Author: cbartazo

Diving at Duka Bay

cbartazo

It was a bright Saturday morning – it was still early but I gotta be going – I was expected to be at the meeting place at 7:30am, I need to leave home earlier.  My bags were packed the night before to be sure everything I need is all tucked. It was bit exciting since this dive is a requirement from my diving instructor before I could have my lessons for advanced open water diver course with him.  It has been almost two years that I dove with him, so it’s some sort of reuniting with my fave instructor. Though its bit tense because for sure, I would receive many reminders and corrections from him J – but no worries actually, he’s so ever kind with me… 

I was carefully browsing the mag stand (nothing to do) when Mario arrived, glad to see him and we climb into the truck J – my mind is wandering with excitement for today’s adventure. All was guys, not uncommon – still a gender issue! I was introduced to the guys, two of them from NY and London – Fred & Andy but both Cagayanons.  They were bit amused buying fresh fish along the road – not found in their new place! They were amazed that big yellow fin tunas as abundant in MisOr waters, at super low priced compared in NY & London.  It was bit of long drive to Duka, especially that we have cargoes in the truck – tanks and other dive equipments.  We drop-by at Baling ni Juan for  breakfast – the guys need it while I waited for them. 

Mario has just opened his diveshop about 3 weeks ago here in DU Dy Beach Resort, the place is exclusive – outside Duka Bay Resort.  A modest shop still undergoing improvements – tranquil and idyllic.  We finally got into our gears after we waited for the crew who went to the palengke for our needs.  We will go fish feeding today!

 Duka Reef is a marine protected area, very rich in marine life and has lot of dive sites waiting to be explored.  Our first descend was in Paradise – drop offs, caverns, crevices gaily decorated with colored corals. It boasts of “alibuag”, a freshwater spring in the sea – a nature wonder!  I tried to go near and feel the gushing water… There were a  variety of fish specie in the area, we went fish feeding (don’t like it much) so it was an alive encounter with the  critters. Our companions enjoyed taking photos and vids. I ascend later than the guys as I still have more air, Mario stayed with me while the rest of the group left.  I took my time swimming near the reference line, finally ascend when Mario summoned me and my air down to 1000 psi.  We had a late lunch, enjoying the tuna – tinola, grilled and fried! 

 Our next site was Japanese Garden, we went fish feeding again – such a rich fish life!  They feasted on the bread, we were surrounded by varied fishes (please view the vids – courtesy of Andy). I was fascinated with the sight of fishes so alive circling us as if asking fro food.  I was even more delighted when I stumble with a porcupine fish – I had fun playing with it, and Andy was quick to get a short vid of my encounter. J I sighted an artificial reef, a big structure with corals, grasses, sponges and other marine critters – wonderful sight! I ascend later again than the guys and I spend more time roaming around near the ref line, finally surfacing when my air is down to 1000psi.

 It was another wonderful encounter, new things learned, new sites explored – more reason to come again as I will be having my advanced open water diver course with Mario.  Well, got an approval from him to have my lessons – and it must be soon.  It’s been long overdue and I need additional skills for a more enjoyable dives.  I will be back in Duka Reef again soon for more diving adventures…

Samal Island: More Reasons to be Back

Samal Island: More Reasons to be Back

cbartazo

Diving at Audanao and Tagpopongan

I have been on transit these past days, packing and unpacking bags has become my latest bustle, in fact bags lined up at the foot of my bed. I’m beginning to get tired with packing and sorting, that I just pull another bag and stuff my things for the trip.  It felt like I’m in haze with all the goings.  J It was about task and responsibilities at work. Anyhow, on a Friday rushing to get back to CdO from Lanao Norte I have to cram my backpack for an anniversary trip with travel friends.  We planned for this trip before year-end,  everybody is looking forward to see each other again.  And I am even more forward looking because I’ll be diving again at Samal Island.

I have read an account about Aundanao and I was getting interested to see the place. It was just perfect since we will be going the northern part of the island.   I’ll be diving with Angel as we promised our selves  – our first dive together after he become a diver.  I tried to convince our friends to try intro diving which everybody did – looks like more will be taking diving course soon. J

Leaving CdO

After hurriedly packing and forcing myself for dinner (it’s gonna be a long trip), I picked up Rico at his hotel for the bus terminal. We boarded the aircon bus wondering there were many lining up for the regular bus – probably because it’s a Friday. I was thinking for 12:00mn departure but it promptly left at 11:00, it’s too early to arrive 5:00am at Davao as I’m sure the diveshop would still be close.  Anyway, we sleep on our way – bearing the ill-temperatured transpo, it was just too cold!  Arriving Davao too early, we landed at Jolibee for an early breakfast and morning routine – I have to change ready for the island cruise…

