Barefoot in Siargao

About the Book

Barefoot in Siargao is a collection of stories that the author drew on her memories of idyllic childhood summers and nature adventures in Siargao, the mystical island home of her grandparents. She writes about family life, traditional beliefs, local culture, and folklore—ayok (witches), ghosts, and balls of fire. The book was born out of her love of art, nature, literature, and culture. The book aims to open wonders in nature and deepen the human bond with the natural world. The writer urges readers to be sensitive to culture and environment and protect all creation. Readers learn about the natural heritage of Siargao Island, which is of important conservation value to the Philippines because of its coral habitats, seagrass, mangroves, and wildlife. The book is a loving tribute to Siargao, the touchstone of her family, and a celebration of the strong heritage of faith and love that her parents and grandparents left the family.

About the Author

Christina Camingue Buo was born and educated in Cebu City, Philippines. At 19, she was the very first local writer to bring attention to Siargao, her childhood summer paradise, by extolling its natural wonders in Surigao Today and The Freeman. She worked as a radio presenter, anchored a travel show on FM radio and was an ABS-CBN correspondent in Dubai. She has written about travel, art, history, culture, and environment in local and international publications and online sites. Her pen-and-ink wildlife art is on exhibit at Saint Theresa’s College, Cebu. Manuel Pañares has used his art as a tool for advocacy in tribal and cultural preservation. He painted the T’boli, Manobo and Bagobo tribes of Mindanao and the important events and figures of the history of Cebu and the Philippines. He has also painted such distinguished persons as Narciso R. Ramos, one of the founding fathers of ASEAN and the father of former Philippine President Fidel Ramos. He and his wife, Tonette Solatan Pañares have traveled and exhibited in Manila, Cebu, Davao, Singapore, New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Carson City (California), and Florida in the USA.