Katarina Rodriguez on Typhoon Odette: 'Ito ang pinakamasakit na naranasan ko'

A month after Typhoon Odette wreaked havoc in the paradise island of Siargao, former beauty queen and humanitarian Katarina Rodriguez shared beautiful memories of the province that she called home for the past four years.

In an Instagram post, Katarina shared photos and videos of the beautiful beach and her fun and memorable moments on the island with some children, friends, and her partner Niño Barbers.

Part of her caption reads: “'Life is in Paradise sa Isla Siargao' It hurts different when you lose a place. It hits harder when it hits home.

“It's been exactly one month since typhoon Odette devastated Siargao. And even if I don't feel completely ready to talk about it, I need to. Ito ang pinakamasakit na naranasan ko.

“I have read my neighbors' thoughts as they've expressed the pain they're going through & it's both scary how accurate their words are yet also comforting to know whatever unbelievably sad, angry, confused, hopeful? feelings I'm feeling, I'm not alone in this.”

Katarina then reflected on why Siargao holds a special place in her heart.

“This 2022 would mark my 4 years in Siargao and if you've been following me for some time you'll know how my journey has led me to the island,” she wrote. “I used to think that I had too many photos, especially of the last 2 years living there without leaving. However, looking back at my memories I wish I took more.”

Katarina emphasized, “These days are how I'll remember Siargao. The piece of paradise that took me in, flaws & all. Where I met & fell in love with Niño. The island that became home to me & my little family.”

The Miss Intercontinental 2017 First Runner-Up and Miss World Philippines 2018 winner then reminisced about some of her fondest memories on the island, including riding the motorbike with her partner after surfing to get her favorite carrot cake and bringing home the popular pan de coco from town to share with their fur babies.

She also fondly recalled “the playful laughter of the children next door swimming at sunset, the boys' friendly bickering over at Bayud's bar,” and their son's happy face whenever they'd go for morning walks at the beach.

Katarina ended her post by saying, “I play these memories over and over as to not forget them, each memory and each moment having a special place in my mind & in my heart. Heaven really is a place on earth. Heaven is Siargao. ”

These are the other celebrities who, like Katarina Rodriguez, have chosen the island life.