Together Again

Rico and I arrived early at the dive shop, it was embarrassing staying long waiting for the 8:00am assembly time.  We got a bit adventurous and decided to ride jeep to Monteverde Street from JP Laurel Avenue – it only costs P 14.00 compared to the Taxi! J It’s heart warming to see friends at the shop (DM Maeng, DM Arnold, DM Yoyong).  Our friends finally arrived, was too glad to see them again – Carina, Mario, Angel, Jen, Kay!  So kuwentuhan, kumustahan…. Jen, Carina, Mario & Owen (DIY Coron Batch 2), Angel & Kay (DIY Samal Batch 1) not to mention Rico (DIY Batch 9 with Mario, Jen with me), it’s good to see them again.

We left for SAmal with the divers, the sun brightly shining, DM Maeng informed us that we will have our lunch stop at Hayahay Resort ( owned by Sonny, a diver too), which will be featured in Mabuhay mag April 2009 issue. It has unlimited shower having a fresh natural spring – so cool!  We cruise for over an hour to Aundanao, I feel like I wanted to take a nap, J sleeping in the bus sitting wasn’t fun actually. L We were able to convince our friends to try intro dive except Mario and Owen who preferred only to snorkel. Well, photos again – walang katapusan! Mario & Carina got new DSLRs – so we pose, pose, pose and they shot, shot, shot! J

SAmal Island

Angel and I got into our gears, this gonna be our first dive together – at last!  We descend with DM Yoyong, funny since I got used to briefing before a dive but we got none.  We leisurely examine the wall looking for critters, found big clams, sponges, colored soft corals, nudibranches, seafans until we got into the current.  I was flapping my fins hard but I wasn’t moving, I was in jitters I was breathing hard. I waited for our DM to look my way but took him few minutes before he signaled the other way!  I hinted for my air.  We ascend after our safety stop near the boat.  It was my shortest dive so far and least air at 500psi….. DM Charlie commented we surfaced too early!

We sailed off to our Lunch stop after our friends got their intro dive.  Hayahay is a quiet place waiting to be discovered, it has few huts, a duyan, flowing fresh water shower and a scenic view. No sandy beach but clear turquoise waters – such a perfect place for a leisure lunch….. I failed to savor the place as I climb up the boat after my lunch, I feel more at home on the boat.  I relax to prepare for our next dive.

We cruised again for our next site at Tagpopongan, actually we are sailing the circumference of Samal passing the small & big Ligid Island, Vanishing Island, the resorts along the shore and more. We finally had our second dive, Angel and I went with DM Yoyong again.  We descend to a wide sandy area until we got into a wall, the viz wasn’t really good.  We passed a hazy area, and proceed to explore to site. I found fish traps again, something I didn’t like to see underwater. I was wondering I didn’t encounter big fishes.  There were seafans, sponges, colored soft corals, nudibranches, amazing ghost pipefish; we saw puffer fish too, a minute robust.  We encounter currents again but this time we drifted and surfaced away from the boat.  We swam going to the shallow area until I was able to stand on my fins, until finally we swam towards our boat .  That was my first time not to be picked up – it was tiring but a learning experience. It’s good that there were no waves and no current, I still had 1300psi of air.As soon as all intro divers finished their second dive, we sailed off completing the viewingaround the island.  We had photo sessions during a brief stop at Punta del Sol… We had chats with the other divers in the boat,  as always Keiko and Ernest/Marco was there with us.  It was dark already when we finally arrived at the wharf.

Not an End

Our day was full, but again Samal is till worth coming again as there are still sites waiting to be explored by a diver like me. It was tiring I guess but the beauty experienced down under can not be equaled by scenes in the  metro. In the near future I’ll be back again for my great love – underwater life… We hastily left for our lodge as we still have more adventures in the next hours, in the next days…

Once More in Samal Island

cbartazo

 

Diving at White Rock & Mushroom Rock

  

For the past days I have been mobile due to work responsibilities, and the pressures of year beginnings got me.I was supposed to be at Sinacaban for a project meeting but have to travel instead to Davao for an urgent and equally important meeting. I was rushing my Notes to FS as it has been due already.For sure there will be report requirements again for this trip, more deadlines to cope up, consequently shorter sleeping time and more labor for paper works that come with it. 

