Sense of Eden

A solid community, sustainable lifestyle, and true island fashion thrive in the slice of heaven that is Siargao island

- MARIAN SAN PEDRO

As what’s common to many businesses, concept store Vinta Alternative Market started out with having personal needs that evolved to include wants. Marine Voisin and Marvic Ramos started Vinta at the height of the pandemic in 2020. During the lockdown on the island, the community began gathering during weekend markets to offer different types of products, such as homemade food and other specific goods. Their concern for sustainability, eco-conscious lifestyle, and natural products drove them to develop the idea into something bigger. So, the two finally opened a tiny little shop near the beach where they extended their offerings to other quality goods—all with an exceptional Siargao experience.

“Life on the island during the pandemic was exceptionally rich in terms of community events,” shares Voisin. “We then started to collaborate with some talented residents. Later on, we invited other small creators to sell their products in the shop. This way, we could give visibility to other small business owners while also offering products made in Siargao.”

From then, Vinta has become a place where people come not just to shop but also, and more importantly, to have a sense of bliss with specialty goods that one wouldn’t normally find on a remote island. At the same time, the space became a venue for people to catch up and connect while they shop. Vinta has become more than just a supply store.

IN TRUE ISLAND FASHION