The Pearls Project Connects Women Who Surf Along Different Shores

Four years after it first launched, the Pearls Project has reached other shores, carrying with it its message of ancestry, resiliency, and belonging. 

Conceived by Filipino artist and surfer Archie Geotina, the Pearls Project began as a quietly powerful photo series set in the waters of Siargao. Launched on Independence Day in 2021, the project features Filipina surfers riding waves in baro’t saya, terno, and other garments suffused in cultural meaning. More than just an artistic endeavor, Pearls quietly honors heritage, femininity, and resilience. By showcasing these women in the ever-changing, expansive setting of the ocean, Geotina created a space for renewed narratives where the modern Filipina moves with confidence, purpose, and memory.

When Archie first came up with the Pearls Project, he couldn’t have foreseen how the ripple it created in the Philippines would travel across oceans, becoming a wave that connects communities worldwide.

In March 2025, an offshoot project called Pearls: Baler arrived in Barcelona, where it was exhibited at the Maritime Museum with the support of the Philippine Consulate. Showcased during National Women’s Month, the exhibit brought the intergenerational stories of Filipina surfers in Baler, including Nanay Yvok, one of the area’s first female surfers, and her granddaughter Cathleya Namoro Casals, whom she is mentoring, to the forefront. Dressed again in traditional Filipiniana, these images echoed across the gallery space, creating a dialogue between past and present, land and sea. 

Marie Cabel, originally from Davao and currently based in Baler, took on dual roles as both photographer and muse for Pearls: Baler. At the time of the shoot, she was seven months pregnant. “I wanted to share my own journey, as a pregnant surfer and a mom who continues to surf, hoping it would add another layer of inspiration. I think this project beautifully demonstrates that surfing is for everyone, regardless of age or life stage, and can be a source of empowerment and strength for women.” 

She continues, “I wanted to be involved because, in my heart, the people of Baler deserve to be showcased too, especially Nanay Yvok and her story. I want people to see that, in this male-dominated sport, women have been part of its growth from the very beginning. Even as surfing becomes a trend nowadays, there’s a deep history rooted in those who fought their way in to be part of it and to be seen as equals like Nanay Yvok.” 

Asked why she thinks the project has struck a global chord, Marie says, “Surfing is global and for sure, each surfing spot has their own surf history involving women. I think we all have similar stories.” 

In the vastness of the sea, stories are carried on the tides of ancestry, resilience, and belonging. For many of the women in Project Pearls, surfing is more than sport, passion, or escape; it’s a reclamation. Each paddle out during their respective shoots was an act of remembering, a return to self; each wave ridden was a way to honor the histories woven into their bloodlines. 

For Indonesian Flora Christin, who surfed wearing her kebaya, it was a chance to represent women of her homeland through surfing. “I wanted to be part (of Pearls) to represent Indonesia and show the world we exist. I come from a traditional background, but I don’t let my traditions stop me from exploring what’s out there for me.” Fellow Indonesian Suri Jabrik chimes in, “(Pearls) inspires girls to be proud of their culture and where they grew up. Girls should not be afraid to showcase their own identity and values.” 

As surfers, the women of the Pearls Project are deeply attuned to the ocean, surrendering to its ever-changing moods. No matter how unpredictable the waves or weather, they always return. They find their way back to their roots. There’s something profoundly unifying about reconnecting with our cultural identities, however diverse they may be, using the ocean as both a meeting point and a medium for that connection.

The artists and photographers behind the images are not that much different, having a strong affinity to nature. Each one was personally chosen by Archie because of their unique relationship with the water. In collaboration with people from within the different surf communities, it affords the Pearls Project a personal point of view, rather than one from the outside looking in. 

“Nature gives us each a different and distinct perspective. One that I guess other photographers not situated where we are would have. I don’t think I would have that perspective or idea if it wasn’t for my relationship with the ocean,” he explains, going on to say that this is the lens through which he also chose every photographer involved. 

