Malaysian actor Ben Amir has taken the plunge and moved to Siargao, Philippines. This move represents a new development 15 years in the making within the Malaysian entertainment industry. Then, at 35, Amir packed up the frenetic stampede of urban living. From an initial two-week trip that started as a quick surfing getaway, Fernando discovered the peaceful beaches of Siargao and set off on his journey—searching for peace and purpose.
For Amir, the journey to Siargao began back in December 22 when he visited the Philippines. Once on the trip, he quickly discovered himself enchanted by the island’s peaceful way of life. After the destruction of the typhoon began to heal by the end of 2024, he went back to Siargao and really made that decision to settle there manifest. The actor, who gained local fame through notable roles in productions like Sweet Dreams and Lelaki Kiriman Tuhan, felt an emptiness after years in the spotlight.
Looking back on his decision to leave a practice that was going quite well, Amir said he realized that he wasn’t satisfied. “In Malaysia, I had my career, my routine, my version of stability … and suddenly decided to change, to leave and start a new life and a new career in a place where I’ve never experienced the culture, the religion, the area, the country and anything about the place,” he said.
Amir’s journey has not been without fear. He admitted that “the scariest part for me is letting go of certainty.” He thinks the move is necessary for his mental health and personal growth. “It’s scary, but for me, I had to do it for my life, for my mental health and for me to evolve from the character that I’ve built these past 15 years,” he shared.
Her own transition teaches us that taking risks is imperative. His advice for anyone else thinking about making a similar shift is to not wait until you’re ready. “Honestly for me, don’t wait until you feel ready. The hardest and most nerve-wracking part is taking the first step,” Amir stated.
With a background of coming from nothing as an extra at 20 to getting big acting roles, Amir appreciates the minimalist lifestyle. In Siargao, he finds not only peace of mind, but contentment in the island’s rhythm of life and warmth of its people. “Inside, I was craving a stillness and peace that would allow me to come home to myself,” he said of his attraction to the island.
Amir’s experiences in Siargao have provided him with the impetus to produce work that speaks to those who share his crisis of conscience. The video he produced, “The Real Reason I Left it All Behind | My Island Life Story,” became a sensation and inspiration. In this video, he imparts invaluable perspectives from his transformative journey. In it, he emphasizes trusting one’s vision for the future: “Just trust the version that you want to become. You know the vision that you see for yourself. Trust yourself, trust your vision and just go for it.”
Amir is keen to inspire other people to make that leap of faith. “The first step is always the hardest but once you do it, you’re gonna be thanking yourself later,” he asserts. He invites anyone visiting Siargao to connect with him: “If you’re ever in Siargao, don’t be shy to say hello!”
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