 

Since my plan to dive in Dolphin Island was restrained I think otherwise to divert it to Samal while in the Davao meeting.So I pack my mask & snorkel in my backpack wishing I could find time for my great love – the underwater life!The meeting was too hectic – deadlines, reports & catch up plans – retiring for bed was always late. Nevertheless I took time to be with Io & Hope – sumptuous crab dinner at Asia Restaurant, eating native durian at Magsaysay Park and exploring People’s Park.It turn out to be a lovely night with them, haven’t seen them for ages and we’re animatedly talking about our next trip together! 

 

So after my breakfast and bidding bye to LAJ and HGV, I left Apo View Hotel for Sta. Ana wharf, DM Maeng told me to be at the dive shop at 8am. Well, my bags will go ahead of me to CdO. I was praying I would be feeling good as I lack sleep and had cholesterific meals. It was a bit down cast morning and I was thinking the viz wont be too good especially that there were rains in the past days.Being alone, I was glad to see DM Maeng, Keiko, Ernest with son Mark.I realized only three of us women (with Keiko & Montana) among 17 divers (I think) in the group – I could only wish females would not be outnumbered in exploring the underwater life.Hmmmmm, is this a gender issue?

 

We sailed off to our first site, while getting into chat with DM Arnold, DM Charlie, DM Yoyong & Allan – I wasn’t feeling perfectly well but praying hard I could make it thru the day… DM Arnold took time to point out those sites we had last time, we passed Talikud – I can’t help reminiscing coral gardens -I spent 65 minutes last time exploring the vast marine life in the area. It was an hour when we finally get into our first site, I would be with DM Charlie and a german national (I forgot to ask his name), we descend at White Rock – a wall dive with alternating currents as we go around.One time I was kicking forward but wasn’t moving, I didn’t find any diver ahead of me, I look back to find out that Charlie drifted away, I hastily followed them – I just couldn’t afford to be lost! We wandered into shallower part with hard & soft corals and smaller fish species, lingering for our safety stop.Funny was I float up no matter how I tried to deflate – though not completely on the surface. I was wishing Charlie would look up but he didn’t! In a little while, he went up with the deutsch man and joined them in ascending completely.

 

Our surface interval includes our lunch (I have no food with me, except water and mentos candy), Charlie shared his pack lunch with me (thanks Charlie!) well, this is about adventure with the boys!  There was lot of food actually, especially the Japanese group which had an array of yummy looking foodies.  I tried to relax after my lunch praying hard that I would feel better for my next dive – it felt like I was giddy.  Pewee & Ernest keep on story telling – crazy, funny stories…. He mentioned he dove at Banaug Shoal (in Mantangale Alibuag Dive) and enjoyed so much the big moray eels.

 

Our next dive was in Mushroom Rock – strong current!The instruction to descend was to go straight to the bottom and hold on before going around.I jump and drifted for Charlie – my belt went off and I requested for his help. We descend and I watched our companions flat on the sand holding on – an unusual sight for me. J It’s more of drift diving watching all those mushroom looking soft corals scattering around the big white rock, we passed a colorful soft corals area, fishes like anthias, anemone & clown fish, nudi branches and more but no groupers or jackfish or wrasse… I stayed near with Allan going around in tow with Charlie – carefully checking my SPG now and then…I joined Allan for our safety stop near a fish trap (actually I dislike seeing them in diving area) until he finally signaled for our ascent.Lingering on until the boat pick us up, finally getting into our refuge – thanks God I made it!I tried to relax on our way back to the wharf, I still need more strength for my trip back to CdeO.

 

Arriving at the shop, I helped myself for some tea – I just needed something warm to refresh me up. I planned to get the 8pm bus to CdO, but Pewee & Ernest overheard and discouraged me for safety reasons – they said going thru Bukidnon’s high elevated mountains is risky, going thru Butuan is more advisable.  My mind wasn’t conditioned for such long trip but it would be good I can come home.  Allan was too good-hearted to volunteer in bringing me to the bus terminal in his car – I was tired and all I wanted was curl up on my bed! 

 

Nevertheless, it was a beautiful Saturday – diving in Samal , meeting new friends, good weather and more….I’m looking forward for my next dive in Samal during our DIY Coron anniv trip on first week of March – Angel and I promised ourselves. I can’t help to be excited to explore the other parts of the island!  The Lord is gracious indeed….

Diving in Balicasag Island Panglao, Bohol

cbartazo

Balicasag_Island
cruising to balicasag island…

Black Forest & Cathedral
23 January 2009

After some time of waiting and wishing I could get back to Balicasag, I finally made it during my work trip in Bohol.  I was dying to dive and I missed the smell of the sea as well as the diving gears. J On our second day in Bohol Plaza, I tried to reach Genesis Divers to inquire their schedules but unfortunately no one can give exact information unless their master divers could get back to the shores. So, while we had our Dumaloan Beach fun on the next day, I sneak away (with Enri) to Alona Beach to search for a dive shop.

