Why Pagudpud is good

Experience a new discovery up north called Kapuluan Vista Resort. It is a surprising escape for those looking for adventure or those who simply want to enjoy reading a book on a white-sand beach. Quietly nestled amid three mountains and the sea, Kapuluan Vista Resort offers the perfect mix of natural surroundings making it an excellent place for snorkeling, swimming, diving, surfing, hiking and enjoying nice long walks along endless, expansive beaches.

Style, distinction, warmth and intimacy are the key elements in the architecture and design of Kapuluan Vista. The owners wanted to create a very different property. Their vision became reality when architects Gian “Buji” Libarnes and Kelvin de Chavez worked their magic. They united traditional architecture with the comfort and luxury of modernism without losing the personality of the local community. The expression of theme is created with white walls, white linen and cultural and wooden accents giving the place a tranquil ambiance. 

The food is a must-try. Whether you are craving Filipino cuisine or something with a western flair, their meals will tickle your palate. Fresh vegetables and herbs picked from their organic garden, high-quality ingredients and the all-natural flavorings give their menu a healthy kick. This is an important factor in the wholesome lifestyle that Kapuluan Vista promotes.

After pampering yourself with blissful sleep, delicious and healthy dining, good company and enough recreational activities to make up for days missed in the gym, you will see why Kapuluan Vista Resort was awarded “The Most Innovative Beach Resort in Northern Philippines.” 

This dream resort came true when Mike and Alma Oida moved back to their motherland to pursue a business embracing what they love — surfing, relaxation, nature and good food. Mike and Alma were born in the Philippines but raised in California.

They met seven years ago while working together at Ikea in San Diego. I guess you can say that surfing was the key element that brought them back to the Philippines. When Mike and Alma met, Alma was completely clueless about the whole surfing lifestyle and how it would affect her life. Sure enough, Mike taught Alma to surf and her life was altered overnight. Her prior opinion about the Philippines, let alone moving back, dramatically changed after a four-month surf trip together. 

Inspired by an article in a surf magazine, Mike decided to explore the potential of his own country by taking a surf trip. Mike and Alma were hooked. After returning to California, they decided to choose between the stressful, fast-paced lifestyle of the US, or the laid-back lifestyle of a pristine location back home. It took only a few seconds to answer the question. Eight months later, they were back on the islands, finding their own corner of paradise. Two years and lots of surf trips later, they came across Pagudpud by chance, fell in love, built Kapuluan Vista, got married in the resort and are now working and raising their two-year-old daughter in that paradise.

In the short time sine opening the resort, its waves and spectacular scenery have attracted the attention of several mainstream international surfing publications such as Surfer Magazine (US), Surfers’ Path (UK) and Kiwi Surf (New Zealand). Recently they played host to the Sports Unlimited crew and Mike and Alma even gave Mark Nelson and Dyan Castillejo private surf lessons in front of their resort.

For further information and reservations, text or call 63 (920) 952-2528 or 63 (920) 928-5273. Check out their website at www.tjhawaii.com/kvr.