Andi Eigenmann and Philmar Alipayo Are Now Proud Owners of Thriving Businesses in Siargao

Andi Eigenmann and her husband Philmar Alipayo are now running their own shops right in their neighborhood in Siargao island.

Philmar opened the Kanaway surf school, which not only offers classes on how to ride the waves but also sells beach and surfing essentials such as swimwear and sunscreen.

For Andi, it is the Kanaway Snack Bar, which sells the season’s best fruit slushies among other things.

“Yung pangarap ko, matagal ko nang frustration, gusto ko talaga makagawa ng sariling café, hindi ko lang alam paano sisimulan,” she said. 

Fortunately, the opportunity came knocking for both and they just took it. “First timer kami pareho ni Philmar, pero naisip namin it would be a nice opportunity,” she said.

Balancing roles as parents and CEOs

The couple are not exactly business partners. They each operate the stores separately, but that does not mean they do not work together.

“Magkapatid ‘yung dalawang shop na ‘yun. So we’re not business partners, but we can easily still work together, support each other since connected ‘yung dalawang businesses,” they said.

The couple, who is raising three kids together, said this setup has allowed them to be more present as parents.

“That’s the beauty of our shops being related and right beside each other. Kahit hindi kami business partner per se, pwede kami magpalitan, take turns. Mas madali sa ‘kin just to be with the kids… We just hang out around the area while he’s working,” Andi said.

Businesses as medium for their advocacies

They said their businesses are also in line with their aspiration to share with more people their passion for fitness and health. And as for Andi, she is also able to promote her advocacy for the environment through the snack bar.

Kanaway snack bar wraps take-away orders in banana leaves. It also offers discounts for customers who bring their own tumblers for the drinks.

“It was my way also as an environmental advocate to promote biodegradable or eco-friendly packaging if you wanted for takeaway.” 

Apart from fruit slushies, Andi’s café also sells coffee, panini, and a limited selection of breakfast.

Philmar’s surf school boasts a team of instructors who are all certified by the Siargao Island Surfers Association. They offer the basic hour-long lesson for beginners starting at P600, and 3-day, 1-week, and 1-month packages for advanced surfers.

The couple had realized some of their dreams through the snack bar and surf school, but it does not end there.

Philmar shared that he is planning to eventually launch his own surf clothing brand.

“Simula pagkabata ko, nag-start ako ng surfing, pangarap ko na talaga makagawa ng sarili kong surf clothing brand,” he said.

Meanwhile, Andi expressed her hope to make their brand grow.

“We just started. So far, we’re happy with how the snack bar and surf shop were doing. But we only hope that we can go bigger from here as a brand. We want to get this opportunity to introduce or share more of who we are,” she said.

Watch the video below.

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