Matt Power, an Australian who first met Geotina while both were living in Siargao, agrees that being a water photographer has afforded him a unique point of view. “Having the experience of both surfing and shooting in the water was crucial for this project. Reading the ocean, anticipating the surfer’s movements, positioning yourself in the right spot, it’s second nature when you’ve spent enough time in the ocean. Without this experience in the ocean, I think it would be much harder to execute the project.” 

Questioned as to why he came onboard, he says, “I’ve been a huge fan of Pearls since it launched. I love the message it carries, spotlighting powerful female surfers in their element while honoring culture through traditional clothing. It’s bold, beautiful, and unlike anything else out there. When the chance came to contribute, it was an easy yes.”

Archie reflects, “Whenever we think that representation is corny or passé or an afterthought, there are always different ways of presenting and being proud of our heritage. (And) learning that in other countries it’s like, ‘Hey, I want to be part of that and be proud of ours too.’ So, they start reaching out to me.” 

The very beauty of what Archie created finds its heart in our global commonality. It is uniquely Filipino but has impacted people who have found something to identify with, despite being in another country or coming from a different heritage. And thus, the Pearls Project has found homes in neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, China, and as far away as India and Mexico, with other countries waiting to come on board. In this context, far from the Philippines but tethered by the ocean, their presence offers something quietly powerful: a reminder that identity, like water, moves beyond borders.

One of those creative collaborators was photographer Anna-Marie Janssen with deep ties to both the Philippines and Mexico. “I’m a frequent visitor of the Philippines. I love it. The people absolutely stole a piece of my heart,” she shares. “On one of my trips, I became friends with Archie. I work as a fashion photographer, travel a lot, and people and cultures fascinate me. I have a Dutch background and live partly in Mexico with my Mexican partner. We live near one of the most amazing breaks in the country, and I absolutely love the strong culture of Mexico. So, when Archie wanted to expand the Pearls Project and asked me to do my take with my amazing friend, Mexican surfer Patty Ornelas, I was so excited to jump on board. It’s so many of my interests packaged in one beautiful project. It’s freedom, expression, and empowerment.”

Surfer and entrepreneur Beckie Liu exemplifies this global culture. Chinese and Singaporean by heritage, Singapore-raised, and currently living in Bali, Indonesia, her involvement in Pearls: China is deeply personal to her. As she eloquently expresses, “For me, growing up in Singapore’s Chinese culture, the path was clearly defined: study hard, graduate, and get a stable job. That was the image of success. For a while, I thought that should be my life too. But over time, my definition of success changed. Today, it looks like surfing. That journey has not been easy. Some days I felt deeply alone. I know I am not the only one who has felt this way. Surfing in my own traditional Qipao (is) something I never imagined doing on an ordinary day. But this project is about more than just beautiful images. Every woman featured has had to overcome cultural hurdles to be where she is.” 

Beckie currently owns her own swimwear brand, Haikini, and continues to surf competitively in the region. “Being part of Pearls feels incredibly empowering. It reminds me that we all have the power to create our own path, to honor where we come from, and to keep going after the dreams that light us up, even the ones made of waves.” 

Meanwhile, six hours away by plane in Busan, South Korean Su Hyun Shin, who goes by the name “Sunshine” in the surf community, reached out to Archie to collaborate on Pearls: South Korea in time for an annual all-female surf competition that she organizes. While she didn’t don a traditional hanbok, she took the lead as director of the shoot because “I wanted to (still) be a part of a project that showcases the beauty of women.” 

With growing interest, creative fatigue naturally followed. Asked if he’s ever gotten tired of duplicating the same creative process, Archie candidly admits, “When I’m tired of it already, being called by other countries and learning their stories makes me want to continue it more.” And there are so many more stories indeed.

So many that similar movements, not affiliated with the Pearls Project, have begun emerging in various surf communities. As the saying goes, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” But does this bother the creator? 