Alona Beach is more lively, after three years ago during my last visit – the area become more populated and there more structures sprouted. There were more bar, resto, resort, diveshops lining the beach.  We hastily search for Genesis Divers, it was almost dusk and I was fortunate to catch up with DM Noel who was preparing for a night dive with some foreigners.  He informed that their next day trip would be some surrounding islets but not Balicasag, he said the visibility for the past days was not good and surely divers wont be pleased with such condition.  He recommends to check at Sierra Madre Divers just beside Oops Bar.  Good enough, next day’s trip will be in Balicasag! I was asking if some divers have signed up with them – just a Chinese couple so far.  I decided to sign up especially that their rate was cheaper, we left hastily after I signed the waiver and providing Norman (owner & manager) necessary information about my diving background. We need to catch up with the group at Dumaloan, I felt like starving already… L

I was just getting excited the next morning, thinking of my underwater encounters at Balicasag.  Hah! Last time when I snorkeled at marine sanctuary I was ecstatic during our fish feeding, as soon as I got into the water with crackers (sorry, it’s not good practice), the surroundings came alive! The fish swarmed me and my sister, it was too wonderful having them too near to us.  After that, I promised myself to be back in the island to explore more of the deep waters – to dive!

After packing my luggage, taking our breakfast, arranging our tickets back, saying bye to friends and some picture taking I left the hotel on a motorbike – the cheapest transpo I could get going to Alona. I dashed off when I reached the area as it was past 9am already, we’re leaving for the island at 9:30 as scheduled.  I was just on time as they were starting to bring the paraphernalia to the speed boat that would bring us to the dive boat.  Oh, how I love the sight and smell of the sea.  Norman was telling me that I would be with Bart – a fun loving DM who will be my buddy one on one.

Our first dive was in Cathedral – a drop off wall rich with marine life… Well, the viz was about 20 feet, not bad – I was sure I could see many sights on that condition. How I miss the underwater life!  I just love floating deep down watching the marine creatures – I was so amazed to see a giant napoleon wrasse! We found a cute nudi branch, searched & find cleaner shrimp and star feather crab, angel fish, bat fish, anemone & clown fish, anthias, variety of hard and soft corals, sponges and more…Bart signaled to ascend after 50 minutes, I still have 80 bars of air when we surfaced. Lee & Shirley (the Chinese couple) almost at same time ascend and went up the boat.   My surface interval was spent talking with DM Bart, eating my bananas, sending SMS to friends about my dive and taking notes for my log book.  I requested the boat crew to let go the anemone fish in the tabo, I can’t imagine the small creatures face death for no good reason.

Bart briefed me that there would be mild current, so we will be somewhat drifting on the second dive.  The boat moved to Black Forest, we descend to wide sea grasses area – all green and swaying with the current, with variety of fishes swimming around – such lovely sight!  I spotted a puffer fish and tried to chase the frightened little thing.  I can see its pleading eyes, I wanted to touch it but Bart summoned to the opposite direction. J Drift diving was new to me, it was a lesson to learn as a diver – just floating and going  with the flow! It was effortless but I just need to stay near Bart.  I saw again a giant napoleon wrasse swimming coyly, a school of big jacks, school of batfish, big groupers, those fish sticking out from the sand (I forgot I need to check fish ID J). We sighted a fish trying to dig the sand probably attacking its prey, played with clown fish stretching my hands to them, there was a table top coral, sponges like I saw in Lapining, and more.  I was hoping to spot a sea turtle but there was none – no luck. Finally, Bart signaled for our ascent, he inflated his signal device as we have drifted away from our boat and we notice some boats above us.  After 53 minutes and my air down to 90 bars, we finally surfaced near another boat. J After awhile, the boat picked us up – the Chinese couple ahead of us.

We sailed back to Alona Beach as I took notes and worked on my phone, it was past 2pm already.  I ordered my late lunch, although I was not famished I need to fill my stomach as I planned to roam down town Tagbilaran.  After settling my bills, bidding bye, and asking for directions to go to sawang for my transpo to the city, I left the area but promising myself to be back again for another dive – the island having many interesting dive sites to offer! I rode the mini bus for Tagbilaran with a smile on my lips thinking of the beautiful rich marine life in Balicasag.  All things has its own appointed time even my small wishes like dive trips… I can always thank the Lord in His unending generosity – surely He can never be outdone and He never forget His promise….

