Documentary Short Film

Surfing Siargao Pt. 2

Documentary Short Film

Surfing Siargao Pt. 2

About

Breaking Barriers in Filipina Surfing is the second film in the two-part series Surfing Siargao, which I conceived, directed, filmed, and edited.

It follows Nildie Blancada, a pioneer of Filipina surfing, reflecting on her decades-long journey—from sharing boards and borrowing gear to building a thriving community of women in the water.

Told through a raw, intergenerational conversation with Susan Escanilla, a younger pro she inspired, the film explores their early struggles with limited resources, challenges to outdated beauty standards, and breaking into a male-dominated sport as dark-skinned girls from Siargao.

Their story further reveals surfing’s role in shaping the island’s identity, creating opportunities, and transforming the community through tourism.

Format

Documentary Short Film

Role

Concept Development

Director & Cinematographer

Producer

Editor

Year

2025

Thoughts and Reflections

My aim was to capture the power of female mentorship and how one trailblazing woman can break barriers for others to follow.

Nildie Blancada embodies this fearless spirit—unapologetic about surfing alongside the boys or challenging conventional beauty standards tied to her dark skin.

The film explores not only the early struggles with limited resources but also the broader conversation around representation and identity, particularly the challenges of embracing dark skin beauty within the surf community and across Asia.

Additionally, it touches on surfing’s growing role in local tourism—highlighting both the opportunities it brings and the complexities it introduces to the community.

This story is about resilience, pioneering courage, and the lasting impact of female guidance in a changing world.

My aim was to capture the power of female mentorship and how one trailblazing woman can break barriers for others to follow.

Nildie Blancada embodies this fearless spirit—unapologetic about surfing alongside the boys or challenging conventional beauty standards tied to her dark skin.

Additionally, it touches on surfing’s growing role in local tourism—highlighting both the opportunities it brings and the complexities it introduces to the community.

This story is about resilience, pioneering courage, and the lasting impact of female guidance in a changing world.

Thoughts and Reflections

My aim was to capture the power of female mentorship and how one trailblazing woman can break barriers for others to follow.

Nildie Blancada embodies this fearless spirit—unapologetic about surfing alongside the boys or challenging conventional beauty standards tied to her dark skin.

Additionally, it touches on surfing’s growing role in local tourism—highlighting both the opportunities it brings and the complexities it introduces to the community.

This story is about resilience, pioneering courage, and the lasting impact of female guidance in a changing world.