Category: Diving

Diving at Green Waters

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AOWD Course II

One crisp Saturday morning, I hastily get out of my bed to prepare for the day’s trip.  We’re going to dive to one new place at Jasaan, near Green Waters Resort.  I usually passed the area during my trips to the Caraga region, I was awed with its green (of course) sea waters – so pure, so clean and so cool looking.  I was bit interested when my instructor informed me  about our destination.  Today, I’ll finish my advanced diving lessons – I’ll gonna do my last two dive exercises.

I keep myself busy reading a foodie mag while waiting for my instructor at the meeting place, why so long?  😛  At least the trip is shorter compared going to Duka Bay, we head to  Kimaya port for the  transfer to Sakayan.  I take comfort in this dinghy – it has a room, a lounge, rest room and most importantly it cruise fast.  Again, I was lone student so it was some kind of special class, while cruising to the site we review the lessons and spent more time for the knots. We finally had the briefing for the exercises that must be done for the day.  Well, I need to assemble my gears on my own – no assistance now…

Just like my previous training dives, I didn’t take the time to explore the underwater critters as I was more  concerned on the exercises, I just need to put things in order.  But in between, I explored a big rock with anemone and soft corals on top of it, I look closely and found a cleaner shrimp  – beautiful!  Big sea fans in varied colors, colored sponges, fishes… I had fun with the search and recovery, it’s challenging to find missing objects in the water. I was just determined not to stop until I got it – I was confident since my air consumption is efficient.  I finished all the requirements even reviewing other things missed in Part I lessons.

Now, I’m more ready for more adventures in diving.  I can’t help thinking of my next dive sked, visualizing what I have gained from today’s lessons – more than just getting the license, now I understand better about necessary skills and attitude to get maximum pleasure and prioritizing safety in all dives. It’s really not a place for an oooops! More diving trips to come….

More Adventures for Diving

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My passion for marine life is unrelenting, wishing I could have frequent encounters as often I like. My dream to dive at Tubbataha etched in mind like a guiding star, an inspiration like a coveted reward at the end of a mission.  There is that yearning for more discoveries and amazing encounters in the underwater world – a different world! Marveling how perfect creation is…

I have been planning for the advance open water diver course so I could gain skills enough for more adventures in diving.  I was planning for it since last year, but bought the manual end of January this year and scheduled my lessons  end of February. I tried reading the assigned chapters since then. But it was pushed back again and again, and finally I did it yesterday with so much fuss in trying to fit schedules – me and my dive instructor. I was cramming trying to finish the assigned chapters and working on the knowledge reviews. I have to catch up especially that another chapter was added for my review, I sleep late to finish everything…

I wake up early so the next morning I could get a 5:00am bus and reach the diveshop not later than 9:00am – it was bit down cast and I was praying it wont rain.  As soon as I arrived, I read again to review the manual while waiting for them.  The area was still quite and I still have one hour to spare.  I found it relaxing reading at the beach hut facing the ocean… J

I thought I’ll be with Mario for my lessons but he introduced me to Erwin – a friendly, kind and fun-loving guy – as my instructor for the day.  We got along well, and everything just went smoothly.  After discussing the knowledge reviews for the three chapters, we went for our first dive exercise with Mario’s group who was diving with guests. We went to Paradise in the shallower part, I was just too engrossed with the exercise I didn’t mind the surroundings. Bouyancy control is a necessary skill…

We had late lunch and after short briefing and practice in using the compass we head for the second site in Aquarium.  I noticed lot of fishes but didn’t get the chance to explore around. We did navigation skills and it was a bit long exercise and seems confusing, I failed to count my kick cycles J I found it  hard to maintain a straight line heading for my target destination. It was helpful in finding my way to the boat or reference line.  It was bit drizzling when we surface, we had a much longer break waiting to get dark. We had another discussion and briefing for the next dive.

It was bit exciting but I was feeling jitters for our night dive, actually it is not mandatory anymore but I chose to have it. We geared up past 6:00pm already.  I thought the plan would be generally simple (as a rule for night dives), but we went to the site in a small banca paddling.  Yes, it’s simple – well, it meant water entry. Get into the cold waters and don the equipments with flash lights.  It was fun, of course I need assistance from my instructor.  We descend slowly holding unto our lights – so wonderful! A different world – underwater during night time.  Everything quite, I spotted very few fishes – I notice one just floating without swimming, it’s sleeping I thought but when I tried to reach out  it wiggled away from me.  J A moray eel, a crab, something like a squid, other nocturnal critters.  I stumbled again a porcupine fish but can’t hold it as I’m not wearing my gloves.  We spent 53 minutes before we surfaced up, the guys signaled for our ascent.  Wow, amazing!

It was truly a learning experience and I was filled with awe, there are still lot of things to learn in diving.  I still have two more dives to complete the course, I can be sure that the new skills I would learn will help me better prepared for next diving adventures.

More stories in my next dive at Duka Reefs for Advanced Open Water Diver Course Part II…

Diving at Duka Bay

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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

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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

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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….