Diving in Samal

cbartazo

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Babu Santa beach…

Almost two years ago, I had a brief hop to Samal with my sister and cousin. I was not yet a diver then, but I promised myself to be back again to explore more of the beauty and secrets of the island. I took the opportunity to join the DIY trip of Owen, thinking it will be a wonderful trip since I’ll be diving in one of the famous destination in the country.  It is even more forward looking aside from having my sister with me, I’ll be seeing DIY friends – Angel & Owen, and meet other joiners to this trip. And I need to get away…..

Busy Friday

It was another busy day at work and there was lot to attend to – Excom meeting, documents, referrals, communication to prepare and so on. I left at 6:30pm hastily to have dinner early, I have to catch up a community teaching at 7:30pm at the Cathedral. It was almost 10pm when it ended and I have to rush away for home. I still need to finish packing for the trip. I finally left almost 11pm for the Agora bus terminal, I was not sure on aircon bus departures for Davao. I was blessed to get a non-stop bus for the trip, I can be sure to arrive on time. The bus finally left at 12:30am…

Full Saturday

I was trying to calculate the time we got into the Arakan Valley – the critical area we will pass going to Davao – good enough, it will be morning already and not dark anymore, it will be safer. I tried to take a nap but it was too cold – brrrrrrr…. My sweater, pashmina, and socks didn’t quite help. L I whipped out my music player and had praise songs all throughout the trip. I arrived at Ecoland bus terminal at 6:30am (6 hours indeed), but my sister’s bus was still on the way so I waited for her. We left the area after our breakfast and arrived Davao Scuba Dive past 8:00am already. At last!  🙂

Maeng, our dive master was there to welcome us – I was just too excited to hear more from him about our exploration today. Denise pygmies! I haven’t seen one before, that would be amazing! I was introduced to fellow divers for the day – Ernest & son Mark, Keiko (Japanese national), a foreigner couple, and dive guides. After awhile, the group arrived – so kumustahan, kuwentuhan…. 🙂

We are so blessed for the good weather. We left Sta. Ana Wharf at about 9:00am, DM Maeng said I still have time to sleep since it would be more than an hour to our first stop (he knew it was a long night trip from CdO). Well, the same PADI professionalism I was enjoying from dive centers I got into! J I invited my fellow joiners to try intro diving – Gilbert, Angel, Kay, Dan & Donnabel – considering the fee, at P 750.00 it’s the lowest cost I have encountered so far.

We proceed to Babu Santa for our lunch and surface interval – a beach perfect for fun under the sun.  But I don’t need the scorching heat, I just need a break for my next dive and some food for energy…

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Sunset at Davao Gulf

Our next stop was at the Coral Gardens for my second dive. I dive with Keiko and DM Arnold – it felt free swimming and watching in awe all those wonderful creatures – giant grouper, sea snake!, “lato”, lion fish, stone fish, variety of hard and soft corals, sponges, sea fan, and more…. We surface after 65 minutes far away from the boat, I never had done this before, my buddies made sure we’re near the boat when we ascend. But I wont see much of the gardens if we wont go far, anyway the boat picked us up with no hasssles – I guess the operator had binocular to keep track of their diver guests! No worry –  no waves, no current – the waters was perfect for swimming.

We had a brief stop at Isla Reta 2 to explore a small cave, but there’s nothing much to see. We waited for the divers who tried their luck to see a dugong or whaleshark, but there’s none.  On our way back, we had tour along the coast of Samal viewing the beach resorts lining up the beach including the famous Pearl Farm and Malipano Island.  We had the opportunity to watch the glorious sunset at Davao Gulf.  It was already dark when we finally got into Sta. Ana Wharf.  After settling our bills, we headed for our lodgings at DMSF.  Of course, we need good dinner to regain back our energy.  We went to Penong’s at People’s Park… My plan to go up Jack’s Ridge was cancelled. We settled for our beds when we got back to DMSF, everybody was tired….

Another Day

Kay and I woke up to attend a morning mass as planned.  After a brief morning chat with Gilbert and Angel, we rush to San Pedro Cathedral. We were just in time when the mass was about to start. We catch a brief walk to find some place for breakfast.  We rush thinking we could still catch up the guys back at the lodgings, but they had left laready when we got back.  We finally pack and catch a taxi for the bus terminal. We’re going home….  There is a reason to be back in Samal, northern part of the island is also an interesting spot to explore. One day…

Another wonderful trip to be thankful for!

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