Rediscovering Home
by Marlise Kast
posted 2006-08-23

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For most of us, falling in love introduces subtle changes and minor lifestyle adjustments. For San Diego local Alma Nuesca, however, love meant becoming a dedicated surfer and returning to her Filipino roots.

Born and raised in the town of La Union, Alma and her family had left the Philippines in 1984 to begin a new life in San Diego, California. After graduating from college, Alma began working long shifts at the furniture store IKEA. It was there that she fell in love with coworker Michael Oida. Ironically, he was also a Philippine native who learned to surf after he moved to San Diego at age fourteen.

For months, Alma cheered Michael on from the shores of La Jolla and Pacific Beach, California. In 2000, Michael read an article in Surfer's Journal which featured the unexplored Philippine waves. Immediately he was fascinated with the idea of surfing in his native land after abandoning it years before. First however, he needed to share his surfing passion with the woman he loved.

"When Michael and I started dating, I was naïve about surfing," recalls Alma, 27. "I followed him on all his surfing excursions in hopes of understanding why it was such a big part of his life. It wasn't until my 25th birthday, when he paid for my first surfing lesson that I began to embrace the lifestyle."

According to Michael, it was Alma's newfound interest that gave him the courage to follow his dream of returning to his Filipino roots. At first Alma was hesitant because she knew it would mean sacrificing the comforts of America. Nevertheless, she supported his decision and together they saved enough money to survive for several months on the islands.

By October 2002 Alma and Michael were ready to embark on their test-trip to the Philippines. During their initial three-month visit, the couple explored surf spots in Daet, Baler and La Union. "It was as if the waves were begging to be surfed," recalls Alma. "There were endless miles of empty, perfect breaks running along the coastline. I knew right then that the Philippines would be our new home."

During that first trip, the couple met a handful of surfers who welcomed them into the warm waters of San Juan. With help from the locals, Michael and Alma explored the entire coastline from Bolinao to Laoag.

"People looked at our boards and thought they were some type of weapon," says Alma. "Most locals had never heard of surfing, and those that had, were eager to share the waves with new friends. There were no bad vibes, no dropping in, and more than enough sets to go around."

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