It was a Thursday afternoon on December 16, 2021 when Category 5 Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) made its first landfall in the Philippines on Siargao Island and left a wake of destruction and devastation to its communities. That year, Siargao had just been voted The Best Island in Asia in the Conde Nast Travelers readers’ choice awards. The island is a well-known surfing spot not only in the Philippines but all over the world.
More than a year after the typhoon’s onslaught, Siargao has slowly gotten back on its feet. Priority was given to rebuilding and reconstruction of infrastructure that make up the island’s revenue. Some communities, however, are still continuing to pick up the pieces and struggling to bring back their livelihood. Project Re-Dew aims to help these people.
Project Re-Dew is a fundraising initiative conceptualized by BBDO Guerrero and supported by PepsiCo. The project intends to aid in Siargao’s continued recovery by upcycling used PET plastic soda bottles into a luminous green resin that binds wooden debris left in the typhoon’s wake, and crafting these into decorative, full-sized surfboards called ‘Scrapboards.’
These ‘Scrapboards’ symbolize Siargao’s rebirth from destruction, according to BBDO Creative Directors Andi Olbés and Nikki Sunga. The boards are inspired by Siargao’s tourist locations: Pacifico Beach; Maasin River; Sugba Lagoon; Coconut Mountain View; and Siargao’s best known surfing spot, Cloud 9. (Source: ‘Sculptures that Capture the Unbreakable Spirit of Siargao’)
“Everything was used – things considered as waste for a coastal community such as Siargao,” says BBDO Guerrero’s Creative Directors, Andi Olbés and Nikki Sunga, who conceptualized, designed, and crafted the sculptures. Over a hundred kilograms of scrap wood and PET bottles were collected to create the Scrapboards, cruiser boards, and surf fins that are available for auction. The Scrapboards symbolize Siargao’s resilience and unbreakable spirit of adventure—with each board inspired by an iconic location on the island.
100% of the proceeds from the sale of each Scrapboard will go to RISE Siargao and ReMaker Space, which will be used to fund the rebuilding of community boats critical to local livelihood and tourism.
Cruiser boards (left) were created after Catalan Beach, which was a famous spot for skateboard sports. Surf fins (right) were crafted out of gathered ‘solihiya’ and wood debris.
“One community boat benefits four fishermen and 25 to 30 family members,” BBDO Guerrero Creative Chairman David Guerrero shares during the ‘art+design’ preview event. RISE Siargao is an NGO that helps victims of the typhoon to rebuild their homes, while ReMaker Space is a facility that uses upcycling machines on recovered plastic waste to create sustainable solutions.
(Left to right) BBDO Guerrero Creative Director Andi Olbés; Head of Public Policy at Government & Corporate Affairs and Communications of PepsiCo Philippines & Asia, Anne Marie Corominas; BBDO Guerrero Creative Chairman David Guerrero; Pilar Bonnin representing RISE Siargao; Salcedo Auctions Chairman and Chief Specialist Richie Lerma; and BBDO Guerrero Creative Director Nikki Sunga
Project Re-Dew’s Scrapboards, cruiser boards, and surf fins are up for auction at the upcoming gavel&block ‘art+design’ online auction on February 4, 2023 at 11AM. These sculptures can be viewed at the online catalogue. The boards can be seen up close and personal at the main gallery of Salcedo Auctions, NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
