28/02/2026
Thank you Bicol Mail!
The genius behind Kiudkad: How a vision turned a hidden beach into paradise
By Ryan Mostar
SIRUMA, CAMARINES SUR — There was a time when the windswept shores of Barangay San Ramon were known only to fishermen, locals, and the occasional adventurer brave enough to navigate rough trails for a glimpse of the Pacific in its purest form.
Today, that same coastline surfaces in travel circles as one of Bicol’s most rewarding off-grid escapes. At the heart of this quiet awakening is Kiudkad – The Last Resort, a nature retreat born from the vision of a photographer and outdoor enthusiast who believes the best kind of luxury is uninterrupted ocean views.
More than eight years ago, that vision began not as a development plan, but as a personal discovery — a traveler stumbling upon a remote stretch of coast untouched by crowds and commerce. What stood there was a landscape of dramatic cliffs, wide sandy shores, coral-rich waters, and a profound stillness that lingers long after you’ve left — the kind of stillness that makes your phone feel awkward for even existing.
What started as a simple campsite for family and friends gradually evolved into a welcoming haven for fellow nature lovers. During the pandemic, when many sought refuge from the noise of city life, Kiudkad quietly opened to visitors looking for something rare: authenticity, simplicity, and reconnection with nature — plus a subtle reminder that perhaps life can thrive without traffic jams and delivery apps.
Kiudkad never aimed to be a luxury destination. Its charm lies in its raw honesty. Guests hike through trails, sleep to the rhythm of waves, wake to uninterrupted horizons, and experience coastal living that feels restorative and real. It is a place where nature speaks softly, and worries quietly step aside.
For many, the journey to Kiudkad became their introduction to Siruma itself — a municipality rich in natural wonders that had long remained off the radar. Through photographs, stories, and word of mouth, the retreat became an unexpected gateway to Siruma’s reefs ideal for freediving, scenic rock formations, and Pacific sunsets so serene they make you question why you ever set an alarm.
The guiding philosophy behind Kiudkad has always been simple: preserve the terrain, respect the environment, and let the landscape speak for itself. Rather than altering the coast, the retreat works with it — offering visitors an experience grounded in appreciation rather than alteration.
As travelers shared their experiences, Siruma’s name began appearing in conversations among backpackers, eco-tourists, and outdoor communities across Bicol and beyond. What was once considered difficult to reach now feels worth every dusty, bumpy, scenic kilometer.
More than drawing visitors, Kiudkad helped spark a broader curiosity about Siruma’s potential for sustainable, community-centered tourism — one that celebrates nature without overwhelming it.
Today, Kiudkad stands as more than a retreat. It is a reminder that sometimes, it takes one person’s deep appreciation for a place to help others see its value — someone who saw beauty where others saw distance, and opportunity where others saw isolation.
That person is Randall Dagooc, whose quiet vision transformed a hidden shoreline into a destination that now invites travelers to pause, explore, and carry Siruma’s quiet beauty long after they leave.
Photo credits: Randall Dagooc
