They say your first trip to Siargao is an introduction, the second a reunion and by the third, you stop counting. Some come to surf, stay for the sunsets and others never leave at all.
The same could be said for businesses. When trends shift with the tides of the island, ventures pop up and disappear just as fast.
But a select group of creatives saw Siargao as more than just a slice of its tourism pie. In 2006, Gianni Grifoni, a Swiss-Italian with a deep connection to the Philippines, fell for the island’s tropical charm and laid-back lifestyle. He soon met Marama, a local surfer who had been riding waves since he was six years old. To support Marama’s dream of surfing internationally, Gianni created Gwapitos in 2016, selling shirts to fund his journey.
By 2024, Seona Dacalos of Gwapitos, Choi Kapunan of Common Folk and Laylow Siargao and Gianni teamed up to open “Good Times Coffee.” The trio demonstrated that success isn’t trial and error when you know the heart of the island.
Birth of a business
The idea for Good Times Coffee had been percolating for years, even before the pandemic hit. Seona, who had already made a name for herself through Gwapitos, recalled how the cafe concept was always a part of their vision.
“It felt like the right time to bring it to life,” Seona shared, looking back on the café’s official opening in May 2024. When Gwapitos expanded into a larger space earlier that year, the team saw it as the perfect opportunity to finally open a café that mirrored the easygoing, interconnected energy of the island.
The space itself is a natural extension of the Siargao lifestyle, friendly and real. Good Times Coffee is a space where everyone, whether they’re surfers or tourists, can feel at home. “Our goal is simple,” said Seona. “We want to offer good coffee that’s affordable and accessible to everyone on the island.”
Rooted in island life
One of the things that sets Good Times Coffee apart is its pledge to represent the island’s global surf culture. Inspired by the magnetic pull of Siargao, the café blends the spirit of community with high-quality, approachable coffee. The focus is on simplicity: good coffee made for everyday life.
Seona, a proud Cebuano, attributes much of the café’s business philosophy to her roots. “Cebu teaches you resourcefulness and a strong work ethic,” she explained. “That definitely carried over in the way we run Good Times Coffee.” With the rugged nature of island logistics — long supply chains and shipments and balancing affordability with quality — the team has had to remain nimble. But, like most things in Siargao, it’s all part of the adventure.
Siargao may be a smaller island compared to Cebu, yet it prospers through a one-of-a-kind combination of locals, tourists and surfers. This diversity in customers has shaped Good Times Coffee, making it a crossroad of cultures. “Cebu’s coffee culture is deeply rooted,” Seona said, “but Siargao is more of an international hub where you get visitors from all over the world. That diversity makes the approach a little different, but the love for coffee stays the same”
A taste of Siargao
Coconuts in Siargao aren’t just background for pretty Instagram photos, its abundance is a gift of nature that Good Times Coffee perfected in its menu. The Siargao Coco Latte and Coco Americano have quickly become crowd favorites. And while Good Times Coffee has already made waves in Siargao’s thriving café scene, the team continues to innovate with collaborations and events. As their first anniversary approaches, there’s an air of excitement about what’s to come.
“We want to continue growing at a pace that feels right,” said Seona. “It’s important to us that every move we make aligns with our values and the community we’ve built.”
In addition to being a thriving business, Good Times Coffee offers its owners the ultimate island lifestyle. Seona, Gianni, and Choi all share a passion for surfing, and running a café on Siargao means that, occasionally, the day includes a surf break between shifts. It’s a life that many would envy: waking up to paradise, facing the challenges of island living, and creating a space that reflects the very essence of Siargao itself.
“There are always challenges here,” Seona shared. “But it’s also rewarding. Siargao keeps you on your toes — challenging, unpredictable, but always rewarding. But at the end of the day, it’s about building something in a place you love.”
Looking forward
As the business continues to grow, Good Times Coffee remains committed to staying true to its roots. Despite their success, they’re determined to maintain a balance between their dreams and the hustle it takes to build something truly lasting. “We’re excited about what’s to come,” Seona said. “While our dreams are big, we’re determined to grow at a pace that feels right.”
With their first anniversary approaching, the future of Good Times Coffee is wide open. But on this island, anything feels possible.