What began as a calling eventually grew into a place —
rooted in the Philippines — where sustainable living and
social enterprise come together daily.

Welcome to the Islands

Pursuit of Coconuts is the story and mission that led us here. Isla Eden is where that mission lives.

Our story begins with a question many people asked us (and still do):

“Why would you leave the United States to move to the Philippines?”


We had what many would call the dream. A successful career and business, a home we loved in Long Beach,
California, even the dream car. From the outside, it looked like we had arrived.

But on the inside, something was missing.

Hi, I’m Polin — and this is my family.

I’m a first-generation Cambodian American. My parents came to Long Beach in
the early 1980s, escaping a war-torn country and starting over with nothing. I
grew up in rough neighborhoods during the height of gang violence.

My parents worked multiple jobs, sewing our clothes and doing whatever it took
to provide for our family.

Statistically speaking, I shouldn’t have made it. I was a high school dropout. A
kid from the streets. But by God’s grace, I pushed through hardship, built a
business, and reached a level of success the world recognizes. Yet even after
achieving the “American Dream,” something felt incomplete. Over time —
especially after the 2020 pandemic — I realized success without stewardship
felt hollow. I began asking deeper questions:

What kind of legacy am I building?

What am I teaching my children about work, faith, and impact?

Where does my life create the most good?

Those questions ultimately led us toward land, food systems, and community —
and eventually to the vision of Isla Eden. While coconuts were our entry point,
they became a gateway into deeper research and development of heritage
crops, resilient food systems, and regenerative practices rooted in local
knowledge.

As I searched for clarity, I became involved in the nonprofit world and was introduced to social enterprise; businesses that exist to serve people and the planet while remaining sustainable and profitable.

During visits to my wife Sheryl’s hometown in the Philippines, we witnessed both abundance and inequality side by side. Beyond coconuts, we saw forgotten heritage crops, underutilized land, and ancestral farming knowledge slowly disappearing under modern pressures. One moment stood out clearly: piles of coconuts left to rot while farmers struggled to earn a living; yet overseas, coconut products were priced as luxury goods.

That disconnect sparked the deeper vision behind Isla Eden.

We began asking:

  • What if farmers were partners, not just suppliers?
  • What if land was regenerated instead of extracted?
  • What if business could be rooted in faith, fairness, and long-term care?

Isla Eden was born as our response to those questions.

We sought counsel from friends, mentors, and people who knew us well. Almost everyone said the same thing:

“Don’t leave the U.S. Why would you start over? Why would you move your family into the unknown?”

Honestly..... we asked God the same questions.

And the answer wasn’t a detailed plan. It was faith.

God reminded me that He built me uniquely. That He would provide. That obedience sometimes comes before clarity.

So we took the leap.

We sold our house. Packed nearly 40 years of life into a 40‑foot container. Moved our two kids and even our dog, halfway across
the world. For better or for worse, we followed the calling.

Why “Pursuit of Coconuts”?

Pursuit of Coconuts is inspired by the idea of the pursuit of happiness — but happiness itself isn’t the goal.

The coconut became a symbol.

A symbol of faith. A symbol of stepping outside comfort. A symbol of trusting God into the unknown.

As this vision grew, so did the need for a physical place where these values could be lived out daily not just talked about.

That place became Isla Eden.

Isla Eden is our living ecosystem. A regenerative farm, aquaponic system, and community hub located in the Philippines.
 

It is where:

  • Sustainable and regenerative agriculture is practiced daily
  • Aquaponic, closed-loop food systems are tested and refined
  • Coconut-based and natural products are developed responsibly
  • Local farmers are supported through fair wages and shared growth
  • Faith, family, and work are integrated — not separated

Isla Eden exists to prove that business can restore dignity, heal land, and still scale responsibly.

Pursuit of Coconuts became the voice and bridge to the world.Isla Eden became the soil where the work truly happens.

This is our life. This is our pursuit.

Whether you’re a dream chaser, a social impact enthusiast, a farmer at heart, or
simply curious, we invite you to walk with us.

Together, we’re planting seeds of change. Growing dreams. And trusting God every
step of the way.

Every month, we send a newsletter about our journey, the farm and the heritage crops we are unveiling every quarter.

Join the journey and get the latest harvest from the farm

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