Christophe Bariou Came to Surf, Now He’s Helping Shape Siargao’s Future
He came for the waves, stayed for the love, and built a life that reshaped Siargao—one thoughtful choice at a time
The island boy who champions nature and community
French-Filipino Christophe Bariou arrived in Siargao in the 2010s not just to ride its world-famous waves but to build a life, create opportunities, and, as in many extraordinary journeys, follow the path of love.
Born in France, he was captivated by the island’s raw beauty and the promise of a simpler, sun-soaked existence. A decade later, he is more than just a resident: he has become a pillar of the community, an entrepreneur, an advocate, and, in every sense, an island boy.
This love—an organic bond with nature—began long before Siargao. Childhood summers in Puerto Princesa, the capital of the island province of Palawan, introduced Christophe to the wonders of untouched tropical ecosystems.
“We had a six-hectare property stretching from the jungle to the beach. It was alive with birds, frogs, insects, and even monkeys. Every day was an adventure, like being a young [Charles] Darwin,” he recalls.
That early immersion left an indelible mark, shaping his deep-seated desire to live in harmony with the environment. Years later, moving to Siargao wasn’t just a choice—it felt like a return to his natural state.
Unlike many who pass through the island, hoping to make it their playground, Christophe understood Siargao’s delicate social fabric.
“There’s a unique dynamic here. Locals, city-born Filipinos, and foreigners—mostly surfers and wellness seekers—all [coexist].”
His approach has always been about integration rather than imposition. He didn’t just build a business; he built bridges.
His early major project, Be Siargao, a lifestyle magazine translated to English and Surigaonon, celebrated the island’s diverse community. “It was a way to bring people together,” he says.
Later came Maison Bukana, a boutique villa reflecting his ethos—an elegant blend of contemporary French influences and Siargao’s organic charm.
Sustainability is at its core, from repurposed plastic waste used as bricks to reliance on natural energy sources and a mindful approach to design and operation.
More than just a restaurant
Then came Ver De Siargao, a plant-based restaurant.
“Shifting to a plant-based diet has been proven to be by far the most impactful individual action to reduce carbon footprint, conserve water, preserve forests and oceans, and protect wildlife.”
His transition to veganism, long before opening the restaurant, was driven by both ethics and ecology. “Animal agriculture, particularly meat and dairy, is responsible for 80–90% of tropical deforestation. The fishing industry is the biggest contributor to ocean plastic pollution.”
More than just a restaurant, Ver De Siargao is a statement—one that challenges perceptions of plant-based eating.
Its menu features internationally inspired elevated comfort food, reimagining Filipino classics like tapa (dried or cured beef) and tocino (cured pork or chicken), while beautifully demonstrating that sustainability and tradition can coexist.
Each dish cuts down its impact on the planet by up to 73%, is cruelty-free, saves lives, and boosts our health—without sacrificing the incredible taste and flavors we crave. It’s like doing good for the world and still indulging in what you love.
But Christophe’s contributions extend far beyond business. He is deeply involved in conservation, working alongside local NGOs, government units, and business owners to promote sustainable tourism.
“Even before I started my businesses, I was engaged in community-building: conservation efforts, discussions on tourism’s impact, and creating a system where nature and people thrive together.”
He collaborates with the Siargao Tourism Operators Association (STOA) to champion responsible tourism. He also supports grassroots initiatives focused on environmental protection and animal welfare. On the island, many see him as an “OG”—a label he laughs off—but to him, it’s simply about doing his part.
Siargao is more than just a home to him: it’s a responsibility. His vision is clear: an island where nature and people coexist in harmony, where sustainability isn’t a passing trend but a way of life.
With every project he undertakes, he strives to ensure that future generations will experience the same unspoiled paradise that first captured his heart.
Despite the island’s growing popularity, he remains optimistic about its future. “I always see Siargao as my base. Maybe one day I’ll explore other places—but this will always be home.”
Read the story in the pages of VMAN SEA 02: now available for purchase!
Photography Paolo Pineda
Art direction Mike Miguel
Fashion Rex Atienza and Corven Uy
Grooming Muriel Perez
Fashion assistant Summer Untalan
On location Cafe Siriusdan
