Photographed by the talented Amit Banuz under the blazing sun at Cloud 9—the Philippines’ most famous wave—Yenien embodies grace and strength wearing our UPF50+ Keramas Hooded Rashguard and Ensenada High Waisted Briefs (coming soon!)

An elegant and skilled longboarder, Yenien’s story is about discovering freedom and embracing the unknown. Born and raised in Manila, she spent years captivating audiences as a dancer before she discovered surfing.

What began as a spontaneous escape from the city’s noise unfolded into a new chapter—one where Yenien became part of Siargao’s surf community, carving out a space not only for herself but for others seeking authenticity and self-expression. Her journey reflects the joy found in communities that welcome those who live boldly.VSC: You had such a fascinating journey from dancing and performing in Manila to surfing waves in Siargao. Can you tell us what inspired you to make this big change in your life?

Yenien: "Honestly, nothing specifically inspired me to leave my life in Manila behind. I’d spent so many years performing—half my life, really—and I wasn’t even interested in surfing at that point. I just felt the need to get away from the city. So, here’s a piece of advice: if you want to get away from the city, go somewhere far enough that you have to book a flight! That’s what I did—completely spontaneously. I didn’t plan anything in advance, but I just knew once I arrived that this was my place. About eight months after I moved here, I tried surfing for the first time and I fell in love with it. That’s what kept me here. So, it wasn’t a hard transition for me; it just felt natural. I’m really enjoying the process and everything that’s come with it."

VSC: What was it like transitioning from city life in Manila to the surf scene in Siargao?

Yenien: "It was the best decision I’ve ever made. In the city, you feel like you’re just going along with what everyone else does—you don’t really have the freedom to be yourself. There’s pressure to fit in, and if you don’t, people judge or even bully you. But here on the island, it’s completely different. I first moved to the mountains before coming to the island, but it was the same feeling—being in nature and around people who don’t care about what you do, as long as you’re happy and not hurting anyone. It’s just pure freedom, and I’m having so much fun with it."

VSC: How has surfing helped you connect with yourself, both physically and emotionally?

Yenien: "Physically, as a former professional dancer, surfing has helped me stay fit and active, which is really important. When you’ve spent years doing something so physically intense, stopping suddenly can be a shock to your body. Luckily, I started surfing just a year after I stopped dancing, so the transition felt natural. Emotionally, it’s very similar to dancing for me.

Dancing was my escape; it made me incredibly happy and helped me disconnect from any stress in my life. Now, surfing fills that same space—it’s my new form of expression and freedom.

It's like performing in the water, but without the pressure I used to feel. It’s just pure joy and gives me the same emotional balance."VSC: Could you tell us about your experience as a trans woman surfer in the Philippines? Do you feel supported by the local surf community?

Yenien: "It's still a complex and often challenging topic, but I consider myself lucky to have started surfing here in Siargao. The local people here are very open, they don't judge people and they're very accepting and accommodating to everyone. In fact, I often get more compliments than others, they genuinely encourage what you're doing and what you're wearing, which has made me feel really comfortable to express myself. 

This environment has given me the freedom to do whatever I want without fear of judgment. 

But again, this is Siargao; I can't speak for other places. I'm just lucky to have started surfing here because the community is so appreciative and open-minded."

VSC: LGBTQ representation in surf culture is slowly expanding, but there's still a long way to go. Do you feel that trans surfers are being fairly represented by mainstream brands?

Yenien: "You know, I recently got an invitation to a surfing competition in France specifically for trans and queer surfers, supported by Vans Europe. It’s amazing because I only started surfing last year, and here I am, invited to compete in something called the Queen Classic Surf—an event just for us. Even if we don’t join mainstream competitions, we now have spaces created specifically for our community. It’s encouraging to see some organizations beginning to actively support these kinds of events, and even other surf competitions are becoming more welcoming. Overall, I feel that the surfing community is moving in the right direction, embracing LGBTQ+ surfers and making everyone feel welcomed and represented."

Yenien’s journey from Manila to the shores of Siargao is a reminder that sometimes, the best decisions come from following your instincts.Through surfing, she has found a space to express herself fully and connect with a community that celebrates individuality. Her story not only highlights the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ representation in surf culture but also serves as an invitation to anyone seeking freedom and adventure.

In the end, the ocean doesn’t care who you are—only that you show up and ride the wave.

Follow Yenien on Instagram @iencustodio_

Step behind the lens with Amit Banuz Discover the moments that sparked his love for surf photography and the serendipitous encounters that define his creative path.