Next up in our new editorial series featuring inspiring surfers around the world is Archie Geotina, a Siargao-based visual artist and surfer best known for his now-viral Pearls Project, a powerful surf photo series featuring female surfers from around the world surfing in full traditional dress.
Archie Geotina, a Filipino visual artist and avid surfer also known as Chichimonsta, found his way to a surfboard just shy of 10 years ago. Like our last 21 Questions star Lindsey Holland, it was a life transition, a turning point moment, that drove him to the water for the first time. He had just moved from Manila, where he was born and raised, to the island of Siargao in search of a slower-paced life, and for the creative inspiration a change of perspective can often set into motion.
While the hustle culture and concrete jungle of Manila was his proving ground, both artistically and literally, he grew up surrounded by Bisayas and Surigaonons, their folklore, food, language, and ethics. His family is from Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, not far from his chosen home today of Siargao. This constant exposure to his country’s sadly fading culture and traditions always reminded him that there’s more to the Phillippines than just Manila. And even more importantly, that there still exists threads of Philippine culture that haven’t been entirely overwritten by colonialism, a topic that’s played a starring role in much of his work.
As an artist and creative, Geotina has always believed the best art comes from a place of collaboration. For him, art is about community and how to best express what the community represents through his eyes, and with their contribution. Siargao and its community of surfers, photographers, and torchbearers of treasured Philippine rituals served as a powerful source of inspiration and collaboration for his most viral artistic accomplishment to date, a project called Pearls.
This is how we discovered Geotina, by stumbling across an unforgettable, black-and-white photo of Filipina surfer Ikit Agudo calmly scaling a wave in full traditional Filipiniana dress. The series—the result of a collaborative effort between Geotina, photographers Bren Fuentes, Jose Mirasol, and Paula Ortega, and surfers Ikit and Aping Agudo, Josie Prendergast, Maricel Parajes, Colleen Hammersmith, and Sandy Coldura—debuted in multiple installments starting in 2021 on Philippines Independence Day. Since then, the series has taken on a life of its own, appearing in features on Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and even inspiring later installments that feature surfers in full traditional garb in other destinations like Indonesia and Mexico.
It’s amazing what strong cultural roots, a change of place and pace, a return to the ocean, and an artistic bent can do for an entire community when seen through an artist’s eyes and in collaboration with all of it. We are stoked to introduce you to Archie Geotina from an angle yet untapped: a surfer who makes art, not just an artist who surfs.
Get to know Archie Geotina as a surfer in this rapid-fire Q&A:
1. Age you started surfing?
I started pretty late. Probably when I moved to Siargao. I was 29 years old.
2. First place you ever surfed?
Quicksilver in Siargao
3. Last crazy or creative idea surfing inspired?
4. Last place you surfed?
My favorite surf spot in Siargao
5. Next place you’ll surf?
I have an upcoming trip to Bali, so probably Kuta and Medewi. Then I head to Chiba, Japan.
6. What or who inspired you to start surfing?
Moving to Siargao and being surrounded by local surfers, but also surf films like Thomas Campbell’s “Sprout,” Nathan Oldfields’ “Church of the Open Sky,” and Deus Ex Machina’s “I Had Too Much to Dream Last Night.” Also, Filipino surfer Arthur “Toots” Anchinges. One of my best mates, Mateo, sent me a YouTube clip of him and I saw how beautiful the style of traditional longboarding was and the things attached to it. And because he was Filipino that inspired me, too.
7. What’s your all-time favorite surf spot?
Anything that goes left
8. What’s your go-to board?
My go-to board is the one that fits the break I’m surfing. It depends on the spot. I’m a bit older now, but I’ve always loved logs and eggs, nothing below 7 feet though. The biggest board I surfed was a 10 footer; I’m pretty chill in the surf and I’m not trying to destroy waves – that’s just my preference.
9. Your favorite type of wave or conditions?
Long glassy lefts
10. Sunrise or sunset surf sesh?
Both. If worth it, I’ll surf twice a day.
11. No. 1 place you want to surf before you die?
Hmm so many … Sri Lanka, Morocco, maybe more point breaks as we don’t have them much in the Phillippines
12. Dream surf gear collab or project?
Design a collaboration capsule collection between my brand, Alima, and Birdwell. And to design my own sneaker with Vans.
13. Best thing about surfing?
The art, the music, the peace, the freedom, the sensation of flying, the happiness you get when you learn new things. Just endless learning. The shapes, the colors, everything.
14. Worst thing about surfing?
The many egos. Oh, and beginners who don’t care to get an instructor so they can learn better and surf safer, AND they act like they know it all.
15. Greatest lesson surf has taught you?
Be patient.
16. Worst wipeout: where and what happened?
6-8 foot, 13-second interval swells at Stimpy’s. I took a wave and it closed out on me, I was held down until my lungs couldn’t hold anymore. Luckily I floated up, got air quickly, but I was pretty confused and shook up after. Then comes a two-wave set right on my head, more washing machine-ing and breath-holding.
17. Greatest surf tip or advice you’ve received?
KNOW DA RULEZ
Respect the locals.
Get your hands right. Get your foundation right.
Bring the right boards and lower your expectations.
18. Pre-surf routine?
Stretching.
19. Post-surf routine?
Shower and nap if there’s no work.
20. Favorite or go-to post-surf meal?
ANYTHING
21. Favorite thing to do when you’re not surfing or creating?
Keep calm.
You can keep up with Archie Geotina’s life, art, and surf on Instagram at @chichimonsta and @thepearlsproject.online.