“I’m not offended when I see it,” Archie says. “I value community over competition.” He believes that letting go of ownership and sharing the spotlight has made him a stronger artist. By giving up the ego, the Pearls Project has grown from a personal vision into a collective cultural force. “It’s flattering when the people who replicate the concept reach out and say they are inspired by it. Sometimes I even tell them to collaborate with me. It makes the project grow beyond borders.”

This collaborative spirit is what keeps Pearls evolving. With every new voice, whether it’s a local surfer, an international photographer, or a cultural bridge like the Dutch-Mexican team, the project gains a new dimension. Each contribution expands the narrative, reframes what empowerment looks like in different contexts, and affirms that the Pearls Project is no longer just one artist’s vision, but a shared platform where cultures, communities, and coastlines converge.

Anna-Marie adds, “I love that Archie decided to take it over the Filipino border. I think there are so many amazingly skilled women in beautiful different cultures. Showcasing this by surf is empowering and fresh; it is mesmerizing. It makes me think of when people saw surfers for the first time, it’s fresh like that, seeing a woman dressed traditionally and totally ripping out there, it makes your jaw drop a little.”

“Pearls is unlike anything people have seen before. It’s visually stunning and emotionally powerful. It celebrates women in surfing, culture, and strength in a completely new and refreshing way. That combination has resonated deeply, not just with surfers, but with people everywhere” is how Matt explains it, adding, “I hope it continues to grow and inspire.” 

In a world where cultural identity is often overlooked or erased, the Pearls Project creates space for women to reclaim their roots on their own terms, in motion, and in community. It reminds us that heritage doesn’t have to be static or confined to ceremony. With each wave caught and each story shared, the Pearls Project redefines what it means to honor tradition while breaking boundaries. 

What began as one artist’s vision on a single island has become something far greater: a growing movement carried forward by those who see themselves in the waves and choose to ride them. And as long as the ocean connects us, the movement will keep growing. Fluid, powerful, and alive. 

See more of this story in the Anniversary Issue of Vogue Philippines, available at the link below.

By KAGE GOZUN. Creative Direction by ARCHIE GEOTINA. Beauty Editor JOYCE OREÑA. (Siargao) Photographers: Archie Geotina and Yerg. Models & Surfers: Cat Gito, Aping Agudo, Maricel Parajes, Ikit Agudo, and Gigi Forcadilla. Fashion Editor: David Milan. Styling: Neil de Guzman. (La Union) Photographers: Arturo Dedace III and Matt Power. Models & Surfers: Daisy Valdez and Kaila Jane V. dela Torre. Hair & Makeup: Jacqueline Anne Jarvis. Fashion Editor: David Milan. Styling: Neil de Guzman. (Baler) Photographers: Joseph Mikala and Miko Villamora. Models & Surfers: Yvok Namoro, Marie Cabel, Cathleya Namoro Casals, and Rosalie Leander. (Thailand) Photographer: Phubet Laorchirangsi. Models: Taddy Koranee and Athiya Ramee Junprasert. (China) Photographers: Archie Geotina and Lotta Piepr. Models: Jojo Bri, Mayke Altenburg, Nino Chu, Cheryl Mainland, and Beckie Liu. Producer: Dragon Academy. (Mexico) Photographer: Anna-Marie Janssen. Model & Surfer: Patty Ornelas. (Indonesia) Photographers: Archie Geotina, Made Deva, and Giang Gaw. Models: Suri Jabrik, Dhea Natasha, Kailani Johnson, Diah Rahayu, Yasnyiar Gea (Bonne), Ainun Raditya, and Flora Christin. Producer: Feby Jabrik. Hair & Makeup: Olga Yurtaeva. Styling: Maikhanh Bertrand. (India) Photographers: Gui Martinez and Anuka Sandew. Model & Surfer: Paloma Monnappa. Styling: Tara Pascale Germani. Hair & Makeup: Laila Dalal. (South Korea) Photographer: April Garden. Models & Surfers: Bokyung Sung, Eunsoo Kang, and Sia Park. Producer: Shaka Surf Korea.