Diwa isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to honor Siargao’s rhythms, live gently, and leave a meaningful impact  

Why This Matters

• Eco‑Architecture & Design: A modern, sustainable take on traditional Filipino aesthetics.
  
  

• Mindful Travel: Retreat spaces that encourage slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
  
  

• Community Impact: Diwa’s women‑led operation nurtures local talents, families, and livelihoods.
  
  

• Environmental Commitment: A model for island sustainability—no plastics, local sourcing, composting, solar energy.
  
  

In summary, Diwa Siargao is more than hospitality—it’s a beacon of sustainable change. By weaving environmental care, cultural appreciation, and community empowerment into every detail, Angela Lopez and her team are reshaping not just one retreat, but the island’s future.

Diwa Siargao, eco‑house retreat, sustainable tourism, Angela Lopez, Siargao mindful travel, women‑led hospitality, eco‑architecture Siargao

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